Half-Day Hanoi Hidden Corners & Street Food Tasting Bicycle Tour
Morning Tour ( H-MT)
Hotel Pick-up: 7:30, Tour End: 12:00
Afternoon Tour (H-FT)
Hotel Pick-up: 12:30, Tour End: 17:00
Explore the vibrant streets, quiet corners, and rich flavors of Hanoi on this unique half-day cycling tour that seamlessly blends local culture, history, and street food - the perfect way to experience the city like a local!
Begin your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in central Hanoi and a short transfer to our bike station, located just 3 km from Hoan Kiem Lake. After a quick bike fitting, hop on your bike and start your adventure, cycling along the scenic Red River, where the pace of life slows and Hanoi’s charm comes alive.
Bánh cuốn is a dish made of steamed rice flour sheets, rolled up with a savory filling of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. The rice batter is spread thinly on a cloth over a pot of boiling water, then steamed until just cooked. Once lifted, the delicate sheet is quickly filled and rolled — soft, silky, and slightly chewy.
It is usually served with:
Fried shallots on top
Slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa or chả quế)
A bowl of warm, slightly sweetened nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili)
Bánh xèo (Afternoon tour)
Bánh xèo is a thin, crispy pancake made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric powder, and coconut milk or water, giving it a beautiful golden hue. The pancake is quickly cooked in a hot skillet and typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes green mung beans or onions.
Once cooked, the bánh xèo is folded in half, much like an omelet, and served with a large plate of fresh herbs (such as mint, perilla, and basil), lettuce, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce known as nước chấm (made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, and chili).
Continue your ride through the bustling Long Bien wholesale fruit market, the largest fruit market in Hanoi. Here, you'll see locals trading in massive quantities of tropical produce - a lively and colorful scene that rarely makes it into tourist guides.
No visit to Hanoi is complete without trying egg coffee, and there's no better place to experience the original than at Giang Café, a name deeply woven into the city’s culinary heritage.
Egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, was first created in 1946 by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Giang, a bartender at the historic Metropole Hotel. At the time, milk was scarce due to war and economic hardship, so Mr. Giang ingeniously whipped egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk to create a creamy substitute. When added to robust Vietnamese coffee, it resulted in a rich, velvety drink that has become an iconic part of Hanoi’s food culture.
Today, the tradition is proudly carried on by the second generation of the Giang family. The café you visit now is run by Mr. Giang's son, who have preserved the original recipe and technique for nearly 80 years. Every cup is still made with the same careful process — whipping fresh egg yolks until light and fluffy, then combining them with strong Vietnamese coffee to create a sweet, frothy, custard-like topping.
Served in a small cup, often nestled in a bowl of warm water to maintain the perfect temperature, Giang’s egg coffee is like a dessert and coffee in one — warm, smooth, and unforgettable.
The North Gate (Cửa Bắc) is one of the most historically significant and best-preserved remnants of the ancient Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Hanoi. Built in 1805 during the Nguyễn Dynasty, the gate served as the main northern entrance to the citadel, reflecting the grandeur and strategic importance of Vietnam's political and military center for over a thousand years.
Made of thick stone and brick, the North Gate features a two-story watchtower with arched entrances and traditional Vietnamese architectural elements. On the upper floor, a shrine honors two national heroes, Nguyễn Tri Phương and Hoàng Diệu, both generals who valiantly defended the citadel against French colonial forces in the late 19th century. Their sacrifices are still deeply revered in Vietnamese history.
Notably, the gate still bears visible scars of cannon fire from the French attack on Hanoi in 1882, making it a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience.
Today, the North Gate stands quietly amidst tree-lined streets near modern-day government buildings and embassies, offering visitors a chance to step back into the turbulent yet proud past of Vietnam’s capital. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in the legacy of the once-mighty Thăng Long Citadel.
While phở is best known as a noodle soup, a visit to Ngũ Xã—a small but famous street near Trúc Bạch Lake in Hanoi—will introduce you to two unique and beloved variations: Phở Cuốn and Phở Chiên Phồng. These local specialties transform the familiar phở noodle into something completely different.
Phở Cuốn is a light, refreshing dish made by wrapping stir-fried beef, fresh herbs (like coriander and lettuce), and sometimes other vegetables in soft, wide phở rice noodles. Think of it as a cross between a rice paper roll and a beef salad roll—but instead of rice paper, the chewy noodle sheet brings a delicate texture and mild flavor.
Each roll is dipped in a sweet-and-sour nước chấm (fish sauce-based dipping sauce) with garlic, chili, and lime juice. The result is a cool, savory, and herbaceous bite that’s perfect on a warm day or as a starter.
Phở Chiên Phồng offers a completely different experience. Squares of phở noodle are deep-fried until they puff up into golden, crispy pillows—light and airy on the inside, crunchy on the outside. These are then topped with a savory stir-fry of beef, broccoli, bok choy, mushrooms, and other vegetables in a glossy, umami-rich sauce.
