Is Hanoi worth it for a biking tour?
What can you expect when Biking in Hanoi in Early Bird?
As the first rays of sunlight peek over the horizon, Hanoi transforms into a magical wonderland of sights, sounds, and smells. Here’s what you can look forward to on your early morning biking in Hanoi:
1. Biking Through Phan Dinh Phung Street – The Most Beautiful Street in Hanoi
You will have a chance to admire the morning with a tranquil feeling on Phan Dinh Phung Street, often hailed as the most beautiful street in Hanoi. As you pedal along this tree-lined avenue, you’ll be surrounded by a canopy of ancient dracontomelon trees, their branches forming a natural arch overhead. The colonial-era architecture lining the street adds to its charm, creating a picturesque setting that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts.
But the beauty of Phan Dinh Phung Street isn’t just in its physical appearance. As you ride, you’ll witness some delightfully quirky scenes that are quintessentially Hanoian. Can you guess what they are? They are the images portraying many people doing exercise.
On the pavements near the lake, the old practice taichi. On the other corner, some women might be gathering and doing aerobics. Next to that group is someone who just stands there and breathes in and out. Everything is so lively and so true. It is a normal daily life, simple but priceless. These “funny” and heartwarming moments offer a glimpse into the vibrant community spirit of Hanoi and the importance of social connection in Vietnamese culture.
Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join in – the locals are often friendly and welcoming to curious tourists. Even if you don’t participate, watching these morning rituals is sure to bring a smile to your face and add an extra layer of charm to your ride down this beautiful street.
2. Enjoy the fresh air when strolling around Hanoi West Lake
Compared to Sword Lake, West Lake is much bigger. I think 10 times is the least. As you pedal along the shoreline, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking spectacle as the first golden rays of sunlight dance across the water’s surface. The misty morning air adds an ethereal quality to the scene, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Find a quiet spot along the lake’s edge to pause and take in the view. You might see local fishermen casting their nets in the soft morning light, or early risers practicing tai chi on the banks. This peaceful moment provides a perfect opportunity for reflection and sets a tranquil tone for the rest of your journey.
After riding around, let’s imagine you were riding and enjoying the fresh air after doing exercise, you could fill your empty stomach with a tasty dish. How satisfying it is! And more than that, after finishing your unstoppable dish, like some locals, you can wash your mouth with some warm or cold tea. There are many cafés near the lake. I think, just around Truc Bach Lake, the smaller one next to West Lake, you can count at least 15 coffee shops. So, of course, it is very convenient. If you are not used to drinking tea, a cup of coffee is always ready to be served.
3. Explore the Vibrant Atmosphere of Morning Markets in Hanoi
Not only stop in the charms of city in the early morning, let’s ride around the vibrant morning local market, you’ll encounter the lively morning markets that spring to life across the city. Watch as vendors set up their stalls, arranging colorful fruits, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. The hustle and bustle of locals haggling over fresh produce and daily essentials offer a glimpse into authentic Hanoian life.
Some of the morning markets could be added to your Hanoi Biking route:
- Quang Ba Flower Market: Near West Lake, this colorful wholesale flower market starts as early as 2 AM
- Long Bien Market: Located near Long Bien Bridge, it’s busiest between 3 AM and 6 AM. Watch as fresh produce arrives from all over northern Vietnam.
- Chau Long Market: In the Ba Dinh district, this local market offers a genuine glimpse into daily Hanoian life, known for its fresh seafood.
- Dong Xuan Market: While the indoor section opens later, the outdoor wet market starts early. Ride around the perimeter to see vendors setting up.
4. Experience Hanoian Breakfast as Locals
One of the highlights of your early morning bike tour is the opportunity to experience breakfast like a true Hanoian. Skip the hotel breakfast and instead, immerse yourself in the local culinary scene. Pull up to a street-side stall and savor a steaming bowl of pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup that’s a breakfast staple.
After your pho, seek out a local coffee shop tucked away in one of Hanoi’s charming alleyways. Order a cup of strong Vietnamese robusta coffee with condensed milk – known as “ca phe sua da” – and find a seat by the window. As you sip your coffee, watch as Hanoi life unfolds before your eyes. The slow pace of the morning, coupled with the rich aroma of coffee and the gentle hum of the awakening city, creates a moment of pure tranquility that you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.
