About this experience
Explore the vibrant city of Hanoi on a backseat motorbike tour. Discover its architectural treasures, starting in Hanoi's Old Quarter and by the Hoan Kiem Lake. Witness the charm of iconic old structures, passing by landmarks such as St. Joseph Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House. Continue with a guided exploration of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the capital. Conclude your journey with a delightful tasting of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee.
Why you'll love it
Hanoi at street level
Riding pillion means you're in the thick of the city's energy — narrow lanes, market stalls, and the everyday rhythm of Old Quarter life — rather than watching it through a bus window.
Landmark-packed route
From the colonial grandeur of the Opera House to the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the lakeside serenity of Tran Quoc Pagoda, the route threads together centuries of Vietnamese history in a single morning or afternoon.
A genuine street food spread
Depending on the day you may taste banh mi, spring rolls, pho, bun cha, pillow cake, or sweet sticky rice — a rotating selection that reflects what Hanoi's cooks are actually serving right now.
Egg coffee, done properly
The tour ends at a dedicated coffee shop for Vietnamese egg coffee — a Hanoi original that tastes far better than it sounds, with a creamy, custard-like foam over strong robusta.
Door-to-door convenience
Your guide picks you up and drops you back at your hotel in the Old Quarter, so you spend your time eating and exploring rather than navigating unfamiliar streets.
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
Hotel pick-up
15 minYour guide collects you by motorbike from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter — 8:45 AM for the morning tour, 12:45 PM for the afternoon.
St. Joseph Cathedral & Hoan Kiem Lake
The tour opens in the heart of the French Quarter, taking in the neo-Gothic facade of St. Joseph Cathedral and the tree-lined shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hanoi Opera House
Ride past the Opera House, one of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, and hear the story behind its construction.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A guided walk around the mausoleum complex — the political and symbolic heart of modern Vietnam — with context from your guide on Ho Chi Minh's legacy.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
A stop at Hanoi's oldest pagoda, set on a small island in West Lake, where the layered brick stupa has stood for over 1,500 years.
Street food lunch
Sit down at an authentic local restaurant for a Vietnamese lunch — the kind of place guided by neighbourhood regulars rather than tourist menus.
Egg coffee & hotel drop-off
The tour closes at a traditional coffee shop for a cup of Hanoi's signature egg coffee, before your guide returns you to your hotel by 1:00 PM (morning) or 5:00 PM (afternoon).
Meeting point
Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Your guide will come to your hotel in the Old Quarter — no need to travel to a central meeting point. Confirm your hotel address at booking. The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the operational base for pick-ups.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Comfortable, modest clothing (required at the mausoleum and pagoda)
- Sunscreen and a hat — you'll be on the back of a bike
- Your booking confirmation (mobile is fine)
- A small amount of local cash for anything personal
Know before you go
Good to know
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need any motorbike experience?
None at all — you ride pillion on the back of the bike while your guide does the driving. You just hold on and take it all in.
Is the food suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?
The street food selection varies by day and availability, so it's worth flagging any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking so the guide can plan accordingly.
What's the difference between the morning and afternoon tours?
Both tours follow the same route and include the same stops, food, and egg coffee. The morning tour runs roughly 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; the afternoon tour runs 1:00 PM–5:00 PM. Choose whichever fits your day.
My hotel isn't in the Old Quarter — can I still be picked up?
Pick-up is confirmed for hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter. If you're staying elsewhere, contact the operator after booking to check whether an alternative arrangement is possible.
Can children join the tour?
Children under 4 years old are free of charge. Older children are welcome, though bear in mind the tour involves riding pillion on a motorbike through city traffic.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary is subject to change due to weather and traffic conditions. Your guide will adapt the route as needed — it's worth bringing a light rain layer during the wet season.