Hanoi named one of the best places to cycle

Vietnam's capital is on Booking.com's list of bike-friendly destinations for cycling enthusiasts and eco-friendly travelers.

Hoan Kiem Lake is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. Photo: Wiibike

The city offers a captivating blend of historical experiences and exciting cycling adventures. “Hanoi has also implemented a plan to reduce car and motorbike traffic in the Old Quarter making it more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, an experience unlike any other.” 

“Meanwhile, cruise around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake or cycle along the serene West Lake both with dedicated cycling paths for a safe and scenic experience,” it added.

In fact, West Lake seems to be the most popular among locals and foreign expats in Hanoi. Cycling along the shore of the lake, cyclists have the chance to admire beautiful scenery and various historical and cultural sites of Hanoi, including Tran Quoc Pagoda - the city's oldest Buddhist temple; Quan Thanh Temple - one of the four sacred temples of ancient Hanoi; Nghi Tam Village with silkworm, bonsai, and ornamental fish trade; or Nhat Tan Village, famous for flower planting trade.

The bike route around the West Lake. Photo: Bong Hong

In addition to West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake is another biking shrine. Located in the heart of the capital, it is an ideal place for those who like to cycle in the early morning or late afternoon. As they cycle along lush green roads, they will be delighted by the views of But Thap or Pen Tower and the thousand-year-old Ngoc Son Temple reflected in the crystal clear water.

Currently, the newly launched Thang Long - Hanoi Night Cycling Tour offers travelers the chance to explore the Hanoi landscape at night and learn about Hanoi's culture and history through famous tourist attractions such as museums, historical relics, and the Night Food Street.

The bike tour takes between 90 and 120 minutes and starts from the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, then to Hanoi Flagpole - Thang Long Imperial Citadel - Ba Dinh Square - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - National Assembly Building - Presidential Palace - Quan Thanh Temple - Tran Quoc Pagoda - Ngu Xa Pearl Island Night Street Food (to enjoy some of Hanoi's delicacies) - North Gate of Imperial Citadel - Quan Chuong Gate - State Guesthouse - Vietnam National History Museum - Hanoi Opera House.

In Hanoi, cyclists can choose to ride on streets lined with modern buildings...

In order to foster mass cycling among sports enthusiasts and to ensure its long-term sustainability, Hanoi authorities have recently established more and more cycling routes. Earlier this year, a four-meter-wide bicycle path along the To Lich River through Cau Giay and Dong Da districts was inaugurated. This new bicycle lane runs from Lang Station on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong Metro Line to Station No. 8 on the Nhon-Hanoi Metro Line for the convenience of public transport users.

The city also plans to designate the sidewalks around Hoa Binh Park and Hoang Minh Thao Street in Bac Tu Liem District as bicycle-only.

According to Booking.com report, 63% of Vietnamese travelers intend to use more sustainable modes of transportation when traveling in 2024. This shift in mindset is underscored by the fact that 50% of Vietnamese travelers are specifically planning their trips to include walking or cycling this year.

... or immerse themselves in the lush green spaces of the parks

With World Bicycle Day and World Environment Day being celebrated this month, there's no better time to think about the impact of people's travel choices and to embrace greener and more sustainable modes of transportation.

Other short bike tours suggested include Hue City - Vietnam's former imperial citadel, the ancient town of Hoi An, the central coastal city of Danang, the central highlands city of Dalat, and Sapa - the old French town in the northwest.

Each of the above destinations is not only a vivid picture of captivating beauty, but also a testament to the rising trend of sustainable tourism. The cycling destinations recommended in Vietnam can help tourists who love cycling to immerse themselves in nature and live every moment of the trip in the most responsible and memorable way.