Remember, as a savvy traveler, it’s always a good idea to ask your guide for recommendations on where to find the best local breakfast spots. They can steer you towards hidden gems that tourists often miss.
5. Witness True Hustle and Bustle Life in Hanoi
As the morning progresses, you’ll witness a fascinating transformation. The quiet, serene streets of early morning Hanoi gradually give way to the city’s famous hustle and bustle. Around 7:30 AM, the streets begin to fill with a sea of motorbikes as office workers and students make their way to work and school.
This is rush hour in Hanoi, and it’s a spectacle unlike anything you’ve seen before. The streets become a choreographed chaos of vehicles weaving in and out of traffic with surprising grace. It’s during this time that you’ll truly appreciate the advantage of exploring by bicycle, allowing you to navigate through the busy streets with ease.
6. Catch the Incredible Flag Raising Ceremony at Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum
If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the chance to witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. This daily ritual takes place at 6:00 AM sharp in Ba Dinh Square. Watch as smartly dressed soldiers march in perfect unison to raise the Vietnamese flag, a powerful symbol of national pride. It’s a moving experience that offers insight into Vietnam’s patriotic spirit.
Extra Travel Tips Before You Go
Before embarking on your Hanoi biking adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Start early: The best time to begin your tour is around 5:30 AM to make the most of the cool morning air and catch the city as it wakes up.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket as mornings can be cool.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you, even though the weather is cooler in the morning.
- Follow traffic rules: While traffic in Hanoi may seem chaotic, there is a method to the madness. Always follow your guide’s instructions and local traffic rules.
- Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture the beautiful moments of your early morning ride.
- Be respectful: When visiting temples or attending the flag-raising ceremony, dress modestly and follow local customs.
Besides, we also have some little notice for you to prepare before enjoying a Hanoi Biking tour:
Warning 1: You had better avoid rush hour as the traffic was super heavy at that time. You may only be able to look around at one point, as you are stuck in the road for hours.
Warning 2: It is summer in Hanoi. The temperature might reach 40 Celsius Degree at noon, so you had better avoid the period between 11 am to 3 pm. Of course, you can justify based on the weather on the day you travel.
Besides that, cycling is wonderful, especially in the early morning or in the late afternoon. My friends also prefer to hop on their bikes in the evening as well.
So, what a Hanoi Biking Tour in the early morning be like?
Here’s a sample itinerary for your early morning Hanoi biking tour:
5:30 AM: Meet your private tour guide and select your bicycle from the garage.
5:45 AM – 8:15 AM: Embark on a leisurely 2.5-3 hour cycling trip around West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake. Observe locals engaging in their morning exercises and routines.
6:00 AM: If you’re up for an early start, witness the Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square in front of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
7:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Savor a bowl of pho at a local restaurant, followed by a cup of “ca phe sua” (coffee with condensed milk) or “ca phe den da” (black iced coffee) at a nearby cafe.
8:00 AM: Visit notable landmarks around West Lake, including Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
8:30 AM: Cycle through Ba Dinh Square and view Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from the outside.
9:00 AM: Experience the morning rush hour as you cycle back to your hotel, witnessing Hanoi’s transformation into a bustling capital city.
Indochina Voyages also has the same itinerary Hanoi Biking Tour in the early morning as suggested above, you can absolutely see more and customize your route with us at:
Biking in Hanoi during the early morning hours offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Vietnam’s captivating capital. From the tranquil streets at dawn to the vibrant markets and the gradual awakening of the city, this tour provides a comprehensive insight into Hanoian life.
If you like to have friendly and reliable company, my friend, a local can be a good traveling mate. He knows a lot about Hanoi so I think maybe it is quite interesting to discover this cute city with him. Good luck and have fun!
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Finding an authentic experience in Southeast Asia? At Indochina Voyages, we’re passionate about providing authentic and immersive experiences like this early-morning biking tour. We organize this tour and can also customize it to suit your preferences perfectly. Whether you want to extend your ride, include additional stops, or combine it with other activities, our team of expert travel planners is ready to create your ideal Hanoi adventure.
So, why wait? Hop on a bike and discover the magic of Hanoi as it greets the new day. It’s an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting city.
Minh Vu – From Indochina Voyages Team
