A Return to Hanoi: Exploring Hidden Gems on Two Wheels

Xin Chào.

Welcome to my fourth cycling adventure in Vietnam! After exploring various regions of this incredible country on my bicycle and gathering countless memories, I felt a strong urge to head north this time. The ride from Hanoi to Sapa provided the perfect opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of the northern highlands and witness the majestic landscapes that define this region.

I’ve divided this post into two parts: the first covers my cycling experiences in Hanoi before and after returning from Sapa, and the second focuses on the actual ride from Hanoi to Sapa.

As this was my second visit to Hanoi – my first being in November 2022 – I spent a few days cycling around and exploring some lesser-known historical and heritage sites that I hadn’t previously visited. I also took the opportunity to capture the vibrant scenes of Hanoi’s flower sellers, who travel by bicycle and cart, their colorful blooms adding a lively and picturesque touch to the city’s streets.

One of the highlights of my time in Hanoi was a visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village, located on the outskirts of the city. This village, with a history spanning over 700 years, is a renowned destination for traditional Vietnamese ceramics. It has become a cultural hub that showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of generations of potters. During my visit, I had the chance to watch skilled artisans create intricate pottery pieces, from everyday household items to exquisite decorative works, all reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Before flying back home, I decided to visit the Giant Cycle Store near the West Lake to pick up a box to pack my bicycle for the journey. If you’re looking for a cycle box for your flight out of Hanoi, I highly recommend this store. They usually have a wide selection of boxes in various sizes. If you don’t find the size or type you need, there are many other bicycle shops around the lake where you’re likely to find one.

My final ride in Hanoi took me across the famous Long Bien Bridge, constructed over a century ago. This iconic bridge spans the majestic Red River, connecting the bustling city with its rural outskirts. Originally named after Paul Doumer, the French governor-general of Indochina, the bridge was later renamed Long Bien after Vietnam gained independence.

Interestingly, did you know that on this bridge, vehicles drive on the left side, just like in India? This is unlike the rest of Vietnam, where traffic moves on the right. According to a local guide, this change was implemented a few decades ago because the bridge was tilting to the right under the weight of heavy traffic, particularly trucks loaded with goods traveling from Hanoi to the port across the river.

During my stay in Hanoi, I stayed at the Ancient Lane Hotel, a quaint hotel within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. One of the major advantages of staying here was that they allowed me to store my bicycle for a couple of weeks while I traveled by bus—first north to do the famous Ha Giang loop and then south to explore the Phong Nha caves.

Click on the photos to ZOOM.

#1: April 7 – Xin Chào Hanoi

Distance: 28.23 km
Time: 2:17:42
Elev Gain: 29 m
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11124552903

#2: April 8 – Bat Trang Pottery Village

Distance: 59.95 km
Time: 4:52:19
Elev Gain: 98 m
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11133605538

#3: April 9 – Hanoi – land of flowers

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is often referred to as the ‘Land of Flowers,’ a title that beautifully captures the city’s deep connection with nature’s blooms. This name reflects Hanoi’s rich history and cultural affinity for flowers, which are cherished not just as decorations but as symbols of life, emotion, and tradition. To read more about this and see additional photos from my ride, check out my post: Hanoi’s Floral Legacy: A Journey Through the Land of Flowers.
Distance: 25.62 km
Time: 2:52:21
Elev Gain: 35 m
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11140025028