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Offered languages
- English
- English
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: historic black market
- Kham Thiem: the B52 memorial
- Hanoi Train Street community
Note: 20% of the profit will be donated to the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin and Blue Dragon's Children Foundation.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This is the gate of a school named Doan Ket school
You can easily walk back to the Old Quarter
Itinerary
-
1
Understand Before You Walk: The Story Starts Here. We don't rush you out onto the streets. Our journey begins with a relaxed, sit-down conversation with your open-minded local expert. We take the time to set the stage, providing deep context about the Vietnam War so that every place you visit later has a powerful new meaning.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
At the Cho Gioi "black market," we uncover the hidden stories of the war's aftermath. You'll learn how local ingenuity and a secret economy became a powerful story of survival during the difficult planned economy era, a side of history you won't find in guidebooks.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The Kham Thien B52 Memorial commemorates one of the most devastating air raids of the Vietnam War. On the night of December 26, 1972, during Operation Linebacker II, B52 bombers struck Kham Thien Street, a densely populated residential area in Hanoi. The attack destroyed hundreds of homes and resulted in the deaths of many civilians, leaving a lasting impact on the local community. Today, the memorial stands as a place of remembrance and reflection. Visitors can see a monument honoring the victims, photographs documenting the destruction, and remnants that help tell the story of the bombing. More than a historical site, Kham Thien offers insight into how ordinary people experienced war and how Hanoi rebuilt in its aftermath. For many locals, it remains a powerful symbol of resilience, peace, and the human cost of conflict.
Admission ticket free -
3
Kham Thien B52 Memorial: More Than a Memorial - A Powerful Lesson from History. We visit this memorial not just to remember the tragedy of the past, but to truly learn from it. This is a place to reflect on the powerful lessons history teaches us about resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Duờng Tau
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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