Hanoi's Vietnam War Monuments: Discover the Dark Side and Untold Stories

Uncover the hidden stories of Hanoi’s Vietnam War monuments on a unique walking tour. Explore the dark side of famous landmarks, learn about life under the planned economy, and discover the untold tales of the city’s locals. Join us for a conversation-filled stroll that supports a worthy cause.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Train Street - We visited this historic part of Hanoi to hear stories from veterans and learn about the lives of the local people. It’s a great place to rest after learning a lot about history and the war.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

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…

Location
24B P. Chùa Vua
Phố Chùa Vua
This is the gate of a school named Doan Ket school
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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Mayer_t
Nov 6, 2024
I’d rate this 6 stars if I could - I loved how Kien brought us through history lesson at the start to provide context and he is knowledgeable as well! I wouldn’t have known much more abt Vietnam war and its impact without his insights and experiences. We ended at the train street and experienced the train passing by which was amazing! I highly recommend this tour to everyone to not only know more about Vietnam but you can also make new friends as well :) Thank you Kien!!
Review provided by Viator
Nicoleg46
Oct 21, 2024
Put this tour at the top of your list! - I’d highly recommend this tour for people wanting and authentic and eye opening tour of the real Hanoi. Kien shared stories about the history of Hanoi, his own family, and local communities. Kien has built relationships with the locals which meant we had access to areas not frequented by tourists including black market shops and local residential buildings. Kien himself is a fascinating individual and talking to him was insightful and an absolute pleasure. I’d definitely put this tour at the top of your list.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ishan
Oct 4, 2024
Behind the scenes Hanoi history - This tour was the perfect way to learn background and below-the-surface history of Vietnam and Hanoi. Kien was a fantastic and knowledgeable guide, taking us through the Cho Gioi market and explaining the subsidy era that led to its creation. He also gave us extensive history on local commerce, living situations and talked about Vietnam’s many conflicts with large powers and its neighbours. Highly recommend this tour for visitors to Hanoi who are interested in getting a bit off the beaten track and learning about Hanoi’s rich history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
863stepheno
Jun 20, 2024
Good tour about life in Vietnam in the war years - Very good and insightful tour about life in Vietnam around the Vietnam War period. Soft drinks included, knowledgeable and entertaining guide, saw areas that we would not otherwise have seen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sheila_m
Mar 13, 2024
Absolutely incredible tour for history, unique areas of the city and so interesting in all respects - This tour exceeded my expectations - actually wasn’t really sure what we would be seeing - but guide Thomas is just such a pro. We had a 30 min summary of thousands of years of vietnam history over a coffee - now that it is pretty amazing as a start!! The areas we went were so very far off the grid but interestingly enough figure big in the city’s history right up to recent times. Long walk and a taxi ride across town but so many items of interest and nonstop commentary and information which was so well curated that is sped by. I asked about some unusual fruits and - voila - we end up trying them with a special spice topping. We finished up sitting on the train tracks on Train Street but nowhere near where all the tourists go…. Actually residences, cafes and no crowds. This was such an excellent tour out of the ordinary but giving you a new perspective on many aspects of the country - history, culture, capitalism and more. DO NOT MISS THIS or the other tour this team does “COFFEE HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE”. They will be the most interesting tours you do ion this city.
Review provided by Viator
Bruce_m
Feb 24, 2024
An amazing tour with a... - An amazing tour with a very special guide! Had the opportunity to see sites that simply aren’t included in any guide book. Learned lots about history and culture of the region. All in all, a perfect outing!
Review provided by Viator
Janem566
Dec 18, 2023
A different perspective of life in Hanoi - Incredible tour which will take you to parts of Hanoi you wouldn't think of, nor find, yourself. I chose this tour after being unable to get into the Old Quarter tour, and so glad I did. Our tour guide Kien was knowledgeable and shared insights into the social fabric of Hanoi now and in years gone by, and gave me a different perspective of life in Hanoi than I would otherwise have had. Really interesting and highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
友佳里
Nov 25, 2023
Very unique tour which you cannot find elsewhere - Definitely the most unique tour I’ve ever joined in Hanoi. You get a chance to get a glimpse of how people live in the city by going through small alleys and places you cannot find by yourself. Our guide Quang was amazing too. He speaks very good English and could answer our questions. Although it started to rain in the middle of the tour, he managed the tour very well. There are many food tours and sightseeing tours in Hanoi but this is very different and I enjoyed it very much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonsini_pierluigi
Nov 8, 2023
For history buffs - The guide spoke very good english (you can't take it for granted in this part of the world) - small size group, we could ask plenty of questions. Great opportunity for history enthusiasts
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Somtum2023
May 29, 2023
Unique impressions in Hanoi - The tour takes you to places you might have missed on your trip to Hanoi. You'll see a hidden neighbourhood that you probably shouldn't sneak around on your own. But with Cong, who was our guide, it is absolutely safe. Cong gave us a new perspective not only on the ,,american war" but also on the daily life of the people in Vietnam and especially in Hanoi. We highly recommend this tour to get some unique impressions away from the standard tourist programme.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $30
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).