Hanoi: Jeep City Tour & Red River with Women Drivers

Summary

Women-led jeeps cross Long Bien Bridge and hidden Hanoi alleys

You’ll ride through Hanoi’s wildest streets in a vintage jeep led by women drivers—crossing Long Bien Bridge, meeting locals like Mr. Thanh at Huu Tiep Lake, tasting real egg coffee and pho where families eat together. Expect laughter, stories you won’t find online, and a new way to see both the chaos and quiet corners of this city.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to feel so alive from the back of an old army jeep. The first jolt over the Long Bien Bridge rattled my bones (in a good way) and our driver, Mai, just grinned at me like she knew something I didn’t. The air smelled faintly metallic up there, mixed with river mud and exhaust. We stopped in the middle for a photo — the Red River below was brown and lazy, but somehow beautiful. I tried to take it all in but there was too much: scooters buzzing past, someone selling sticky rice from a basket, Mai pointing out how the bridge survived bombings. She said her grandmother used to walk across it every week for market day.

We zipped through neighborhoods I’d never have found alone — past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (looked more serious than I expected), then into these tangled alleys where laundry hung above our heads. At Huu Tiep Lake, a piece of an old American bomber just sat there half-sunk, surrounded by regular houses and kids playing soccer. We met Mr. Thanh, who invited us in for tea; he told stories about growing up during the war but also about his grandkids’ TikTok dances. It felt weirdly intimate to be sitting in his living room drinking bitter green tea while outside Hanoi kept roaring by.

Lunch came at this noisy family place near Train Street — plastic stools, clatter of chopsticks, bowls of pho that tasted richer than any I’d had before. Our guide Li laughed when I tried to say “ca phe trung” (egg coffee) and probably butchered it; she showed me how to stir it so the foam didn’t collapse. The whole thing was warm and sweet and kind of stuck with me after we left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi city and cultural exploration

• Meet guide and receive safety briefing
• Visit Long Bien Bridge
• Explore landmarks and hidden Hanoi areas
• Enjoy Bia Hoi drink and West Lake cruise
• Pass Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and temples
• Visit Huu Tiep Lake and local veteran's home
• Walk famous train track and have local lunch
• Try Egg coffee at historic cafe

Top questions

How long does the Hanoi jeep tour last?

The tour is a half-day experience starting from your hotel or the Opera House in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Is hotel pickup included for this jeep tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or you can meet at the Opera House.

What landmarks do we visit on this Hanoi jeep tour?

You’ll see Long Bien Bridge, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, West Lake, Huu Tiep Lake with B52 wreckage, Train Street area, and more.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a family-run local eatery where you can try authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Are women drivers leading all Hanoi jeep tours?

This specific tour is led by women drivers who also act as guides throughout the route.

Can infants join this Hanoi jeep tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do we get to try egg coffee on this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at a historic café that has served egg coffee since 1946 as part of your experience.

Is this jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels as most activities involve riding or short walks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter or meeting at the Opera House; private transportation in a vintage army jeep driven by knowledgeable women guides; all entry fees; a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a family-run spot; stops for drinks like fresh Bia Hoi beer and classic egg coffee; plus time chatting with locals before returning comfortably at the end of your ride.