Sustainable insider tips from the Free Walking Tour in Hanoi
Want to explore the city in a green, budget-friendly way as well as discover lots of insider tips along the way? Then you should definitely join Free Walking Tours with local guides. During my sustainable world trip, I have already had wonderful experiences and now I would like to tell you how a tour in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi works. In addition, I will show you how to book your own low-budget tour and leave a positive IMPACKT.
Advantages of a free walking tour
Free Walking Tours are a great way to discover a city in an eco-friendly and unexpected way. The best part is, it costs almost nothing. That's because they are donation based. You alone decide how much you want to give. If that's not a bargain.
With locals as guides you get insights that you would not get on commercial tours. They know their city like the back of their hand, for example they can tell you the best karaoke place around the corner. In addition, you will meet other travelers with whom you can exchange recommendations. To book a tour, check out websites like freetour and freewalkingtour . Or just show up at the meeting point on the spur of the moment.
Meet your local buddy
In the capital Hanoi, I therefore decide again for a city tour of this kind. My guide this time is the Vietnamese student Sang, who finances his studies among other things with our donations. At the meeting point at 2 pm at Hoan Kiem Lake, Sang wants to know from our group what we have already seen. He takes his time and adapts the free walking tour to our individual wishes. For me, he also has sustainable travel ideas ready, which he reveals to me after the tour. So stay tuned. But now it's time for a discovery tour with Sang.
Refreshments you wouldn't otherwise try
One of the things I learn about on the tour is the legendary Egg Coffee. The cult drink consists of coffee topped with a creamy foam made from condensed milk and egg yolk. I have to admit that I'm skeptical at first when Sang tells us about it. After I take the first sip, I am convinced, as are the local visitors from Cafe Đinh. It tastes sweet, creamy, and gives you a caffeine kick to boot. Stirred around, it makes a little coffee shake.
In the markets: In the thick of it rather than just in it
Fortified by the Egg Coffee, we boldly enter the hustle and bustle of the markets. Between loaded bicycles full of ripe fruit and small market stalls, we meander through the narrow alleys. We stop at a street food stall and learn how tofu is made. Our guide explains to us how it is done. To make it, soy milk is curdled with the help of a coagulant. The solid protein components that form from it are skimmed off and pressed into rectangular wooden models. The result is rectangular blocks of silken tofu or firm tofu with surface grain, depending on how much water has been squeezed out. All still truly handmade. No comparison to the sadly shrink-wrapped products. "You can taste the difference," emphasizes Sang. A highlight for every vegan among us.
Hanoi's best date spot - more romantic than the Eiffel Tower
Speaking of highlights: our guide shows us where to find Parisian flair in the Far East: at Long Bien Bridge. This bridge, which connects the city of Hanoi with the port of Haiphong, was designed by the same man who built the Eiffel Tower - Gustave Eiffel. Together with the French government, the bridge is currently being restored to its original beauty and splendor. Sang recommends that we stop by at night to marvel at Hanoi's sea of lights. Perfect for a romantic date on vacation. All that's missing is a croissant - and an Egg Coffee?
On the road with new insider tips after the free walking tour
At the end of the tour, Sang gives me his ideas as promised and I explore Hanoi some more. Thanks to his tips and the recommendations of my friend Silvia, who has already been living in Hanoi for a few months, I have even more local treasures on my bucket list. For example, the vegan street food store Com Pho Chay Tu Bi, where Silvia enjoys her lunch every day. You have to try it out. If you're a meat lover:in, you should definitely visit Bun cha Thang Hang , where you can taste delicious pork with rice noodles - but beware, the portions are really huge.
To Hanoi's secret souvenir store - despite the barrier and security guard
Armed with the tips from the free walking tour, I set out on another mission: to find sustainable souvenirs for my loved ones. For this, Sang recommends me the paper store Zo-Paper in Hanoi's famous Trainstreet. Unfortunately, the area is now closed to tourists. Sang therefore tells me that I can get permission to get past the security guards by calling the store. Great thing. At the sight of the blockade I would have otherwise given up quickly. The extra effort is definitely worth it. Zo-Paper has unique souvenirs on offer such as postcards, stacks of paper, bracelets, earrings as well as art prints. The incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff also recommends visiting Dinh Dong Do village, which produces the traditional art prints. It's a great way to support the local artist:s and their villages.
Leave a positive IMPACKT
With these insider tips, you're sure to have some memorable and lasting experiences in Hanoi. Overall, Free Walking Tours are a great way to explore the city in an IMPACKT and budget-friendly way and grab some new tips. For one, your donations support local guides like Sang instead of paying money to big corporations. For another, you get an in-depth look at urban life and discover things you never would have thought of before. Plus, they're environmentally friendly because they're on foot, so they don't produce any emissions.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your running shoes in your IMPACKT suitcase and book your next free walking tour. Your pedometer will be proud of you.
Best regards,
Franzi
