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.
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.
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.
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.
Greetings,
What make you choose Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Hanoi to donate?
Hi Ben,
Since the beginning, our team has been dedicated to charity organizations as our main goal is to give back to the community. According to Britannica, Vietnam has reported that approximately 400,000 people have suffered death or permanent injury from exposure to Agent Orange. Additionally, it is estimated that 2,000,000 people have experienced illnesses caused by exposure, and half a million babies have been born with birth defects due to the effects of Agent Orange. Our team actively supports the Blue Dragon's Children Foundation, which rescues children from the streets and fights against human trafficking. We also organize charity food tour events to raise funds for these NGOs as a means of giving back to the community.
Hi team,
I will be travelling with my hubby and 2 boys (of 9 and 12 years old). They are not the best listeners but they are very interested in war stories, can they safely join the not-to-go-alone tour?
Dear Alicia,
Thank you for reaching out!
We have hosted many families with kids, and they all loved the tour. Even though the market may seem a bit chaotic, our host will provide guidance to ensure you have a great experience. Additionally, the kids will have the opportunity to learn something new and interesting by the end of the tour.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Mai verified
A very intriguing and insightful tours visiting the non-touristy areas with interesting stories of Vietnam history. The team did a great job showing authentic Hanoi. Highly recommended, especially for those who are interested in history and culture.
Ben verified
Superb. You will see places that you’d never find on your own, no matter how adventurous you are. Kien was an elite guide and insight oozes from him. I wish I did this tour on my first day in Vietnam. Particularly liked Kien’s own personal insights from his architecture background. Add in the wet-market, the geostrategic discussion, the non-tourist train street, why houses are yellow, and the gangsterism behind the scooter market. Excellent all round.
Jane verified
Fascinating details on stories you get to learn about Vietnam when it first split and when the war began. They also donate to veterans so it’s learning and dojg good all rolled into one. Brings you to the back alleys to really experience a different side of Hanoi
Alex verified
Kien had a deep knowledge of history and culture. He was very engaging and really showed us some amazing locations we would never have been to on our own.
Linh verified
Kien was a great guide from start to finish. He is very knowledgeable about the Vietnam war and is on a constant quest for more knowledge. We appreciate his story telling and his mannerism. Kien personalized this experienced by taking time to get to know us and also talked about his own family. We felt like we were on tour with a local friend and not just a guide. Thank you so much for the amazing experience Kien! We highly recommend him.