Hanoi Food Tour: Explore Ba Đình's Hidden Alleys and Cuisine

4:30 Hours Free CancellationMeet on locationInstant confirmationMin age 2+Guided Operated by Up Travel Vietnam
John McCain Memorial Admission Included Quan Thanh Temple Admission Included

Why we love it?

This immersive food and cultural tour in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh district offers a unique journey through the city’s Subsidy Era (1976–1986), combining hands-on cooking experiences with historical exploration. Guests visit significant sites including Quan Thanh Temple and the John McCain Memorial, both with admission included, before boarding vintage tram cars that serve as moving mini-museums depicting daily life and resilience during this challenging period. Along the way, participants learn to roll traditional spring rolls, brew egg and salt coffee, and savor classic Subsidy-Era snacks while exploring themed tram carriages like the Phở Carriage, Bếp Carriage, and Gạo Carriage. The tour also features an exclusive screening of a documentary inside a preserved 1980s Hanoi home, providing deeper insight into the era’s culture and hardships. This experience suits travelers interested in history, local life, and Vietnamese cuisine presented through an interactive, narrative-driven format.

Inclusions

  • Food tour of 5 dishes with pho, bun nem, egg/salt coffee, and much more (optional)
  • Learn to make traditional spring rolls and egg/salt coffee inside a vintage tram
  • Subsidy-Era snack tasting with Hanoi iced tea, peanut candy, and others
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Exclusive screening of a documentary on 1970s Hanoi life in a preserved Subsidy-Era home.
  • $2 from each booking supports Leng Keng Tới Trường, providing bicycles to children in remote areas

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
  • Tips for tour guide
  • Any services not mentioned above

Itinerary

Quan Thanh Temple

- Begin your journey at the solemn Quán Thánh Temple, an ancient Taoist site.
- Learn the powerful history of how Hanoi's military at John McCain Memorial — a profound reminder of the Vietnamese resilience and the human cost of war.

After this, you will board a series of specialized tram cars, effectively a Heritage Time Machine, designed to rewind you directly to the challenging yet deeply nostalgic Subsidy Era of Hanoi. Each carriage is a mini-museum and a vessel of culture, food, and heritage. Across these uniquely themed stops, you will actively discover fascinating stories about the city's unique history, resilient art, and day-to-day lifestyle during those pivotal years.

Visit Phở Carriage (Noodles Carriage)

Visit Phở Carriage (Noodles Carriage)

- Embark on a culinary adventure exploring Vietnam’s regional noodle culture.
- Follow a flavorful “noodle map” across the North, Central, and South.

Savor an authentic bowl of Northern Pho with crispy fried dough sticks in a nostalgic space overlooking Hanoi’s lively streets.

The Retro Photobooth

Stop at a Retro Photobooth

- Capture classic memories at two retro photobooth themes: The Traditional Hanoi Weeding setting and the Subsidy-Era Tailor Shop

Visit Bếp Carriage (Kitchen Carriage)

Visit Bếp Carriage (Kitchen Carriage)
- Step back in time to the subsidy-era kitchens of Hanoi.
- Sip iced tea and taste retro sweets once beloved in the 1980s.
- Immerse yourself in a cozy courtyard beside a weathered newspaper stall that brings the charm of old Hanoi to life.

a typical apartment from the subsidy period

Experience An Exclusive Look A Preserved Hanoi's 1980s Era Home
- Visit a typical apartment from the subsidy period, filled with vintage memories.
- Watch a short documentary film featuring authentic footage of Hanoi’s daily life in the 1970s–1980s.

Visit Gạo Carriage (Rice Carriage)

Visit Gạo Carriage (Rice Carriage)
- Learn the story of Vietnam’s most cherished grain: rice.
- Put your skills to the test in a hands-on session where you learn to roll Hanoi-style spring rolls.
- Enjoy a heartwarming subsidy-era meal featuring your own signature crispy creations.

Final Stop

Final Stop: Local Market Visit
- Explore the vibrant local life with a visit to Châu Long Market. (Note: Market is typically closed by 6:00 PM, so this stop can only be completed before then).

Optional Upgrade

Optional Upgrade: Trà Carriage (Royal Tea Carriage)
- Optionally take a premium upgrade to a royal tea experience in the majestic Trịnh Lord's Palace setting.
- Savor an exclusive, carefully brewed Vietnamese tea overlooking Trúc Bạch Lake.

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start