Waking up around 4.30am to go on a 5.30am early morning tour of Hanoi may seem like a crazy idea but the dawn is one of the best times to witness the waking city; in fact, some areas are already in full swing. Seeing Hanoi in the early hours paints an alternative and local picture with few tourists around.
Our guide will meet you at 5.30am in reception. See the other side of Hanoi as we watch the market stalls open up and buyers from local restaurants and other businesses bargaining for the best deals of the day. Travel by taxi to cho hoa Quang An (Quang An flower market) in the west of Hanoi – full of color with hundreds of flowers from Hanoi’s suburbs and Da Lat. Transfer to Long Bien Bridge to observe Long Bien market below – one of Vietnam’s largest and busiest foodstuffs market. Cross the road to wander down the Old Quarter streets to Hoan Kiem Lake where the locals practice Tai Chi and other exercise. Pass school kids in their crisp uniforms on their way to school, shops opening up, cafes and food stalls already full. A myriad of images made more evocative in the early morning light of sunrise – a photographer’s dream.
End the tour with Vietnam’s iconic breakfast of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk). Return to the hotel around 8am ready to continue with your day.
Walking tour
Runs daily 05:30-07:45
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