Hanoi By Bicycle: West Lake, Long Bien Bridge And Banana Island

Every part can be changed to suit your group.

1. Morning West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

   We meet at your hotel at around 8:00 AM, fit your bike and helmet and ride the short distance to Truc Bach Lake, where locals fish and exercise along the shore. We continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, standing on a small island in West Lake. From here we follow the lakeside path around Tay Ho, a leafy district of villas, cafes and lanes leading to lotus ponds and flower gardens, which are especially colourful before Tet and in the early summer lotus season. We stop for a Vietnamese coffee by the water.

   
2. Midday Long Bien Bridge and Banana Island

   After the lakes, we ride along the Red River dyke to Long Bien Bridge, built in the early 20th century and one of the symbols of Hanoi. Bicycles share the narrow side lanes with motorbikes, and trains still rumble down the middle. Halfway across, a path leads down to Banana Island, a long strip of farmland in the middle of the river, with banana groves, vegetable gardens and small houses. We cycle its quiet tracks and meet farmers at work, a surprising contrast to the city on both banks. Banana Island is a peaceful place to rest in the shade, and your guide explains how farmers here adapt to the rising and falling of the river each year.

   
3. Afternoon Lunch and Return to the Old Quarter

   We ride back across the bridge and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, with dishes chosen by your guide. In the early afternoon we cycle back through the edge of the Old Quarter, past Dong Xuan Market and the busy craft streets, and finish at your hotel at around 2:00 PM. The total distance is about 20 to 25 kilometres at an easy pace, with many stops. If you prefer, the support vehicle can take you or your bike for any part of the route, and we can adapt the timing to avoid the midday heat in summer.