Hanoi French Quarter: Coffee and Stories

Join our Hanoi French Quarter Walking Experience to discover one of the most beautiful parts of the city. The historical area is the southern part of Hanoi and is full of culture and history that sets it apart from the rest of the city. The aim of the walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi and provide in-depth information (history buffs welcome) in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Rather than a lecture, it will be more like a conversation! We will start with an explanation of Vietnamese general history in a French villa coffee shop, accompanied by a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee. We will then give a brief overview of French influences in Hanoi featuring St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Post Office, Trang Tien Street, Hanoi Metropole Hotel, the very first university in French Indochina, and many more! You will learn about how Vietnamese society changed under French rule, exploring the good and the bad of this period.

1. 1

   St. Joseph's Cathedral

   15 min

   Address: 40 Nha Chung street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi is considered to be one of the symbols of Hanoi. It’s a late 19th-century Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic style) church that serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi to nearly 4 million Catholics in the country. The architecture of St Joseph Cathedral Hanoi is designed in the style of medieval Gothic Europe. The church and colonization are inseparable and the church has played an outsize role in Vietnam’s modern history. It is not only a regular place of worship activities of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, but St Joseph cathedral Hanoi is also a popular tourist destination in Hanoi, attracting a large number of tourists inside and outside to visit.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   20 min

   There is nothing better to learn about the history by trying the iconic "Ca phe sua da"- Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk in a hidden French villa. There are so many interesting stories to tell you.

3. 3

   Chua Ba Da

   10 min

   A very hidden pogoda at one of the busiest streets in Hanoi

4. 4

   Hanoia Metropole

   15 min

   Address: 15 Ngo Quyen street Standing the test of time and being considered the most beautiful colonial era hotel, Hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole is recognized as Hanoi’s legendary landmark for its contribution to the city’s heritage. The hotel has been a prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901 when it opened as the first official luxury residence and hotel in the city during the French colonial period. It boasts a rich history, was constructed with a French Colonial architectural style by two talented designers.

5. 5

   Hanoi Opera House

   15 min

   Address: no 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem Hanoi Opera House was a historical evidence of Vietnamese social and cultural development under French rule, a vestige for an architectural development stage dating back to the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries in Vietnam. The theatre has seen many significant historical events associated to the August Revolution and the early years of Vietnam Hanoi Opera House embraces the European architectural style under the Renaissance period with the Italian-made marble floor, copper chandeliers and exquisite French murals on the ceiling, thus making the place one of Hanoi’s singular architectural landmarks. For a long time, Hanoi Opera House has been a rendezvous for those who love theatrical performance and traditional songs and music, symphonies, opera and classical opera. It is also a tourist attraction for local and foreign visitors.

6. 6

   Trang Tien Plaza

   15 min

   Trang Tien street are familiar to most of Hanoian, which was known as a beautiful street and has the development from the early days of Hanoi through the French period to the present time. Trang Tien is a busy shopping area, featuring bookshops, galleries and boutiques. On this street, Trang Tien Plaza, which was elaborated in elegant French style of architecture, is the first high-end luxury shopping center in Hanoi with various popular international authentic brands under one roof. Located on 35 Trang Tien street, Trang Tien ice cream can be seen as the most popular ice cream brands in Hanoi, which is a great treat for everyone to enjoy, especially in hot summer days in tropical countries like Vietnam. Ice cream was introduced by the French during the First Indochina War, and this brand was opened in 1958, not long after the French left Vietnam.

7. 7

   Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)

   15 min

   Turtle Tower is one of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions, symbolizing the patriotic pride of the local population. The tower is a combination of European and Asian architecture – with gothic arches at its first two storeys combined with the hip roof of Vietnam architecture. During the French colonial period, on the top of the Turtle Tower, a version of the Statue of Liberty (1890-1896), was placed by the French. However, it was removed when the Tran Trong Kim regime gained control of the city in 1945. During the French rule, the local people would often hang Vietnam’s revolutionary flag from the tower in order to show their defiant spirit.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   15 min

   The very first modern university built by the French

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.