Booking a Hanoi bike tour on my first day in Vietnam was one of the best decisions of my trip. It was such a fun way to get to know the city straight away and learn more about Hanoi and Vietnam from a local guide. If you are considering a bike tour in Hanoi, this is what you can expect from a 3.5-hour ride through the city.
I had already arranged this tour in the Netherlands through Baja Bikes. They work with local partners in cities around the world, so you can book their tours not only in Hanoi, but in many other destinations as well. This Hanoi bike tour took about 3.5 hours, and you can usually choose between a morning tour at 8:30 am or an afternoon tour at 1:30 pm. I picked the morning tour because I wanted to beat my jet lag and force myself out of bed. That turned out to be a very good move. The meeting point was only a 10-minute walk from my highly recommended H Hotel Hanoi, so that made the start of the day very easy.
After a short check-in at the Friends Travel Vietnam office in downtown Hanoi, we got our bikes. I was with another Dutch girl, and we both wanted helmets. Luckily, helmets were available too. In Hanoi traffic that felt like a very good idea. I put a bottle of water in the basket and brought my backpack with sunscreen, camera, and some cash. I was ready.
What to expect from this guided bike tour in Hanoi
The level of this ride is very doable for almost everyone. The distance is not too much, and the pace is relaxed. The traffic can look like a challenge at first though. Hanoi traffic seems chaotic when you first arrive, but once you are in it, it somehow works. Our guide told us to cycle with confidence. He said that if you ride clearly and do not hesitate too much, the other road users will move around you. Strange as it sounds, that really worked. After the first few turns, I got used to following the guide between buses, scooters, and cars, and from that moment on I could actually enjoy the energy of the city.
That is exactly why exploring Hanoi by bike with a local guide works so well. I would never have cycled this route by myself on my first day in the city, but with a guide in front it felt manageable and even fun. If you feel unsure about cycling in Hanoi traffic, I would definitely recommend booking a morning tour with a local guide and wearing a helmet. That made the whole experience feel much more relaxed for me.
I was also lucky because Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, was only a few days away. That made the ride even more special. The streets were full of New Year decorations, paper offerings, red and gold signs, and so many kumquat trees. I first thought they looked like local Christmas trees, but they are part of Tet and you see them all over Hanoi during this period. I loved this part of the ride because it showed such a local side of the city. We cycled through shopping streets full of holiday preparations, and the guide told us more about Tet customs. That is one of the reasons I liked doing this on my first day in Hanoi. You do not just see famous places. You also get a feel for daily life in the city.
Sorry my pictures are not as what you expect it to be, it was cloudy and it was difficult to take pictures during the cycling!
Stops on this cycling tour through Hanoi
One of the first major stops was Saint Joseph’s Cathedral Hanoi. Cycling through the busy streets and then suddenly arriving at this church was such a contrast. It is one of the most striking buildings in the Old Quarter, and I liked hearing from the guide how it was inspired by Notre-Dame in Paris. The dark color of the church also stood out. I understood that locals preferred this look over the older white version.
The next short stop was the Flag Tower of Hanoi. This tower dates back to the early nineteenth century and is part of the old Hanoi Citadel. During my visit, parts of the citadel area were still under reconstruction, but it was still interesting to stop here and hear more about Hanoi’s history.
We also cycled past Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. We were not allowed to stop there because of security, and there were guards everywhere along the road. Even so, it was interesting to pass through this part of Hanoi. After that, we cycled through what felt like an embassy district, and I really liked seeing different neighborhoods of Hanoi by bike.
Tran Quoc Temple and West Lake
From there we continued to Tran Quoc Temple Hanoi, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. The location is beautiful, right by West Lake, and it was one of my favorite stops on the tour. It was quite crowded, but I liked watching people lay down offerings and light incense. That always gives a place a very real feel.
It was nice to hear more about the temple from the guide instead of only walking around on my own. After that, it was time for a drink. Included in the tour was an iced coffee at Vintage 1976 by West Lake, and that was a very welcome break with a great view over the water.
Even on a cloudy day, cycling through Hanoi can still feel warm and busy, so I would bring sunscreen and drink enough water.
