By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day, Mate! Discovering Vietnam’s Urban Gems on Foot
Well, hello there, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the bustling streets of Vietnam, my home for nearly two decades now. My wife Tracy and I have worn down our fair share of walking shoes exploring every nook and cranny of this magnificent country. Today I want to yarn about something close to our hearts – the walking tours and cultural excursions in Vietnam’s two major cities: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as the locals still fondly call it).
There’s something magical about exploring a city on foot, isn’t there? The smells wafting from street food stalls, the symphony of motorbike horns, the genuine smiles from locals – these experiences just don’t translate when you’re zooming by in an air-conditioned tour bus. Tracy always says she feels the heartbeat of Vietnam most clearly when we’re wandering through its streets, and I couldn’t agree more.
So grab a cold one, settle into your comfy chair, and let me walk you through the best foot-powered adventures in Vietnam’s urban centres. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who loves soaking up the atmosphere of a new place, I’ve got you covered.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-street-scene]
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Where History Lives and Breathes
If you’ve never experienced Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’re in for a ripper of a time. This ancient commercial district, with its 36 streets named after the trades once plied there, is the beating heart of Vietnam’s capital.
Tracy and I first explored these labyrinthine streets back in 2004, and we still discover something new every time we visit. The narrow lanes barely accommodate the sea of motorbikes, let alone cars, making it perfect for exploration on foot. Just remember to walk confidently when crossing roads – the traffic flows around you like water around a rock. It took me weeks to master this skill, while Tracy seemed to nail it on day one!
Here’s my recommended walking route for first-timers:
- Start at Hoan Kiem Lake (Turtle Lake) and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the small island
- Wander north into the maze of the Old Quarter streets
- Pop into Bach Ma Temple, the oldest temple in the Old Quarter
- Explore Hang Bac (Silver Street) for beautiful jewellery
- Take a break at a sidewalk café on Ta Hien Street (known as “Beer Street” to tourists)
- End at Dong Xuan Market for some retail therapy
The entire walk covers about 3-4 kilometers and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on how often you stop to shop, eat, or chat with locals. And trust me, you’ll want to stop often!
[IMAGE:hanoi-old-quarter]
Guided Walking Tours in Hanoi That Are Worth Your Dollarydoos
While self-guided wandering has its charms, sometimes it’s worth joining an organized tour to get those deeper insights. Here are some beauties that Tracy and I can personally vouch for:
Hanoi Free Walking Tours
Don’t let the name fool you – while these tours are technically free, tipping your guide is expected and deserved. These tours are run by university students eager to practice their English and share their culture. Our guide, a young bloke named Minh, showed us hidden spots we’d never have found on our own, even after years in Vietnam. The perspective of a young Vietnamese person on their rapidly changing country is absolutely priceless.
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Fair dinkum, you haven’t experienced Hanoi until you’ve done a proper street food tour. For around $20-25 USD per person, you’ll sample everything from the famous pho (beef noodle soup) to more adventurous offerings like trung vit lon (fertilized duck egg). Tracy was hesitant about the latter but ended up asking for seconds! These tours typically run in the evening and include 6-8 food stops plus drinks.
Hoa Lo Prison Historical Tour
Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs during the war, this somber site offers guided walking tours that provide context to Vietnam’s complex history. The guides do an excellent job of presenting multiple perspectives on difficult historical events. It’s a bit heavy, but an important part of understanding modern Vietnam.
[IMAGE:street-food-hanoi]
DIY Cultural Excursions Around Hanoi
If you’ve got more than a few days in Hanoi, consider these day trips that combine walking with a bit of transport:
Duong Lam Ancient Village
About 60km from Hanoi, this village feels like stepping back in time. The ancient houses made of laterite (a type of clay) are over 300 years old. Tracy and I spent a whole day meandering through narrow alleys, visiting ancestral homes, and chatting with elderly residents who were keen to share stories. Hire a driver to get there, then explore on foot with a local guide.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Just 13km southeast of Hanoi, this 500-year-old craft village is perfect for a half-day walking excursion. Watch artisans create everything from everyday housewares to intricate art pieces. You can even try your hand at the potter’s wheel. We’ve accumulated quite the collection of ceramics over the years – shipping them back to Australia for family gifts has become a tradition!
Van Phuc Silk Village
Located 10km southwest of Hanoi, this village has been producing silk for over a thousand years. The walking tour takes you through the entire silk-making process, from silkworm breeding to weaving. Tracy bought a beautiful silk scarf here on our first visit that still looks brand new almost two decades later.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-craftsman]
Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Through Vietnam’s Urban Jungle
Heading south now to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), you’ll find a completely different vibe. Where Hanoi feels ancient and traditional, HCMC pulses with youthful energy and ambition. The city is larger and more spread out than Hanoi, but there are still fantastic areas perfect for walking tours.
When Tracy and I first moved to Vietnam, we lived in HCMC for three years before heading north. The city has changed dramatically since then – skyscrapers have sprouted where rice paddies once stood, but the charm remains intact if you know where to look.
District 1: Colonial Architecture and Modern Vibes
District 1 is the commercial and historical center of HCMC, with wide boulevards (unusual for Vietnam) and stunning French colonial buildings. Here’s my recommended walking route:
- Begin at the Reunification Palace (formerly Independence Palace)
- Stroll to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (both stunning examples of colonial architecture)
- Continue to the Opera House and Hotel Continental
- Walk down Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) for high-end shopping
- End at the Saigon River for sunset views
This walk is about 3 kilometers and takes 2-3 hours, depending on how long you spend at each site. The best time to do this walk is early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid the worst of the heat. Tracy and I usually finish this route with a cold beer at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the river – Bonsai Cruise is our personal favorite.
