Vietnam War: Uncovering Hanoi's Untold Stories
Description
Hanoi during the Vietnam War: the dark side of its most famous monuments. Discover life under the planned economy, the fate(s) of the local people from both sides (the North and the South; and the story of the unification of Vietnam, a country once divided between the communist and anti-communist, on the brink of the COLD WAR. Our "stroll" will last about 2.5 hours, with a short taxi ride halfway through. The aim of my walk is to make you discover specific areas of Hanoi (far away from the tourist's eyes) in the light of aspects of our city's rich history that are rarely touched upon by guidebooks, with in-depth information (history buffs welcome) but in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. A conversation, rather than a lecture! Places we will visit: - Cho Gioi: historic black market - Kham Thiem: the B52 memorial - Hanoi Train Street community Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agen Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon's Children Foundation.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Understand Before You Walk: The Story Starts Here. We don't rush you out onto the streets. Our journey begins with a relaxed, sit-down conversation with your open-minded local expert. We take the time to set the stage, providing deep context about the Vietnam War so that every place you visit later has a powerful new meaning.
Kham Thien B52 Memorial: More Than a Memorial - A Powerful Lesson from History. We visit this memorial not just to remember the tragedy of the past, but to truly learn from it. This is a place to reflect on the powerful lessons history teaches us about resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
At the Cho Gioi "black market," we uncover the hidden stories of the war's aftermath. You'll learn how local ingenuity and a secret economy became a powerful story of survival during the difficult planned economy era, a side of history you won't find in guidebooks.
We visited this historic part of Hanoi to hear stories from veterans and learn about the lives of the local people. It's a great place to rest after learning a lot about history and the war.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(34)
My guide Duong is one passionate guide. He gave us the history of Hanoi in a succinct manner and made sure we safely crossed the streets (the traffic can be hectic). Thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is one of the best and most interesting tours we’ve ever taken. Kien is so well educated on the subject & the area. We would recommend everyone take it. Learning to see the war from the Vietnamese perspective was so worthwhile.
Dear Anita, Thanks so much for joining and leaving us a great review. We're so happy that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the stories as well as the stories during the tour. We can't wait to see you again. Best, Cong
Kien is a great storyteller and was able to bring more in depth insights about the Vietnam War and its impact on Hanoi. Really liked we were able to ask questions and go deeper than other guides normally venture. Had a great time and definitely recommend booking this tour if you’d like to understand things better.
Xin chào Steven, Thank you for your kind review. We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed the in depth insights and meaningful discussions with our host Kien. We hope to welcome you again in Hanoi. Thân mến, Công, Quang and Kiên.
Kien started with a great synopsis of the actions leading up to the Vietnam/American war and then took us through the main events of the war itself. Then he took us for a walk through the Sky Market explaining how it came to be and how it works today. He followed this with a walk around other less visited areas of Hanoi. He gave excellent explanations for each point on the walk and delivered his talk with humour and sensitivity. We have taken a number of walking tours over the years and this stands out as one of the very best.
Xin chào Clare, Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history of the Vietnam War with Kien and exploring both the Sky Market (Cho Gioi) and less visited areas of Hanoi. It means a lot to us that his explanations and storytelling made the experience stand out for you. We hope to welcome you again. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company
Dung was a great guide with lots of interesting facts about the Vietnamese war - the walk through the back streets was great too!
Xin chào Nick, Thank you for your kind review. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the walk through the back streets and learning about the history with our host Dung. We will share your kind words with her. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company
This is so much more than just a tour about the Vietnam War. It’s a look in the shaping of modern day Vietnam and the neighborhoods that make it run.
Xin chào Matthew, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We are really glad the experience gave you a deeper perspective beyond the war and helped you see how history shapes modern day Vietnam and its neighborhoods. It truly means a lot to us. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company
Unique experience. Dung took us to places we would never have seen alone and told us the story of this beautiful country. It also clarified all our curiosity about the history, politics, habits of the Vietnamese people. Dung is a true fan of the history of her people and will tell you in a simple but explanatory way, Tuor makes you discover the impact that the war had on Vietnam and in particular Hanoi. Highly recommended for those who want to learn more about the history of Vietnam.
Xin chào Elisa, Thank you so much for your beautiful review! We’re truly happy to hear that Dung helped bring Vietnam’s history and stories to life for you in such a meaningful way. It means a lot to us that the experience gave you deeper insights into Hanoi and the country’s past. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again one day. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company
We absolutely loved the tour with Dung. She was amazing and told us many histories about Vietnam, their culture and traditions. We got to know local places that going alone we’d never had the opportunity. It’s the perfect tour for those who want to truely know more about Vietnamese and their history. We loved and recommend!
Xin chào Daniela, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re really glad you loved the tour with Dung and enjoyed learning more about Vietnam’s history, culture, and local life. It means a lot to us that the experience helped you discover places you wouldn’t have found on your own. We look forward to welcoming you again in the nearest future. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company
Kein was a very knowledgeable, amazing tour guide that brought to life the history and culture of Vietnam over the past few centuries. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip
Xin chào Adam, Thank you so much for joining us and for this great feedback. We’re really glad the stories and history shared by Kien made the experience such a highlight of your trip. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company.
Kien was an excellent guide - friendly knowledgeable and gave us a true insiders view into the life and culture of Hanoi as well as history. My family of 6 with kids aged 13-20 enjoyed it so much. Highly recommend!
Xin chào Geeta, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear your whole family enjoyed the experience and that Kien’s insights into Hanoi’s life, culture, and history made it special for everyone. Your recommendation truly means a lot to us. Thân mến, Onetrip With Local Travel Company.
