New routes for Hanoi electric car tours

Tourists visiting Hanoi will have more options to enjoy and learn about the city's history when two new routes of sightseeing electric car tours will be launched next week.

Tourists visiting Hanoi will have more options to enjoy and learn about the city's history when two new routes of sightseeing electric car tours will be launched next week.

Designed by the Dong Xuan Joint Stock Company, the tours will take visitors through several French-influence architectural areas, with building of interest including the railway station, University of Pharmacy, Opera House and the Government Guest House.

Other historical spots such as Hoa Lo Prison – once dubbed as "Hilton Opera" by American inmates during the American War, and Quan Su Pagoda, also are among the tour's agenda.

Beginning from Dinh Tien Hoang Street alongside Hoan Kiem Lake, both tours will last for approximately 45 minutes, taking in several other main streets including Le Thai To-Ba Trieu-Tran Hung Dao-Quan Su-Hai Ba Trung-Ly Thuong Kiet-Trang Tien-Ly Thai To.

Tickets for the tours start at VND20,000.

According to the company director Do Xuan Thuy, 10 new electric cars using solar batteries were purchased. Each car will also be equipped with an audio system presenting information about the places along the route.

The company currently offers electric car tours within the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. About 1,000 tourists, mostly foreigners use the tours everyday.