Company offers tour to explore Hanoi on classic red cub motorbikes

The tour takes guests past landmarks such as House No. 48 Hang Ngang Street, Hanoi Flag Tower, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Long Bien Bridge, and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Back in the 1980s, owning a red Honda C70 or Super Cub was considered a symbol of wealth.

These bikes were among a family’s most valuable possessions during a time of scarcity.

For many Hanoians, the Cub was not just a means of transportation—it became a cherished part of childhood memories, passed down through generations.

Over time, these bikes gradually disappeared from the streets, replaced by newer models.

However, this year, residents and visitors to Hanoi can once again admire the red Cubs cruising the city's avenues, thanks to the launch of the 'Independence Ride' tour.

Nghiem Anh Quan, co-founder of Vietnam Wander, shared that the idea for the tour began when he discovered the frame of an old Honda DD bike covered in dust in his grandfather's storage.

From there, he and other motorbike enthusiasts began collecting and restoring vintage Cubs in preparation for this project.

Currently, the group has a fleet of 15 restored Cub bikes and serves 10–20 guests per month, with each tour accommodating three to seven participants.

“For us, independence and freedom aren’t just about a single holiday. They live in every corner of the city, in the memories of every individual," Quan said.

“Each journey is a tribute to past generations and a way to help international friends understand the spirit of Hanoi and Vietnam.

"We want to offer more than just sightseeing. 

"We want travelers to touch history, memory, and the soul of an era through the Honda DD—a bike that once symbolized an entire generation of Vietnamese.

“That’s why the motto of our tour is ‘Independence Ride – A Journey through Memories,’ with a focus on heritage craft villages.”

The tour route passes through Hanoi’s flag-draped streets during the national celebration period and visits iconic sites.

A highlight of the trip is House No. 48 Hang Ngang Street—the location where President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence in the autumn of 1945.

Beyond the city, the tour also ventures into traditional craft villages on the outskirts of Hanoi, such as pottery, weaving, and incense-making villages where artisans continue to keep age-old traditions alive.

Each stop is designed to evoke emotions and help visitors better understand Hanoi while encouraging a slower, more reflective pace amid the city’s hustle and bustle.

The tour is priced at about VND1.5 million (US$56.9) per person.