Long Bien Bridge and Banana Island
After the coffee break, the more challenging part of the cycling tour started. We made our way through heavier traffic toward Long Bien Bridge. This was one of the most memorable parts of the whole experience for me.
Long Bien Bridge is over 120 years old and dates back to the French colonial period. It stretches across the Red River, with motorbikes and bicycles on the sides and a railway line in the middle. It is not polished or neat, but that is exactly why I liked it. Riding across it felt local, busy, and very Hanoi.
Across the bridge, we cycled through narrow streets in a residential area and then continued toward Banana Island Hanoi. This part really surprised me. After all the traffic and noise, it suddenly felt much quieter. Banana Island is a green area in the Red River used for agriculture, with banana plantations and simple local life. I found that contrast very special.
The guide also told us that the September 2024 typhoon had flooded much of this area, and a lot had to be rebuilt. Some people still live on boats here on the Red River, and hearing those stories made this part of the route even more impressive. Love this tour!!!
Street food during the Bike tour
By then, we were getting hungry from all the cycling, so I was very ready for lunch. One thing I really liked about this tour was that the guide took us to a small local place where I probably would not have gone by myself.
He ordered Pho (soup) for us, and it was delicious. Simple, warm, and exactly what I wanted after a busy morning on the bike. This is also something I enjoy about city tours like this. They take you just outside your comfort zone, but in an easy and comfortable way.
I would still carry some cash with you for small personal expenses, even when food and drinks are included in the tour.
After lunch, we took a small detour through another neighborhood and cycled back to the starting point. We parked the bikes, returned the helmets, and went back into the office. When I came back from a quick stop, tea and coconut cookies were already waiting for me.
That was such a nice ending to the morning. After sorting out the payment, we were even given a goodie bag with a printed photo in front of Saint Joseph’s Cathedral and a pack of those very tasty coconut cookies. I really had a super fun morning.
I was back at my hotel around 2 pm, which was perfect. Enough time for a small power nap, but not too long, because yes, the jet lag was still there.
Is this Hanoi bike tour worth it?
For me, yes, absolutely. I think this is one of the best things to do in Hanoi when you have just arrived. You see a lot in a short time, you get a better sense of the city, and you learn things you would miss if you only walked around by yourself. I especially liked the mix of famous landmarks, local neighborhoods, busy traffic, quiet corners, street food, and stories from the guide. It felt like a real first introduction to Hanoi, not just a sightseeing list.
One good thing to know is that the route may be a little different every time. I understood that this depends on the weather, traffic, wind, holiday periods, and what the group wants to see. So this is a description of my own route and experience, but I think most people will have a very good time.
Practical tips before booking a bike tour in Hanoi
The tour I did lasted about 3.5 hours and felt suitable for beginners. The route was not hard in terms of distance, but the traffic does make it more exciting. Helmets were available, and I would definitely take one.
For me, the morning tour was the best choice. It helped with my jet lag and gave me the rest of the afternoon free. I would also recommend bringing water, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash. And it is good to know that the exact route can change depending on traffic, weather, and local events.
If you are looking for a fun and active first-day activity in Hanoi, I would definitely recommend it.
FAQ about this Hanoi bike tour
Is a Hanoi bike tour safe?
Yes, I felt it was safe with a local guide. Hanoi traffic looks intense at first, but the guide knows the route well and helps you ride through the city with confidence. I was happy I wore a helmet.
How long does a Hanoi bike tour take?
The bike tour I did lasted about 3.5 hours. For me, that was a perfect length for a first introduction to Hanoi.
Can beginners do this Hanoi bicycle tour?
Yes, I think so. The distance and pace are easy to manage. The traffic is the most exciting part, but with a guide in front it felt very doable.
What should you bring on a Hanoi bike tour?
I recommend bringing water, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash. Light clothes are also a good idea, especially on warm days.
Is a Hanoi bike tour worth it on your first day?
For me, absolutely. It helped me get to know the city quickly, learn more about local life, and deal with my jet lag at the same time.
Where are you going next? Ninh Binh or perhaps exploring an overnight cruise from Cat Ba to Halong Bay!
