Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Highlights, Train Street & Egg Coffee

Summary

See Hanoi’s wild streets, old bridges & secret cafes on two wheels

You’ll ride vintage motorbikes through Hanoi’s wild traffic with a local guide, visit landmarks like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Long Bien Bridge, sneak onto Train Street for coffee as trains roar past, explore hidden alleys most travelers miss, and end with egg coffee in a quirky Old Quarter café. Expect surprises—and maybe a little splash on your jeans.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the start because I couldn’t find my helmet strap (classic me), but our guide Minh just grinned and handed me a spare. That set the tone—nothing too formal, just a bunch of us wobbling onto vintage scooters in Hanoi’s morning buzz. The city was already humming; you could smell fried dough from street carts and hear that endless chorus of horns. We zipped past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—Minh called it “the heart of Hanoi” and pointed out where locals come to pay respects. I’d seen photos before but standing there, with the flag snapping in the breeze and families posing for pictures, it hit different.

The Temple of Literature was quieter than I expected—just birds and distant traffic. Minh told us about students coming here for luck before exams. I touched one of the old stone turtles (gently, promise) and wondered how many hands had done the same over centuries. Then came Train Street. I thought it was closed off these days, but Minh led us through a side alley to a tiny café squeezed right up to the tracks. We waited—nervous laughter, coffee trembling in cups—and then that train thundered past so close I swear my hair moved. Everyone cheered like we’d survived something together.

Afterwards we dove into backstreets where the air changed—less exhaust, more herbs and charcoal smoke from lunch stalls. Kids waved at us from doorways; one old man shouted something friendly as we passed (I think). We bumped over potholes toward Long Bien Bridge, rusty and grand above the river. Minh said it was built by the French but claimed by Hanoians—a dragon over water. Standing there with wind tugging at my shirt, city behind me and farms ahead, I felt small in a good way.

We ended up at this recycled-furniture coffee shop in the Old Quarter—egg coffee thick as pudding, sweet and earthy. Someone spilled theirs laughing about their first scooter ride (not me this time). It wasn’t a perfect day—my jeans got splashed at some point—but honestly that made it feel more real. Sometimes I still hear that train in my head when things get too quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hanoi highlights and hidden gems

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square
• See Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda
• Tour Temple of Literature
• Watch train pass at Train Street cafe
• Ride through backstreets and markets
• Visit Hai Ba Trung Temple area
• Walk on Long Biên Bridge
• Explore countryside villages and farms
• Relax at a recycled-material coffee shop
• Enjoy authentic Vietnamese egg coffee

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Hanoi motorbike tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included with the tour.

Do you actually visit Train Street on this tour?

Yes—the guide knows how to access Train Street safely despite recent closures.

What main attractions are visited during this day trip?

The tour includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Long Bien Bridge, plus hidden alleys and markets.

How long does the Hanoi highlights & hidden gems tour last?

The full experience takes around 4–5 hours by vintage motorbike or scooter.

Is food or drink included on this motorbike tour?

You’ll get bottled water during the ride and authentic Vietnamese egg coffee at a local café.

Are helmets provided for passengers?

Yes—all riders receive helmets (and rain ponchos if needed).

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

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

What should I wear for this Hanoi scooter tour?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting splashed or dusty; closed shoes are best.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by vintage motorbike or scooter (with helmet and rain poncho), all entry tickets to sights like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature, bottled water along the way, plus an authentic Vietnamese egg coffee at a quirky café before heading back to your hotel.