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Offered languages
- English
Vietnam is a country that has experienced many wars with France, China, and most famously the Vietnam War. Throughout its history, Vietnam has also stood at the crossroads of conflicts between East and West, shaped by events such as World War II, the Cold War, and the China–Soviet split. Therefore, learning about Vietnamese history also helps you discover an important part of the course of world history.
On this tour, you will uncover hidden yet fascinating stories that remain little known—even among many Vietnamese themselves. You will embark on a historical journey that is both sorrowful and heroic, yet deeply engaging, visiting sites where major events truly took place. In particular, you will explore lesser-known locations that even many Hanoi locals rarely notice, such as the Mass Grave, the burial site of victims of the 1945 famine. Here, you will hear the tragic story of the Vietnamese people, when millions lost their lives during this devastating historical famine.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please provide us with the name or address of your hotel. Our tour guide will contact you via WhatsApp or Viator. Once you share the address, we will arrange to pick you up at the hotel reception if your hotel is located in the Old Quarter or French Quarter
The meeting point is Cửa Bắc Catholic Church, at 56 Phan Dinh Phung street, Hanoi, a beautiful church with yellow wall and red roof. Our tour guide, who will be wearing a hat or cap, will wait for you there and start the tour with you.
The historical marker of U.S. Senator John McCain
Itinerary
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1Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view): The site where President Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved, and also where he proclaimed Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence in 1945.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Hanoi Opera House
Hanoi Opera House and the French Quarter: An area often called “a miniature Paris,” with beautiful French architecture and the setting of many major historical events in Vietnam
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hoa Lo Prison
Hoa Lo Prison (inside visit): A famous historical site built by the French to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries. Later, it was used to hold American pilots and became known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4Hanoi
Mass Grave: The burial site of victims of the 1945 famine. Here, you will hear a sorrowful story of the Vietnamese people, when millions lost their lives during this tragic historical famine
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Huu Tiep Lake and the Downed B-52
B-52 Lake: A fascinating location where you can see the wreckage of an American aircraft in the lake, offering insight into the optimism and resilience of Hanoi’s people during wartime.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Hanoi Old Citadel - Northern Gate
North Gate (Optional: guests can choose either location 6 or 7): The old gate of the Hanoi Citadel, where bullet marks left by the French during their invasion of Vietnam can still be seen
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
The historical marker of U.S. Senator John McCain (Optional: guests can choose either location 6 or 7): McCain was a former U.S. pilot captured during the Vietnam War, who later returned to the United States, became a senator, and came close to becoming president before losing to President Obama. His story helps illustrate the reconciliation between Vietnam and the U.S., as well as the Vietnamese people’s desire for friendship and peace.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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