“Walking tour from 8.00- 12.00 or 13.00- 17.00“
8.00, tour guide will pick you up in your hotel, then walking to visit the list of 11 most spectacular French colonial sites in Hanoi. The sites reflect the beauty of French architecture in Vietnam during the colonization (1887-1954),
People said that these colonial places carried the charm, elegance, and gorgeousness of a French “mademoiselle” when she set her first step on this S-shape land.
12.00. End of the tour, and tour guide helps you taking a taxi back your hotel or you are free by yourself.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
With the typical features of Gothic style in Europe with high stone walls, dome and lots of windows, for a long time, St. Joseph’s Cathedral has become an ideal place for couples to take wedding photo. Inspired by the design of Notre Dame in Paris, the construction of this site began in 1886. Therefore, this is the oldest church in Hanoi. Inside, the church is sculptured with sophisticated pattern beneath an admirable system of holy pictures on colorful glass.
Trang Tien Plaza
Built by the French in 1901, Trang Tien Plaza was called Maison Godard (Godard house) and later was renamed Bach Hoa Tong Hop in 1960. At first, the shopping mall was the place to sell items paid in stamps such as fabrics, clothing, accessories or bicycles. In 2002, it was renovated and renamed Trang Tien Plaza, trading in essentials and luxury products.
Hanoi Opera House
If Sydney’s symbol is the opera house and Norwegian people are also proud of their opera house in Oslo, Hanoi’s opera house is a must- visit place in our capital. Resembling the model of an Opera house in Paris, this site was constructed from 1901 to 1911 on Trang Tien Street. If there is a classical band or musician arriving in Vietnam, definitely Hanoi opera house will be the place to hold their performance. Recently, Hanoi opera house has cooperated with Institut Francophone International to open a virtual tour around the house combining with the gentle melody of French classical music in 15 minutes, which gives the audience a clearer view about the establishing history as well as the sophisticated architecture of this site.
National Museum of Vietnam History
To understand better about the glorious history of Vietnam in general, you should visit National Museum of Vietnam History. National Museum of Vietnam History is one of the oldest museums inheriting the infrastructure of Louis Finot, which was erected in 1926. Visiting the museum, you will be amazed by the grand exhibition through 30- 40 thousand years until today. Not only can you emerge in the solemn atmosphere but you are also able to witness an important part of Vietnam during the colonial period.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Constructed in 1901 by two French investors André Ducamp and Gustave-Émile Dumoutier, Metropole is the first 5- star as well as oldest hotel in Hanoi. For a long time, this place has been chosen to be the accommodation of many politicians, movie stars, and famous writers when they visited Hanoi such as Charlie Chaplin, Jane Fonda, George H. W. Bush, etc. Metropole hotel comprises of two main area: the ancient Metropole and the new Opera.
Government Guest House
You can easily see a grand yellow mansion with Vietnam’s flag held in the front roof. Government Guest House possesses the classic beauty of French architecture, with the symmetrical ground and façade complex resembling authentic European style.
State Bank of Vietnam
It was formerly the French Indochina Bank headquarters in Hanoi (Banque de l’Indochine) established on January 21, 1875, in Paris (France), to issue bills and coins to the Asian colonials of France. The building is located at the end of Paul Bert’s garden, known as Ly Thai To garden nowadays. The Asian decorative motifs used to decorate the building’s facade are the triangular and octagonal patterns that are popular in the architecture of the old Vietnamese temples and pagodas.
Hanoi Post Office
The building was formerly known as the Hanoi Post Office and is often called Bo Ho Post Office. This is one of the first public works built by the French in Hanoi. The building was designed by architect Henri Vildieu and built in 1893 – 1899 in neoclassical style. The main side of the building overlooks Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the other one is on Le Thach Street.
Dong Xuan Market
Dong Xuan Market, where you can find almost everything in the world with cheap price if you know how to bargain. Located in the old streets, Dong Xuan market is known as the “stomach” of Hanoi. It was built in the middle of 1889 by the French government. Despite the fast pace of modern life, for more than 100 years, It has still been so lively and always full of customers. Dong Xuan market comprises a significant amount of cultural and mental values illustrating divergent lives of old Hanoi people.
Long Bien Bridge
Constructed from 1899 to 1902, Long Bien Bridge was the first bridge across Red River. At that time, it used to be called “Doumer”, the name of Indochina president – Paul Doumer. If you go there by motorcycle and bike, park your vehicle on the side of Long Bien Bridge, stand there and watch the antique attractiveness of our “historical observer”. Long Bien Bridge can lure tourists into the primitive color of rust. Combining with the fierce Red River, the whole scenery may make you feel breathless. Moreover, if you are lucky, sometimes you will be able to see the train pass by and experience a little bit of fear when the bridge vibrates slightly.
Hang Dau Booth
In 1894, the French built two booths calls Hang Dau and Don Thuy (located at the end of Dinh Cong Trang street) to provide water for the citizens as well as Western soldiers in the Old Quarter. The tower looks like an ancient fortress constituting three floors, cylinder with 19-meter diameter and 25-meter height. Continuing to explore inside, you will find some stone walls with doors to wander around. Since 1954, Hand Dau booth has been abandoned and turned into a touristic spot in Hanoi. Furthermore, the presence of this water tower appears as an evidence for a historical period of our capital.
Private tour
| No of travelers | 1 pax | 2-3 pax | 4-8pax | |
| USD/1 person | $45 | $40 | $35 |
*Included:
- English tour guide
- Walking tour
- Visit top sites of the list
- Drink (egg coffee or other drinks… . . . .)
*Excluded: Tips (not compulsory), meal, taxi, cyclo riding
*Note: This is French old quarter walking tour, we also are offering an extra service if you do not want to walk.
- Option1: Taxi transfer will be surcharged 10USD/ 1 person
- Option2: Cyclo (richshaw) ride will be surcharged 20USD/ 1 person
- Option3: Lunch or dinner is surcharged 15USD/ 1 person
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