2.5 hours · Hosted in English
Guests say it's special and unique.
Guests say this Host tells great stories.
Guests say it's well worth the price.
Quang was a great tour guide. I learned a lot about Vietnam that I didn’t know before. He shares an interesting perspective. A bonus was the tour ending on such an exciting note. Highly recommend!
Don’t miss the walking history tour with Kien. Incredibly nuanced and insightful. We received an incredible local explanation about the history and everyday life in Hanoi - one that would have remained invisible without the tour. If we could rate it 11 stars we would !
I am so glad I joined this tour. Kien gave us a great perspective into Vietnam's recent history and about Hanoi. The structure of the afternoon was perfect: the right mix between (light) education, discovering whilst walking and socialising at the end. Thanks Kien for an insightful and enjoyable afternoon.
Try and do this tour. It is more than just a typical Vietnam war tour. It is about life during wartime. My guide was superb from start to finish , smart , engaging and funny. We started off with coffee and a really interesting rundown of Vietnamese history. Then we went and visited some really interesting and unknown places that no tourist could venture into , getting to really see how Vietnamese people lived during the war and now. We got to go inside apartment blocks and black markets then finishing at the famous railway street. This was such a great tour and very off the beaten path that no one. When you are in Hanoi I highly recommend you do this.
We learned a lot about Vietnamese history, politics and culture from this guided tour with the colorful Kien! This was definitely a unique, authentic experience unlike any typical tourist activity. A great part of our adventures in Hanoi!
This is the best tour I had when I was in Hanoi! For a start, Quang gave us a succinct and useful history lesson to set the context for the tour. As it was a scorching hot day, the cold (and free) drinks provided at the start of the tour was also much appreciated. The path of the tour brought us to many areas that we’d otherwise would have missed out. Coupled with Quang’s engaging storytelling, this tour is definitely not one that you should miss out on 🙂
My favorite tour in Vietnam. Quang was an excellent guide and showed us places we never would have gone otherwise. Highly unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere!
This is a MUST DO tour when you are in Hanoi. Quang is a great conversationalist who takes you in areas that aren’t in guidebooks. It’s FASCINATING, EYE OPENING and INSIGHTFUL. You will learn and see how the locals live. My husband and I enjoyed every second of the tour. In all the places, I’ve been to, this is the best tour I’ve ever done.
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 area
– Kham Thiem B52 memorial
– Hanoi Train Street
Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agen Orange/Dioxin; Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.
✔️ 3-hour long guided walking tour
✔️ Coffee and/or Tea
✔️ Expert guide
❌ Gratuities
Hat & sunscreen
Walking shoes
You need to give us your WhatsApp number, G-mail or local number so we can find you in the case we do not see you.
The meeting point is located at 24B Chua Vua Street, approximately 2 km from Hoan Kiem Lake (or 3.5 km from Hanoi Old Quarter).
The meeting point is in front of a secondary school called “Trường THCS Đoàn Kết”. There is a coffee shop and several second-hand shops selling bicycles nearby. We recommend taking Grab or Be (a Vietnamese ride-hailing app). It’s also possible to walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, it takes around 40 minutes.
Away from tourist’s eyes: Discover the not-to-go area
Cho Gioi: The authentic Hanoi market tourists rarely see. It’s raw, bustling, and full of surprises – but you’ll need a savvy guide to unlock its secrets and avoid the traps.
Gaining knowledge about the history of Vietnam is important to understand the country’s culture and traditions
Vietnam’s history isn’t just dates and wars – it’s the soul of everything you’ll see here. From ancient kingdoms to fierce battles for independence, every temple, street, and smile carries centuries of stories. Understanding this past transforms your trip from sightseeing into something deeper.
Open for questions and discussion
Ask anything. Challenge ideas. Go deep. Our small groups mean real conversations with young local hosts about history, politics, daily life – the questions guidebooks won’t answer. This isn’t a lecture; it’s a dialogue.
We donate a portion of our profits to Charity Organizations.
Every month, we contribute 2,000,000 VND to Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and 500,000 VND to the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin.
We also run an annual walking food tour to raise additional funds, with many guests choosing to support these charities as well. Updated donation details are available at onetripwithlocal.com.
A: The tour includes:
A: The tour does not include gratuities (tips) and personal expenses.
