Ha Long - Hanoi
Distance: 140 kms
There’s no interesting way of doing this. All options are busy so you might as well stick to the wide road and just get it done. If you think HCM drivers and riders are reckless wait until you see the antics of some of these characters. They will look at you and still pull out. It’s like they’re stamping their authority.
If you stay in the Old Quarter on a weekend the Hoan Kiem Lake is shut off to traffic and a pretty cool scene. Buskers and some street performers getting up to some interesting antics. Kids kicking the shuttlecocks in some form of foot badminton.
Plenty of bar and restaurant options in this area also. If sending the bike back on the train this area is much closer to the train station.
The Tay Ho, West Lakes area is the other to consider for your accommodation. Most expats live in this area and also it has plenty of great restaurant and bar options also.
Almost always monkey’s crossing the road or sitting around relaxing, especially during cooler hours of the day.
Good place to wake up to. The morning walk around this lake is exceptional as far as major cities go.
