Historical Background
Cyclo was designed by a French man named Piere Coupeaud. He has lived in Indochina since the early 1920s and owns a bicycle company in Phnom Penh. Pierre Coupeaud produced the first series of “vélo-pousse” (the name of the then-cyclo). He sent a series of cyclos to Vietnam.
Cyclo - beauty in Hanoi culture
Starting after the 1950s, cyclo continued to be a popular means of transportation. It is superior to bicycles thanks to its ability to transport goods and the ability to carry many people at the same time. Serving as an elegant and efficient mode of transport, the cyclo became an integral part of the urban landscape.
The first cyclos in Hanoi
Over the decades, the cyclo has become an enduring symbol of Hanoi's cultural heritage. It's a living artifact, narrating tales of Hanoi's past with every turn of its wheels. Today, the cyclo remains a cherished part of Hanoi's identity, offering both locals and visitors a nostalgic journey into the city's rich history.
Image of cyclo in the 1950s
What to Expect
Experience a Hanoi cyclo ride is a journey that promises a tapestry of unique experiences for every traveler. As you sit into the cyclo, the town unfolds before you in a cinematic panorama. The slow pace of cyclo allows you to have an intimate connection with Hanoi's soul. You will be revealed the details of Hanoi Old Quarter, the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and the cultural richness in the Temple of Literature.
You can explore vibrant daily life in Hanoi when traveling by cyclo
Riding a cyclo takes tourists through famous streets and allows visitors to explore the old town's small and quiet alleys. Visitors can enjoy the daily life, culture and cuisine in Hanoi. Besides, the cyclo experience is elevated by the gracious cyclo drivers. They are polite and know key tourist destinations, eateries and restaurants.
You just sit and enjoy the scenery while driver will take you across 36 streets
Hanoi Cyclo Tours
Do you believe you just need to pay 150.000 VND (~ 6.19 USD) - 300.000 VND (~ 12.37 USD) to be able to go through the famous landmarks in Hanoi? Below are the main locations on each cyclo route in the capital.
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Route 1: Yen Phu Street - Cua Bac - Nguyen Tri Phuong Street - Hanoi Ancient Citadel.
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Route 2: Yen Phu Street - Tran Nhat Duat - Tran Quang Khai - Le Phung Hieu - Ngo Quyen - Trang Tien Plaza - Dinh Tien Hoang - Le Thai To Hang Khay.
The above locations are all located in the central area of Hanoi, with many cultural heritages, beautiful architecture to explore. There are things to note when experiencing Hanoi cyclo ride:
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Agree on the price before starting the journey. Avoid negotiating prices that are too low because this is the listed price
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You can easily identify official cyclo cyclo drivers because they wear a travel agency uniform.
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Be careful with unofficial cyclo teams. They can offer cheaper prices but do not guarantee the quality of service and safety.
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If you want to have the best deal, rent a cyclo on large roads instead of in narrow neighborhoods.
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You should not choose peak hours (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) to avoid traffic jams.
The cyclo driver for the company will wear a uniform
Looking for more information? Our article on Vietnam travel guide.
Through the article, I believe the experience of the Hanoi cyclo ride will help you explore this city in a new way. So, the next time, if you have a chance, consider letting cyclo be your guide to the rich history stories. In addition, when you are looking for a Vietnam package tour, contact us on New Asia Tours website.
