Wandering around crowded streets in Hanoi, you cannot miss the simple but unique xích lô (cyclo) which has been a familiar means of transportation for almost a century and become an indispensable part of the character of Hanoi.
Simple as it is, the beloved three wheeled vehicle has not only cemented ties between many generations of Hanoians, has also won the love of foreigners.

Taking a cyclo tour around the 1000 year old city is an interesting and enjoyable experience for all. You feel free sitting in the colourful cyclo relaxing, taking in the sights and observing the bustle and noise.

“It’s very exciting to get around Hanoi by cyclo”, said Philip Samar from France. “You are sitting in front of the driver yet separated from the crazy traffic”.

The leisurely rotation of the cyclo’s wheels will bring you through the 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter, past tree-lined roads, big French style colonial houses, ancient Vietnamese buildings and temples, as well as charming lakes and other cultural and historical sites.

The cyclo squeezes into every corner of the capital to show you the peaceful life of the old days and also bring you vivid sights of Hanoi streets with friendly smiles from local people and street vendors that normally go unnoticed when riding a motorbike.

“This little green vehicle makes me slow down in the busy ancient streets of Hanoi,” says Hayashi Okiyama from Japan. “It’s really impressive!”

The word ’xích lô’ was actually borrowed from the French during the colonial period but has been around in Hanoi for so long time that local people consider it Vietnamese word.

Since that time, the cyclo has been one of the primary modes of transportation in the city as well as a tool for labourers to earn their living.

However, the iconic cyclo is fast disappearing from urban streets with the rise of many modern buildings, shopping centers, theaters, restaurants and motorised vehicles.

This traditional vehicle is now mainly used as a tourist attraction and Hanoi has more than 300 licensed cyclos belonging to four travel firms including the Culture Travel and Trading Company Ltd, Huy Phong JSC, Lam Anh Trade and Tourism JSC and Sans Souci Tourism Cyclo Services Company.

“I was born and raised amidst the sounds of cyclo bells and now they have become my life. Cyclo bells are a classic sound reminiscent of an elegant Hanoi, representing the ancient beauty and spiritual values for visitors to discover and Hanoians to preserve,” reflected Mr. Do Anh Thu, Director of the Sans Souci Tourism Cyclo Services Company.

Nhan Dan