The meeting point is located at 24 Chua Vua Street, approximately 2.5 km from Hoan Kiem Lake (or 3.5 km from Hanoi Old Quarter). To find it, please open the location on Google Maps. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1HnqWLDFuFCc5sPz5
The meeting point is in front of a secondary school called “Trường THCS Đoàn Kết”. There is a coffee shop and several second-hand shops selling bicycles nearby.
A: You need to provide your WhatsApp number, Gmail or a local phone number when booking, so the host and the tour operator can contact you if needed.
A: Some areas visited – such as the Cho Giời market – are busy and less familiar to typical tourists; navigating them alone may be difficult or risky (due to the traffic). The guided tour ensures safety and access to parts of the city you likely wouldn’t see on your own.
A: The tour is only hosted in English.
We can speak more slowly if needed – our friendly guide will happily adjust the pace for you.
A: The tour emphasizes conversation rather than a formal lecture. It’s presented in a relaxed, informal style – ideal for history buffs who enjoy interactive, discussion-based tours.
A: You need to provide your WhatsApp number, Gmail or a local phone number when booking, so the tour operator can contact you if needed.
Our company proudly donates a portion of the tour’s profit—2,000,000 VND per month—to Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, an NGO that supports children and victims of human trafficking.
We also organize an annual walking food tour campaign to raise additional funds for this NGO, and many guests choose to contribute as well.
In addition, we donate a monthly amount of 500,000 VND to the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, a government-run organization that supports victims affected by Agent Orange/Dioxin.
We keep updating the information of the donations on our website: onetripwithlocal.com
Quang was a great tour guide. I learned a lot about Vietnam that I didn’t know before. He shares an interesting perspective. A bonus was the tour ending on such an exciting note. Highly recommend!
Don’t miss the walking history tour with Kien. Incredibly nuanced and insightful. We received an incredible local explanation about the history and everyday life in Hanoi - one that would have remained invisible without the tour. If we could rate it 11 stars we would !
I am so glad I joined this tour. Kien gave us a great perspective into Vietnam's recent history and about Hanoi. The structure of the afternoon was perfect: the right mix between (light) education, discovering whilst walking and socialising at the end. Thanks Kien for an insightful and enjoyable afternoon.
Try and do this tour. It is more than just a typical Vietnam war tour. It is about life during wartime. My guide was superb from start to finish , smart , engaging and funny. We started off with coffee and a really interesting rundown of Vietnamese history. Then we went and visited some really interesting and unknown places that no tourist could venture into , getting to really see how Vietnamese people lived during the war and now. We got to go inside apartment blocks and black markets then finishing at the famous railway street. This was such a great tour and very off the beaten path that no one. When you are in Hanoi I highly recommend you do this.
We learned a lot about Vietnamese history, politics and culture from this guided tour with the colorful Kien! This was definitely a unique, authentic experience unlike any typical tourist activity. A great part of our adventures in Hanoi!
This is the best tour I had when I was in Hanoi! For a start, Quang gave us a succinct and useful history lesson to set the context for the tour. As it was a scorching hot day, the cold (and free) drinks provided at the start of the tour was also much appreciated. The path of the tour brought us to many areas that we’d otherwise would have missed out. Coupled with Quang’s engaging storytelling, this tour is definitely not one that you should miss out on :)
My favorite tour in Vietnam. Quang was an excellent guide and showed us places we never would have gone otherwise. Highly unique experience that you won’t find elsewhere!
This is a MUST DO tour when you are in Hanoi. Quang is a great conversationalist who takes you in areas that aren’t in guidebooks. It’s FASCINATING, EYE OPENING and INSIGHTFUL. You will learn and see how the locals live. My husband and I enjoyed every second of the tour. In all the places, I’ve been to, this is the best tour I’ve ever done.
This is a must-do in Hanoi. Kien has my highest recommendation. He is extremely knowledgeable and informative. We started the tour with a short presentation he did at a coffee shop that took us through the whole Vietnam recent history through his story telling, with the aid of maps and photos on his phone. The he took us to a number of locations, each with its not-so-commonly-known information. The last stop at the Train Street was quite a memorable experience too!
Not the usual touristic tour. With Quang you'll see different parts of Hanoi that most likely you wouldn't see by yourself or with other tours. Even train street is not the busy, touristic one everyone knows, but a quieter, local one. There's not a script learned by heart but instead a conversation on many topics, plenty of space for questions, and a different, local point of view of the city. Definitely recommmended.
Hi! I have booked a tour tomorrow at 9. Since it's been raining all day long, is it possible to get a grab car to get to the meeting point?
