Hanoi: Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show

Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene and ancient water puppet theater offer a captivating window into the city’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. This 4-hour walking tour guides visitors through the bustling Old Quarter, where a knowledgeable local introduces authentic Vietnamese specialties. After indulging in these flavorful delights, the tour culminates in a mesmerizing 1-hour water puppet performance, transporting guests back in time. With stellar reviews, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey through Hanoi’s gastronomic and artistic wonders.

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Good To Know

This Hanoi tour combines a 3-hour street food walking experience with a 1-hour traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
The street food tour explores over 50 specialty trade streets, guided by a local expert, and offers vegetarian options.
The water puppet show is an ancient 11th-century tradition that tells folk tales through captivating puppet performances over water.
The tour includes hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and a spectacular view of Hoan Kiem Lake.
With a 4.8/5 rating from 198 reviews, the tour provides an immersive and highly rated cultural and culinary experience in Hanoi.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show offers a comprehensive culinary experience. Priced from $35 per person, the 4-hour tour includes food tastings, a 1-hour water puppet show, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Pickup is available from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or guests can meet at the designated meeting point. The itinerary features 3 hours of exploring local food stalls and restaurants, followed by the traditional water puppet performance.

The tour is customizable for dietary needs and receives excellent reviews for its delicious food and informative guide.

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Pickup and Itinerary

Pickup is available from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, allowing for convenient access to the tour’s starting point.

Pickup is available from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, allowing for convenient access to the tour’s starting point.

However, if you’re already in the area, you can meet the group at 38 Bát Sứ street in the Hoàn Kiếm district.

The 4-hour tour begins with a food tasting exploration of the local street stalls and restaurants across 50 different specialty trade streets in the Old Quarter.

After the culinary experience, you’ll be treated to a 1-hour traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a cultural highlight dating back to the 11th century.

Culinary Experience

During the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample authentic Vietnamese street food, guided by a local expert. They’ll learn about Hanoi’s rich food culture and history, while enjoying a range of delectable dishes. Customizable options are available for dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian preferences. The tour covers over 50 streets in the Old Quarter, each specializing in different trades and culinary delights.

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Cultural Highlights

Alongside the culinary delights, the tour offers captivating cultural experiences. Guests can enjoy:

A spectacular night view of Hoan Kiem Lake, one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks.
The Water Puppet show, a centuries-old Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century, where puppets dance over water, telling folk tales.
The Water Puppet show is suitable for all audiences, providing a truly unique and immersive cultural experience.

These cultural highlights allow visitors to enjoy the rich heritage of Hanoi, complementing the flavorful street food discoveries on this unforgettable tour.

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Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, food tastings at local stalls and restaurants, and a ticket to the captivating Water Puppet show.

Visitors are welcome, but pets aren’t allowed. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through the vibrant Old Quarter.

Customizable options are available for dietary restrictions like vegetarian or vegan.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 198 reviews, customers have praised the tour’s delicious food and informative guide.

The tour provides an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Hanoi.

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Customer Feedback Highlights

According to customer feedback, tour guides on the Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show are consistently praised for their in-depth knowledge and engaging storytelling.

Highlights include:

Knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into Hanoi’s rich culinary and cultural heritage
Delicious authentic Vietnamese street food tastings that introduce visitors to local flavors and traditions
The unforgettable Water Puppet show, a unique art form that captivates audiences of all ages with its whimsical performances.

Reviewers rave about the tour’s ability to immerse participants in the vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes of Hanoi.

Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter

As visitors explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, they’ll discover a captivating labyrinth of narrow streets, each dedicated to a distinct trade or craft.

The tour guides lead guests through this vibrant neighborhood, showcasing over 50 different streets, each with its own specialty.

Visitors can witness artisans at work, from metalworkers to silk weavers.

The sensory experience is enhanced by the sights, sounds, and aromas of the local food stalls, offering a true taste of Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage.

This immersive journey through the Old Quarter provides a glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s cultural traditions.

Experiencing the Water Puppet Show

After exploring the vibrant food stalls and artisanal workshops of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Hanoi Street Food Tour culminates with a captivating performance of the traditional Water Puppet show.

This unique art form dates back to the 11th century, with puppets dancing on water and telling ancient folk tales.

Audience members will:

Marvel at the skilled puppeteers who masterfully maneuver the colorful wooden figures from behind a screen
Immerse themselves in the enchanting melodies of traditional Vietnamese music
Delight in the whimsical and entertaining storytelling through the graceful movements of the puppets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as the Water Puppet show is suitable for all audiences. However, the food tastings may not cater to young children’s preferences, so parents should consider their child’s tastes when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Needs?

Yes, the tour can be customized for special dietary needs like vegetarian or vegan. The local experts provide customizable options to ensure all participants can fully enjoy the authentic Vietnamese street food experience.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, covering over 50 streets in the Old Quarter. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and expect to be on their feet for most of the 3-hour food tasting portion of the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives customers flexibility to change their plans without penalty if needed.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Languages Other Than English?

The tour can be booked in multiple languages, including English. Travelers can contact the tour provider to inquire about availability in their preferred language, ensuring a seamless cultural experience.

The Sum Up

The Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour & Water Puppet Show offers an immersive cultural experience, blending the vibrant flavors of local cuisine with the captivating artistry of Vietnam’s ancient storytelling tradition. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can indulge in authentic Vietnamese dishes and witness the mesmerizing water puppet performance, creating an unforgettable journey through Hanoi’s gastronomic and cultural heritage.