Hanoi - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
It is challenging to bike or run outside, at least in Tay Ho. Ciputra is easier for that. Many sidewalks in Tay Ho are blocked with cars or scooters that park there or are full of seating, and you often end up in the road. There is a lot of traffic, though you can manage the flow. Bike riding and running is doable if you time it right and are confident in traffic. I don't really see kids (at least foreign ones) biking, which my son misses. Ciputra has more trails and some kids bike to school. I had hoped to be able to walk or bike around the lake, but the sidewalk is blocked by trees and scooters. Outdoor exercising for kids is more likely to be sports. Soccer is popular and there are English-language leagues (both a more casual one and a more competitive one). Rock climbing is also doable and there are several pools that offer both swim lessons (group or private) and swim team. The schools do a lot of sports and many kids do those. - Dec 2025
Hanoi is probably the safest city we have lived in terms of crime. Traffic is horrible and walking is is a challenge due to lack of sidewalks and traffic. Bike riding is also a challenge due to the traffic. Exercising outdoors can be done but during the winter months (a full six months) the air quality is quite bad. - Jun 2025
