I had a really great time exploring Hanoi with Thomas from Hanoi E-Buddies! We visited some interesting places, including the Temple of Literature, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Ancient House and Đồng Xuân Market, and stopped for egg coffee along the way. Thomas was really knowledgeable and explained the history and culture behind everything in a way that was easy to follow and interesting. I also really enjoyed chatting with him and learning about everyday life in Hanoi and his own journey with E-Buddies. It was a fun way to explore the city and get a glimpse of local life beyond the usual tourist experience. I’d definitely recommend Hanoi E-Buddies to anyone visiting Hanoi!
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Hanoi City Tours 41 Luong Van Can street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi, Vietnam
Return
- Hanoi City Tours 41 Luong Van Can street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi, Vietnam
Itinerary
Located on a small island in the middle of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, dating back over 1,500 years. Explore the peaceful surroundings and learn about the history and significance of this ancient site.
Drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh lies. While the Mausoleum is closed for visitation today, you'll have a chance to see the impressive exterior and hear stories about Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy.
Experience the unique sight of Train Street, where trains pass just inches away from the homes and businesses lining the tracks. Witness the daily life of the locals who live and work here and enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes.
Explore Hanoi's largest indoor market, where you can find everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to clothing and souvenirs. Take your time to shop and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market.
Admire the grand exterior of the Opera House, inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. Your guide will share insights into its cultural importance, history, and role in modern-day performances. If time permits and schedules align, you may even have the option to see inside or attend a performance.
Head to Long Bien Bridge, an iconic structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect behind the Eiffel Tower.
Start your tour with a visit to the stunning St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a prominent French colonial-era landmark.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a tribute to Confucius.
Visit the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" (Hoa Lo Prison), a former French colonial prison that later housed American POWs during the Vietnam War.
End your tour with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, the spiritual and geographical heart of Hanoi.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
I had a lovely Ebuddy called Hoang. Hoang is very well spoken and knowledgeable about the local town, its history and culture. She spoke very well in English and we had a great conversation about the city as well as my city Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺. Hoang also took such amazing photos of me to remember each experience. Thank you so much Hoang and the Ebuddies community
We had such an amazing experience with our tour guide today (Lulu)! From the very beginning, she was incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating. She made us feel comfortable right away and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible in Hanoi. What we loved most was how informative she was. She shared so much interesting history and stories about Vietnam, the temples, churches, Train Street, and the local culture that we would have never learned on our own. You can really tell she’s passionate about what she does and truly cares about her guests enjoying and understanding the places they visit. We honestly can’t believe how much we did today in just a few hours! We visited so many places, learned so much history, tried delicious authentic Vietnamese food, explored shopping spots, and even experienced the famous Train Street. Everything felt smooth, fun, and well organized the entire time. All of her suggestions were on point too — from the food spots to the places we visited and even the little local recommendations along the way. Everything she recommended made our experience even better and more authentic. She was also very patient, friendly, and attentive. We never felt rushed, and she always made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. Thank you again for making our first day in Hanoi so memorable and special. We truly wish we had booked more tours with her. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam — you’ll definitely be in the best hands!
I had an amazing time exploring Hanoi with Juliana through the ebuddies initiative. As a solo traveler, I was a bit worried about finding authentic Halal food, but Juliana went above and beyond to find the perfect spots for me. We did a lot of walking through the city's hidden gems, and she was so patient and kind. She also has a great eye for photography and took some of my favorite pictures from the trip! I highly recommend booking through ebuddies if you want a local, student-led perspective of this beautiful city.
I had a wonderful experience thanks to Hanoi E-buddies, and especially Jessica, who I met on the 31st of March 2025. She was right on time at our hotel lobby, which immediately set a great tone for the day. Jessica took my wife and me to a local dessert spot in Hanoi that we would never have discovered on our own — it was absolutely lovely and very authentic. From there, we visited Train Street for coffee, where she kindly took some great photos of us and made the whole experience even more memorable. We also did a bit of shoe shopping for my wife, followed by a nice lunch at a local restaurant, and then enjoyed some delicious local ice cream. To wrap up the day, we went for a relaxing foot massage before saying our goodbyes. Jessica has since become a friend, and she even went out of her way to help me navigate Dong Xuan Market on another day — something I truly appreciated. A big thank you to Hanoi E-buddies for making this kind of experience possible. It’s such a unique way to explore the city with locals. Also, it’s worth noting that these guides are university students — so please be generous with your tips. They genuinely put in the effort to make your experience special.
