A small story to share with travelers.

If you travel to the Cho Gioi area of Hanoi, you will be surprised by a small shop that sells voltage and amperage meters with a small sign reading “CCCP.” These products were from the Soviet Union and are sold alongside similar products labeled “Made in Germany” and “Made in Taiwan.”

Cong and Quang, who studied chemistry and engineering at Hanoi Polytechnic University (HUST), noticed that the voltage and amperage meters in the physics and chemistry labs all had the same “CCCP” sign. Next door, a friendly woman sells very old speakers and DVD players along with many DVDs and cassettes.

Yesterday, Cong hosted a tour around Cho Gioi for a guest from Hawaii, who could speak a bit of Russian as she had lived in Moscow for a year. At a beer shop run by a veteran, the veteran guest was very happy and excited to learn that a tourist could speak Russian.

They happily talked in Russian, although he mentioned it had been a long time since he last spoke the language (he smiled and had some more beer). He shared that he spent 15 years living in Moscow and traveled to St. Petersburg a few times until 1989. After the fall of the Soviet Union, he returned to Vietnam. This is the joy of people who get the chance to share the fascinating stories of the locals.

At the end of the tour, the guest left a beautiful review, saying: This tour was not just about the Vietnam War; it was an opportunity to explore hidden areas of Hanoi and learn about the city’s neighborhoods, urban planning or lack of, and meet local residents. It was definitely off the beaten path. This is a good tour if you like a little adventure and are curious about what makes the city tick. The tour includes some beer and refreshing drinks.

“This is how to say: it’s okay” in Haiwaii – She said.

Updated: July 9th, 2024

Sharing stories with travelers is always a wonderful experience. We are deeply grateful to those who travel great distances to visit Vietnam. It brings us joy to share local stories during our tours. In just 3 hours of walking and storytelling, a family of three enjoyed the tour, filled with laughter and memorable moments. Thank you for joining us, and we wish you a fantastic week ahead.

Updated: October 21st, 2024

Our best host, Kien, is passionate about sharing historical stories with people from all over the world. Many reviews say that this is the best experience they’ve joined, praising Kien’s extensive knowledge and unique storytelling style. He combines historical research about the Vietnam War with his personal experiences living in the US and Ireland. Guests on our tours come from diverse backgrounds and ask thought-provoking questions that help Kien and the team develop their narratives.

Joining the tour feels more like a conversation than a history lecture, and our team welcomes everyone to ask questions and share ideas—we can learn from each other. The autumn season in Hanoi is beautiful, making it the perfect time to join us and learn more about the city in this unique area.

We are extremely proud to share the unique and inspiring stories of the local people, who have so much to offer in terms of culture, history, and personal experiences. We invite guests from all over the world to come and join us here, to immerse themselves in these rich narratives, and to create unforgettable memories.