Echoes of Hanoi - Urban Tales & Outskirts Life

Time Departures:

Everyday: 8:00AM - 12:30PM / 12:30PM-17:00PM

Highlight:

• Ride in  an open-air UAZ Jeep 7S with water, tea, coffee onboard.
• Explore  the narow alleyways of the Ngoc Ha complex - experience the traditional market of Hanoi's local.
• Visit a Recycling workshop at Phu Thuong Village.
• Enjoy Phu Thuong sticky rice and drink lotus tea with the loccals.
• Visit a veteran’s home with over 3,000 war relics, honoring past sacrifices.
• Traditional Vietnamese lunch at riverside restaurant.

Itinerary

7:45 - 8:00 AM: Pickup and Introduction

• Your guide will greet you at the meeting point and escort you to a classic Vietnamese Jeep.
• Begin your journey through Hanoi’s streets, where you will see a blend of colonial French architecture and modern urban development, showcasing the city’s historical evolution.

8:00 AM: We'll arrive at Ngoc Ha Village

Ngoc Ha is, in fact, one of the original parts of Hanoi – a city with more than 1,000 years of history. In the past, this was a very self-contained village. Each family owned their own lush plot of land, where they grew flowers to supply to the rest of the city’s residents. There are not many flower gardens left in Ngoc Ha these days, but the neighborhood still retains its village feel. As you explore further west, you will be mesmerized by the enchanting maze of narrow alleyways that make up the Ngoc Ha neighborhood. Within this maze, you will discover charming communal houses, temples, and shimmering lakes. 

Relative to other parts of Hanoi, Ngoc Ha is extremely green. By virtue of the laneways and lack of main roads, it’s also very quiet and charming. This inner-city neighborhood is a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into the local way of life. Spend a morning exploring its narrow streets, traditional houses, and bustling markets, and you'll experience Hanoi like a true local.

For such a small, thoroughly local, and untouristed area, Ngoc Ha has an awful lot to offer visitors. On this trip, we'll explore:

1. Ngoc Ha Communal House

Like all villages in Vietnam, at the heart of the neighborhood lies the ancient communal house, which serves as a hub for worship, recreation, and community gatherings.

During special occasions and festivals, you'll find the temple and its surrounding streets are adorned with vibrant flags, and lotus-shaped lanterns grace the bridge that stretches across the temple moat, connecting the residential and gardens to the picturesque surroundings. As you cross the bridge, you are transported to a serene oasis of lotus ponds and graceful palm trees, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

2. Ngoc Ha local market & alleyways

Just like the communal house, every “village” or neighborhood has its own market and this neighborhood has Ngoc Ha Market - not the big one you see when you search on google but the local market that trails along the alleyways.  

Every morning, from around 5 am, a bustling market comes to life, extending into the laneways and backstreets of the neighborhood. This is by far one of the most atmospheric and interesting markets that you can find in Hanoi

While strolling around in the market, don’t forget to wander into the little alleys. When you look up Ngoc Ha village/neighborhood, it appears as a network of twisted alleys. In reality, the laneways are even smaller, narrower, and even more twisted than you might expect. It’s like a maze of charming and quiet residential laneways, bringing a very nostalgic and aesthetic feel.

3. Huu Tiep Lake and the wreckage B-52

Hồ Hữu Tiệp, better known as B52 Lake, has a rather unusual water feature. Here, you can see the wreckage of a US B52 plane that was shot down over Hanoi in the Christmas bombing of 1972. The wreckage, which apparently fell first onto a nearby rooftop before sliding into the lake, is now considered something of a victory monument.

The lake itself is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lake's perimeter, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the beautiful views. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, B52 Lake offers something for everyone.

At 09:30 AM: We'll visit B52 Victory Museum

Location: 157 Doi Can Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 8 am - 11 am & 1.30 pm - 4.30 pm, every day except Monday, Friday

Entry fee: Free

B52 Victory Museum is one of the few places that still holds memories of the battle “Dien Bien Phu in the air” against American airstrikes in December 1972. It stands as a proud symbol of the Vietnamese armed forces and is among the best museums in Hanoi. Located within an important historical space, the museum is closely connected to Huu Tiep Lake, where a B-52 aircraft once crashed.

For any visitor interested in history, especially the Vietnam War, this museum is a must-see destination.

Around 10:30 AM: We'll Visit Mr.Quan recycle workshop & art studio

Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, hidden somewhere in the back alleys of an ancient village, stands a small workshop of a group of talented artists with immense love for the environment. Though small and simple, this is where the artists carefully & skillfully transform what others consider trash into beautiful works of art. 

As we explore the workshop, we will encounter a diverse range of artworks. From stained glass lights, colorful clocks, ashtrays, to cute & tiny key chains, etc. You also have the opportunity to learn and try your hand at recycled art, adding something to your collection.

Here are some of their amazing works

And also a lot of fun activites to try

By the end of the day, we hope you’ll have more understanding of the impact of recycling and its ability to turn junk into stunning creations. It might even ignite your own artistic spirit and encourage you to think twice before discarding your waste.

Around 11:30 AM: We'll have lunch 

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a peaceful riverside restaurant, where the tranquil setting complements the authentic flavors of traditional Vietnamese countryside cuisine. Surrounded by nature, this meal offers a taste of rural life, where dishes are made from fresh, local ingredients that capture the essence of the land. It’s more than just a meal-it’s an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the simple, warm-hearted culture of Vietnam’s villages while savoring the true taste of home-cooked dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the harmony of nature and culture, all by the river’s edge.

At 12:00 PM: Drop off at HN Opera House/your hotel in the old quarter

Our Policies:

Children policy

• Children under 4 years old - free of charge
• Children from 5-10 years old - charge a 75% rate as adult
• Children from 11 years old and above - fully charged as adults

Cancellation policy

In case you want to cancel a booking, you must notify us via email. The cancellation fee will be applied based on the following conditions:

*Turning up late to the tour for whatever reasons will be considered a late cancellation and will result in 100% of the payment charged