Our private walking tour with Hanoi e.Buddies was truly fantastic! Jessica our tour guide was the loveliest tour guide we’ve ever met. She spent the entire morning (8am - 1 pm) with us. We got to explore multiple different sights (e.g. the Literature Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, the train street - just to name a few). Jessica was really knowledgeable and shared a lot of her culture with us (including some sweet soup 😋). Can definitely recommend this walking tour!!
we had a wonderful experience on this tour. Serena was very insightful and shared a lot of interesting information that made everything more meaningful. Her energy was fun and engaging, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I especially appreciated her willingness to learn our language—we even got to exchange languages, which made the interaction feel more personal and memorable. It really shows how open and dedicated she is. She is also very hardworking and puts genuine effort into making sure everyone has a great time. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a fun and enriching tour experience. Our trip together was short but memorable, its like we knew each other years ago already.
Lovely guide and amazing food tour in Hanoi! Our wonderful tour guide showed us many desserts, local lunch spots and train street! As we walked, we chatted and shared stories about our lives and where we come from. She also told us about her studies at university and her role with E Buddies, which made the experience feel even more meaningful. We had such a great time exploring the city together - highly recommend this experience for anyone wanting to discover authentic local cuisine while also supporting university students (tipping at the end for their time!). 🌟💯
I had such an amazing experience in Hanoi thanks to my e-buddy, Mi AKA Joey. From the very beginning, she made me feel safe, comfortable, and truly welcomed in the city. She took me to see the famous Train Street coffee spot, helped me search for authentic Vietnamese fish sauce, and guided me through the vibrant night market. One of the most memorable moments was when She helped me bargain for clothes at the night market — and wow, she is incredibly skilled at negotiating! Thanks to Her, I got great deals that I would never have managed on my own. Joey even took me around the city on his motorbike, which made the whole experience feel so local and adventurous. Riding through the streets of Hanoi with him gave me a completely different perspective of the city — exciting, lively, and full of character. What impressed me the most was not just his knowledge of the city, but his kindness, patience, and genuine enthusiasm in showing me the best of Hanoi. She went above and beyond to make sure I enjoyed every moment. I would also like to say thank you to Disney. Although we didn’t have the chance to meet in person, He was incredibly helpful in guiding me on where to find the items I was looking for. Him assistance made everything much easier, and I truly appreciate him support. I’m so grateful for this experience. If you have the chance to be guided by them, you’re in very good hands. Highly recommended! 🌟
Great food tour by ebuddies… Great food tour with Calanth! Friendly guide, authentic local spots, and a good variety of Vietnamese dishes. Everything was well-paced and enjoyable. Definitely recommended if you’re visiting Hanoi.
"We had a fantastic half-day tour with Tom Odell! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and legends surrounding Ngoc Son Temple, which made the visit so much more meaningful than just walking through on our own. Tom also took care of all the logistics for the Lotus Water Puppet Show, ensuring we got great seats and understood the cultural context of the performance. If you're looking for a guide who is professional, punctual, and passionate about Hanoi's history, Tom is your guy!"
We had a Hanoi Old Quarter Free Private Tour (Half Day) with our guide, Forest. She was friendly, helpful, and introduced us to a lunch spot that we both enjoyed very much. She guided us through the ancient life and culture of the Vietnamese in a way that felt engaging and easy to understand. We especially loved the opportunity to share stories and experiences with each other while sitting down and sipping coffee together. It didn’t feel like a typical tour, but more like spending time with a friend who was passionate about her city. Overall, it was a meaningful and memorable experience, and we would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Hanoi—especially when you have Forest as your tour guide.
OMG I LOVE GRACE (My Tour Guide)❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Hanoi Ebuddies for sending me Grace for my tour guide. She’s so lovely, her english is amazing! And the way she explains the historical culture of Hanoi is fascinating🫶🏻 Would love to visit Hanoi again and please send her again for me🙌🏻
I had an absolutely wonderful experience exploring with the guide, Pat. He speaks so calmly and kindly, which made the entire tour feel very comfortable and enjoyable. What truly stood out was his deep knowledge not only about Vietnamese culture but also about many other topics, which made the experience even more enriching. He also took me to one of the best spots to witness the famous train passing through the street, something I’ll never forget. His thoughtful guidance and genuine care made the tour truly special. Highly recommended!
We did a short tour of the Old Quarter with Jessica. Overall, it was a good experience to learn about the local culture and history. Enjoyed the local food experience. Definitely recommended for someone who is looking for a local experience with no pressure and flexibility on the kind of tour.
