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.
Melanie (verified owner) –
Talk about an experience!! From the history lesson of the Vietnamese people as we sat in a quaint little coffee shop to walking around the Bazaar market; we ultimately ended our tour on train street to experience the training going by. Most surprisingly was the detailed information that Quang told us about the story of the Kham Thien War memorial. We learned so much on this tour. I definitely recommend booking this one.
Cami (verified owner) –
We learned so much. We wouldn’t have been able to see these areas on our own. We made it to train street in time to experience the train pass by.. our guide was so very pleasant and the experience was at a comfortable pace. I recommend this experience.
KienPham –
Dear Cami,
Thank you very much for joining us. We truly appreciate your presence and participation in our event. It brings us great joy to know that you had a wonderful time. Your positive feedback and enjoyment of the experience are incredibly valuable to us.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Please feel free to reach out if you have any suggestions or if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Best regards,
Kien, Cong and Quang
Tiffany (verified owner) –
My husband and I were so captivated by the experience that we couldn’t stop raving about it for the remainder of the day. Kien’s exceptional guidance and the unique insights he provided truly exceeded our expectations. We left with a profound appreciation for the fascinating area we explored, and we owe that in large part to Kien’s expertise and captivating storytelling.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kien as a guide for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure. His exceptional knowledge, unwavering commitment to safety, and warm personality make him an exceptional companion on any journey. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging and enjoyable experience, Kien is the perfect guide.
KienPham –
Dear Tiffany,
We would like to express our gratitude for joining us on the Stories from the Vietnam War tour. Your presence made a difference, and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed it.
As you embark on your journey to Vietnam, we hope you have incredible adventures and create unforgettable memories. May this trip be filled with amazing experiences and enlightening discoveries.
Once again, we extend our warmest wishes to you. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help.
Wishing you all the best and looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Warm regards,
Cong, Quang, Vu, and Kien
Sebastian (verified owner) –
Off the beaten path and much more than just learning about the war. The tour included conversations about architecture, culture, the every day life of people. Any questions you have about Vietnam you can ask and they will answer. Make sure to bring water and walking shoes, it was very hot in the middle of the day. Luckily you will start and end the tour at cafes, so you can cool off a bit.
Shaya (verified owner) –
This tour was amazing for those who may want to get off of the beaten path of just the old quarter and food. The guides were quite knowledgeable and were able to speak intelligently about many aspects of the typical Vietnamese lifestyle. I highly recommend this experience!