• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Hanoi. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Nghia Tan where you’ll experience a different Hanoi, like a local with a local by your side!

Destination

Hanoi, Vietnam

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Vietnamese

Included

• Private Guide
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Entrance of Treeland Coffee - Hanoi to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Off the Beaten Track

   Done with the main highlights of Hanoi? Check out Nghia Tan. Explore a lesser-known part of the city that will give you a more authentic feel of Hanoi. Check out Nghia Tan Market, Chua Tang Phuc pagoda and more!

4. The Real Deal

   Let a local expert in the area you’ll visit show you their Hanoi from a different perspective - away from the tourist traps. See street art, cultural hot spots, local vendors, hangout spots, and historical gems, and embrace the vibe!

5. Personalized Recommendations

   Want to explore more of the area after the tour? Your host is happy to recommend their favorite eateries and where to take a break while wandering in this vibrant area

6. Unique Plan

   Depending on your host, this tour will be experienced based on their knowledge, passion, and expertise. Pick a host that matches your interests and see their city through their eyes!

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Spike

(About local Trang Chu)

5 March 2025

It was a pleasure spending time with Trang!! She showed me a local neighborhood in Hanoi, explaining the nuances of everyday local life - the markets, the temples, and pagodas. I left with a mind full of new and interesting knowledge. Would highly recommend!!A great afternoon in Hanoi

Melanie

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

5 March 2025

We really enjoyed our walk around Nghia Tan with Ruby. We enjoyed the local market and hearing and seeing how Vietnamese live and work. Ruby is a great host with an enthusiastic personality, and lots of stories to share. We asked a lot of questions and Ruby was happy to answer them. We learned so much more about Vietnamese life by taking this tour with Ruby. A highly recommended trip. If you do it, choose the lovely Ruby. Great insight into local life in Hanoi.

Erin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Trang Chu)

28 February 2025

Trang did a wonderful job On this tour showing us a side of Hanoi we would never have seen. This was our second walking tour with Trang and it was totally different than the first. She didn't rush us with our many questions and helped us shop the local markets. We got to view a local apartment and learn about daily life of the locals. A must-do tour!Highlight of Hanoi trip

Elizabeth

(About local Trang Chu)

1 February 2025

Trang was lovely and so easygoing to be with. With her we were able to see the real Hanoi and learn more about Vietnam than we would have otherwise. She was so easy to talk to and showed us the traditions in the temples and pagodas during Têt. Would highly recommend :) Thank you Trang! Wonderful experience :)

Kevin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

21 January 2025

We wanted to see and learn about a different neighborhood in Hanoi. We booked a tour with Ruby. Ruby was an excellent communicator and planned an amazing tour. We toured apartments,food markets and back alleys we would not have seen on our own. Ruby had great ideas but also asked us what our priorities were. Great guide, great tour. Loved Our Tour with Ruby!🇻🇳

Elizabeth

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

8 January 2025

We had a gourmet treat tasting the Hanoi street food with Ruby. As we wandered the narrow streets Ruby taught lots about the Vietnamese cuisine - then we started the tastings. Fabulous food and a great variety - it was a privilege to share this experience with Ruby. Our only problem was there was so much to try - Ruby helped out! I finished off the tour with an amazingly rich Egg Hot Chocolate (an alternative to the famous Egg Coffee). Great time in the company of Ruby - we had already spent the morning together on another walking tour. We highly recommend Ruby for Hanoi walking tours. The 10 Tastings of Hanoi: Street Food

Chris🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Trang Chu)

29 December 2024

I choose this tour because I wanted to see what life is like for ordinary people. I was not disappointed, Trang gave me a tour of the local area ,showing me how and where people live. She gave me a an insight into the thoughts and hopes of those people. If you wish to learn about thiis side of Hanoi she is a good choice.Away from the tourists

Dawn

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

10 December 2024

Ruby was an amazing guide!!

Kelly🇬🇬 Guernsey

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

23 November 2024

Ruby is kind and very organised. We had a wonderful day. She offered any support after the tour and was happy to arrange taxi etc. We visited lovely local places and Ruby was able to explain the local culture perfectly. You would see something different on every tour. Thanks Ruby xFriendly and kind

James🇬🇬 Guernsey

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

22 November 2024

We met Ruby for our tour around ‘off the beaten track’ Hanoi and we couldn’t have chosen a better host. Ruby was full of enthusiasm and extremely knowledgeable whilst being very patient whilst I took photos. She took us to places that we would have never found or ventured into without Ruby’s expert guidance. We cannot recommend her enough and we feel like we now have a friend in Hanoi. A Perfect Host

Gabriela🇵🇱 Poland

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

7 November 2024

It was a nice trip. Ruby showed us the area that is inhabited only by the locals: the market, a temple, some living areas and a nice coffee shop. She told us stories about the lives of hanoians and we certainly would not find this info anywhere else. Quite informative and very interesting. Nice trip to off-the-beaten-track places.

