Popular: Vespa tours · Food tours · Ninh Binh · Combos −10%

Tailor-Made Trip

Co Loa Ancient Citadel & Hanoi Countryside Tour by Vintage Vespa

VBTV3 Private 4 hours Hanoi

Overview

Escape the busy streets of Hanoi and discover the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta by Vintage Vespa. This half-day journey takes guests beyond the tourist areas into rural villages, riverside farms, traditional craft communities, and one of Vietnam’s oldest historical sites.

The highlight of the tour is Co Loa Ancient Citadel — a legendary 3rd-century BC capital of the ancient Au Lac Kingdom, deeply connected to Vietnamese history, mythology, and national identity. Along the way, guests will experience authentic village life, local markets, bonsai gardens, traditional crafts, and the beautiful contrast between modern Hanoi and its surrounding countryside.

Highlights

  • Ride through Hanoi’s countryside by Vintage Vespa.
  • Cross the historic Long Bien Bridge and follow scenic Red River routes.
  • Discover peaceful farms, paddy fields, vegetable gardens, and rural villages.
  • Visit Co Loa Ancient Citadel — one of Vietnam’s oldest historical sites.
  • Visit a local market and experience real countryside life.
  • Enjoy local food, drinks, and Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee.

Itinerary

Departures
  • Morning: 08:00 – 12:00
  • Afternoon: 12:30 – 16:30

  1. Red River Countryside & Rural Villages

    After a short safety briefing and tour introduction, begin the journey from Hanoi’s city center toward the peaceful countryside.

    Cross the historic Long Bien Bridge and enjoy scenic views over the Red River, where boats, vegetable farms, and riverside communities reveal a slower and more traditional side of Hanoi.

    Continue along small countryside roads through paddy fields, vegetable gardens, guava orchards, and quiet rural villages. Along the way, guests may see farmers working in the fields, locals raising ducks, chickens, cows, and water buffaloes, and village life continuing at a gentle pace.

    This part of the journey offers a meaningful contrast between Hanoi’s busy urban streets and the peaceful agricultural lifestyle of the Red River Delta.

  2. Co Loa Ancient Citadel – Legend & History

    Continue to Co Loa Ancient Citadel, one of Vietnam’s most important historical sites and believed to be the country’s oldest citadel. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, Co Loa was once the capital of the Au Lac Kingdom and remains closely connected to Vietnamese legends, ancient military history, and national identity.

    Guests will explore the ancient citadel area, learn about its spiral-shaped defensive structure, and hear stories about King An Duong Vuong, Princess My Chau, and the legendary magic crossbow.

    This is a fascinating opportunity to understand Vietnam’s early history, mythology, and the deep cultural roots of the Red River civilization.

  3. Traditional Village Homes, Bonsai Garden & Hanoi Cuisine

    After visiting Co Loa Ancient Citadel, continue deeper into the surrounding countryside villages to experience the peaceful rhythm of traditional Northern Vietnamese life.

    Guests will visit a local family home and discover a beautifully preserved ancient-style house that still reflects the traditional architecture and atmosphere of Northern Vietnam. With its old wooden structure, tiled roof, quiet courtyard, and nostalgic design, the house offers a rare glimpse into how generations of local families once lived in the Red River Delta.

    The journey continues to a traditional bonsai garden where guests can admire carefully shaped trees and learn about the Vietnamese appreciation for balance, patience, harmony, and natural beauty — values deeply connected to local culture and daily life.

    Along the way, guests may also stop at local village markets and peaceful countryside corners to observe authentic rural life away from the busy city atmosphere.

    The experience concludes with a local food stop featuring authentic Hanoi flavors and traditional Vietnamese drinks. Before returning to the hotel, guests will enjoy Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee — a rich and creamy local specialty that has become one of the capital’s most iconic culinary experiences.

Inclusions

Included

  • Vinatge Vespa with experienced driver.
  • English-speaking local guide.
  • Entrance fees for visits mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Local food & drinks.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Hanoi city center.

Not included

  • Tips for guide/driver.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Additional drinks not mentioned above.
  • Travel insurance.

Rates

Check your date
Travel datesAdult 12+Child 2–11Infant Under 2
All dates$70QuotedQuoted

“Quoted”: we confirm this price when we reply to your request.

  • Prices are in US dollars and include taxes.
  • A 30% deposit confirms your booking — 50% for groups of 7 or more, infants included.
  • VAT invoices are available on request.

We accept

Book two different tours, save 10%Pair this ride with another tour — 10% off the total price.

Reviews

5.0 4,565 reviews on Tripadvisor

What travelers say about Vietnam Backstreet Tours across all our rides — 98% of reviews are positive.

  • Tripadvisor

    "Most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable"

    We arranged a half day countryside and Hanoi City tour on Vespa motorbikes through our hotel. Tom and Duc (Donald) were most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, answering any questions we had…

    Samir P· Couple

  • Google

    "A truly unforgettable experience"

    We had a fantastic time in Hanoi with Vietnam Backstreet Tours. We discovered amazing places and learned so much! Tim was so knowledgeable and shared many stories with us. We loved the tour!

    Ruth Amarilla· United States · Family

  • Facebook

    "I can really recommend this highlight"

    Today we did a wonderful motorbike tour in Hanoi with the guys from Vietnam Backstreet. Many thanks to Mr. Boo and his team for all the impressions we got from Hanoi — we will keep them in our mind!

    Michael Herrmann· Germany · Friends

Tripadvisor Google Facebook

Q&As

Do I need any riding experience?

No. You ride as a passenger behind one of our professional, experienced drivers — just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Where does the tour start and end?

We pick you up free of charge anywhere within 3 km of the city centre, and drop you off there too — pick-up and drop-off can be two different places.

Do you provide helmets and rain gear?

Yes. Helmets are provided, and on wet days we hand out two-piece raincoats and stop at covered places along the way.

Can I bring children?

Yes — you can include children (2–11) and infants (under 2) in your booking. We confirm their prices when we reply to your request.

Can I change my tour date?

Date changes are free with at least 24 hours' notice. Changes made within 24 hours of the tour are charged 30% of the tour price.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel more than 24 hours ahead and we charge no cancellation fee (your bank or PayPal may keep a transaction fee of about 5%). Cancellations within 24 hours are charged in full. Refunds take 7–14 working days.

What if the weather turns bad?

Light rain doesn't stop us. If severe weather forces us to cancel, you can move to another date free of charge or get a 100% refund of the tour price, less bank fees.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional. We can arrange PTI cover for about US$3.50 per person per day.

Can you arrange a private tour for a larger group?

Yes. We run private tours and tours for larger groups, and can tailor the itinerary to you — tell us what you have in mind in the booking form or on WhatsApp.

More FAQs

Keep exploring

More tours in Hanoi

All tours

From $70 / person

Book now