Hanoi Night Street Food Tour by Motorbike: Opera House, Markets

Summary

Evening Hanoi Motorbike Food Adventure: Markets & Landmarks

If you want to really taste Hanoi after dark, this tour is for you. You’ll ride with a local, eat where the city eats, and see famous spots like Long Bien Bridge and Dong Xuan Market from a whole new angle. It’s not just about food—it’s about feeling Hanoi’s energy up close.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell—grilled pork and fresh herbs drifting through the narrow streets as our guide handed me a helmet. The city felt different at night, a little cooler, with scooters buzzing everywhere. We zipped past the old yellow walls of the Opera House, its lights glowing softly, and I caught a glimpse of couples taking photos on the steps. Our guide, Linh, pointed out how the building’s French design still stands out after all these years.

Crossing Long Bien Bridge on the back of a motorbike is something I won’t forget. The bridge rattles under you, and you can see the Red River below, dark and wide. We stopped for a minute to watch the sunset over Westlake—locals were fishing off the side, and someone nearby was selling boiled peanuts from a basket. It’s not quiet, but there’s something peaceful about it.

Back in the city, we dove into Dong Xuan Market. It’s huge—stalls packed with everything from dried squid to plastic slippers. The air inside is thick with spices and chatter. Linh led us to a tiny stall where we tried bun cha, smoky and sweet, with fresh herbs piled high. I noticed a woman fanning charcoal under skewers of meat, her hands moving fast.

Later, we rolled past St Joseph’s Cathedral. Locals call it “The Big Church.” It looks almost out of place, gothic and tall among Hanoi’s tangled streets. There were kids playing nearby, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. We didn’t linger long—just enough to snap a photo and hear a quick story about how it survived two wars.

The last stop was my favorite: a street barbecue spot tucked down an alley. Tables were crowded with locals grilling pork belly and mushrooms right at their seats. We squeezed in, tried a bit of everything—sticky rice cakes, grilled chicken wings, even a sweet dessert made from sticky rice and coconut. I left smelling like smoke but full and happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi Evening Food and Sights Tour

• Introduction to Charming Vietnam Travel
• Cross Long Bien Bridge and watch sunset
• Street barbecue food tasting
• Visit Dong Xuan Market
• Visit St Joseph’s Cathedral
• Visit Hanoi Opera House

Top questions

Is this Hanoi street food tour suitable for kids?

Kids are welcome but must be with an adult if under 6. The pace is relaxed and there are plenty of food options for all ages.

Do I need to know how to drive a motorbike?

Nope! Your guide drives—you just hop on the back and enjoy the ride.

What if it rains during the tour?

No worries, rain ponchos are provided. Hanoi’s streets are lively even in light rain—it adds to the atmosphere.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, just let us know in advance so we can arrange vegetarian street food stops.

What’s included

Your guide handles everything: helmet, rain poncho if needed, all food and drinks (even a local beer if you want), plus hotel pickup and drop-off in central Hanoi. Just bring your appetite—and maybe an extra shirt if you don’t want to smell like barbecue afterward!