Cycling Tour Hanoi Vietnam

Sightseeing Hanoi with the City Cycling tour! This activity I can highly recommend for anyone that loves cycling and sightseeing!

A new cycling adventure that took me through the bustling streets and serene landscapes of Hanoi, Vietnam. The Hanoi City Cycling Tour of Friends Travel Vietnam isn’t just any tour; it’s a journey into the soul of this historic city, offering a blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and a unique perspective from the saddle of a bike.

Cycling tour Hanoi

For me the tour kicked off early in the morning, a perfect time to witness the city as it awakens. Our guides, two knowledgeable locals with a passion for Hanoi’s history and culture, greeted us with a warm smile. The group was small, making the experience more personal and engaging. During the whole trip the guides were always there to support us or answer any question we fired at them.

Cycling Through History and Culture

We’d love to do sightseeing Hanoi so we booked this trip on our first full day in Hanoi. This way we ticked of a lot of highlights in a short period of time while exploring Hanoi by bicycle! Our route was carefully planned to showcase the contrasts of Hanoi. We cycled through narrow lanes bustling with daily life, past vendors selling fragrant street food, and artisans busy at their craft. One of the highlight was riding along the iconic Long Bien Bridge, a symbol of Hanoi’s resilience.

The tour’s path also led us away from the city’s hustle and bustle into the tranquil countryside on Banana island. Here, the landscape transformed into lush greenery and waterways, offering a glimpse of rural Vietnam. The contrast between the urban and rural settings highlighted the diverse beauty of Hanoi. Beside that the island has his own history and current swimming culture what your guide will tell about next to the Red River!

The street culture in Hanoi

One of the most enchanting aspects of Hanoi that I absolutely adore is the plethora of street vendors, each adding their unique flavor to the city’s vibrant tapestry. I encourage you, dear readers, to turn your exploration into a delightful game – spot as many different vendors as you can! Keep an eye out for the diligent shoe cleaners, a humble yet vital part of the city’s rhythm, bringing life back to tired footwear with skilled hands. Don’t miss the fruit sellers, whose stalls burst with the colors and scents of local produce, offering a taste of Vietnam’s rich harvests.

Then there are the pots and pans sellers, their metallic wares clinking melodically, essential for anyone who wants to recreate the magic of Vietnamese cooking at home. A unique sight is the ceramic sellers, ingeniously using their bicycles to display beautiful, fragile wares, a testament to the ingenuity of the local people. Look out for the balloon sellers too, their vibrant clusters of joy floating above the crowds, bringing smiles to faces young and old. And of course, the flower sellers, with their fragrant blooms creating a roving garden amidst the urban landscape. Each vendor not only contributes to Hanoi’s lively street scene but also tells a story of tradition, resilience, and the heart of the city. So, let’s see how many you can spot in your journey through the enchanting streets of Hanoi!

Everything fits on a motorbike

While cyclign through the streets you wil see a lot of traffic. Most of them are motorbikes. Beside the street vendors keep an eye out to the motorbikes. The people in Hanoi are great with staking up their bike to make sure everything they want to move fits in one go!

Cycling back to Hanoi City

As we ventured further, we explored hidden temples and markets, each with its own story. The guide’s insightful commentary brought these places to life, intertwining history with personal anecdotes.

A Taste of Local Hanoi

The culinary aspect of the tour was real Vietnamese coffee and we stopped at a local eatery, (which we could decide on as a group) sampling very authentic and delicious Vietnamese food for lunch.

Respecting Local Traditions

We visited multiple holy sites from different religions. We were reminded to dress respectfully when visiting holy sites. Covering shoulders and knees was essential on a couple, easily solved with a sarong or shawl. This small act of respect was appreciated by the locals and enriched our cultural experience.

I LOVE these orange bicycles

The European-style commuter bikes were a highlight. Custom-made for comfort and safety, they were easy to handle. The bikes came equipped with everything we needed – from very comfortable seats to efficient brakes and gears. This attention to detail made the ride smooth and enjoyable. Even in the Orange color of the company.

Experience Tailored for All Ages

What impressed me was the tour’s family-friendliness. Children of various ages can join, riding on specially designed bikes or seated securely in child seats. This inclusivity made the tour a wonderful option for families.

BIG BONUS!
When we were back at the office we got a nice refreshment and the guides shared great tips; the Hanoi train timetable and the best spots along the famous Hanoi trainstreet plus a list of restaurants and food to try when staying in Hanoi. This gave us a great opportunity to spent the afternoon and night sightseeing and eating lovely dishes.

Go Cycling in Hanoi!

The combination of cycling, cultural exploration, and culinary experiences provided a unique and intimate way to discover the city in a fast but thorough manner. When doing the tour at the start of your stay in Hanoi the gained information will give your more understanding of Hanoi and the Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, this tour caters to all, promising an unforgettable journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating cities.

Visiting other big cities in Asia? Do a sightseeing cycling tour in:

Kuala Lumpur
Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi Cycling Tour
Bangkok
Singapore
Mandelay

Background information about Hanoi

1. Capital of Vietnam: Hanoi is the political, cultural, and historical heart of Vietnam, serving as the country’s capital for over a thousand years.
2. Old Quarter: The city is renowned for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets are particularly famous for their history and the bustling life.
3. Lakes and Green Spaces: Hanoi is dotted with numerous lakes, the most famous being Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a central piece of the city’s public life and a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
4. Street Food Haven: The city is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of street food that reflects the richness of Vietnamese cuisine. Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Egg Coffee are must-try delicacies.
5. Motorbike Culture: The streets of Hanoi are flooded with motorbikes, which are the primary mode of transportation for locals. It’s an experience to witness or join the sea of motorbikes during rush hours.
6. Cultural Festivities: The city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals, especially during the Lunar New Year (Tet) when the city is adorned with decorations and traditional activities.
7. Historical Landmarks: The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant historical landmark representing the city’s history.
8. French Quarter: The influence of French colonialism is evident in the French Quarter of Hanoi, where visitors can see well-preserved colonial buildings, wide boulevards, and French-inspired cafes.
9. Coffee Culture: Hanoi’s coffee culture is robust, with countless cafes serving traditional Vietnamese coffee. Unique to Hanoi is the Egg Coffee, a must-try creamy concoction.
10. Craft Villages: Surrounding Hanoi are numerous craft villages, each specializing in different traditional crafts like pottery, wood carving, and lacquerware.
11. Dynamic Nightlife: The city doesn’t sleep early; its nightlife ranges from traditional theaters and cultural shows to lively bars and night markets.
12. MUST TRY -> Sitting on small, plastic chairs along the bustling streets of Hanoi, sipping on a cold glass of Bia Hoi, is an experience that captures the essence of the city’s vibrant street culture. These tiny chairs, often clustered around low tables on sidewalks, invite a casual and communal atmosphere unique to Hanoi. Here, amidst the hum of the city, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy Bia Hoi, a light and refreshing draft beer brewed daily in local microbreweries. This ritual is not just about the beer; it’s a social tradition that brings people together, encouraging conversations and friendships under the open sky. The simplicity of these small chairs, coupled with the lively streets and the affordable, fresh beer, creates an authentic and memorable aspect of Hanoi’s urban life, offering a glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s capital. Click here for the location!