Josephine🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Trang Chu)

24 October 2024

We would recommend Trang. She is really kind, also in case of our delayed arrival at the meeting point. The whole time we felt safe and comfortable. Caused by her journalistic background she has a good knowledge above the surronding. Thanks and keep it up. Kind regards. Awesome, non touristic trip.

Britta🇭🇰 Hong Kong

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

15 October 2024

We had a great time with Ruby, who showed and explained us the local neighbourhoods. We would have never found those places without her and it was a unique experience to see the different ways of living. Ruby is a great guide, we had easy communication for the meeting and she has excellent local knowledge to show us fascinating places.Unique and fascinating places

Sandra🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

13 October 2024

Ken

(About local Trang Chu)

25 September 2024

The morning with Trang was very nice. We went around our neighborhood by many places both familiar and unfamiliar, but with a different perspective, which taught us a lot about where we are staying. We appreciated her understanding of the area and of the history of Hanoi in general and in Truc Bach in particular. We will continue to explore Truc Bach and other parts of Hanoi, and Vietnam, but now with a different perspective. We would also love to see more of Hanoi with Trang and Withlocals.Our Day in Truc Bach

Simone🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Huong)

9 September 2024

We have been in Vietnam during the devastation of the Typhoon. Anyone else would have cancelled the tour, but Huong knew how much I wanted this. We waited days until it was safe and it was absolutely outstanding!!! Huong was amazing. Her insight, knowledge and personality along with her relationship with the people gave us a truly memorable experience. Highly recommended. Thankyou. Tour was local, informative and genuine

Michael🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

2 August 2024

Ruby hat uns mit viel Charme und Wissen Einblicke in die vietnamesische Kultur gegeben und an Plätze geführt, die uns sonst verborgen geblieben wären. Ein tolles und sehr empfehlenswertes Erlebnis!Tolle Erfahrung

Natalie 🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

25 April 2024

We did the walking tour in Hanoi with Ngoc Ruby. She took us to the local marketplace. Which was very interesting and we walked around in the neighborhood seeing the life through the eyes of a local. A quick coffee stop in a cozy open air coffee place. And she showed us a typical appartement building. She guided the tour relaxed and with humour. Great fun 🤩 The best experience

shmfyzmbcb

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

21 April 2024

Ruby is warm, welcoming and insightful. With some thoughtful questions over lunch and without me even noticing, she managed to structure a tour that took me to exactly the type of places I wanted to see…..markets, back alleys and hidden coffee shops with real character. I got a real sense of exploring the local area rather than the top tourist spots. Throughout our time together Ruby was great to chat with. A kind and open hearted person, I would recommend Ruby without hesitation! Thank you Ruby!Excellent Local Tour!

Collene🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

17 April 2024

Ruby’s fluent in English, knowledgeable, reliable, and a joy to spend time with! We will look for her again on future trips to Hanoi! Thank you again, Ruby! You are amazing! Ruby was fantastic!

Aaron🇺🇸 United States

(About local Trang Chu)

6 April 2024

We had a wonderful afternoon with Trang. We met her outside of the typical tourist areas and got see a great example of daily life in Hanoi. Whether it was the neighborhood market, a stroll in the park, a hang in the local cafe or a visit to a small pagoda and cemetery, Trang was great sharing the day in the life of a native Hanoian. She is very down to earth and made our time together very enjoyable. Getting local in Hanoi

Anne🇩🇰 Denmark

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

31 March 2024

Super god tur hvor vi så en masse spændene ting. Turen blev perfekt tilpasset vores familie og vi fik set en masse som vi aldrig selv kunne have fundet. Mine aller største anbefalinger. Fantastisk autentisk tur

Irma🇭🇷 Croatia

(About local Trang Chu)

31 March 2024

We had so much fun with Trang. She's friendly, kind, interesting to talk to, and knows Hanoi in a soul. I'm so glad we booked this experience because not only I've learned facts about the city but also received a deep insight into the way locals live, their traditions, customs, and much more. I absolutely recommend a local walk with Trang for anyone who wants to feel Hanoi off the beaten path. 5-star experience! The best way to explore Hanoi

nfrehling🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

20 March 2024

We really enjoyed the neighborhood. It was very local with no other tourists around. A glimpse of the real Hanoi. Interesting morning with a terrific guide

Magdalena🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

23 February 2024

Ruby is such a great, funny and warm Person. Enjoyed the Tour so much. Got to See the real Hanoi! Tour with Ruby was amazing!

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

20 February 2024

Ngọc Ruby was very knowledgeable on the two tours we took with her. Her English was excellent. She was very accommodating as she worked around our flight issues and the schedule we had with the larger tour that we were on.Very personable and accomodating.

