If you’re looking for a unique way to escape Hanoi’s busy streets and learn about nature, the Hanoi Horseback Riding Club & Tours offers a surprisingly accessible and charming experience. Held amidst the lush greenery of Gamuda Yen So Park, this tour promises gentle rides, friendly guides, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos—all at an incredibly reasonable price.
What we love most about this experience is its focus on beginners and families—it’s designed to be gentle, safe, and enjoyable for all ages. The scenic trails alone are worth the trip, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle. Plus, the creative keepsake session adds a memorable touch. That said, the experience is quite short, lasting just around 2-3 hours, so if you’re craving a full-day adventure, this might not satisfy that need.
This tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic outdoor activity with a touch of authentic countryside charm. If you’re after a gentle introduction to horseback riding or a family-friendly outing, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Good To Know
- Beginner-Friendly: The tour caters to first-timers with clear instructions and gentle horses, making it ideal for those new to riding.
- Beautiful Setting: Located within Gamuda Yen So Park, the lush, green trails offer a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s city buzz.
- Inclusive and Well-Organized: Round-trip transport, safety equipment, and guided support ensure a smooth experience.
- Affordable Price: At just $12 per person, it provides excellent value for a scenic outdoor activity with added creative keepsakes.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and all ages, making it a perfect outing for families or groups.
- Additional Options: For those wanting more, optional upgrades like full discovery trails or racing car tickets are available.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
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Booking and Accessibility
Booking your spot is straightforward, with most travelers reserving around 13 days in advance. The tour starts at 10 a.m., making it convenient for morning explorers. Payment is simple via mobile tickets, and pickup is offered, removing the hassle of arranging transport yourself. The meeting point is clearly marked at XV65+296, Yên S, Hoàng Mai, Hanoi, near public transportation routes, which adds to the accessibility.
The Itinerary Breakdown
1. Welcome and Horse Introduction (Gamuda Gardens)
The experience begins with a friendly guide introducing newcomers to the horses. You’ll learn how to approach, communicate, and understand their body language. This initial step is crucial for nervous riders and offers a bonding moment with your four-legged companions. Reviewers consistently mention how guides like Eli make nervous first-timers feel at ease, patiently explaining every step.
2. Basic Riding Techniques
Next, you’ll practice essential riding skills, including posture, balance, and control. This part lasts about 20 minutes and is perfect for beginners. Guides emphasize safety and comfort, ensuring you feel confident before hitting the trails. Several reviewers note how helpful and patient the instructors are, making sure everyone, even kids, feel supported.
3. Scenic Horseback Ride
The highlight is a 40-minute trek along a 2000-meter trail through lush greenery. Riding under the shade of trees with gentle horses, you’ll enjoy the serenity of nature and have ample opportunities for photos. Reviewers highlight how the trail feels like a peaceful break, with some describing it as a “refreshing escape from city chaos.” The calm horses and attentive guides make the ride smooth and enjoyable, even for absolute beginners.
4. Optional Go-Kart Racing or Rest
After the ride, you can choose to relax or try Go-Kart racing—an optional activity for an adrenaline shot. With a 15-minute window, it’s a nice addition for those craving a bit more excitement before winding down.
5. Creative Session and Horse Feeding
The final part of the tour offers a chance to decorate a horseshoe sculpture and connect emotionally with the horses by feeding them directly. This 45-minute session is praised for its relaxed atmosphere—many reviewers mention how decorating the keepsake is a fun, creative activity and a lovely way to remember the experience. Feeding the horses allows a personal moment that enhances the feeling of connection and trust.
What’s Included and What Costs Extra?
For just $12, the tour provides a solid package: basic riding skills, a scenic trail, creative keepsake activities, soft drinks, and safety gear. The dedicated guides support you throughout, with plenty of photo opportunities thanks to their media team.
Additional costs involve optional upgrades, like exploring the full discovery trail over 5000 meters, or attending racing car F1 events. Transport is also available at $12 roundtrip, which many find makes the day more convenient. Keep in mind that weekend rides have a $10 surcharge, so plan accordingly.
What Travelers Say
The reviews paint a clear picture of a tour that genuinely impresses. First-timers rave about the calm, well-trained horses and patient guides, like Eli, who makes riding approachable even for nervous participants. The scenery draws high praise for its serenity—riding through the greenery of Gamuda Yen So Park feels like a peaceful retreat.
One reviewer shared, “The horses were gentle, and I felt safe even as a first-timer,” highlighting the importance of the trained staff and horses. Another pointed out how the location near a lakeside and lush park makes for stunning photo opportunities, ideal for capturing memories.
Many mention the value for money, emphasizing that for only $12, they enjoyed a well-organized, scenic, and relaxing activity that offers a genuine break from urban life. Family groups appreciated how children were comfortable and engaged, adding to the tour’s appeal as a wholesome outing.
Practical Tips
- Book in advance, especially if visiting on weekends or during peak season.
- Arrive at the meeting point around 9:45 a.m. to ensure a relaxed start.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for light activity and outdoor conditions.
- Take advantage of the photos, as guides are excellent at capturing moments.
- Consider upgrading if you want a longer trail or more adrenaline with F1 racing or discovery trails.
- Roundtrip transport is included but can be booked separately if you prefer to self-arrange.
Who Will Love This Tour?
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This experience is perfect for beginners, families with children, or anyone wanting a peaceful outdoor escape. It’s also well-suited for travelers with a limited budget but who still want a meaningful, scenic activity. If you’re craving an authentic, gentle introduction to horseback riding in a lush park setting, this is a fantastic choice.
Keep in mind, it’s a relatively short activity—ideal for a morning or early afternoon—so if you’re after a full-day adventure, you might want to supplement it with other Hanoi experiences.
Final Thoughts
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The Hanoi Horseback Riding Club & Tours offers a surprisingly authentic and calming experience tucked within a scenic park setting. It’s a rare chance to get close to horses, practice riding basics, and enjoy nature without the crowds or complexity of more intense excursions. The attentive guides and gentle horses make it accessible for complete beginners and young children, making it a memorable family outing.
At an affordable price point, you get more than just a ride—you gain a peaceful break, creative keepsakes, and a chance to connect with Vietnam’s countryside. Whether you’re seeking a gentle outdoor activity or a special photo opportunity, this tour delivers.
In summary, if you want a quiet, scenic, and well-organized horseback riding experience that emphasizes safety and fun, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a wholesome, peaceful way to spend a few hours in Hanoi, and one that leaves you with lasting memories of a different side of Vietnam.
FAQ
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Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and suitable for all ages, especially since the horses are gentle and the pace is slow.
Do I need to have riding experience?
No, the tour is perfect for beginners. The guides teach basic riding skills, and the horses are well-trained for first-timers.
What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, including riding, creative activities, and free time.
Is transportation included?
Round-trip transport is available at $12 per booking, making it easy to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.
Are safety equipment provided?
Yes, helmets and protective vests are included to ensure safety during riding.
Can I upgrade or extend the ride?
Optional upgrades include exploring the full discovery trail over 5000 meters for $20, or adding extra riding time at $15 per 30-minute block.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity. If canceled less than 24 hours in advance, a full refund isn’t available.
Is the tour suitable during bad weather?
If the weather is poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with options for a full refund or a different date.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, plus sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended. The guides will provide helmets and vests.
Whether you’re a first-time rider, a family, or simply craving a peaceful day in nature, the Hanoi Horseback Riding Club & Tours delivers a gentle, scenic, and authentic experience that’s hard to beat in Vietnam’s bustling capital.