Motorcycle taxi cab

Traveling by motorcycle taxi cabs is a quick and inexpensive way of getting around in Hanoi as you can find one in most parts of the city, particularly near hotels, shopping streets, and tourist attractions. Do note that these vehicles aren’t fitted with meters, so bargain hard, settle on the price, and fasten on your helmet before hopping onto one. A good tip is to ask the concierge in your hotel roughly how much a particular journey should cost before you leave for the day. The only downside is most drivers speak limited English, so it’s best to write down the address of your destination and show it to your driver beforehand.

Taxi

A fool-proof way of getting around in Hanoi, you can easily hail a taxi cab on the street or request one from the comfort of your hotel. Fitted with reliable meters, the prices per kilometer are very reasonable. Tips are always appreciated by taxi cab drivers, so just round up the meter once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Given Hanoi’s sometimes extreme traffic, they can be a slower option for short journeys, especially compared to motorcycle taxi cabs. However, for longer journeys, they are a lot more comfortable. Some of the most reputable taxi cab companies in Hanoi include Taxi cab CP (+84 43 826 2626), 52 Taxi cab (+84 43 852 5252), Hanoi Taxi cab (+84 43 853 5353), and Mai Linh Taxi cab (+84 43 861 6161).

Cyclo

Cyclos are fairly inexpensive methods of transportation in Hanoi. The downside to traveling via cyclo is that many westerners find that it only manages to fit 1 passenger, even though it’s a 2-seated vehicle. It’s also fairly daunting to navigate through busy traffic, so cyclos are better options for touring the Old Quarter’s narrow streets as a quaint experience rather than a viable transportation option.

Bus

Hanoi is served by local buses (decked out in red, white, and yellow) that cover regular routes within the city. Most stop near and in front of famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, The Old Quarter, Hanoi Train Station, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and The Literature Temple.

Ticket prices vary depending on the destination but are generally cheaper than even motorcycle taxi cabs. They are only payable in cash, so make sure you carry smaller bills if you’re planning on traveling via bus.

Walking

With a compact Old Quarter, getting around Hanoi’s central areas is easy on foot. Visitors can explore iconic attractions by navigating the narrow streets, including the bustling Ba Dinh Square and the President’s Palace. Head to Hoan Kiem Lake for a scenic walking route, which is incredibly atmospheric in the early morning when locals gather in the park for Tai Chi. Don’t miss the stunning 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple, nestled on an island in the middle of the lake. While many of Hanoi’s best neighborhoods are walkable, be cautious when crossing the street, as traffic can be chaotic and often doesn’t stop for pedestrians.