Hanoi: Bicycle Tour Long Bien Bridge, Banana Island & Egg Coffee

Summary

Cycle Hanoi’s bridges, back roads and city secrets with lunch

You’ll cycle across Long Bien Bridge into Hanoi’s quieter corners, pedal past banana farms on Red River Island, and pause at West Lake for city views most travelers never see. Meet locals—including a war veteran—and taste Hanoi’s famous egg coffee with lunch included. You might leave thinking about this city long after your ride ends.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small crossing Long Bien Bridge. Our guide, Minh, pointed out the old iron beams—rusted but somehow beautiful in the morning haze. I could hear scooters buzzing past below and the Red River moving slow under us. The air smelled faintly metallic and green at the same time, if that makes sense. We stopped for a moment just to watch a barge drift by, and Minh told us how his grandfather used to walk this bridge during the war. I tried to imagine it—hard to picture with all the banana trees now on Banana Island just ahead.

Riding onto Banana Island was quieter than I thought it’d be. The city noise faded fast, replaced by soft clinks of farmers’ tools and the sweet-earthy smell of wet soil. There were rows of corn and beans—nothing fancy but so alive. We passed a woman in a conical hat who waved; Minh chatted with her in Vietnamese and translated for us about the floods last year. I liked that he didn’t rush us here. It felt like we were seeing something most people miss on their day trip from Hanoi.

Later, cycling along West Lake’s edge, the light hit the water just right—sort of silvery-bright—and for a second I forgot we were in a city at all. Then suddenly we were back among honking horns and tangled wires near Railway Street. Minh laughed when I tried (and failed) to say “egg coffee” in Vietnamese before our stop; apparently my accent means “chicken coffee.” He ordered for us anyway, and honestly? That thick frothy coffee is still stuck in my memory.

The visit with Mr. Phuc—a war veteran whose house sits right by Huu Tiep Lake—was unexpectedly moving. He showed us photos from decades ago, his hands shaking only a little as he poured tea. Our guide helped translate his stories about growing up here through so much change; I’m not sure what I expected but it made me see Hanoi differently. Lunch after that felt almost like an afterthought (though those noodles… unreal), but maybe that’s just how days like this go—you get more than you thought you would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi city bicycle tour highlights

• Hotel lobby pickup at 8:00AM or 13:00
• Choose bikes and safety briefing
• Cross Long Bien Bridge and view Red River
• Ride through Red River Island farms
• Cycle along Westlake and Thanh Nien road
• Explore local markets in Hanoi
• Visit Huu Tiep Lake and B-52 remains
• Visit local family with guide translator
• Pass major Hanoi landmarks by bike
• Ride along Reunification train track
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Try unique egg coffee

Top questions

How long is the Hanoi bicycle tour?

The half-day tour lasts around 4-5 hours including stops.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day.

Is lunch provided during the bicycle tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included along with an egg coffee stop.

What landmarks do we see on this Hanoi bike tour?

You’ll see Long Bien Bridge, Banana Island, West Lake, Huu Tiep (B52) Lake, Railway Street, and more city highlights.

Is there a local guide on the bike tour?

Yes, a professional local guide leads the group and helps translate during visits with locals.

Are bikes provided or do I bring my own?

Bikes are provided as part of your booking; you don’t need to bring your own.

Can children join this bicycle tour in Hanoi?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available too.

Is this suitable for beginners or less fit travelers?

The route is designed for all fitness levels; it’s mostly flat with frequent stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi, use of bicycles fitted for you at the shop, bottled water along the way, guidance from a professional local guide who also translates during family visits, all activities listed—including entry to sites—and a traditional lunch plus egg coffee before heading back to your hotel.