Part 1
The Insider’s Hanoi begins as all good tours should, by sampling the authentic local café culture in the heart of the Old Quarter, overlooking Hanoi’s oldest church, the famous French colonial style St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
We then set off for an intimate ride through the city’s iconic narrow streets to the world famous Hanoi railway tracks, where we see how the locals live and work, just centimetres from the tracks in tall picturesque houses.
Part 2
After a short ride on your comfortable vintage Vespa’s toward Huu Tiep Lake and explore the grounds of a 400-year-old temple. It’s then a short walk through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Ha Noi, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.
It’s back on the Vespas for a fun ride to the Ngoc Ha Market and a stroll around this vast, bustling marketplace taking in the vibrant atmosphere that typifies Ha Noi.*
Part 3
We then ride out of the city to the Long Bien Bridge, a magnificent structure built over a hundred years ago which spans the Red River and connects the Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts, and provides shelter to locals living on floating homes. Only motorbikes & bicycles can traverse and this is truly an experience off the beaten track, so off we go!
Our next ride takes us along the riverside as we zoom past the ancient dyke wall, beautifully decorated with mosaic artwork to our final destination. A tranquil green oasis at a miniature Kumquat farm (seasonal) or we learn about the ancient tradition of making tea at the home of a Vietnamese Tea Master.
From the final stop, we will drop guests back at their hotel and bid them a safe farewell.
