Hanoi Night Food Tour by Motorbike & Female Guides

Summary

Night rides, street eats & laughter with local women guides in Hanoi

You’ll ride through Hanoi’s lively night streets on a motorbike driven by local women guides, sampling everything from Banh Cuon to Bun Cha and banana salad along the way. Watch nightly ceremonies at Ho Chi Minh memorial and finish with creamy egg coffee in a hidden cafe. If you want to feel part of Hanoi after dark — not just watch it go by — this is your night.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed on a scooter weaving through Hanoi’s chaos — but honestly, those backrests make you feel like you’re in your auntie’s armchair. Our guide, Mai, handed me a helmet (smelled faintly of lemon cleaner, which I weirdly liked) and grinned, “Ready?” I was nervous at first — the traffic here is its own language — but riding pillion behind Mai felt oddly safe. She pointed out how the lanterns in the Old Quarter change color with every festival; I never would’ve noticed that on my own.

The first stop was this tiny place for Banh Cuon. The chef made it look easy, swirling rice batter into paper-thin sheets. We sat elbow-to-elbow with locals slurping noodles and laughing at something on TV. The food tour kept moving — Bun Cha next (the smoky pork smell clung to my shirt), then over Long Bien Bridge where the city lights flickered against the river. At West Lake, we tried grilled seafood and a banana salad that tasted way better than it sounds (Mai teased me for being skeptical). Somewhere between Ngu Xa village and Train Street I realized I’d stopped worrying about traffic altogether.

We passed the Ho Chi Minh memorial just as the guards were changing shift — there was this hush in the air for a second, even though scooters zipped past. On Train Street, people were cooking right beside the tracks; kids darted between stools while someone sold iced tea from a plastic jug. It was loud but not rushed, everyone just... doing their thing. The last stop was a cafe tucked behind faded yellow walls. Egg coffee — sweet, thick foam over strong espresso — almost like dessert and breakfast collided. I still think about that taste when regular coffee feels boring.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Hanoi food and city tour

• Meet female drivers at hotel lobby
• Receive safety briefing and itinerary
• Ride Honda Lead scooters with backrests
• Visit local eatery for Banh Cuon demo
• Explore Old Quarter and Red River views
• Enjoy Bun Cha at family-run restaurant
• Ride to West Lake for scenery
• Try grilled seafood, Pho, and banana salads in Ngu Xa village
• Pass Ho Chi Minh memorial and watch ceremonies
• Visit Train Street local market by train tracks
• End at cafe with Vietnamese egg coffee and secret dessert

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hanoi night food tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or you can meet at the Opera House.

What food do you try on this Hanoi motorbike tour?

You’ll sample Banh Cuon, Bun Cha, grilled seafood, Hanoian Pho variations, banana salad, egg coffee and dessert.

Are helmets provided for passengers?

Yes, sanitized high-quality helmets are provided for all riders and passengers.

Who drives the motorbikes during the tour?

Mainly female drivers who are trained local staff lead each group.

How long does the Hanoi By Night Foodie Motorbike Tour last?

The evening tour starts around 18:00 and lasts several hours until after dessert/coffee stops.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult’s lap and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting at Hanoi Opera House), all food tastings from Banh Cuon to dessert, drinks including egg coffee or tea, comfortable Honda Lead scooters with passenger backrests driven by mainly female guides, sanitized helmets plus face-masks and raincoats if needed—so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying each bite and view along the way.