Top 12 Most Scenic Streets in Hanoi for a Joyful Ride

The name Han Quoc Wharf or "West Lake Road" is probably familiar to young locals, right?

Here, apart from couples enjoying a romantic moment, you'll also find many residents exercising or fishing along the lakeside. If you take a full loop around the lake, you’ll encounter many restaurants, beer gardens, and cafes with stunning views, perfect for a photoshoot. Thanks to the fresh, peaceful atmosphere with no crowds, this place is a popular retreat for those seeking a calm escape from stress.

The full circuit around the lake is about 12 km. Especially at night, late hours reveal a lot of interesting sights, but it’s best to ride in groups of two or more. Be cautious as the road can be narrow, so take your time to enjoy the view and avoid accidents.

Kim Ma Street is 2.57 km long, stretching from the intersection with Son Tay – Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (near the Kim Ma bus station) to Cau Giay Street.

This street, along with some smaller streets intersecting it, is a popular spot for young people to take photos with its beautiful backdrop. However, daytime is not ideal for a ride here as it is a main road for commuters and tends to get quite congested and crowded.

Visiting in the evening is much more pleasant, as the street is lined with numerous eateries and cafes where you can stop and relax. If you have more time, you can turn into smaller streets like Vạn Phúc or Vạn Bảo for a more enjoyable ride. For snacks, consider turning into Ngọc Khánh Street, heading toward the area near the old Ams school.

Unless you visit very late at night, Kim Ma Street is typically bustling and noisy, embodying the vibrant urban atmosphere.

Running along Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang Street is located right at the heart of Hanoi. This street is home to the Ba Kieu Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Phong Tower – a remaining relic of Bao An Pagoda, and the historic Hanoi Post Office with its iconic clock tower. It’s also the site of the Ly Thai To Monument, a popular gathering place for children in the evening.

During holidays and festivals, the street becomes a lively spot for locals to gather and watch fireworks or celebrate the New Year. Dinh Tien Hoang Street is often the first stop for tourists, and you’ll frequently see them strolling along the sidewalks. Riding a motorbike slowly around the lake in the evening, taking in the view of the streets, is quite a pleasant experience.

Food is an integral part of the street, with numerous food stalls lining Dinh Tien Hoang Street. On weekends, the street becomes especially crowded due to the pedestrian-only area. You can easily park your bike and join the bustling crowd to explore the area!

The Ceramic Road stretches about 3.8 km, covering an area of 6,950 m2, with 21 sections that depict key historical events of Vietnam.

This unique road is an artistic creation designed to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long. The project took four years to complete, with substantial contributions from 20 Vietnamese artists, 15 international artists from 10 countries, 500 children from both Vietnam and abroad, 50 fine arts students, over 100 artisans, and craftsmen from various traditional ceramic villages such as Bat Trang, Phu Lang, Chu Dau, Binh Duong, Vinh Long, and Bau Truc.

If you plan to explore this road, it’s best to visit during the day as the artwork is hard to see in the evening. Along the way, you can also take breaks and enjoy food at nearby entrances like Chuong Duong Dike or Ham Tu Quan.

Hue Street is one of the busiest streets in Hanoi, active both day and night. During the day, you can stroll and shop for clothes and shoes.

While Hue Street is relatively short, it’s best to take your time as it can get quite crowded. It’s highly recommended to visit in the evening, as the street tends to be busy during the day due to its status as a major thoroughfare. The sides of the street are lined with plenty of restaurants and cafes, offering beautiful views perfect for photos.

Notably, there is the Cho Hom market where young people can buy various items such as clothes, fabrics, bags, shoes, and more.

However, keep in mind that Hue Street is one-way, starting from Tran Khat Chan and ending at Hang Bai Street.

Known as the ‘Western Quarter’ within the Old Quarter, Ta Hien Street and its famous 'international intersection' have long been a must-visit spot for foreign tourists in Hanoi.

When you mention Ta Hien, you can’t forget the sidewalk beer stands. Every afternoon, numerous beer stalls line the street, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. The area is always bustling with people, and it's a fun, friendly vibe. To visit Ta Hien, the best option is to park and walk, as the street is constantly crowded, and moving by vehicle is slow and tiring.

Much like Ta Hien Street, the Hang Ngang – Hang Dao – Dong Xuan area in Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the most lively places, especially during the weekend. These streets turn into a bustling night market during the last three days of the week. On weekdays, you can drive through, but on weekends, the streets are closed off, and you’ll need to park near Hoan Kiem Lake and walk in.

The night market runs from 6 PM to 11 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, stretching for nearly 3 km through historic houses that preserve much of their old charm. The market begins at Hang Dao Street, which borders Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, and ends at the Dong Xuan Market entrance.

The Long Bien Bridge stands as a symbol of Vietnam's historical resilience, having witnessed countless pivotal moments in the nation's past. Beyond its historical significance, it has earned the title of the 'love bridge' for Hanoi's youth. The romantic atmosphere is undeniable, especially in the evening, as couples walk hand-in-hand along the bridge, feeling the gentle breeze while watching trains pass under the warm yellow lights.

Many couples leave love locks on the bridge's iron rails, symbolizing their eternal bond. The view from the bridge at night is also mesmerizing. You can visit one of the bridge's cafes, sit on a blanket, enjoy sunflower seeds, chat with friends, and gaze at the river and the sandbanks beneath. Local snacks such as fruits, roasted corn, and sweet potatoes are available. Witnessing the sunrise on Long Bien Bridge is an unforgettable experience. Before heading to the bridge, consider a visit to the bustling Long Bien wholesale market, which opens early in the morning but is always lively with activity.

The Nhat Tan Bridge spans the Red River, connecting the heart of Hanoi with the northern industrial areas. With its distinctive architecture, Nhat Tan Bridge has become a new symbol of the city. You’ll be amazed by the stunning view of the bridge lit up with thousands of lights every night. Many young people visit this spot for sightseeing and photography. In the evening, ride your bike up to the bridge, find a spot next to the railing, feel the cool breeze from the river, and watch the traffic flow. It’s the perfect way to let go of any stress or worries.

Phan Dinh Phung Street is known for its vast stretches of trees on both sides, making it one of the most picturesque streets in Hanoi. The wide road allows motorcycles and cars to cruise comfortably. The street is about 1.5 km long, extending from Mai Xuan Thuong Street to Hang Cot Street. For those who enjoy leisurely drives, it’s common to start from Hoang Dieu and take a few laps around this area.

Ancient sago palm trees are a special feature of Phan Dinh Phung Street. Additionally, two major tourist spots nearby are the North Gate of the Hanoi Citadel and the North Gate Church. The North Gate still bears the marks of cannonball damage from the French colonial era.

You can visit Phan Dinh Phung Street at any time of the day, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall, when the golden sunlight creates a perfect backdrop for photography!

Hoang Dieu Street is 1.3 km long, connecting Phan Dinh Phung Street and Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. The street was named after the August Revolution of 1945.

Like Phan Dinh Phung, the highlight of Hoang Dieu is the rows of ancient trees lining both sides, offering a cool and pleasant atmosphere even during the day. The wide road also makes it a comfortable place to drive around. Additionally, there are several well-preserved French-style villas along the street, so take your time and pay attention to the details as you drive.

Important landmarks you should not miss on Hoang Dieu Street include: the Imperial Citadel, the Doan Mon Gate, and General Vo Nguyen Giap's house at 30 Hoang Dieu (where people gather on special occasions or anniversaries to light candles and offer incense and flowers in remembrance of General Giap).

Furthermore, Hoang Dieu Street is also a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

Thanh Nien Street stretches across West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, allowing for an expanded cruising route with plenty of smaller streets intersecting along the way. The street is nearly 1 km long, beginning from Yen Phu slope to the Quán Thánh - Thuy Khue intersection.

The two sides of the street are lined with large, shady trees, making it ideal for motorbike cruising. You can also park your bike, take your loved one by the hand, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the sidewalk, taking in the serene beauty of Hanoi. Thanh Nien Street attracts a younger crowd more than the two previous roads. The lakeside setting makes it perfect for evening strolls, while during the day, it's a great spot for photos with beautiful backdrops. Additionally, you'll find numerous street vendors offering tasty snacks along the way, perfect for a quick bite.