@Agnes: Xin chào Agnes,
Yes, we recommend taking Grab or Be (a Vietnamese ride-hailing app) to get to the meeting point, especially on rainy days. The tour will still run even if it rains, so no worries at all. We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Thân mến,
Onetrip With Local Travel Company
I booked [Order #7243] (March 25, 2025) 9am.
I will stay in an Airbnb located 16 Phố Hàng Vải, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam. Is it far from the meeting place? What you will suggest? Taxi or Grab?
@Decro Wong: Xin chào Decro Wong,
Thanks for your booking! Your Airbnb is not too far from our meeting point. We recommend taking Grab or Be (a Vietnamese ride-hailing app) for the most convenient ride. It’s also possible to walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, it takes around 40 minutes if you enjoy walking.
Thân mến,
Onetrip With Local Travel Company
Hey guys 👋, me and my wife would love to join your tour on Friday afternoon. We are traveling from Mai Chau in the morning and I am not 100% sure if we can make it to 14:00. Do you think it will be possible to book the tour even during the day based on the travel situation ? Or is it usually booked up that day based in your experience ? Should we just book now and risk it ?
Thanks for advice,
Peter
@Peter: Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for reaching out! We are so glad that you are interested in the experience. Please make the booking for 2 PM tomorrow, even if you are not able to join, you will be fully refunded.
Have a nice day!
Best regards,
Cong, Kien and Quang
@Cong Trong: That is amazing, thanks 🙏
@Peter: Mai Chai is just 150 km away from Hanoi, it takes about 3,5 hours to get here, so you should be able to come back by 2 PM.
Please note that the meeting point is at 24 Chua Vua Street (about 2,5 km away from the Hoan Kiem Lake).
Thanks again and enjoy your trip to Mai Chai!
@Cong Trong: Probably yes, i was just worried a bit since we also need to check in, probably some lunch etc..
Anyway thanks again ✌🏻 i will book the tour
@Peter: Thank you and have a lovely day!
Hi team,
I just booked a tour for tomorrow.
Is this the meeting point far from the old quarter? how can we get there? we are staying at Hanoi Metropol Hotel.
@Lisa: Hi Lisa,
The meeting point is about 2km away from the old quarter. You can book a Grab app (similar to Uber) and the meeting point is located at: 24 Chua Vua, Phố Huế, Hai Bà Trưng district.
Best,
Cong
Hiya,
I was wondering: What are the ways that you can get to the meeting point from the Old Quarter? Traffic in Vietnam has been exhausting for us.
Dear Kim,
Thank you for reaching out!
We recommend you to take a taxi from your hotel, it should take about 30 minutes to get to the meeting point. There are some apps like Grab, Go Jek and Xanh SM that you can order taxi or motorbike.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Matt and Carrie verified
Kien was superb! What a fantastic tour, really delving into Hanoi and the history of the war and local communities, how they recovered and evolved! Cannot recommend enough if you want to get beyond the typical tourist trails and locations! 10/10 👌
Cong Trong Administrator
Xin chào Matt and Carrie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re very happy to hear that Kien helped you explore a deeper side of Hanoi, its history, and local communities beyond the usual tourist paths. Your kind words truly mean a lot to us and to Kien. We hope to welcome you back for another meaningful experience in Vietnam!
Thân mến,
Onetrip With Local Travel Company
Pauline McFerran verified
Unfortunately I had to cancel at short notice due to illness but the team responded extremely quickly, and were so kind and helpful. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Very sorry to miss this fantastic tour, wishing the team all the best.
Cong Trong Administrator
Hi Pauline,
We’re sorry that you are not able to join the tour. We hope you get better soon and look forward to welcoming you in the future.
All the best,
Cong
JP
Kien took me on such an amazing tour…twice haha. After a brief introduction to the city and tour with him I became sick. He said I could come back another day, which I did…it was phenomenal. So grateful for this experience. Along w the Hidden Old Quarter tour w Duong these were the highlights of my trip to Hanoi. A must do!
Natalie verified
Thank you Kien. This was one of the best tours I experienced while traveling in Vietnam. Kien’s love of country, history and storytelling come together to educate, inform, and enlighten with a balance of humor and realism. As a first time visitor to Vietnam and Hanoi specifically, I came away wanting to know more about this beautifully rich, complex country. I highly recommend this tour.
Renée B
Kien was an amazing guide! He provided us with an inciteful history of Vietnam and then took us on a tour of areas we would never have ventured on our own. It was a perfect afternoon and small sized group. Highly recommend!