Hanoi Vespa Tours: Hanoi Vintage Vespa Food Tours

Hanoi’s streets are lively, chaotic, and full of flavor. The Hanoi Vespa Tours’ Vintage Vespa Food Tour promises a unique way to experience this vibrant city after dark, combining the thrill of riding a classic scooter with the pleasure of tasting authentic Vietnamese dishes. With a highly-rated (5.0/5) reputation and glowing reviews, this 4-hour adventure offers a blend of sightseeing, cultural insights, and culinary delights that appeal to food lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One thing we really love about this tour is how intimate and personalized it feels, thanks to small group sizes and knowledgeable guides. Plus, the tour’s focus on local, well-hidden eateries provides a genuine taste of Hanoi that most travelers miss on standard sightseeing trips. A potential consideration is that riding a Vespa through busy streets might not suit everyone, especially those uncomfortable with scooters or with mobility issues. This experience is best suited for travelers who crave a mix of authentic food experiences, scenic views, and a dash of adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Sampling: Visit well-loved, family-run eateries and hidden spots for local dishes like Banh cuon and Bun cha.
• Scenic Night Views: Enjoy night-time sights of West Lake, the Red River, and Hoan Kiem Lake, along with the traditional flag ceremony.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Perry, Bean, Chris, and others are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and excellent driving skills.
• Flexible and Well-Organized: The tour offers a detailed safety briefing, clear instructions, and stops at key sights, all within four hours.
• Value for Money: At $69 per person, you get a comprehensive mix of sightseeing, food, drinks, and cultural insights.
• Perfect for Foodies and Adventure Lovers: Ideal for those who want to explore Hanoi’s hidden culinary gems with a touch of adrenaline.

For travelers seeking a different way to explore Hanoi, the Vintage Vespa Food Tour offers an experience that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The fact that it’s a small-group tour (no more than 15 travelers) ensures a more personalized and relaxed vibe, which is often missing from larger city tours. This setup also encourages more interaction with guides, who are praised for their local knowledge, friendliness, and ability to navigate Hanoi’s bustling streets safely.

The price point of $69 per person reflects excellent value considering the variety of experiences packed into this four-hour ride. It includes all transportation, food tastings at several well-curated spots, and drinks, making it an all-in-one night out. We appreciated the way the tour is carefully organized, with a detailed safety briefing and step-by-step instructions on how to ride the vintage Vespas comfortably, so even nervous riders can relax and enjoy.

Starting Point: The tour kicks off at the iconic Hanoi Opera House, setting a tone of cultural elegance before plunging into the local scene. From here, the guides—experts like Mai and Dung—help everyone get comfortable on the scooters, emphasizing safety and signals. This early attention to safety and clarity is often praised, with reviews highlighting how secure and well-guided the experience feels.

Stop 1: Asia Motorbike Adventures & Jeep Tours
This initial meet-up is a great chance to fuel up with hearty snacks and get introduced to the guide team. You’ll receive a full safety briefing and learn how to ride the Vespa, which helps ease any nerves and sets a friendly tone for the ride ahead.

Stop 2: Long Bien Bridge
Crossing the iconic bridge, you get a taste of Hanoi’s history and daily life. The guide will share insights into the city’s development, and you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere as you ride along. The bridge offers a nice photo opportunity, especially at night when the lights create a mesmerizing backdrop.

Stop 3: The Old Quarter’s Hidden Culinary Gems
Here’s where the tour really shines. Visiting a family-run eatery renowned for the best Banh cuon, you’ll see how traditional steam-rolled cakes are made and enjoy tasting them fresh. Next, at a 45-year-old restaurant, you’ll sample Bun cha, along with other specialties like Banh goi (pillow cake) and spring rolls. Reviewers frequently mention how these spots are local favorites that travelers wouldn’t find on their own, which adds to the authenticity.

Stop 4: French Quarter and the Red River
This part of the tour takes in the bustling streets of Hanoi’s French Quarter, with its colonial architecture and vibrant lantern displays. Riding along the Red River at night, you’ll get stunning views of the city lights reflected on the water. The guide will point out landmarks and share stories behind the sights, making the ride both scenic and educational.

Stop 5: West Lake
One of the highlights is the stop at West Lake, where you’ll witness the traditional flag ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The guards marching out to ceremonial music are a striking sight, especially under the night sky. The views here are particularly photogenic, and as some reviewers noted, it’s an excellent chance for nighttime photography.

