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Hanoi's Hidden Side & Meeting Veterans Tour

Hanoi - Hanoi Old Quarter
1 days, 0 nights
Excursions from Hanoi
Vietnam
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This is perfect for history buffs and anyone who wants to gain firsthand insights into the Vietnam War. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll meet veterans who lived through the war, learn about their experiences during and after the conflict, and explore how the war shaped Vietnam’s modern history. As you travel through both Hanoi’s historic French Quarter and Old Quarter, the tour also reveals the contrast between the city’s colonial past and its current vibrant life.

Departure Times:

Morning: 08:00 – 12:00

Afternoon: 12:30 – 16:30

Evening: 17:00 – 21:30

Duration: 4 hours

Mode of Travel: Choose between a Russian Jeep or a Vintage Minsk Motorbike for a nostalgic ride through the city.

  • Itinerary & Maps
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Pick-up and Introduction: Your guide will collect you from your hotel or a designated meeting spot.

Meet with Veterans: Engage in conversations with war veterans who share their personal stories.

Explore Historic Hanoi: Ride through the French Quarter, Old Quarter, and visit iconic landmarks like the Long Bien Bridge and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Middle Island: Discover the lives of the community of fishermen in the little island located within the Red River

Lunch or Dinner: Finish the tour with a meal at a local restaurant.

Pick-up: Your day begins with a friendly greeting from your tour guide, who will pick you up from your hotel in a classic Russian Jeep or on a Vintage Minsk Motorbike. After a brief introduction to the tour, we’ll head off to explore the backstreets and hidden alleys of Hanoi, giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of local life.

Meeting the Veterans: The highlight of this tour is an intimate meeting with Vietnamese war veterans. These men and women share their firsthand experiences from the war, offering you a rare opportunity to understand the conflict from their perspective. You’ll learn about the challenges they faced during the war, the hardships of the post-war years, and how they have adapted to life in modern Vietnam. These conversations are both humbling and inspiring, giving you a real sense of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Explore Hanoi’s Historic Quarters: We’ll pass by landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Long Bien Bridge, and the Presidential Palace. These sites not only highlight the city’s rich architectural heritage but also tell the story of its complex history.

Visit the Middle Island: As we cross the Red River, we’ll make a stop at the Middle Island, a unique and isolated area of the city that remains largely untouched by modern development. With no electricity or running water, this hidden community of fishermen offers a glimpse of a different way of life in Hanoi. 

Traditional Hanoian Cuisine: After a morning or afternoon of exploration and historical reflection, the tour ends with a meal at a local restaurant. You’ll be introduced to traditional Hanoian dishes, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

Drop-off: Our tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or accommodation. End of services.

Accommodation

Our selection of partner hotels is carefully chosen for their comfort, authenticity, and quality of service. Combining local charm, warm hospitality, and international standards, they offer our travelers a pleasant, relaxing, and memorable stay.

Junks

All our luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay are carefully selected for each group: comfortable cabins, high-end service, refined cuisine, and attentive staff — ensuring a serene and unforgettable experience on the water.

Train

The trains we select for each journey stand out for their modern comfort, clean and well-equipped cabins, punctual service, and optimal safety. They guarantee a pleasant, reliable, and professional travel experience across Vietnam.

Cars

All our trips are accompanied by experienced, courteous, and attentive drivers, chosen for their professionalism. Our modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles are carefully selected to ensure safety, quality, and peace of mind throughout your journey.

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How to Book Your Trip?

Booking a trip is an essential step that deserves careful thought, organization, and support. The first step is to clearly define your expectations — destination, duration, budget, departure period, and preferred travel style (cultural, seaside, adventure, tailor-made, etc.).
Next, it is recommended to contact a specialized local travel agency, capable of advising you and designing a personalized itinerary adapted to your preferences and pace. Once the program and quotation are validated, the booking is usually confirmed through a written contract and a deposit payment, ensuring the reservation of services (accommodation, transport, activities, guide).
You will then receive a detailed confirmation along with the necessary documents for the smooth running of your trip. A few days before departure, it is strongly advised to review the final schedule, contacts, and travel conditions.
Booking with an experienced professional ensures a worry-free, well-organized journey without unpleasant surprises.

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We are proud and honored to share with you that the specialized press recommends us, most of them for several consecutive years.