Hanoi Motorbike Food Tour: Old Quarter, West Lake & Street Eats

Summary

Hanoi’s backstreets by motorbike with street food and lakeside stops

You’ll ride pillion through Hanoi’s tangled streets with a local guide, stopping at lakesides and historic gates before tasting iconic street food in the Old Quarter. Expect laughter over egg coffee, stories at St Joseph’s Cathedral, and moments of quiet by West Lake—a day that lingers long after you’ve washed off the city dust.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through Hanoi traffic when I realized how different the city feels from the back of a motorbike. Our guide, Linh, grinned over her shoulder and shouted something about “real Hanoi air”—I could smell grilled pork and exhaust, honestly not the worst mix. We zipped past Hoan Kiem Lake, which looked calmer than I expected for such a busy heart of the city. The breeze was sticky but not too hot, and people waved at us from tiny stools outside cafés. I tried to wave back but nearly lost my grip—Linh laughed and said I’d get used to it.

Stopping at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Linh told us how it was built by the French—she compared it to Notre-Dame but shrugged like she didn’t buy the hype. There was incense wafting from somewhere nearby, mixing with that sweet egg coffee smell (which I didn’t even know existed until today). We ducked down alleys where old men played chess and kids chased each other barefoot. At O Quan Chuong Gate, Linh explained there used to be five gates—now only two are left. She pointed out bullet marks on one wall; I didn’t expect that kind of detail to hit me so hard.

Later we rattled along the railway street—the one you see in all those wild photos online—with houses pressed right up against the tracks. It felt surreal being there instead of just scrolling past it on Instagram. Somewhere near West Lake we stopped for tea; the view opened up wide and quiet after all those narrow streets. The lake shimmered under gray clouds, and for a second nobody said anything—I liked that pause.

The last stretch took us over Long Bien Bridge (if you’re lucky with weather), then back into the Old Quarter for food. Linh ordered everything: pho with slippery noodles, grilled fish wrapped in herbs, egg coffee so thick it almost needed chewing. She teased me about my chopstick skills but handed me extra napkins anyway. By then I’d stopped worrying about looking like a tourist—everyone else seemed too busy eating or laughing to care.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi motorbike sightseeing and food tour

• Briefing before the tour
• Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake
• Photo stop at St Joseph's Cathedral
• Photo stop at O Quan Chuong Gate
• Visit coffee shops near railway
• Photo stop at Hanoi Flag Tower
• Photo stop at Huu Tiep Lake (B-52 Lake)
• Drink and rest at West Lake
• Photo stop at Hanoi Old Citadel - Northern Gate
• Photo stop at Long Bien Bridge
• Food tasting in Hanoi Old Quarter

Top questions

How long does this Hanoi motorbike tour last?

The tour typically lasts around half a day including stops for sightseeing and food tastings.

Is hotel pickup included in this Hanoi food tour?

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

What kind of street food will we try on this tour?

You’ll taste dishes like pho, grilled fish, and traditional egg coffee in the Old Quarter.

Do I need to know how to drive a motorbike?

No driving required—you ride as a passenger with an experienced local driver/guide.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Does this tour visit Long Bien Bridge?

The itinerary includes Long Bien Bridge if weather allows; sometimes this stop may be skipped.

Can infants join this Hanoi motorbike tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What is included besides food tasting?

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, all activities mentioned in the itinerary, drinks like coffee or tea during breaks, plus your driver/guide throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off so you don’t have to worry about finding your way; bottled water for those dusty stretches; all activities from historic sites to lively markets; plenty of street food tastings (with vegetarian options if you ask); plus coffee or tea breaks along the route—all guided by someone who knows every shortcut in Hanoi.