Motorbike Taxis in Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Ward & City Guide with Eco Tours

While taxis are fairly cheap in Vietnam, they’ll add up quickly if you rely on them too often – especially for solo travelers. If you want to get around like a local, you need to learn how to ride a xe ôm. Here are some tips and tricks to keep you safe and on budget.

Literally translated, the phrase “xe ôm” means motorbike hug, but most people just say “motorbike taxi.” They’ve been the go-to mode of cheap transportation on Vietnam’s busy streets for many decades, and many drivers have been sitting in the exact same spot for decades. Sometimes they have a sign that says “xe ôm” hanging off their bike, but even if they don’t, you’ll know who they are because they’ll call out to you: “My friend! Xe ôm?” Xe ôm drivers have seen the ebb and flow of change in Vietnam from a ground level view, so they know all the best routes, plus the major hotels and tourist destinations. Unfortunately however, they also know how to scam tourists, often driving foreigners around in confusing circles and then demanding more money upon arrival. Not all xe ôm drivers are cheats, but the bad ones tend to hang around touristy areas. Here are some tips and tricks to keep you out of trouble.

This is by far the most important rule. Always agree on a price before you get on the motorbike. A loose rule of thumb is 10,000–15,000 VND ($0.50–0.70 USD) per kilometer, so try to know in advance how far you’re going. If you’re a foreigner and can’t speak any Vietnamese, they’ll likely start with a price that’s at least double what a local would pay. You should expect to pay more – many call it the Foreigner Tax – but still barter as hard as you can. You’ll save a lot of money in Vietnam if you can master the art of bartering. For newbies, the trick is to always be ready to walk away. Then you’ll quickly find out what their time is actually worth.

Many drivers will lie and say they know your hotel, restaurant, or your destination, when in fact they only have a vague idea at best. What often happens is the driver will start asking other drivers as soon as you’re on the road. Xe ôm drivers pride themselves on knowing their area, so if they don’t know where to go, they’ll just lie and try to figure it out en route – and some will even try to charge you more because they got lost. Have a map with you just in case, and always make sure they agree on a price beforehand.

Ride-hailing apps have revolutionized the xe ôm business in Vietnam. While there are some who still rely on the old-fashioned method of waiting in a spot where people will need them, most drivers use apps these days – and Grab is the undisputed champion. Even if you’ll only be staying in Vietnam for a couple of days, we highly recommend you download their app. The benefits are definitely worth it: You can report your driver if anything goes wrong; the price is quoted before your trip; they pick you up wherever you are; and they’re less likely to get lost, because the app shows them the best route to take. Locals all use ride-hailing apps, and so should you.

Trust us, we know how amazing a nighttime motorbike ride is in Vietnam – the cool air, the quiet streets – but that’s also when the creepiest drivers come out to work their scams. We won’t go into all the horrible details, but just know that some xe ôm drivers have taken advantage of their intoxicated passengers late at night. Taxis aren’t blameless either, but they’re a bit safer. The safest way, however, is you use a ride-hailing app. That’s what we use when we go out.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable motorbike taxi journey:

• Clothing: Light layers, closed-toe shoes for safety; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; scarf for dust ($1 or 25,000 VND).

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Be/Gojek/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for bookings.

• Safety Gear: Personal helmet if preferred ($5–$10); small backpack for secure storage ($5 or 125,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes), written address (e.g., “Chùa Một Cột, Ba Đình Ward”).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Notebook for fares; cash for drivers.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for fares ($0.80–$5), tips ($0.20–$0.50), or street food ($1–$3); secure phones in zipped pockets during rides.

Costs for Motorbike Taxis in Hanoi

Xe Ôm Fares

• Short Rides (1–5 km, e.g., Hoan Kiem to Ba Đình): App-based $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND); street-hailed $0.80–$2. Surge pricing $1.20–$3 (30,000–75,000 VND).

• Medium Rides (5–10 km, e.g., Hoan Kiem to Tây Hồ): App-based $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); street-hailed $3–$6.

• Long Rides (28–30 km, e.g., Noi Bai Airport to Hoan Kiem): App-based $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND); not recommended for heavy luggage.

