Hidden History of Vietnam Wars Tour at Historic Sites

5.0 (1 reviews) Hanoi, Vietnam
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesVietnamese, English
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

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

  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off (if your hotel is located in the Old Quarter or French Quarter)
  • Tickets for the Relics
  • Coffee, juice, water or the other drinks
  • Private car
  • Tips for guide is appreciated

What to expect

  1. Hoa Lo Prison
    45m · Admission ticket included
    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.”
  2. Hanoi
    30m
    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
  3. Hanoi
    30m
    French Quarter: which was once dubbed "Little Paris in Hanoi." Behind its colonial charm lie complex tales of French-Vietnamese relations, alongside compelling stories of American presence—from renowned anti-war figures like Joan Baez (the Queen of Folk) and Jane Fonda to historic visits by US presidents.
  4. Hanoi
    15m
    Palace of the Tonkin Governor: Admire graceful French neoclassical architecture alongside visible battle scars from the war against the French.
  5. Hanoi Opera House
    30m
    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
  6. Huu Tiep Lake and the Downed B-52
    15m
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

The historical marker of U.S. Senator John McCain

Pickup details

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

Additional information

  • 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

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (1)
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Operated by JA Vietnam · Booked through Viator
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