My family’s experience with Hanoi E buddies was great ! I found out about the tour via social media and booked it immediately before we got to Hanoi. Our tour guide’s name was Jessica and she took us to all the cool spots including Train station cafes I even got egg coffee ! We went to the Temple of Literature, and the Lake and some yummy food spots as well we tried Bun Cha, Roti, and Che and it was delicious , she seemed very engaged with my family and was very sweet and informative.
My first trip to Vietnam turned into such a wonderful and memorable experience, all thanks to my tour guide, Lea. What made it even more special was that the entire tour was completely free of charge! Lea shared that the purpose of their organization is to introduce visitors to Vietnamese culture while also helping the guides improve their English skills. I found this incredibly meaningful and inspiring. Because of that, we invited her to join us for dinner as a small gesture of appreciation. At first, I was a little nervous and worried it might be a scam. But the moment I met Lea, all my concerns disappeared. She is a young, energetic, and cheerful girl who made us feel comfortable right away. Although it was just a few hours of touring, the experience exceeded all my expectations and left a lasting impression on me and my family. I booked the train street tour, and she did an amazing job helping my family and me find the perfect spot to experience the train passing by up close. She also acted as our translator, recommended delicious local food, and shared so much about Vietnamese traditions and culture. Even though it was a Monday night and she came to guide us after her own work, she remained professional, kind, friendly, and very engaging throughout. She also helped us take many great photos, capturing beautiful memories from the trip. The whole experience was filled with laughter and joy, and it truly became one of the highlights of our Vietnam trip. I would highly recommend trying this kind of local tour guide experience—you definitely won’t regret it!
Our experience with Hanoi Ebuddies was absolutely fantastic and easily one of the highlights of our time in Hanoi. Yesterday we were paired with Lea, and she was truly wonderful. From the moment we met her, she was incredibly sweet, polite, charming, and very accommodating. She made us feel comfortable right away and ensured that our time exploring the city was smooth and enjoyable. Lea took us to the famous Hanoi Train Street, and what really stood out was how thoughtfully she had planned everything. She had already arranged a spot for us at one of the cafés right next to the tracks, so we didn’t have to deal with the crowds or scramble for a place. When it was almost time for the train to arrive, we simply walked in and got a perfect view. Watching the train pass so closely while sitting comfortably with a great vantage point made the experience even more memorable. After that, she guided us through a local shopping street and even offered to help bargain with shopkeepers on our behalf. Having a local by our side made the experience much easier and more authentic, and it definitely helped us navigate the local markets with more confidence. What we loved most about Hanoi Ebuddies is the concept itself. Instead of a typical commercial tour, it feels like exploring the city with a friendly local who genuinely wants you to have a great experience. It’s far more personal and enjoyable than many paid tours you might book on platforms like Klook. And the most surprising part — the entire experience is completely free, which honestly makes it even more incredible considering the level of effort and hospitality they provide. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience for us. We’re really grateful to Lea and the Hanoi Ebuddies team for such a warm and memorable introduction to Hanoi. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting the city!
I'm so glad I found Hanoi eBuddies! We booked the half day walking tour with Jessica, where we visited a few tourist attractions and restaurants . Jessica did not disappoint us. She was welcoming and it literally felt like we were hanging out with a good friend. She's also very accommodating, and custom tailored the tour to places we wanted to visit. Her English was perfect and we did not have a hard time communicating with her. I highly recommend Hanoi eBuddies!
I would like to sincerely thank Rin , my wonderful tour guide from @hanoi_ebuddies , who picked me up from my hotel and drove me to the famous Train Street to take photos and watch the train pass by. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience. We also enjoyed a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, where she shared stories about Vietnam’s history, legends, and culture. Before this trip, I didn’t personally know anyone from Vietnam. My only impression was of their beautiful traditional national costume. But that night, meeting Rin changed everything. I discovered how similar our cultures are and how we share the same values and dreams. Even though we come from different countries and generations, we connected in so many meaningful ways. She explained the significance of the Vietnamese flag and how it represents pride, gratitude, and honor for their national heroes. It was touching to see how deeply Vietnamese people love and respect their country. Through Rin, I came to love Hanoi even more because of its smiling and genuinely friendly people. She reflected the warmth, kindness, and hospitality that make the city so special. Because of her, my experience in Hanoi became more meaningful and personal. I also asked her to take me to her number one favorite place for dinner, and I absolutely loved her recommendation! We shared a delicious meal and realized that our love for music transcends language. We even discovered that we both enjoy K-dramas and BTS! That evening, I didn’t just meet a tour guide - I found a sister. I will truly miss her. I also want to wish her group @hanoi_ebuddies more power as they continue their beautiful advocacy of providing free tours to foreigners. What they are doing is truly inspiring, and I hope they continue to touch many more lives through their kindness and passion.