Stop 6: Hoan Kiem Lake and Egg Coffee
No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to the legendary Egg Coffee. At a cozy local cafe that’s been serving the drink since 1946, you’ll get to try this creamy, sweet brew. Many reviews praise this final stop as a perfect way to end the night—unique, delicious, and quintessentially Hanoi.

Stop 7: Train Street (Dung Tau)
The tour concludes at “Train Street,” a famous spot with a train track running just inches from cafes and houses. Although brief, this stop adds an element of quirky local charm and is often highlighted as a memorable photo op.

Multiple reviews underscore the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, with mentions of guides like Perry, Bean, and Chris going above and beyond to ensure safety and fun. One reviewer called Chris “the best Vespa guide in Hanoi,” highlighting his ability to give a thorough overview of the city while answering countless questions about daily life in Vietnam.

Food-wise, travelers rave about the delicious and authentic dishes, often describing the experience as a surprise in a good way. The stops at hidden eateries allow guests to try local delicacies that might otherwise be missed. The balance between sightseeing and eating is well-maintained, with some reviewers mentioning how they loved the mini sightseeing moments between food stops—like crossing the Long Bien Bridge or snapping photos at West Lake.

The ride itself gets high marks for safety and fun. The guides’ expertise in riding and navigating Hanoi’s busy streets means you can relax and enjoy the scenery, rather than stress over traffic or directions. Riders mentioned feeling safe and secure, with clear signals and instructions.

The tour runs for about four hours, which is enough time to see multiple sights, enjoy a variety of dishes, and still feel energized afterward. The price of $69 is surprisingly reasonable, considering that it includes all food, drinks, scooter rides, and guided commentary. This makes it a cost-effective way to experience Hanoi’s night scene without the hassle of finding your own way around or paying for multiple meals separately.

Transportation is by vintage Vespa scooters, which add a nostalgic charm—and a sense of adventure—to the experience. The small-group format ensures a more personalized experience, with guides able to tailor the tour somewhat based on guest preferences or food restrictions, as noted by some reviewers.

The tour begins at Hanoi Opera House, a landmark that helps you locate the meeting point easily, and ends back there, so no need to worry about transportation logistics once the tour finishes.

This experience is perfect for foodies looking to uncover Hanoi’s culinary secrets, adventure lovers wanting a lively and dynamic way to see the city, and those who enjoy cultural insights mixed with sightseeing. It’s suitable for most travelers, provided you are comfortable on a scooter and eager to explore a city as it comes alive at night.

It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small groups who appreciate authentic experiences over generic tours. The focus on local eateries and scenic views ensures you leave not just with a full belly, but with a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s vibrant street life and culinary traditions.

For anyone wanting to see Hanoi in a way that’s fun, intimate, and filled with flavor, the Vintage Vespa Food Tour offers substantial value. You get the thrill of zipping through busy streets, the pleasure of tasting carefully selected local dishes, and the chance to witness the city’s nighttime beauty from multiple scenic vantage points.

The guides’ warmth and knowledge, combined with the authentic food stops, make this a memorable and rewarding experience. It’s a brilliant choice for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and culinary discovery, all wrapped up in four lively hours.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this tour adds a special flavor to Hanoi’s already vibrant tapestry. Just come hungry, ready to explore, and prepared for some fun on two wheels.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, making it suitable for families with kids who are comfortable riding on scooters.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for riding; lightweight, breathable clothing, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. A helmet and safety briefing are provided.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately four hours, including safety instructions, riding, sightseeing, and food stops.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited drinks are available at each stop, complementing the food tastings and enhancing the experience.

Is the tour physically demanding?
The ride involves sitting on a scooter, with some walking to and from stops. It’s suitable for most travelers but may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

Can I customize my food options?
Guides will ask about any special food requirements during the safety briefing or before the tour begins, allowing some flexibility.

What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll visit landmarks like West Lake, the Red River, Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy views of Hanoi’s streets and historic districts at night.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option for last-minute plans or changes.

This vintage Vespa food tour offers a delightful blend of an authentic Hanoi experience, scenic views, and delicious local cuisine—all on the back of a stylish scooter. It’s a fun, safe, and flavorful way to see the city after sunset, perfect for adventurous travelers eager to uncover Hanoi’s hidden culinary gems.