• Tips: $0.20–$0.50 (5,000–12,500 VND, optional).

• Helmet (Personal Purchase): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Additional Costs

• Street Food (e.g., Phở, Bánh Mì): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (Bia Hơi, Coffee): $0.30–$1.50 (7,000–37,500 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Handicrafts): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND/day).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for apps.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, Xe Ôm-Based)

• Budget: $5–$15 (multiple short rides, street food).

• Mid-range: $20–$35 (medium rides, souvenirs, guided tour).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (long rides, guided tour, premium dining).
  Tip: Budget for fares ($0.80–$5 per ride), food ($1–$3), and tips ($0.20–$0.50); carry cash for street drivers (apps accept digital payments).

• Timing: Ride 9:00 AM–4:00 PM or 7:00–9:00 PM to avoid rush hours; November–April for dry roads. Weekdays for smoother traffic; pedestrian zone (Friday–Sunday, 6:00 PM–midnight) in Hoan Kiem Ward requires edge drop-offs. Avoid late-night rides (after 11:00 PM) due to scam risks.

• Booking: Use Grab, Be, Gojek, or Xanh SM apps for fixed fares and driver details; compare fares across apps. For street xe ôm, haggle to 50–75% of initial offer (e.g., 20,000 VND for 1 km); confirm destination in Vietnamese.

• Sustainability: Choose Xanh SM Bike’s electric motorbikes or GrabBike’s fuel-efficient options; avoid rush hours to reduce idling. Support local vendors post-ride for snacks ($1–$3) or crafts ($1–$5) in Hoan Kiem or Cầu Giấy.

• Navigation: Save “Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem Ward” or “Cầu Giấy Market, Cầu Giấy Ward” in offline maps; use Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or West Lake as landmarks. Show written Vietnamese addresses to street drivers.

• Safety: Ensure helmets fit securely (fines up to $40); hold bags tightly to avoid pickpocketing. Track routes via GPS; report suspicious drivers via apps or note plate numbers. Avoid rides in heavy rain or with unsafe bikes; decline if no helmet is provided.

• Scam Prevention:

  • Overcharging: Confirm fixed fares via apps or haggle street fares upfront; expect a “foreigner tax” but negotiate down.

  • Long Routes: Use Maps.me to ensure direct paths; confront drivers politely if detours occur.

  • Unlicensed Drivers: Stick to app-based or uniformed drivers (e.g., Grab’s green jackets); avoid solicitations at tourist spots.

  • Cash Scams: Pay with small VND notes (10,000–50,000); verify change to avoid short-changing.

• Weather: Dry season for safe rides; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and non-slip shoes. Check AccuWeather for conditions.

• Cultural Respect: Greet drivers with “xin chào”; tip $0.20–$0.50 for excellent service (not mandatory). Be patient with language barriers; use apps or written addresses for clarity.

• Health: Wear a scarf for dust (AQI up to 130 in winter); carry hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND). Choose busy food stalls post-ride for hygiene.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hanoi’s cultural treasures with xe ôm integration:

• Hanoi City Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): GrabBike to Hoan Kiem’s Old Quarter, Ba Đình’s One Pillar Pagoda, and Tây Hồ’s West Lake at 8:00 AM, with street food lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Hanoi Cultural Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): BeBike to Cầu Giấy Market, Tạ Hiện nightlife, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Hanoi & Ninh Bình Immersion ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Xe ôm in Hanoi, private car to Ninh Bình’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) offer a thrilling, affordable way to explore Hanoi’s vibrant wards, from Hoan Kiem’s Old Quarter to Ba Đình, Cầu Giấy, and Tây Hồ, with fares starting at $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND) for short rides. Welcoming 18 million visitors yearly, Hanoi’s streets pulse with cultural charm, navigable via eco-friendly apps like GrabBike and Xanh SM Bike, which reduce emissions with electric and fuel-efficient options. Legend Travel Group’s Hanoi Tours ensure a sustainable Hanoi Travel experience, blending Thang Long heritage with modern convenience. Whether zipping to Trấn Quốc Pagoda or savoring bún chả, xe ôm promise an unforgettable Hanoi adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly ride today!
Ready to take a motorbike taxi across Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward and beyond? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.