From the very beginning, the Hanoi e.Buddies team was incredibly helpful. Our communication started via email, and they patiently assisted me in planning my itinerary, taking the time to understand what kind of places I wanted to visit and how I wanted to experience Hanoi. Everything felt smooth, thoughtful, and well-organized. On the day itself, I was accompanied by my tour leader throughout the trip. He was genuinely kind, gentle, and very helpful—also super friendly and easy to talk to. He took me to all the places I wanted to go and explained each spot clearly, sharing stories and local insights along the way. Nothing felt rushed, and he was always attentive to what I needed. What I appreciated most was how the experience never felt stiff or overly formal. It didn’t feel like a typical guided tour, but more like walking around the city with a local friend who truly enjoys sharing his culture. That personal touch made the whole journey even more meaningful and memorable. Overall, it was such a warm and pleasant experience in Hanoi. Truly grateful for the care and kindness from the team—and a million stars for Disney ⭐️✨
Jessica was honestly great today. She was super patient, easy to talk to, and made exploring Vietnam feel relaxed and stress-free. Nothing felt rushed, she answered all my questions, and I felt really well taken care of. Such a lovely experience overall.
"Amazing experience with hazel. She is so energetic and friendly. She shared so many interesting local stories. Also, she got a nice photography skill. We are really thankful to Hazel for making our day memorable. If you're looking for an authentic look at hanoi city, book this tour. 10/10!" Thank you so much e.buddies team.
If you want to tour Hanoi with a tour guide, Hanoi Ebbudies is the right choice. Not only is it free, but they are very kind, caring, and of course, fun! Thank you to Jessica, my guide for touring the train street and hanging out..❤️
My half-day experience was excellent, and Jessica was incredibly professional and kind. If you're visiting for the first time, she is a great guide to help you quickly get to know about Vietnam.
My mom and I reserved a tour by ebuddies. It was a very good experience. Two students called Rachel and Laura showed us around Hanoi on the back of their motorbikes like we requested. We already saw some things in Hanoi but they were very flexable in the planning of the tour. So we went to Temple of Literature, Pagoda Tran Cuoc and Quan Thanh Temple. The girls were quite enthousiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. During the day we learned a lot about the meaning of certain statues but also about their lives as Hanoi students. At the end of the day it felt more like we were hanging out as friends :) The price you can decide for yourselves but obviously it is common courtesy to pay for food, entrance and petrol throughout the day.
I had an amazing time exploring Hanoi with eBuddies! I was lucky to have Rachel as my buddy, she took me to Train Street, pagodas, temples, and museums, and even offered to let me ride on her motorbike to explore the city. We shared many stories about our cultures and histories, and I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture from her. Joining eBuddies was the best decision I made during my time in Hanoi. Thank you so much Rachel, you were the best buddy ever! I will definitely recommend eBuddies to everyone!
Great City tour by the very friendly and knowledgable Jessica who showed us some of Hanoi‘s most interesting places. Would definetely do the tour again!
Knew this kind of buddies in tiktok and i like it very much since its such a free and easy activities with local buddies. We love to travel, walking and searching new places, while experiencing with the new cultures and the people. So, Hanoi e-buddies is what we need, very helpful and easy to get along with.. Tq buddies😍
E buddies were great they took us to a great restaurant and took us down train street, we had a wonderful evening. Thank you!
Joey and Bat gave us an amazing Tour covering the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh complex, and the Temple of Literature. In between, we had a nice coffee break 😁. We learnt a lot about the near but also the old history of Vietnam and the people. The life in Vietnam but also the habit and the values of the people. Thanks to our Tour guides for being our buddies in Hanoi 🥰
Great experience! Thanks to our guide, Lea, we really enjoyed a couple hours visiting nice places such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, train street, temple of literature...., learning about Vietnamese history & culture. (also, we enjoyed so nice Pho Ga for lunch, which is provably the best Pho Ga I had ever). It was a super hot day when we made a tour, however Lea was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and professional. Thank you so much Lea! Highly recommended tour to do!
Today we went out with Laura and we enjoyed her. What a nice girl and we really learned a lot about Hanoi. First we had some nice noodle soup and then we went to The museum of Literature. And then went to Halong prison. How impressive and what a lot she knew about it. Oh yes in between also been to Trainstreet where we also tried delicious Eggcoffee. Laura you're a top performer,.
Laura was so flexible and harvested the program directly to our wishes. We also walked quite a lot, on our instructions, and were right on time at the train street. Explanations at Hao Lo prison were extensive and good. She's very well informed.
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