Tarika🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Trang Chu)

6 February 2024

It was so well planed, we got to see the market, the street food and did lots of food stop and she made sure to check if it was safe to eat. We also stop unexpectedly to a restaurant and had a quick lunch and it was delicious. This was not in our planning but as my mother in law was getting tired and need a sit down food, Trang went out and beyond her way to be the best tour guide. she also waited until we got home safe 💕 this your is a must very personal and so wholesomeHonour to visit the background of Hanoi

Corianton🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

2 February 2024

We had a spectacular experience with Ruby, she was charming, funny, easygoing, and very flexible. She adapted our adventure to the interests we expressed, and facilitated some really meaningful and genuine interactions with the locals, who were all quite charming and happy to meet us. This tour is a slice of local life that you don't see as a tourist, and it was special to meet everyday folks doing everyday stuff, from the cheerful kids in the playground to the generous men in the cafe who shared their shots of rice wine with me. Absolutely magical, highly recommended, book it now.Ruby is a gem!

Grace 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

21 January 2024

Ngoc Ruby took us on the Nghian Tan Tour in the morning - a walk around Hanoi off the beaten track - so away from all the touristy spots and into an area where we could immerse ourselves into what life is like for a local. We went down streets that we would never have gone down, or even found, if we had been on our own. We saw local street markets and gained an intimate insight into Vietnamese life. Ruby speaks very good English, is a lovely person to spend time with and we would highly recommend Ruby if you are looking for a guide. We had a wonderful experience. Thank you Ruby!Fascinating off the beaten track tour

Richard

(About local Trang Chu)

21 January 2024

I had an excellent walking tour with Trang where she showed how the locals live in Hanoi. Very different perspective of the highly touristed Old and French Quarter. We walked around for about 2 hours and visited the local market and even went into an apartment building to get a glimpse of how locals live. Very enjoyable and informative. Highly recommend Trang and this tour. Great way to see local life

Gail🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Huong)

10 January 2024

We really enjoyed this tour. Huong walked us around her local neighbourhood, sharing history and culture as we strolled. The area is unique and quite different from more touristed parts of the city. Huong is a great host - relaxed, friendly and knowledgeable. If you like to walk, chat and learn, you will love this tour. Thank you Huong for showing us a small slice of your life. A Great Insight into a Unique Area

JACQUI🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

2 January 2024

Our family arrived in Hanoi and were overwhelmed by this bustling city. Fortunately we booked a tour with our amazing guide, Ruby. Ruby's deep knowledge of the city and the locals is very apparent. Together we explored the truly hidden areas of Hanoi and got a great introduction to the lives of the people of this wonderful city. Ruby will show you places that very few other tours will. She knows the very best markets to visit and enjoy tasting local delicacies. If you enjoy coffee, you are in for a real treat as Ruby holds the secrets to some of the very best coffee shops in Hanoi, (Hint: they're not in the tourist areas 😉) Ruby is great fun too. She is a very happy person to spend time with. She is very comfortable with young travellers and goes out of her way to include them as much as possible. If our family gets the chance to come back to Hanoi we will definitely book with Ruby again. And you should too. - Jacqui An outstanding tour. 10/10

Sarah

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

26 December 2023

We absolutely loved our “Off the beaten track” walking tour of Hanoi with Ruby. We explored the open air markets, back alleys and cultural sites in a part of Hanoi we would never have seen by ourselves, and got to see more of the city up close and personal away from the busy Old Quarter. Ruby was an excellent guide and an instant friend, with lots of insightful and funny stories to share about the area. We strongly recommend this walking tour and Ruby as a guide for everyone!A great morning walk with Ruby

Russell🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Huong)

13 November 2023

I would highly recommend that anyone coming to Hanoi should consider a walking tour of Nghia Tan with Huong. Huong is the perfect person to guide you through a district that is indicative of how the majority of people in Hanoi live. She is very passionate about telling the story of the ongoing redevelopment of Nghia Tan and takes you on a journey from a teahouse of the past to the wet/dry market that caters for the needs of the locals. A stop at a very beautiful pagoda and views of the "tiger cages" used to extend apartment space were some of the other highlights. Huong is obviously a very community minded person and so knowledgeable about the area. It was certainly a privilege to meet her. And, after the tour, you can walk a few more steps and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It makes for a perfect day. A Wonderful Experience

Catarina

(About local Trang Chu)

4 September 2023

We had a wonderful afternoon with Trang. She brought us to places we would never be able to find on our own and her explanations of the local culture and context were incredibly interesting and insightful. Definitely recommend! Great tour!

