Day Tour | Hanoi's Old Apartment Lifestyle Experience

— GENERAL INFORMATION —

Tour: Half day tour.

Departure time: 08:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Group size: 4–10 pax.

Meeting point: Trung Tu Play Ground (Link)

* Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

 

– ABOUT THIS SERVICE –

Step into the everyday life of Hanoi's collective housing communities on the Hanoi KTT "Modelized" Lifestyle Walking Tour. This unique cultural and architectural experience takes you through some of Hanoi's most iconic KTT (Khu Tập Thể) neighborhoods, where generations of residents have developed creative ways to adapt to limited living spaces while maintaining strong community connections. Begin with an introduction to the history and development of Hanoi's collective housing system, tracing its evolution from the 1960s through the 1990s. As you explore Trung Tu KTT, learn about the planning principles behind these residential complexes and discover the famous "tiger cages" - innovative home extensions that have become a distinctive feature of Hanoi's urban landscape. Continue to Khuong Thuong KTT, known for its unique curved design, where you'll gain a deeper understanding of the changing living conditions and social dynamics experienced by residents over the decades. The journey then takes you to Kim Lien KTT, one of Hanoi's most historic collective housing areas, originally built with assistance from North Korea. Wander through retro corners filled with nostalgic charm and uncover fascinating stories of community life during Vietnam's period of economic transformation. The experience concludes with an interactive housing design and drawing workshop, offering participants a creative opportunity to explore how residents maximize space and adapt their homes to meet changing family needs. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts, urban explorers, photographers, and travelers interested in local culture, this tour offers a rare glimpse into an important chapter of Hanoi's social and architectural history.

 

– ITINERARY –

8.30 AM: Talk about the formation and development of Hanoi's KTT through the 1960s - 1980s - 1990s.

 

9.00 AM: Walk around Trung Tu KTT, learn about the construction and planning methods of KTT in Hanoi, especially the "tiger cages" - Vietnamese innovation that always teeters on the line between "genius" and perilous.

 

9.30 AM: Stop at Khuong Thuong KTT, discover the history and life at Khuong Thuong KTT - the most unique KTT design with a curved shape & learn about apartment complexes and the difficulties in living conditions of the local people then-now.

 

10.00 AM: Visit Kim Lien KTT - which was built with the help from North Korea. Surfing through the retro corner with 80s vibes and searching for the largest and the most "floating" tiger cage in the area.

 

 

10.30 AM: Participate in a housing-design/drawing workshop and know more about how people organize their "un-spacious" home.

 

11.30 AM: End of program.

*Note: This is a reference itinerary. The actual itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the actual circumstances at the destination.

 

 

INCLUDED:

• Guided walking tour with a local expert/storyteller.
• One complimentary beverage.
• Housing design/drawing workshop.
• Entrance tickets and admission fees as specified in the itinerary.

EXCLUDED:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Additional food and beverages not mentioned in the program.
• Personal expenses.
• Gratuities (optional).