The Xich Lo appeared in Viet Nam before the war, one which people had to handle with a stick and pull it while they were running. Over time, Vietnamese people changed to pedalling and this is much easier for people who do this business. Nowadays, Vietnamese people use Xich Lo as a useful form of transportation for their daily life and on special days, like weddings and other occasions where special decorations make the xich lo look beautiful.
Wandering around Hanoi or any city in Viet Nam by Xich Lo is such a fun thing to do. You can take photos from the Xich Lo because they drive very slow. Using this service is not very expensive at all. This is not a new service but it's getting popular now as so many companies and hotels use it as a special service, such as the Hilton and the Metropole. Of course, the price from these 5 star hotels is different to just hiring one on the street. You can catch a Xich Lo right on the street and play the bargaining game.
This is not a really lucrative job and people who ride these bicycles have to use lots of energy for little money. Many of the riders are really good tour guides, full of information which they learn from their job and life. I am so glad to know that this tradition is being maintained.
Wow, that first pic is so pretty with all the flowers:)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad people are still using the xich lo. It seems like when I was there it was becoming less and less common. When I went to school in HCMC I took one to and from school everyday. I just paid him on a monthly basis. So relaxing!
ReplyDeleteyou take such beautiful pics...so much of the beauty and yet also so much real life and simplicity at the same time.
ReplyDeleteKeep taking pictures!
I just have to say that northern xich los are so much more comfy than those narrow southern ones, don't you agree Shauna? You can fit more people at least, hahaha.
ReplyDeleteinteresting to see that Hanoi still has many xich lo around. It's getting rare in HCM now. Don't know the reason but probably they don't make much money compared to the trend of "xe om" (as motorbikes are not a whole big issue now in term of cost).
ReplyDeleteI think "xich lo" in Hanoi is lower than HCM's. Don't you think so?
Hey,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Xich lo is still used in city? in Saigon, they are forbidden, so many xich lo riders have lost jobs ;-(
Thanks for dropping by my blog
wow...that's sooo cool. I must try this if I ever come to Hanoi. Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a neat way to get around the city and to learn more about Hanoi. The operator sure must get a workout.
ReplyDeletehere in india, we call it rickshaw.
ReplyDeletegodknows, really you are serving vietnam like a vietkong. you are the window to vietnam. think i am lob=ving the place. one day i would love to visit your country.
the govt should give you an award for your good works. may be you have already got one.
Looks like good exercise to me. Americans would be better off using this form of transportation. Many of us are getting very fat!! :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing what your country has up to this time. Found it very informative.
ReplyDeleteBtw, we have similar vehicle but we call it tricycle. The car is mounted beside a bicycle or a motorbike.
hi! thanks for dropping by my blog. it's exciting to read a blog about vietnam...hope i can visit someday.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting...the pictures are a wonderful way to showcase the city.
ReplyDeletein singapoe...we have the trishaw...the only difference..i guess..is the rider is in front with the passengers at the back. This days only at certain areas and mainly for tourists...tough job!
ReplyDeletethey forbid xich lo in saigon now ? damn, it was nice to go around one during day time and this dudes knows where to eat good and cheap food. I have a regular guy called cuong ( similar to my chinese name ) and we will venture into the unknown to me places like District 4 for eating. Miss all that
ReplyDeletethe trishaws!
ReplyDeletewe have them in malaysia too. mostly operate by uncles and old folks.
HEY HEY!! THEY LOOK JUST LIKE RICKSHAWS WE HAVE HERE IN CALCUTTA!!
ReplyDeleteNo wait, I knew that. It's just that in rickshaws, the driver is up front so that he can see where he's going. But of course, he's gotta work harder. Down here we have two types of rickshaws. One which the driver pedals like a tricycle, the other where the driver has to pull a handle bar. Yes, he uses his feet as leverage. No wheels! Needless to say which is harder to do.....
And yes. The pics are beautiful......
Hey tu, thanks for the link! (There is one small thing tho.. you spelt my name wrongly) :) haha. thanks again. PS. go on diet cos you'll be putting on a lot of weight in July.
ReplyDeletethe aerial photo you got on the post looks like a view i remember in hanoi. from the window seat of cafe nang in the old quarter...
ReplyDeletethis are great transport for slowly enjoying the scenary and they don't cause any pollution like the scooters
ReplyDeletethe Xich Lo with those flower petal looks so beautiful & romantic
Alternative travel is awesome, much better for the environment than cars. The Xich Lo is something I'd definitely check into if ever in Vietnam, what a great way to explore a city!
ReplyDeleteShoshauna,Preya,8xpress, Xich Lo is such a great transportation in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and I think the bigger is from Hanoi and In Ho Chi Minh is higher. I had the best tour guide who was an old man that drove us around in Ho Chi Minh City-find him in districk 1- Good english and full information.
ReplyDeleteshaz, sorry :). You are right about the picture. :)
Ghetufool, good to know about that. I willt ry if i have a chance to go to India, thanks.
Trailady, yoy are right but I dont think it's a good idea but not 20 hours everyday :)
Viamarie, we have automatic Xixh Lo too.
black feline, the gov has stop Xich Lo before in certain area but not now.
Looks similar to our trishaws in Malaysia :)
ReplyDeleteIn Japan, Xich Los are not permitted on the public street, instead of
ReplyDeletetheir high transportation ability and low environmental impact.(pitty)
Now I decided to travel to
Hanoi this month with my wife and 2-years-old child.
I'm very looking forward to riding Xich Lo(,and if pedalling by myself).
Really love your blog.
ReplyDelete