Dennis🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

18 April 2023

Ruby is a great host! Not only she lets the customer in charge about what to see but she also knows just about everything about Vietnam and Hanoi in particular. We loved the tour and would recommend Ruby to everybody. Great experience!

Lee🇰🇷 Korea, Republic of

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

20 March 2023

Bjorn🇮🇸 Iceland

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

14 February 2023

My friend and I highly recommend Ruby, so pick her if you are in Hanoi and want to meet an actual local! No need to wonder who to choose for the real Hanoi experience; Ruby is amazing. The thing about asking a local to guide you is that it's not always about the constant flow of info but also about sharing the information in an easy and comfortable style and taking you where you would not go or know about it.Must pick for real Hanoi

Peter🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ngoc Ruby)

8 December 2022

We really enjoyed our time with Ruby but to be honest would not recommend the unknown gems tour that we selected. The regular old quarter tour would have been a much better choice as there is just not much of special interest on the west side of town. After quite the long walk, The museum of Ethnology was also actually closed on Mondays but did like the back alley coffee shop we visited instead. I would suggest working with Ruby, but not on this tour as she is terrificGreat guide

Marina🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Huong)

8 November 2022

Ian🇺🇸 United States

(About local Huong)

13 September 2022

Huong gave us an excellent, incredibly informative tour of a smaller neighborhood of Hanoi that we would not have explored on our own. Highly recommended!Excellent tour of a smaller neighborhood

Gabi🇫🇷 France

(About local Huong)

9 August 2022

very interesting tour with Huong who seems to be a motivated community activist in her quater. a real "off the beaten track" tour in a completely untouristic area. Huong speaks about developping the area, about community behaviour and actions and about vietnamese school system. information not to get from any guide book or internet research. to recommend absolutely if you want to look behind Hanoi's touristic curtain.''walking tour in Nghia Tan/Hanoi with Huong

Elsa🇹🇭 Thailand

(About local Giang)

8 March 2020

My siblings' introduction to Hanoi was a memorable experience, thanks to Giang. I also learned more from her about this exciting city, one of my top favourites in the region. What we most appreciated was Giang's patience and readiness to adapt to our walking difficulties. We will always remember the fantastic Cha Ca Thang Long lunch, the rather harrowing cyclo ride around the old district, and the exciting bargaining at the market! Many, many thanks, Giang and all the best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy! Great day with Giang!

Markus 🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Huong)

22 January 2020

Wir haben stellen von Hanoi kennengelernt die man sonst als Tourist nich mitbekommt. Auch über die Geschichte und die Architektur habe wir sehr viel erfahren. Sie ist sehr nett und sympathisch! Danke dür den schönen Nachmittag! Einfach klasse

Carolle🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Hoa)

15 January 2020

The tour with Hoa was exactly what I was looking for: in a 100% untouristy area is Hanoi, she explained to me what local life is like, starting with typical shopping, food, school system, housing, communities, temples - day to day beauty as well as struggles of the Vietnamese people... she was very passionate about getting across what true Vietnamese life is like, but es just as interested in my culture and my perception of it. Her English is excellent, which makes the tour even more enjoyable. I can highly recommend taking a tour with Hoa, she’s adorable! Local tour about Vietnamese life

barbara🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Trang Chu)

10 December 2019

I had a very nice tour with Trang at the local market outside of old town. She got me some typical vietnamese snacks to test. After visiting a Pagoda we had lunch at a local place. Then she took me with her motorcycle to another part of the city to have coffee and do some shopping. Trang is a very nice, warm and open person. I really enjoyed her company and would not have visited these places without her. She asked me what I wanted to do and adapted the tour accordingly. I can highly recommend her as a guide, you will enjoy it👍.

Aidan🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Giang)

13 November 2019

Excellent experience with Giang. She was very informative and great company. Giang was able to adapt the tours to our needs. I would highly recommend taking a walking tour of Hanoi with Giang.

Monica🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Giang)

1 November 2019

Giang took us on a 3-hours private walking tour in the Western part of Hanoi. It was such an experience, packed with nice photo moments, historical background information, insights in the everyday lives of ordinary people - away from the cramped and noisy city centre. Giang is knowledgeable, a true ambassador of Vietnam and Hanoi and she has a very friendly, smiling Buddha nature ;0) Thanks so much Giang! Monica & GuusGiang and the true Buddha nature

Susanne🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Giang)

21 October 2019

We booked the tour "Hanoi Like a True Local" with Giang. It was really fantastic. Giang gave us so much informations about Hanoi and the culture of Vietnam. We saw very interessting places which we never would have seen without her. Her english is excellent. I recommend highly to book a tour with Giang. Great Experience

Oliver🇸🇰 Slovakia

(About local Trang Chu)

14 September 2019

We've done several other tours in Vietnam - this one was by far the most informative. Highly recommended!Truly insigthful tour