Hanoi bike rentals in high demand as summer comes

Bike renting has soared in Hanoi as summer arrives, with more people wanting to cycle around West Lake.

Bike renting has soared in Hanoi as summer arrives, with more people wanting to cycle around West Lake.

A bike rental shop on Trich Sai Street

Shops on Trich Sai Street which borders West Lake have become busy, especially during weekends.

According to bike rental shop owner Pham Tien Hai, he receives customers from early morning until late at night.

Cuong said bikes cost VND40,000 for three hours on weekdays and VND50,000 for three hours on weekends and holidays. Tandem bikes are rented at between VND80,000-120,000 for three hours.

"Sometimes customers would have to wait during peak times in the early mornings and late afternoons when more people exercise," he said. "We usually earn between VND5-7 million a day."

Hai carefully checks the bikes and instructs customers on how to use them.

There are currently half a dozen bike rental shops on Trich Sai Street. Some people also put some bikes on the pavement for rent.

There are many models to choose from.

Nguyen Duy Ha, from Vinh Phuc Province, said that he and his friends usually do summer bike tours around Hanoi.

"We drove 40 kilometres here every weekend to enjoy the service," Ha said. It's really relaxing and good for our health."

Besides bike riding, visitors to West Lake can also take boat or kayak tours on the lake for VND 200,000-250,000.