The Hanoi Back Streets Vespa Tour offers a rare opportunity to uncover the unseen sides of the city and experience the striking contrast between wealth and simplicity in everyday Hanoi life. Riding pillion on a vintage Vespa, you enjoy a panoramic glimpse of the Old Quarter and French Quarter, cross the historic Long Bien Bridge, pass the Guinness World Record mosaic wall, and take in the serenity of West Lake and the evocative B52 Lake.
The journey then slows down for a closer, more intimate exploration of Hanoi’s living history, from the vibrant flea market to the Nguyen Cong Tru apartment complex, a vivid reminder of the subsidy period some 40–50 years ago. Continue with a gentle 1.5-kilometre walk on the lush Banana Island, where you interact with an 86-year-old local couple, before wandering through the zigzag alleys of Ngoc Ha village and the iconic, trendy railway streets. The experience concludes with a cozy lunch showcasing the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine, before returning to your hotel. (For afternoon tours, lunch is served at the beginning of the experience.)
Highlights
-
Vintage Vespa Ride Through Iconic Landmarks – Experience Hanoi from the back of a classic Vespa as you pass the Old Quarter, French Quarter, Long Bien Bridge, West Lake, B52 Lake, and the Guinness World Record mosaic wall.
-
Unseen Hanoi & Social Contrast – Discover the lesser-known sides of the city, revealing the striking contrast between wealth and simplicity in everyday local life.
-
Living History & Local Encounters – Explore the vibrant flea market, the Nguyen Cong Tru apartment complex from the subsidy era, and enjoy a meaningful interaction with an 86-year-old local couple on peaceful Banana Island.
-
Cultural Walks & Culinary Finale – Wander through Ngoc Ha village and the trendy railway streets before ending the experience with a cozy lunch highlighting the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.