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Embark on an unforgettable bike ride from Hanoi and discover the charm of the countryside. On this full-day cycling tour to But Thap Pagoda and Bat Trang ceramic village, you trade the city’s horns and traffic for rice fields, river breezes and the warm smiles of local villagers.
This guide shows you exactly what to expect from a Bike Ride Hanoi 1 Day But Thap Bat Trang experience, how it feels, and how to book it easily with Golden Trail Travel & DMC via Golden Cycling Tours.
A classic bus tour can show you the sights.
A bike tour lets you feel them.
Freedom & achievement: The gentle challenge of riding 35–45 km in a day gives you that satisfying “I did it!” feeling – without needing to be an athlete. Vietnam Cycling
Real countryside life: Pedal along the Duong/Red River dykes, see farmers tending lush rice paddies, and hear children calling “hello!” as you pass. Vietnam Discovery Travel
Culture & spirituality in one day: Meditate in the peaceful courtyards of But Thap Pagoda, then get your hands dirty shaping clay in Bat Trang ceramic village, one of Vietnam’s most famous pottery hubs. Vietnam Bike Tours+1
It’s the perfect mix of light adventure, culture, local interaction and scenic photography – all in a single unforgettable day from Hanoi.
You start with an easy warm-up along quiet backroads, leaving Hanoi’s bustle behind. Soon the air feels cooler, the traffic disappears, and it’s just:
The smooth line of the dyke road
Green fields of rice, corn and vegetables
Simple village houses and temple gates
Buffalo grazing under palm trees
You’re close enough to hear birdsong, smell wet earth after irrigation, and wave to farmers in conical hats. This is northern Vietnam at its most authentic.
But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh province is one of the most important Buddhist pagodas in northern Vietnam, famed for its wooden statues and iconic stone tower. Vietnam Bike Tours
As you roll your bike into the courtyard, the atmosphere instantly changes:
The smell of incense drifts from the main hall
Bells echo softly across the tiled roofs
Old frangipani trees cast shade over ancient stone pathways
Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings, serene Buddha images and a calm that makes you instinctively lower your voice. Many travellers say this is the moment when the tour shifts from “fun day out” to something more spiritual and meaningful.
Bat Trang is a 700-year-old craft village on the Red River, famous for its ceramics and pottery workshops that still use traditional techniques. Sen Thien Tourist+1
Here you can:
Watch local artisans shaping clay on the wheel
Learn how the famous blue-and-white ceramics are painted and fired
Try making your own bowl, cup or figurine
Shop for beautiful ceramics – from tiny souvenirs to elegant vases
The joy of holding a cup that you shaped yourself, still dusted with dry clay, is a memory that stays long after the tour ends.
Below is a sample day itinerary typically operated by Golden Trail Travel & DMC (timing may vary slightly depending on the season and group pace).
Your guide meets you at your hotel in the Old Quarter. After a short transfer out of the busiest traffic, you get fitted to a quality mountain or hybrid bike, adjust your saddle and helmet, and receive a safety briefing.
Nervous about cycling in Vietnam? Don’t worry – most of the ride is on quiet local roads and dyke paths, not in heavy city traffic.
The first kilometres take you along the Duong riverside, where the city quickly melts away:
Fresh breezes off the river
Banana plantations and vegetable gardens on the banks
Local markets and roadside tea stalls
You ride at a relaxed, conversational pace. There are plenty of stops for photos, water and stories from your guide about rural life.
Late morning, you arrive at But Thap Pagoda. You’ll walk your bike inside and spend around an hour exploring:
The multi-storey stone tower that has become the pagoda’s symbol
Wooden corridors with ancient statues and altars
Peaceful inner courtyards perfect for quiet reflection
Many riders say this is one of the most emotional moments of the day – a chance to slow down, breathe deeply and feel a deep connection with Vietnam’s spiritual heritage.
You stop at a local restaurant or family-run eatery for a Vietnamese lunch: fresh spring rolls, stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats or tofu, fragrant rice and seasonal fruits. Vegetarian options are usually available on request.
It’s not just about the food – it’s the laughter at the table, clinking glasses of iced tea or local beer, and the friendly curiosity of village hosts that makes lunch memorable.
In the early afternoon, you pedal on to Bat Trang ceramic village. Here the ride turns into a creative workshop:
Walk narrow village lanes lined with ceramic shops
Visit a local workshop to see clay being shaped, painted and fired
Sit at a potter’s wheel, guided by an artisan, to craft your own piece
Expect messy hands and big smiles. Many travellers leave with a small self-made souvenir and a phone full of colourful photos.
As the heat softens, you ride or transfer back towards Hanoi, often with a golden sunset over the river. Back in the city, the traffic and lights feel different now – like you’ve discovered a secret, quieter world just beyond the urban edge.
You finish the day happily tired, full of stories, and with a new appreciation for Vietnam’s countryside.
Beyond the sights, this Bike Ride Hanoi 1 Day But Thap Bat Trang tour is about feelings:
Sense of achievement – Completing a full day of cycling gives you a light, happy fatigue and a deeper connection to the land you crossed.
