Hanoi is often compared to a gentle girl that many people have fallen in love with while taking a ride around the city.
The first bicycle, called a “velocipede”, was invented in 1817 by the German baron Karl von Drais. It was driven by the rider pushing it along the ground with his feet because there were no pedals. The first bicycle with pedals was invented in 1839 by the Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan.
There are now an estimated one billion bicycles worldwide. They are also the world’s most popular mode of transport. When most people think of “biking cities,” Copenhagen (Denmark) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) come to mind. The capital city of Hanoi is also on Booking.com’s list of eco-friendly and cycling-friendly destinations.
The city offers a fascinating blend of history and contemporary life. Exploring the streets of ancient Hanoi is an experience like no other. 
Unlike many sports, cycling requires little skill or physical fitness. As a gentle exercise, cycling uses all major muscle groups, causing less stress and injury than most other forms of exercise. And, by choosing a bike, you will certainly see more than in a car, and it is cooler and more relaxing than walking. Cycling gives you the freedom to go anywhere and park anywhere. On a bike, life slows down, you can notice everything going on around you, maybe even catch a glimpse of an old door or a mossy wall full of poetry. You feel the sun, smell the sun, experience the lovely chaos, or the surprising peace in secret places that are hard to find. 
When living in Hanoi or just having a walk in the capital of a thousand years of culture, those who love exercise and relaxation can take a walk around West Lake to have a valuable experience. On the challenging route of about 17 - 18km, there are many stops to watch the sunrise or sunset, enjoy famous specialties of Hanoi such as steamed snails with Chinese herbs, vermicelli with snails, West Lake shrimp cakes and have dessert with a cup of fragrant tea scented with lotus picked early in the morning in the last lotus ponds in West Lake... 
International eateries with many dishes such as: Italian pizza, Japanese matcha, Argentine mate tea, French wine on Quang An street were also listed by Timeout magazine when voting for the most beautiful streets in the world in 2024.
In addition, Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the capital is also an ideal place to cycle in the early morning or late afternoon. As you follow the path around the green lake, you will be delighted by the view of The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower reflected in the clear blue water.
The Thang Long - Hanoi night cycling tour offers an opportunity to explore the night scene and learn about the city's culture and history through famous tourist attractions such as museums, historical sites and night food streets. The cycling tour takes from 90 to 120 minutes, starting from the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, then going to Hanoi Flag Tower - Thang Long Imperial Citadel - Ba Dinh Square - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - National Assembly Building - Presidential Palace - Quan Thanh Temple - Tran Quoc Pagoda - Ngoc Dao Ngu Xa Night Street (to enjoy some Hanoi delicacies) - North Gate - O Quan Chuong Gate - Government Guest House - Vietnam National Museum of History - Hanoi Opera House.
Copenhagen has invested $150 million in infrastructure over the past decade to make cycling accessible. Montreal, Canada, is one of the only North American cities to build bike lanes. Hanoi is also working on a plan to reduce car and motorbike traffic in its downtown area to make it more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The city has introduced bike rentals, public transit connections, and signs and traffic signals designed to make it easier to navigate.
Exploring Hanoi by bike is not only a convenient way to exercise but also an adventure that can be as exciting as getting to know someone. Everything can be done at a fast or leisurely pace, with great flexibility. Sometimes, the slower the pace, the more exciting and engaging!
Heritage Magazine
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