The First-Time Guide to Renting a Bicycle Hanoi

Do you want to rent a bicycle in Hanoi but have no idea where to even begin? We hear ya, renting a bicycle in Hanoi or any Vietnam city can be a daunting prospect. Well, Hanoi has the fastest and easiest solution for you when it comes to renting a bike in Hanoi- But first, let us get started on why renting a bicycle is the perfect way to discover a Hanoi city.

Renting a bicycle in Hanoi is the most touristy thing to do

Honestly, one of the most Vietnam things you can do while visiting Hanoi is exploring via a bicycle. Not only does it get you into the spirit of living in Vietnam, but it also helps you burn some calories while on vacation . Of course, if you’re just visiting for a while, you absolutely do not want to buy a bicycle just for a short period of time. And while there are many places that rent out bicycles to tourists, you want to make sure that you don’t end up getting scammed.

That is correct! Cycling is the easiest way to go around any city in the Hanoi. Traveling by Motorbike, unfortunately, is not always the best option. You can get stuck in traffic, finding parking spots is a pain in the butt (and it’s expensive!), not to mention paying for petrol can also be quite costly.

It gets even more expensive if you’re renting a motorbike just for your trip! But having a bicycle eliminates all of that! No traffic, no problem with finding a parking spot, no petrol needed, and renting a bicycle in the Saigon city is a whole lot cheaper.

How do I rent a bicycle in Hanoi

You can hardly walk around any (especially central) street without noticing a dozen rental places where you’ll be gladly helped to hire a bicycle.

Most people don’twant to commit to buying a  bicycle for a short visit, so renting is a great option. Most hotels and guesthouses provide bicycle rental services to their guests or anyone who walks in the door. Be aware that the majority of rental bikes available are not well looked after. Besides, you can also book online on google search.

You should test riding your bike before agreeing to rent it. Pay close attention to the brakes and the tyres as the are the two things that you need the most when trying to avoid an accident.

There are some places bicycl rental in Hanoi. But I recommend these fews stores as the quality of bikecycle are quite good and easy to find:

Everythings you need to know befor renting Bicycle Hanoi

When you rent a bicycle, you will put down a deposit, and you can purchase optional insurance, which will cover the cost of the bike if it is stolen and you follow a certain procedure. Most bicycle shops require that if the bike is stolen, you have filed a police report, and you must return the keys to the lock to prove you actually locked it up. If you do not have insurance and/or do not return the keys, you will have to pay the cost of the bicycle. Given the high rates of bicycle thefts each year

• 11 Tips for Riding a Motorbike in Hanoi
• All You Have to Know About Buying a Motorbike Hanoi
• The First-Time Guide to Renting a Bicycle Hanoi

Always lock your bicycle! Bikes get stolen all the time, so be sure to lock it up in a designated area. Rental bikes come with a lock that is permanently attached. Besides the bike lock, you might want to rent a bicycle from one of the shops that specifically rent out inconspicuous bikes. 

Mine was bright orange, which would surely mean “rental bike” to any potential thief. Luckily I didn’t have any problems, but I have heard that getting a bike that is black, blue, or red is a good idea. Look around before you park your bike. If there are no other bikes in the area, it may be an illegal or unsafe place to lock up, and your bike may not be there when you return.

Some routes of Hanoi city and surrounding

Hoan Kiem lake and Old Quarter. Start to visit the Hanoi Cathedral -> Hoan Kiem Lake -> Ngoc Son temple -> Old Quarter (Hang Be, Ma May, Bach Ma temple, Hang Buom, Dong Xuan Market…) -> Taste delicious street as you wish -> Hang Bong street.

The Westlake. Start to cycling to Ho Chi Minh Complex and pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum -> Thanh Nien road, the west lake round with beautiful scenery – Tran Quoc pagoda -> Quan Thanh Temple – Truc Bach Lake.

Co Loa ancient citadel. Cycling outskirt of Hanoi via Long Bien Bridge (historical bridge and an art monument) -> countryside Hanoi -> Co Loa citadel – Duong River dike.

Traditional village of But Thap – Dong Ho. (40km a day). Hard biking trip to Bac Ninh, pay visit to traditional craft village and But Thap pagoda, Dong Ho folk painting.. escape the bustling Hanoi city.

Bat Trang ceramic & Le Mat snake village. Cycling the countryside to Bat Trang ceramic village (20km), an outing day and learn about traditional craft village ceramic making. Also visit to Le Mat snake village where people raise many kind of snakes.