| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Sightseeing type | City walking tour, Japanese castles, Temples & shrines |
| Transport | Walking |
- CHILD POLICY -
Book the tour at least 24 hours in advance. Minimum of 2 people per booking.
You can choose to go in the morning at 9:00 a.m or in the afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Please arrive at Lotus Water Puppet Theater (79 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) 15 mins before the departure time.
The program is suitable for adults and children from 6 years old.
Self-preparation: hats, sunglasses, camera, etc.
Dress appropriately for temple visits, and wearing traditional Ao Dai is encouraged.
The program will be canceled in case of bad weather conditions.
Tickets are non-refundable in cash.
Tickets are only valid for exchange with the program on the booked date or an equivalent product.
Thang Long was the ancient capital of Vietnam for over a thousand years, founded by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010. Its name, meaning 'Ascending Dragon,' symbolized independence and prosperity. It served as the crucial political, economic, and cultural heart, shaping the nation's identity and development through various dynasties.
Thang Long was officially renamed Hanoi ('City Inside the Rivers') in 1831 by Emperor Minh Mang during the Nguyen Dynasty. This change reflected a shift in administrative focus and highlighted the city's geographical position, nestled by the Red River, though its historical importance as the former capital remained integral to Vietnamese heritage.
Visitors can explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which features archaeological ruins, ancient gates, and historical structures from various dynasties. Additionally, the Old Quarter's layout and many temples and pagodas retain elements that reflect the ancient capital's design and enduring heritage.
Thang Long's long history as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub fostered the development of specialized craft guilds. Each guild traditionally occupied a specific street, leading to Hanoi's 36 Old Quarter streets, each historically renowned for a particular craft or trade, such as silk, silver, or traditional medicine, preserving a rich cultural heritage.
A walking tour focusing on Thang Long's history often highlights streets like Hang Bac (Silver Street) known for jewelry, Hang Gai (Hemp Street) for silk products, and Hang Ma (Paper Street) for traditional ceremonial items. These streets vividly illustrate the ancient guild system and enduring artisanal traditions of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Walking tours delve into captivating founding legends, such as the tale of the Ascending Dragon, and narratives of emperors and dynasties that governed from Thang Long. Guides share stories of significant historical events, daily life, trade, and cultural practices from the ancient capital, bringing its rich past to life through vivid and engaging narration.
For a comfortable experience, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing suitable for Hanoi's climate, and bring water for hydration. A small backpack for essentials and sun protection, such as a hat or umbrella, are also highly recommended to ensure an enjoyable and immersive exploration of historical sites.
Local guides significantly enhance the experience by providing in-depth historical context, sharing local anecdotes, and offering cultural nuances that might otherwise be overlooked. Their expertise allows visitors to gain a profound understanding of Thang Long's historical significance, connecting ancient legends to present-day Hanoi's landmarks and traditions engagingly.