Scooter Tours in Hanoi

Hanoi is home to 5 million scooters, making it the preferred mode of transport in the city. It’s also a great way to explore Hanoi, but the idea of solo driving your way through this ancient city can be a daunting one.

The solution is a Hanoi scooter tour, a unique sightseeing opportunity where a licensed driver will show you their version of Hanoi from the back of a motorbike.

Driving through Hanoi on the back of a scooter is an unforgettable experience — but combining this with Hanoi's most famous sights provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hop on, fasten your helmet and get ready for adventure!

Here's all you need to know about scooter tours, which are among the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in Hanoi.

What are the best scooter tours in Hanoi?

There is a variety of scooter tours in Hanoi and the surrounding area, so finding the best scooter tour in Hanoi comes down to personal preference.

Choosing between day and evening/night tours enables you to see two distinct sides of Hanoi — while different tour durations will determine the number of activities and sights included.

To round off your experience, you can choose between different types of motorbikes, with vintage bikes, scooters and mopeds just some of your options.

Scooter tour through Hanoi’s countryside

Beyond the edges of Hanoi lies a world that travelers seldom get to see. This region is dotted with beautiful little villages and idyllic farms — and the best way to explore them is with a scooter tour through Hanoi’s countryside.

Walk the streets of a millennia-old village, watch craftsmen create ceramics the way that their forebears and enjoy a light lunch with locals.

While sharing a plate of local delicacies, you’ll get to understand the historic and cultural importance that the Red River Delta holds to these communities.

After having your fill, you’ll jump on the back of the motorbike and head to the next village.

This 5-hour scooter tour allows you to get an in-depth feel for Hanoi’s countryside – especially when your guide is literally by your side to answer any questions.

The undisputed highlight of this trip is a visit to a temple that dates back to 257 B.C. — the perfect backdrop to learn more about Hanoi and Vietnam’s history before heading home.

Small group scooter tour in Hanoi

A small group Hanoi scooter tour is the perfect option if you want a no-fuss expedition that visits most of Hanoi’s must-see attractions.

The number of participants per tour is between 2-15, making it a perfect option for couples, a family or a group of friends.

This Hanoi scooter tour is an all-female affair, and your driver will be clad in her Aodai, the beautiful traditional Vietnamese dress. The style doesn’t end there — you’ll be zipping through Hanoi’s streets on a Vespa, the perfect addition to really bring the ensemble together.

You’ll visit Hanoi’s French Quarter, drive down the iconic Long Bien Bridge and watch the sunset over West Lake. Your visit to West Lake also includes a visit to the Phu Tay Ho Temple and a local market. Finally, you’ll end off your Hanoi Scooter tour with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, where modern Vietnam’s founding father leader still lays in stasis.

Hanoi scooter tour at night

Hanoi is a completely different city once the sun sets — the streets come to life with sights, sounds and aromas that you’ll only encounter here.

And, a Hanoi scooter tour at night is the best way to join the throng and explore the city as it’s meant to be explored — on the back of a scooter!

You’ll start off this scooter tour by stopping on Long Bien Bridge to watch the sunset over the Red River. Take a moment to appreciate the relative peace and calm, before joining the jostling mass that is Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

With the Old Quarter as your base, you’ll visit most of the sights that Hanoi has to offer. These include the Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the infamous Train Street.

Then you’ll leave the Old Quarter behind and head to the serene shores of the West Lake to enjoy a drink and cap off an unforgettable night.

Which places are visited?

The places visited on scooter tours in Hanoi largely depend on the type of scooter tour you choose. Most tours will stick to attractions close to Hanoi’s center, while a couple of tours may venture further afield to explore Hanoi’s countryside.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is widely considered the spiritual center of Hanoi and Vietnam. This lake holds immense social and historical importance and, according to legend, it’s the home of a giant golden turtle.

This turtle guards a magical sword, which it will unsheathe if the city is threatened. The lake is surrounded by a park and is home to some of Hanoi’s most popular sights.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s historical area and home to the “36 Streets.” These streets (each denoting a specific vocation like silversmith, cooper or carpenter) trace their history back to the 11th century.

They were created to ensure only the best goods were produced in Hanoi, while keeping costs down.

West Lake

The West Lake, or Tay Ho, is Hanoi’s biggest lake, and it provides a peaceful refuge from the Old Quarter's busy streets. It’s home to ancient temples and pagodas, and features in many Vietnamese poems and legends.

This is also the lake into which senator John McCain’s airplane fell, resulting in his capture.

How much do scooter tours in Hanoi cost?

The cost of a scooter tour in Hanoi depends on a couple of factors, like the duration of the tour and the number of activities the scooter tour includes.

Small group scooter tours in Hanoi start at US$60 per person.

The scooter tour that explores Hanoi’s countryside will cost around US$70 per person.

The Hanoi at-night scooter tour will cost US$70 per person.

What is included?

Each Hanoi scooter tour includes a personal scooter driver and guide and entrance to all the sights visited. Some of the longer scooter tours include a light meal, while all the tours include a bottle of water.

Scooter tours in Hanoi usually include a pickup from your residence, but this should be confirmed when you make your booking.

Where does it start?

Hanoi scooter tours usually start either at the tour agency’s office or from a spot in the Old Quarter. When departing from the Old Quarter, it would be from the area around Hoan Kiem Lake.

It’s best to confirm the starting location when booking the scooter tour, and once again 24 hours before the tour starts.

How long does it last?

The typical scooter tour in Hanoi lasts around 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity. However, some of the tours can be as brief as two and a half hours, while tours exploring Hanoi’s countryside can last between 5-6 hours.

When is the best time for a scooter tour in Hanoi?

The best time to go on a scooter tour in Hanoi is between the months of September and December, and again from late March to early May. These times are also less busy and allow you to avoid the crowds.

When going on a scooter tour during the winter months, a jacket or windbreaker is advisable as it gets quite chilly. Your driver is equipped with an extra poncho if it starts to rain during your scooter tour.

Is it safe?

Scooter tours in Hanoi are safe, but make sure to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. However, these tours are not suitable for pregnant travelers and people with back problems.

Are children allowed?

Children can join Hanoi scooter tours as passengers, but driving is not allowed for those below 18 years old.

Do I need a driver’s license?

If you want to drive a motorbike, you must have a driver’s license from your home country.

Are there any combos available with scooter tours in Hanoi?

Hanoi scooter and food tour

A Hanoi scooter and food tour perfectly combines Hanoi’s culinary delights with the thrill of zipping through Hanoi’s busy streets. This scooter and food tour costs around US$85 per person and last three and a half hours.

You’ll start this tour on foot, exploring some of the dishes that the Old Quarter has to offer — before mounting a Vespa and heading to eateries that only locals know about.

You’ll cap the night off like a true Hanoi resident, by drinking a delicious egg coffee!

Travel tips

• Wear appropriate clothes when visiting places of worship.
• Take extra water and snacks on longer scooter tours.
• Ensure that cameras, phones and other valuables are secured.
• Scooter tours are subject to weather, check with your tour company before the tour if uncertain.