Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is beautiful from every angle. But there’s something magical about exploring this historic city on a bicycle. Through the unique journey “Biking Around Hanoi with Lily’s Travel,” visitors can uncover a very different, surprising, and utterly charming Hanoi that often goes unnoticed.
Today, bicycle tours have become one of the most sought-after experiences offered by Lily’s Travel Agency, capturing the hearts of both locals and tourists from around the world.
Sunrise, Sunsets, and Streets Draped in Yellow Leaves
Imagine greeting the day as the sun rises over West Lake, or soaking in the romantic hues of sunset from Long Bien Bridge. Cycling through Hanoi’s iconic 36 streets blanketed in golden leaves, or pausing for a refreshing cup of lemon tea in the Old Quarter, offers a perspective on the city that’s entirely new.
Cycling through Hanoi’s thousand-year-old streets isn’t just a way to get around — it’s a journey back in time, into the heart of the city’s culture, history, and everyday life.
A Variety of Cycling Routes
“Lily’s Travel Cycling Tour” offers six diverse programs—three inner-city routes and three suburban routes—each guided to help visitors delve deep into Hanoi’s fascinating heritage and landscapes.
Whether you’re a local seeking a fresh way to experience your city or a traveler wanting to connect intimately with Hanoi, a cycling tour promises unforgettable memories.
Highlights of a Hanoi Cycling Tour
The Old Quarter: A Living Tapestry
Pedaling through the Old Quarter, you’ll feel transported to another era. Ancient houses with dark brown tile roofs whisper stories of centuries past. Streets like Hang Ma, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Thiec reveal the old “trading life” of Hanoians, where each street was traditionally dedicated to a single craft or product.
Cycling here offers freedom to stop whenever curiosity strikes — whether for a photo, a souvenir, or simply to admire the weathered facades and bustling street scenes that you’d likely miss from a car window.
Long Bien Bridge: A Ride Through History
Built over a century ago, the Long Bien Bridge stretches gracefully across the Red River. Riding slowly over its iron structure, you’re surrounded by an atmosphere of nostalgia and sweeping river views.
Beneath the bridge lies a peaceful green expanse of cornfields and vegetable gardens—a striking contrast to the urban energy above. Many locals and visitors cherish sunrise and sunset moments here, especially on summer evenings, sipping lemon tea or savoring grilled corn and sweet potatoes sold by street vendors right on the bridge.
West Lake: The City’s Cool Oasis
As Hanoi’s largest lake, West Lake is a beloved spot for cyclists, offering cool breezes and peaceful scenery. Ride along scenic roads like Thanh Nien Street or the lakeside paths near the Korean and Japanese wharfs. In summer, blooming lotuses transform the lake into a fragrant, colorful spectacle.
If you don’t have a bike, rentals are easily available from around 50,000 VND/day. Riding around West Lake at sunset, inhaling the scent of lotus blossoms, is one of Hanoi’s most serene and stress-relieving experiences.
Central Streets: A Canopy of Green
Hanoi boasts some of the most beautiful tree-lined streets in Vietnam. Roads like Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Phu, and Hoang Dieu are famed for their broad sidewalks and towering ancient trees that offer shade year-round.
During the changing seasons, these streets become carpets of golden leaves, creating an enchanting, poetic atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll spot French colonial villas, historic churches like Cua Bac, and landmarks such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Cycling through these streets brings a sense of relaxation and delight, letting you breathe in the fresh air and gentle floral fragrances drifting through the city.
Kim Ma Street: Hanoi’s Most Romantic Avenue
Nicknamed “Hanoi’s most romantic street,” Kim Ma enchants with its unique double road layout and lush greenery. Every season paints the avenue in new colors: bright red buds in spring, vivid green grass in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and the delicate silhouettes of bare branches in winter.
No matter the season, Kim Ma Street offers a dreamy backdrop for leisurely rides and is a favorite spot for couples seeking a romantic escape on two wheels.
Rural Escapes Beyond the City
For those looking to venture beyond Hanoi’s urban streets, cycling tours also include trips to nearby gems:
- Bat Trang Pottery Village: Ride through rustic paths to discover Vietnam’s centuries-old ceramic artistry.
- Duong Lam Ancient Village: Cycle past banyan trees, village wells, and laterite walls for a glimpse into traditional northern Vietnamese life.
- Huong Ngai Village: Immerse yourself in a rural landscape dotted with temples, communal houses, and fields.
On these suburban tours, cyclists can even stop at homestays along the way to rest, share conversations, and savor authentic local hospitality.
The Perfect Blend of Travel, Sports, and Wellness
As travelers increasingly seek experiences that combine exploration, health, and sustainability, Hanoi’s cycling tours offer the perfect solution. These intimate, small-group adventures ensure safety and comfort while revealing the city’s hidden treasures.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or simply a lover of Hanoi, cycling through this thousand-year-old capital promises a journey full of surprises, history, and breathtaking scenery.
