The xích lô, also known as the cyclo, is today one of the favorite means of transport for tourists exploring the streets of Vietnam‘s main cities. A picturesque mode of transport, it’s also eco-friendly and comfortable, as a local driver will pedal for you. However, the cyclo has much more history than just taking pictures…
This pedal-powered tuk-tuk was invented in the 1930s, during French colonial rule in Vietnam. It was Pierre Coupeaud who introduced it to French Indochina in 1939, redesigning a model that had been introduced in France a few years earlier.
The cyclo was created to replace an earlier mode of transportation, the rickshaw, in which the porter, instead of pedaling, pulled a seat carrying passengers or cargo. This innovation was a significant improvement—both for the health of the workers and for the speed they could achieve.
To promote its use, Coupeaud organized a race from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City—a journey of about 200 kilometers. This event showcased the advantages of this new mode of transport, which quickly became the ideal way to carry both passengers and goods that couldn’t be transported by bicycle.
With the arrival of cars and motorbikes in Vietnam, cyclos initially remained a common mode of transport for the local population, as many could not afford motor vehicles. In fact, from the 1970s onwards, cooperatives were formed to regulate and supervise cyclo drivers.
Since the 1990s, as motorbikes became more affordable, they gradually replaced the xích lô. Today, cyclos remain mostly a tourist attraction, offering rides through cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Outside urban areas, cyclos are still used to transport goods in rural regions, but they are generally not allowed on most main roads.
You can find cyclos in the most touristic areas of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, and other mid-sized cities, where you can book a tour directly with a driver. Travel agencies also offer pre-arranged tours, such as:
Our Recommendation for Independent Travelers: If you prefer to go on your own, talk to the driver before the ride, agree on the price, which is usually based on time and distance, and be cautious—some may charge extra if they see the traveler is carrying heavy luggage.
Most drivers speak basic English, so besides enjoying the ride, they will likely share interesting anecdotes about the journey. Prices can vary significantly depending on the city, route, and your negotiation skills, but you can expect to pay around $7 to $9 per hour. In some cities, fares might be higher. If you book through an agency, remember that drivers always appreciate a tip—and they will often ask for one.
Oh! If you’ve fallen in love with cyclos, we highly recommend the Vietnamese film “Cyclo“, written and directed in 1995 by Tran Anh Hung. The movie won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival that year and tells the story of a young cyclo driver whose vehicle—his family’s source of livelihood—is stolen. Yes, it’s a drama, but it’s a must-watch for cinematic tourism enthusiasts.
