A Gentle Walk Through Hanoi – Lakes, Landmarks & Hidden Corners

#cityplaybook Hanoi can be fast and buzzing—but if you take the time to slow down, it shows you a softer side. Strolling around the French Quarter and Hoàn Kiếm Lake is the perfect way to discover it. I started my walk near the Hanoi Opera House, an elegant reminder of the city’s colonial past. Just a few blocks away, Hoàn Kiếm Lake offers a peaceful pause, with locals jogging, painting, or just sitting quietly by the water. In the middle of the lake, you’ll spot a red wooden bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple. Crossing it feels like entering a hidden world, full of old stories and soft breezes. Not far from the lake, I came across St. Joseph’s Cathedral—a towering church with a Parisian feel. It’s beautiful any time of day, but there’s something especially calm about it in the late afternoon. Why I recommend Hanoi for a slow walk: ・There’s beauty in every corner—grand buildings, gentle lakes, and quiet temples ・You’ll experience the rhythm of local life just by wandering 📍Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi, Vietnam #hanoi #vietnam #hoankiemlake #ngocsontemple #stjosephscathedral #operahousehanoi #citywalks #slowtravel #frenchquarterhanoi #perfectday