[ 2 options of Morning tour or Afternoon tour ]
Step back in time and uncover Hanoi’s wartime past with our Half-Day Military History Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s struggle for independence and its role in 20th-century conflicts. It is ideal for history buffs, veterans, and curious travelers alike.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- I’ll pick you up at your hotel to begin our unforgettable Half-Day Hanoi Military History Tour — a journey into the city's wartime past and heroic legacy.
B-52 Victory Museum – Witness to the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air”
The B-52 Victory Museum in Hanoi was established to honor the city's courageous defense against the massive U.S. air raids in December 1972. In Vietnam, this pivotal event is known as the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” campaign, a reference to the historic 1954 victory over the French. Internationally, it is recognized as Operation Linebacker II, the December Raids, or the Christmas Bombings. The museum stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, showcasing aircraft wreckage, war artifacts, and stories from one of the most intense chapters of the Vietnam War.
[Closed on Monday ---If your tour day falls on Monday, we will visit alternative spot.]
John Sidney McCain Memorial – Trúc Bạch Lake, Hanoi
Located on the banks of Trúc Bạch Lake, the John Sidney McCain Memorial marks the site where U.S. Navy pilot Senator John McCain was shot down during a bombing mission over Hanoi on October 26, 1967, during the Vietnam War.
Captured after parachuting into the lake, McCain was taken to Hoa Lo Prison (later dubbed the "Hanoi Hilton"), where he was held for over five years. Despite the pain and politics of war, this memorial now stands as a symbol of reconciliation between Vietnam and the United States.
The stone monument features inscriptions in both Vietnamese and English, briefly recounting the incident. It’s a meaningful stop for those interested in military history and the personal stories behind the conflict.
Huu Tiep Lake & the Downed B-52 – A Quiet Witness to War
Tucked away in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Ba Dinh District, Huu Tiep Lake holds a powerful relic of history — the wreckage of a U.S. B-52 bomber shot down during the fierce air raids over Hanoi in December 1972, known locally as “Dien Bien Phu in the Air.”
The twisted metal still visible above the waterline serves as a raw and haunting reminder of the Vietnam War. Surrounded by local homes and daily life, the site offers a striking contrast between past and present, where history rests quietly in the middle of a living, breathing Hanoi.
A visit here provides a rare, unfiltered connection to wartime history and is a meaningful stop for those seeking deeper understanding beyond the museum walls.
Hoa Lo Prison – The “Hanoi Hilton”
Hoa Lo Prison later became one of the most infamous sites of the Vietnam War. Nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, it held captured U.S. pilots, including notable figures like Senator John McCain.
Today, much of the original prison has been demolished, but a preserved section has been transformed into a powerful museum. Inside, you'll find haunting exhibits on colonial oppression, the harsh conditions endured by prisoners, and personal artifacts from both Vietnamese revolutionaries and American soldiers.
A visit to Hoa Lo offers deep insight into Vietnam’s fight for independence and the human cost of war—a moving experience not to be missed.
Your hotel
Drop off at your hotel
Ending Point
Your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
English-speaking guide
All the entrance tickets
Taxi fare
(If you prefer a more comfortable ride, I’d be happy to help you arrange a private car for your tour. Just let me know in advance!)
-You can chose either 8:00 starting or 13:30 starting.
-B-52 Victory Museum is closed on Mondays. I will suggest an alternative visit for Monday. Please avoid Monday if you do not want to miss this museum.
All tours can be customized for you. Please send me a message with your requests!
My name is Anh, and I am a professional Vietnam tour guide born and raised in Hanoi. With over 15 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, I have had the pleasure of guiding travelers from more than 50 countries around the world. Whether you’re exploring bustling Hanoi or venturing across Vietnam, I am here to help create a smooth, memorable, and truly local experience.
$80/ per group