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Travel back in time on a tram tour of Hanoi's Subsidy Era. Visit Quán Thánh Temple, the John McCain Memorial, and enjoy a bowl of Northern Phở.

Highlights

• Explore creative street tramcars showcasing Hanoi’s culture, food & daily life.
• Savor authentic Northern Phở and taste the flavors of Vietnam’s rich cuisine.
• Discover Subsidy Period life & 1980s Hanoi Living Space.
• Stroll through Châu Long Market to see daily life and local trade.
• Experience a royal tea culture, reminiscent of the Trinh Lord's palace.

Description

Your experience begins at the dignified Quan Thanh Temple, one of Hanoi’s four most sacred temples, a spiritual anchor that has watched over this peaceful capital city for centuries. From here, enjoy a gentle walk toward the still waters of Trúc Bạch Lake, where the John McCain Memorial marks a gripping episode from Hanoi’s wartime past. At this lakeside site, you’ll learn about a significant historical event connected to U.S. Senator John McCain, whose aircraft went down here during the war — a moment that remains an important part of Hanoi’s history. Leaving the lakeshore behind, step into a creative open-air mini museum built entirely on street-style tramcars. These restored carriages capture vivid snapshots of Hanoi, from culture to cuisine, from history to modern life. Each tramcar is designed as an intimate cultural gallery, offering a different perspective on the city’s memories, imagination, and daily rhythms. As you move from one themed space to another, you’ll come across surprising anecdotes that bring Hanoi's culture to life in unexpected ways. Your first stop is the Noodles Carriage, where Vietnam’s regional noodle traditions are showcased through engaging storytelling. After exploring how flavors evolved across the country, head to the upper level to enjoy a steaming bowl of Northern-style phở, paired with crispy fried dough sticks, in a nostalgic space overlooking the city’s lively streets, where memories, flavors, and the rhythm of Hanoi life blend in perfect harmony. Next, capture your classic moments at two distinct retro photobooth themes: immerse yourself in a traditional Hanoi Wedding scene and the unique world of a Subsidy-Period Tailoring workshop. Both backdrops offer delightful, picture-perfect moments that preserve the spirit of a bygone time. Next, wander into the Subsidy Period Carriage, a faithful reconstruction of kitchens from Vietnam’s austere postwar years. Through stories of rationing, daily meals, and simple family cooking, you’ll gain a clearer sense of how Hanoi households creatively stretched limited supplies. Sip a glass of iced tea and nibble nostalgic candies beside an old newspaper kiosk, a corner that feels beautifully frozen in time. Continue into the heart of old Hanoi with a visit to Hanoi's 1980s Living Space, a modest yet deeply nostalgic space where every object and faded wall holds a story of the past. Watch a short documentary film featuring rare, authentic footage of Hanoi’s everyday life in the 1970s and 1980s. At the Rice Carriage, the spotlight turns to Vietnam’s most essential grain. Learn about the hard work behind each grain of rice, as well as the everyday meals and Tet. In a hands-on activity, you’ll practice rolling Hanoi-style spring rolls before sitting down to enjoy a humble, heartwarming meal featuring your own signature crispy creations. Finally, conclude your tour with a vibrant visit to Châu Long Market, observing the bustling trade and local life of Hanoians.

Includes

Local English-speaking cultural guide throughout the tour All entrance fees Local market visit Traditional meal featuring authentic Northern-style Phở with crispy fried dough sticks and Vietnamese vermicelli with spring rolls Subsidy-Period Snack Experience with Hanoi local iced tea and some sweet treats including peanut candy Free use of both themed photobooths (Wedding & Tailoring) complete with authentic costumes and props Exclusive access to view the rare documentary film about Hanoi's daily life in the 1970s–1980s & Hanoi subsidy living space in the 80s

Important Information

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking Bring a camera for photos Be prepared for cultural and historical insights The itinerary includes a visit to the Châu Long Market. Please be aware the market typically closes by 6:00 PM. The market stop may be skipped or severely limited due to its closing time. The Royal Tea Carriage is an optional upgrade. If you wish to savor the exclusive Vietnamese tea in the Trịnh Lord's Palace setting, please choose the option with 'Royal Tea Carriage'.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund