A nomad shares her top tips for hailing a cyclo in Vietnam, and the benefits of riding in the slow lane.
Photo © iStock/tbradford
Cyclos (also called trishaws) in Vietnam are now mainly for tourists, although many locals do still use them from time to time. They aren't hard to miss, as drivers ring their bells constantly trying to attract attention, especially near tourist attractions.
In a cyclo you’re sitting in front of the driver who is on a bicycle behind you, so you really feel part of the crazy street traffic. If this sounds like a terrifying proposition to be in among the moped frenzy of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, then let me explain some of the great benefits of grabbing a cyclo.
- The benefits of taking a cyclo
- The downside of taking a cyclo
- Tips for hailing a cyclo
- Christy's Hanoi adventure
Benefits of taking a cyclo
- In the hot climate, the breeze often will keep you cooler than in the non air conditioned taxis.
- Cyclos are meant to fit two people, but if there are plenty around and you’re with a friend take two cyclos – easier for the driver and better for the local economy.
- The guys work hard all day and are often far from their families, earning a small keep in the big city to send their kids to school.
- Aside from your contribution to the economy, the real benefits of traveling by cyclo is that the city moves by at a different pace.
- If you're interested in the art of people watching and generally understanding the minutae of daily life that give Vietnam it's unique feel, then the slow pace of cyclos are a must-have travel experience.
Downside of taking a cyclo
The downside to all this is occasionally absorbing new smells – not always that nice if you pass piles of rubbish or sewers!
Careful with the scammers too. One of our Nomads got scammed on her first day in Ho Chi Minh. The driver promised it would cost AU$10, but at the end of the trip, he demanded they pay AU$100! When you're unfamiliar with the Dong, it isn't hard to get confused.
Tips for hailing a cyclo
- Negotiate the price before setting out – don’t bargain too hard though, this is a low-income country.
- Have the correct rate, as they often don't seem to have change.
- Take a deep breath. You’ll be in the middle of traffic so it won’t be a smooth, eventless journey, but that said, it is a wonderful way to see things in style, and at a human pace rather than whizzing past in a taxi.
My Hanoi adventure
I'd been in Hanoi just one day and couldn't work out how to cross the street. After half an hour watching for a gap in the relentless traffic, a guy gently took my arm and led me calmly and boldly into the oncoming traffic.
We reached the other side safely and I grinned... "Thank you, thank you" I said, as he hopped back on his parked cyclo. "How about a ride tomorrow? I'll pick you up at 9 and take you everywhere!"
How could I say no? And thus begun a great three days in Hanoi as seen from the front of Mr Bihn's bike.
The highlights were a spot of lunch in a local restaurant near some military buildings – no English on the menu, the *best* fish in tomato and dill dish I have ever eaten, and a roomful of uniformed Officers talking and laughing over tea and rice.
It was a moment in time where the communist Vietnam of old, and entrepreneurship of new came face to face. The deal was that I paid for both of us – about US$5 in total – but got to see a local view that wasn't on offer to other tourists. For me, a priceless memory. Cyclo drivers are a lifeline into the real life of Hanoi.
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2 Comments
An alternative from cyclo is a double-decker bus tour that allows travelling the old streets and famous sights from a higher ground.
Reference: http://vietnamnet.vn/vn/thoi-su/tin-anh/xe-buyt-2-tang-chinh-thuc-chay-quanh-pho-ha-noi-gia-650-nghin-453969.html
Either buy a ticket when getting on a bus or book here: https://hopon-hopoff.vn/
Welcome.
The cyclo tour is great for travellers to discover Hanoi City. i am a tour guide and i can feel that our clients enjoy it so much when they do that trip. After 1 hour with cyclo the Hanoi Street Food Tour is also amazing to understand more about Vietnamese cuisine.
You may book this tour with Incredible Asia Journeys. They are a good tour operator in Hanoi, Vietnam.