[IMAGE:saigon-colonial-buildings]
Guided Walking Tours in Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC offers some ripper guided tours that provide deeper insights into this complex metropolis:
Saigon Free Walking Tours
Similar to the Hanoi version, these tours are conducted by university students. They offer several routes, but my favorite is the “Hidden Saigon” tour that takes you through alleyways and local neighborhoods tourists rarely see. Our guide showed us a community where three generations of families live in homes smaller than most Aussie bathrooms, yet the residents were some of the happiest, most welcoming people we’ve met.
Chinatown (Cholon) Food Tour
Cholon is HCMC’s Chinatown and one of the largest in the world. The food walking tours here are absolutely bonza, combining Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines in ways that will blow your mind. From dim sum to Chinese-influenced Vietnamese noodles, the flavors are unique to this district. Tracy still dreams about the roast duck we had there in 2015!
Architecture Walking Tour
HCMC has some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting architecture, spanning French colonial, American modernist, and contemporary Vietnamese styles. Several companies offer specialized architecture tours led by design students or professionals. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, seeing the city through this lens gives you a new appreciation for its layers of history.
[IMAGE:cholon-market]
Cultural Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
When you’ve had your fill of urban exploration, these nearby excursions combine walking with cultural immersion:
Cu Chi Tunnels
About 70km northwest of HCMC, this network of tunnels was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war. While not strictly a walking tour in the urban sense, exploring the tunnels and surrounding jungle paths gives you incredible insight into Vietnam’s resilience. The standard tour involves some walking, but request the extended walking tour if you’re up for it – you’ll see parts of the complex most tourists miss.
Mekong Delta Day Trip
A bit further afield (about 2-3 hours drive), the Mekong Delta offers wonderful walking opportunities through villages and markets. Most tours combine boat rides with walking segments through fruit orchards, cottage industries, and rural communities. I still remember Tracy’s face when she tried fresh jackfruit picked straight from the tree – pure joy!
Can Gio Mangrove Forest
Just 50km southeast of HCMC, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers boardwalk trails through mangrove forests where you can spot monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species. The walking is easy, with raised wooden paths keeping you above the muddy terrain. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s concrete jungle.
[IMAGE:mekong-delta-village]
Practical Tips for Walking Tours in Vietnam
After nearly 20 years here, Tracy and I have learned a few things that might make your walking experiences more enjoyable:
Beat the Heat
Vietnam’s climate can be brutal, especially for us Aussies used to a dry heat. Plan your walking tours for early morning or late afternoon. Midday walks between May and September are for masochists only! Always carry water, wear a hat, and don’t be shy about popping into air-conditioned shops or cafes for a quick cooldown.
Footwear Matters
Leave your thongs (flip-flops for non-Aussie readers) at the hotel. Vietnamese urban sidewalks are uneven, often blocked by parked motorbikes, and sometimes double as extensions of restaurants or workshops. Comfortable, closed walking shoes with good grip are essential. Tracy swears by her Merrell walking shoes, while I prefer lightweight Skechers.
Traffic Navigation
Crossing the road in Vietnamese cities is an art form. The key is to move slowly and predictably – no sudden stops or sprints. Maintain eye contact with oncoming drivers and move steadily. The traffic will flow around you. If you’re really nervous, simply attach yourself to a local who’s crossing and follow their lead!
Stay Hydrated, But…
While you need to drink plenty of water, be aware that public toilets can be hard to find and often leave much to be desired. International hotels, major museums, shopping malls, and chain coffee shops like Highlands or Starbucks are your best bet for clean facilities. Plan your route with potential bathroom breaks in mind.
Respect the Culture
When visiting temples or pagodas on your walks, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Remove shoes when required and speak softly. Small donations at religious sites are appreciated but not mandatory. Tracy always carries a lightweight scarf to cover her shoulders when needed.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-temple-visit]
When Walking Tours Aren’t Ideal
While I’m a huge advocate for exploring on foot, there are times when alternative transportation makes sense:
- During monsoon season (May-October in HCMC, August-October in Hanoi) when sudden downpours can leave streets flooded
- For longer distances between attractions, especially in sprawling HCMC
- During extreme heat waves
- If you have mobility concerns
In these cases, consider cyclos (three-wheeled bicycle taxis), Grab bike taxis (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber), or traditional taxis. We’ve found that Vinasun and Mai Linh are the most reliable taxi companies that use meters honestly.
Final Thoughts: Walking in Vietnamese Cities
Walking tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer completely different but equally fascinating glimpses into Vietnamese life. Hanoi, with its thousand-year history, narrow lanes, and traditional trades, feels like walking through living history. HCMC, with its wide boulevards, colonial grandeur, and frenetic pace, showcases Vietnam’s ambitious future while honoring its complex past.
Tracy and I have watched both cities transform dramatically over the past two decades, yet the essence of what makes them special remains unchanged: the warmth of the people, the intoxicating street food aromas, the surprising moments of tranquility found in hidden temple courtyards and parks.
Walking these streets has given us our most authentic connections with Vietnam – conversations with elderly ladies selling fruit, impromptu English lessons with curious schoolchildren, witnessing families gathering for evening meals on tiny plastic stools. These moments simply don’t happen when you’re sealed away in air-conditioned transport.
So when you make it to Vietnam, friends, lace up those walking shoes and hit the pavement. Your feet might be tired at the end of the day, but your heart will be full of memories that no packaged tour could ever provide.
Until next time, this is Aussie Mates signing off from beautiful Vietnam. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tales from our adopted home!
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