Freedom & presence – Without bus windows or air-con, you smell the earth, feel the wind and hear village life around you.
Connection with local people – From farmers on the fields to artisans in Bat Trang, you share smiles, waves and sometimes simple conversations that feel surprisingly warm.
Spiritual calm – The quiet halls of But Thap Pagoda help many travellers feel centred and peaceful, even if they’re not religious.
Creativity and play – Shaping clay in Bat Trang is fun, imperfect and a little childlike – a chance to laugh at yourself and enjoy the process, not the result.
These emotions are what make the day unforgettable long after your legs stop feeling the ride.
This one-day bike ride suits:
Active couples & friends – looking for something more meaningful than a standard city tour.
Families with teens – who want a safe but exciting outdoor activity.
Solo travellers – who enjoy small group experiences and meeting new people.
Photographers & content creators – thanks to rice fields, pagodas, river views and colourful pottery.
Culture lovers – who like to combine history, spirituality and traditional crafts in one day.
The route is generally easy to moderate, with mostly flat terrain and plenty of breaks.
Golden Trail Travel & DMC specialises in authentic cycling experiences around Hanoi and northern Vietnam. Through their dedicated site Golden Cycling Tours at https://goldencyclingtours.com/, you can easily find and book the Bike Ride Hanoi 1 Day – But Thap Pagoda & Bat Trang Village tour.
When you book with Golden Trail Travel & DMC, you typically enjoy:
Well-maintained bikes & helmets
Experienced English-speaking cycling guides who know the quietest, most scenic routes
Support vehicle on many departures for extra safety and comfort
Small group sizes for a more personal, flexible experience
Door-to-door service from hotels in Hanoi’s central areas
To check dates, prices and availability, simply visit Golden Cycling Tours: https://goldencyclingtours.com/ and search for the bike ride to But Thap and Bat Trang, or contact Golden Trail Travel & DMC directly through the website’s enquiry form.
October – April: Cooler, drier months with comfortable cycling temperatures.
May – September: Hotter and more humid; start times may be earlier, and afternoon showers are common. Bring a light rain jacket.
Lightweight, breathable clothing (avoid jeans)
Closed shoes suitable for pedalling
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for breaks
Refillable water bottle
A small daypack for camera, phone and personal items
Most tours provide helmets, bikes and drinking water refills.
You don’t need to be a pro cyclist. If you can comfortably ride a bike for a couple of hours with breaks, you’ll be fine. Distances are split into short sections, and your guide will always be close by.
Always follow your guide’s instructions, keep to the right side of the road, and signal or call out when passing others.
Ask before photographing people, especially in temples or private homes.
Dress respectfully at But Thap Pagoda (shoulders and knees covered).
Support local artisans by purchasing directly from workshops when possible.
Use a refillable bottle to minimise plastic waste.
Most itineraries last around 8–9 hours door-to-door, including transfers, cycling, sightseeing, lunch and rest breaks.
Depending on the exact route and your group’s pace, expect to ride around 30–45 km throughout the day, mainly on flat roads and dyke paths.
No. As long as you’re comfortable riding a bike and have a normal level of fitness, you can join. The pace is relaxed, and there are frequent stops for photos, water and rest.
In most cases, the tour includes:
High-quality bike and helmet
English-speaking cycling guide
Transfers from/to Hanoi
Entrance fees (e.g. But Thap Pagoda)
Lunch and bottled water
Always check the specific inclusions listed on https://goldencyclingtours.com/ before booking.
Yes. Most restaurants on the route can prepare vegetarian dishes, and simple dietary requests are usually possible. Inform Golden Trail Travel & DMC when booking so they can arrange everything in advance.
Older children and teenagers who can confidently ride a bike on the road can usually join. For younger children, ask Golden Trail Travel & DMC about kid bikes or options like a child seat or trailer, depending on availability.
Light rain is common in northern Vietnam and often doesn’t stop the tour – it can even make the ride more refreshing. In case of severe weather, Golden Trail Travel & DMC will discuss alternatives or rescheduling with you.
Emma & David – UK
“This was the best day of our Hanoi trip. Cycling along the river felt so peaceful, and But Thap Pagoda was incredibly serene. Making our own bowls in Bat Trang (and laughing at how wonky they were) was the perfect ending.”
Lan – Singapore
“I was worried about the distance, but our guide from Golden Trail Travel & DMC set an easy pace with lots of water and photo stops. The countryside was stunning, and we loved chatting with local artisans in Bat Trang.”
Martin – Germany
“You really escape the city and see the real Vietnam. The moment we arrived at But Thap, everything went quiet and calm. I still remember the sound of the temple bell and the smell of incense – unforgettable.”
Ready to swap traffic for rice fields and city noise for temple bells?
Visit Golden Cycling Tours, powered by Golden Trail Travel & DMC, at this link: https://goldencyclingtours.com/.
Search for the Bike Ride Hanoi 1 Day But Thap Bat Trang tour, check availability for your travel dates, and send a quick booking request. In just a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to an emotional, scenic and truly local cycling adventure from Hanoi.
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