Hanoi among world's top 6 cycling destinations

Hanoi was selected as one of the six best destinations to explore by bike by Booking.com, a global online travel website.

With the famed Tour de France race kicking off on July 1 and with nearly one fifth (17%) of U.S. travelers saying they would like to take an active trip in 2022, Booking.com has selected six top destinations to explore by bike, as recommended by Booking.com travelers.

"The capital city of Hanoi is one of Asia’s most popular cycling destinations, known for its centuries-old architecture, lakes, parks and over 600 temples and pagodas, the city offers a network of fantastic cycling paths that allow travelers to explore amongst locals on bicycles and scooters," according to the website.

"Visitors can park up in the city’s colorful Old Quarter and refuel on delicious Vietnamese street food like beef noodle soup and shrimp cakes," it added.

"For those who fancy a day trip out of the city, a Tour of Hoa Lu with Boat & Bike Ride explores the ancient city followed by a traditional sampan sail alongside rice fields, and a leisurely cycle around a local village. Sleep soundly for very little cost at the bright Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel for a sociable stay with the opportunity to meet fellow travelers."

The remaining five destinations to explore on a bike are Uyuni (Bolivia), Valencia (Spain), Moab (the U.S.), Riva del Garda (Italy), and Carretera Austral (Chile).

Last year, the ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam ranked ninth among the world's 20 best biking experiences as voted by TripAdvisor readers.

"The five-hour tour, which costs from $19.49 per person, allows visitors to experience traditional crafts, from weaving straw to making boats while pedaling around Duy Vinh Island, about five kilometers from downtown Hoi An," the global travel platform commented.

Vietnam ranked ninth among 10 terrific locations around the world for cycling enthusiasts in an article published in early October 2020 by MapQuest, an American free online web mapping service.

According to the article, cycling culture is extremely strong in Vietnam, and residents are often to be seen on their bikes whether they’re commuting to work or having fun.

From Hanoi along the coast toward Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing route of over 700 miles that takes riders along perfect sandy beaches and beautiful coastlines, it added.