Hanoi
1/2 day
AH-HN06
4/10
$32 USD
WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to see many sides of Hanoi in one ride: its history, local life, hidden corners, and iconic landmarks. Instead of following a typical sightseeing route, you will cycle from the historic Long Bien Bridge, built in 1902 across the Red River, through local markets and backstreets to Banana Island, then continue to the colorful Quang An Flower Market, the scenic West Lake area, and Tran Quoc Pagoda, widely known as Hanoi’s oldest pagoda. The journey also brings you past memorable city highlights such as B52 Lake, Hanoi Train Street, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Hanoi Opera House, making it ideal for travelers who want a richer, more authentic, and more photogenic way to experience the capital.

Highlights

  • Experiencing a different side of Hanoi with a 4-hour cycling trip.
  • Escaping the chaos of the city center and explore the countryside and backstreets.
  • Riding along the Red River and observe local daily life.
  • Visitting some of Hanoi’s key highlights.
SUMMARY
  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 1/2 day

  • Destination: Hanoi

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Year-round

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

  • Activities: Urban Adventure, Cycling

ITINERARY
Old Quarter - Long Bien Bridge - Banana Island - West Lake - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Old Quarter

07:30 or 13:30 Hotel Pickup & Safety Briefing:  Meet your guide at your hotel. After a short briefing on the bike fitting, safety gear, and the route, begin your cycling journey through the heart of the city.

Historic Long Bien Bridge: Pedal through Hanoi’s Old Quarter toward the historic Long Bien Bridge. Built in 1902, this was the city’s first steel bridge spanning the majestic Red River and remains an iconic symbol of Hanoi's resilience.

Banana Island Exploration: Cycle through bustling local markets and quiet backstreets down to Banana Island. This peaceful green oasis offers a stark contrast to the city, featuring vast banana plantations, lush fruit gardens, vegetable farms, and a glimpse of a floating village on the Red River. 

Mid-tour Refreshment Stop: Take a well-deserved break at a local spot to recharge. Enjoy a complimentary refreshing cold drink, fresh fruit juice, or an authentic Vietnamese coffee while chatting with your guide about local life.

West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda: With your energy restored, continue riding to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, beautifully situated on a small peninsula.

B52 Lake & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Ride past B52 Lake (Huu Tiep Lake) to see the historic remains of a downed American bomber. Afterward, enjoy a scenic cruise past the outside of the majestic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Ba Dinh Square, and the Parliament House.

Hanoi Train Street & French Quarter Landmarks: Navigate through the city's unique lanes to pass by the famous Hanoi Train Street. Depending on the traffic and flow, your route will also feature two architectural landmarks—St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House—visited either at the start or the end of the journey.

11:30 or 17:30 Tour Ends: Cycle back through the Old Quarter to your hotel, where your cycling adventure concludes.

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • English-speaking tour guide
  • High-quality bicycle and safety helmet
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Domestic travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

What to bring: 

Also recommended:

  • Bicycle with helmet
  • Backpack 10L - 20L
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First-aid kit
  • Long-sleeved clothing, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc.
  • Reusable bottle

 

  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases

 

 
  • Personal medications

 

 
  • ID or passport

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Riding Notes

  • Distance: The cycling route is approximately 15 km.
  • Terrain: A vibrant mix of bustling old quarter streets, scenic lakeside roads, and rustic dirt paths through Banana Island's plantations. The route features flat terrain with light urban traffic, offering a close-up view of Hanoi's historic landmarks, rich architecture, and local markets.
  • Suitability: This tour is suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners. However, participants should have basic bicycle riding skills and be comfortable navigating mild city traffic. Minimum age for participants is 12 years old.

2. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

3. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.