War History Tours in Hanoi: 7 We Would Book Twice

1.Vietnam War: Uncovering Hanoi’s Untold Stories

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · from $28Our pick

Spend three hours with a local English-speaking guide such as Kien or Dung, exploring Cho Gioi, a former communal housing area, the Kham Thien B52 memorial, and Hanoi Train Street. Expect thoughtful discussion of North and South Vietnam, daily life under the planned economy, a short taxi ride, and coffee or tea.

“This was a great tour. Wasn't sure I was going to do any, but wanted a bit more information about the Vietnam War, which I received plus some. Highly recommend”

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2.(Private) Hanoi War Sites Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews

Spend three to five hours with a private local student guide visiting Hanoi’s war-related sites, including Hoa Lo Prison, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ba Dinh Square, and the downed B-52 at Huu Tiep Lake. Guides such as Hannah, Chien, Anh, and Nam have led flexible tours, with optional tire-sandal making and time for questions.

“I had the pleasure to have my Hanoi War Sites Tour with Nguyen Duc Nguyen. He came very punctually to pick me up, even though I offered to meet him on his way, so that's very kind of him. We went to the Mausoleum and the prison. The military Museum was sadly closed due to Tet. But even without it, we spent 4 hours on the Tour and Nguyen was really motivated and willing to share his knowledge of the Vietnamese history. I really appreciate his humble way of being and kindness. You should definitely book a Tour with him when you have the chance. Regards, Karina”

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3.Full-Day City Tour with Hoa Lo Prison |Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $40

Start at 7:30 am with an English-speaking guide such as Thuy, Tweety, Tom, or Son, then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh complex, One Pillar Pagoda, the Ethnology Museum, and Hoa Lo Prison. Air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and entrance fees are included. Lunch costs an extra 200,000 VND.

“The tour organized by Elbiee Operator was convenient and well-organized. Pick-up was on time, and the tour ended as scheduled. Our tour guide, Tweety, was knowledgeable, explained each site clearly, and patiently answered our questionRead more”

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4.War Site Museums Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 43 reviews · 210 minutes - 8 hours · from $30

You’ll visit Hoa Lo Prison, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Vietnam Military History Museum, and the B52 wreckage at Huu Tiep Lake. Guides such as Minh, Mark, Tee, Nathan, and Nam are praised for clear English and thoughtful answers. Expect taxi transport, museum tickets, a drink, and options lasting from 3.5 to 8 hours.

“Minh the tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour enjoyable”

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5.Incense + Hat Villages/ Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 37 reviews · 330 minutes - 1 day · from $11Best value

Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Quang Phu Cau and Chuong villages with an English-speaking guide such as Louisa, Paul, or Jenny. See incense made by hand, decorate a conical hat, eat lunch, then visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison on the full-day option. Half-day tours focus on the villages and may finish at Train Street.

“Cute tour! Louisa was a good tour guide with a great sense of humor! She was also giving her all to take good pics of us! Thanks again Lulu!”

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6.Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris in Hanoi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $40

Spend 3.5 hours walking Hanoi’s French Quarter with Nam, Van, Lisa, or Julia. See the Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Tonkin Palace, and Hoa Lo Prison, with local stories, Vietnamese coffee, water, and a group limited to 10 people.

“Julia was a great guide with good information and we visited some great spots you wouldn't know about”

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7.Hoa Lo Prison and Little Paris Tour in Hanoi (French Quarter)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $47

Walk Hanoi’s French Quarter with a private guide, seeing King Ly Thai To’s statue, colonial buildings, Trang Tien ice cream, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and Hoa Lo Prison. Guides Nam and Van tailor the history to your interests. The three-hour tour ends inside Hoa Lo Prison and includes admission, water, and coffee or tea.

“Nam is highly knowledgeable and presents local history in a compelling manner that is tailored to your interests.”

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