The contrast between the crispy noodles and the tender meat-and-vegetable topping is what makes this dish so addictive. It’s hearty, flavorful, and very satisfying—especially during cooler evenings.
After enjoying the unique flavors of Phở Cuốn and Phở Chiên Phồng in Ngũ Xã, continue your ride toward the peaceful waters of Trúc Bạch Lake and West Lake (Hồ Tây). This area offers not only beautiful scenery but also deep historical and cultural significance. Two must-see landmarks along the way are the John McCain statue and the iconic Trấn Quốc Pagoda.
Located on the edge of Trúc Bạch Lake, just off Thanh Niên Street, stands a modest yet powerful monument marking the site where U.S. Navy pilot John McCain was shot down during the Vietnam War on October 26, 1967.
The small concrete memorial, erected by the Vietnamese government in 1967 and refurbished in later years, includes a plaque inscribed in Vietnamese noting McCain’s capture after his plane was shot down. McCain parachuted into the lake and was pulled out by local residents before being taken as a prisoner of war.
What makes this statue unique is the way it symbolizes reconciliation. Despite the painful history, McCain later became a strong advocate for the normalization of U.S.–Vietnam relations and visited the site multiple times after the war. His story is a poignant reminder of how former enemies can become partners.
A short ride down Thanh Niên Street brings you to the serene Trấn Quốc Pagoda, gracefully perched on a small islet in West Lake. This is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, originally built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế.
Over the centuries, Trấn Quốc Pagoda has been relocated and restored several times, but it remains a sacred and architectural gem. The complex features traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with curved roofs, intricate carvings, and a striking 11-story red stupa built in 1998, each level housing a precious Buddha statue.
The tranquil setting, surrounded by water and shaded by ancient trees, makes it a peaceful place for quiet reflection or beautiful photographs—especially at sunset.
Pedal your way to Banana Island, a peaceful green oasis that feels like a completely different world from the bustling streets of Hanoi. Named for the abundance of banana trees grown by local farmers, this quiet island offers a refreshing escape into nature.
Here, you’ll have a chance to learn how to make your own fresh banana smoothie—a fun and tasty hands-on experience.
Continue cycling along the Red River bank, where you’ll witness a way of life that feels worlds away from modern Hanoi—yet it's only 1 kilometer from the city center. From riverside gardens to simple homes, this journey offers a unique glimpse into the rural charm hidden in the heart of the capital.
Continue your journey by cycling across the iconic Long Bien Bridge, the oldest bridge spanning the Red River in Hanoi. Designed by French architects and built between 1899 and 1902 during the colonial era, Long Bien Bridge was once considered one of the greatest engineering feats in Asia.
Stretching over 2 kilometers, the bridge offers stunning views of the Red River, banana plantations, and floating houses below. Its rusted steel structure and narrow lanes evoke the charm of old Hanoi and bear witness to over a century of Vietnam’s history, including surviving bombings during the Vietnam War.
As you pedal along the separate bike path used by locals every day, you'll not only experience a piece of living history but also enjoy a panoramic perspective of Hanoi that few tourists get to see. It’s a peaceful and nostalgic ride above the flowing river, connecting the city's past with its vibrant present.
Your ride concludes at Long Bien Train Station, the oldest railway station in Hanoi and a quiet reminder of the city’s colonial past. After a brief visit, you’ll cross the tracks to the charming Hoa Xa Café, a hidden gem perched right beside the railway line.
Relax with a refreshing drink as you watch the train pass just meters away—a truly memorable and atmospheric end to your cycling adventure. Feel free to linger at the café and soak in the moment for as long as you wish.
From here, it's just a short walk to Dong Xuan Market and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, giving you the perfect opportunity to continue exploring the heart of the city on your own.
BOOK THIS TRIP
Pricing:
$62 per person
Includes:
Red River Bike Tours is an exciting adventure experience based in Hanoi, founded by Minh Ha, who is also the owner of Anytrails.com. With over 25 years of extensive experience in the tourism industry, Minh Ha is continually dedicated to learning and innovating to bring new adventures that showcase the beauty of his country to travelers.
Yes, You will be provided with a pick-up / drop off service from your hotel located in the central area of Hanoi. The mode of transportation for your pick-up will be determined by your booking type; if you opt for a private trip, we will arrange for a dedicated private vehicle to collect you, while for a join-group booking, you will be picked up alongside fellow travelers in a shared van.
The route boasts a plethora of high-quality, well-maintained paved surfaces, extending even into the more remote regions. While certain sections may feature older road surfaces, shared-use rugged pathways, or concrete and packed dirt roads passing through villages and farmlands, it's important to note that traffic in this area is typically minimal.