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.
24 Chua Vua, Phố Huế, Hai Bà Trưng district
Cho Gioi is a big second-hand market, but it is not a good idea for tourists to go there alone. It is very busy with people who know the area and how it works. Tourists may have trouble getting around and may be tricked by local sellers. It is better to go with someone who knows the area, so they can keep you from getting lost. Cho Gioi is an exciting and fascinating market, and if you take the right steps, it can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
By looking at the events that had an impact on Vietnam, we can get a full picture of the country’s past, from the old kingdoms that were once in the area, to the long and tough fight for freedom from French control, and the later civil war that lasted for many years. Learning about the effects of the Vietnam War and what came after, as well as the country’s transformation into a modern state, gives us a special look into the people and cultures of Vietnam.
Pose questions and engage in meaningful dialogue with the young hosts. As the tour is a small group, you can have a much deeper conversation with the host on topics such as history, politics, and economics.
Since the train street in the Old Quarter has been closed for a while due to safety issues, there is only one train street left for visitors to explore. It is much quieter than the original train street, yet still has the same charm that made the original so popular with tourists. You can stroll along the tracks, stopping to observe the beautiful sights and have a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
20% of the profit from our tour will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. In addition, we organize charity events to raise funds for these NGOs.
As of August 2023, we have donated a total of 14,000,000 VND ($600) since launching the tour in March 2023. This is how our young team can give back to the community.
Peter (verified owner) –
Kien was an extraordinary and humorous guide! We have been to Vietnam many times but this was a unique tour for us: it did not necessarily concentrate on the landmarks but sociology of Hanoi instead. As advertised: not a lecture but a free-flowing conversational style with a very personable guide. Highly recommended.
WeiEn (verified owner) –
Kien is extremely knowledgeable and he is an excellent story teller. I learned so much about the history, it was truly an eye opening experience for me. 10/10 would recommend to whoever’s visiting Hanoi
Siggie (verified owner) –
Easily the best tour/experience I had in 4 weeks of travel throughout Vietnam. As an American, there is so much we aren’t taught or understand about the Vietnam War, but beyond that, I would venture to say most of us know little to nothing of the history of Vietnam in general. Learning just how long they were at war with virtually every surrounding nation, plus France, and the U.S. as well, taught me about the resilience of their people. This tour will take you to some places that shows you how Vietnamese people lived for centuries and expose you to areas you might otherwise not see while traveling.
Our host was Kiên who had a wealth of knowledge on the history of Vietnam and was both gracious and humble. He shared his own story, along with the story of his family going back generations, and afterwards we connected through additional means where he was kind enough to provide food recommendations, and even directed me to a place to purchase an umbrella after I walked the streets of Hanoi through a storm for 30 mins trying to find one with no luck. He’s amazing! I experienced three different tours during my stay; however, if there is only one tour you can do while traveling through Hanoi, I would say this one is without a doubt mandatory. You won’t regret it.
Gatis (verified owner) –
Kien did a fantastic tour of spots in Hanoi that we otherwise wouldn’t have seen. His storytelling was fun, engaging and very well thought out. Loved the sights we saw. Would highly recommend the tour to anyone.
Justin (verified owner) –
Kiên was a great tour guide. He showed a side of Hanoi off the beaten path and opened a window into everyday local life while providing lots of fascinating and insightful historical context. He was also excellent company. I felt like I was being shown around Hanoi by a good friend.
KienPham –
Dear Justin,
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your kind words regarding our host, Kien. Your feedback means a lot to us and serves as a source of motivation to continue providing exceptional service. We truly value your support and look forward to welcoming you back again in the near future.
Best regards,
Cong, Kien and Vu