Hanoi Food Tour: Hidden Alleys, Train Exhibit & Coffee Brewing

Hanoi , Vietnam

Hanoi Food Tour: Hidden Alleys, Train Exhibit & Coffee Brewing

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is more than a food tour — it’s a hands-on cultural journey into Hanoi’s Subsidy Era (1976–1986), told through food, stories, and immersive spaces. Instead of just tasting dishes, guests actively roll spring rolls, brew iconic Vietnamese coffee, and enjoy simple subsidy-era snacks that reflect a time of scarcity and creativity.

What makes this experience truly special is the use of exclusive mini tram cars, each curated as a moving mini-museum with different layers of Hanoi’s past

Beyond the trams, the tour connects food with real local life through visits to Tran Quoc Pagoda, local markets, and the Truc Bach area, offering insight into how people lived, worshipped, and found resilience during challenging times.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore vintage trams filled with Subsidy-Era artifacts and stories.
- Taste 1920-style Phở, spring rolls, and classic Subsidy-Era snacks.
- Enjoy egg coffee inside the tram museum
- Walk through hidden sites revealing Hanoi’s forgotten Subsidy-Era history.

Available options

PRIVATE: Mini-Museum Tram Tour

Private Experience: Enjoy a fully personalized tour experience with just your group, exploring Hanoi at your own pace.<br/>Private Tour Guide

JOIN-IN: Mini-Museum Tram Tour

Join-in Tour: Experience this tour alongside fellow travelers, making new friends while exploring Hanoi’s hidden gems.

What's included

All entrance tickets to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Truc Bach Lake, and the historic John McCain Memorial Site

Food tour of 5 dishes with pho, bun nem, royal tea, egg/salt coffee, and much more

Round-trip transportation from your hotel to the meeting point (based on option selected)

Two themed photobooths (Wedding & Tailoring) with authentic costumes and props

$2 from each booking supports Leng Keng Tới Trường, providing bicycles to children in remote areas

English speaking tour guide

Exclusive access to 5–6 historic mini trams

Exclusive screening of a rare documentary on 1970s–80s Hanoi life in a preserved Subsidy-Era home.

Subsidy-Era snack tasting with Hanoi iced tea, peanut candy, and others

Learn to make traditional spring rolls and egg/salt coffee inside a vintage tram

Detailed itinerary

- 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.

Stop 2

Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda and gain more insights about Vietnam’s Buddhist traditions, ancient architectural symbolism, and the pagoda’s unique role in shaping the spiritual life of the capital.

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.

- Pho Carriage: Savor an authentic bowl of Northern Pho with crispy fried dough sticks in a nostalgic space with a lively noodles map.
- Kitchen Carriage: Sip iced tea and taste retro sweets with peanut candy once beloved in the 1980s.
- Rice Carriage: Enjoy a heartwarming subsidy-era meal featuring signature spring rolls made by yourself.
- Coffee Carriage: Try your hand at making signature Vietnamese coffee: Egg Coffee or Salt Coffee

- Capture classic memories at two retro photobooth themes: The Traditional Hanoi Weeding setting and the Subsidy-Era Tailor Shop
- Visit a typical house 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.
- Explore the vibrant local life with a visit to Chau Long Market.

What's not included

Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)

Tips for tour guide

Any services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

VI EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please make your way directly to Quan Thanh Temple, located at 190 Quan Thanh Street. This is a well-known, easily recognizable landmark, so you should have no difficulty finding it. Our guide will be waiting for you at the main entrance.

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.