Cycling Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Hanoi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, take a stroll around the bustling Old Quarter, enjoy a bia hoi (freshly brewed beer), or relax by Hoan Kiem Lake. You could also visit the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. After your group meeting, we’ll head out for a delicious dinner at KOTO restaurant, Vietnam's first social enterprise supporting disadvantaged youth.

This morning, enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi at your leisure. A stroll through the Old Quarter is the best way to immerse yourself in the city's charm, with its ancient '36 Streets' offering everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk, jewellery, and lacquerware. In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil cycle ride around West Lake, passing lotus lakes, old villas, and the iconic Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest. For dinner, head out for a Bahn mi and local beer – your leader will have top recommendations!

Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure begins. Leave Hanoi and travel by bus to Hoa Binh, stopping at Vun Art, a social enterprise specialising in Van Phuc silk crafts. On arrival in Hoa Binh, cycle to Cao Phong through ethnic Thai villages and paddy fields, with stunning limestone peaks in the background.

After lunch in Man Duc, continue to the Da River Reservoir and cycle along the river, passing karst cliffs and paddy fields. End your day in the peaceful town of Mai Chau, known for its beautiful scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight, enjoy local hospitality with a home-cooked meal in a stilt-house homestay in Poom Coong village, and maybe sample some local rice wine.

Say farewell to your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai and on to Co Luong. Ride through more paddy fields, navigating shallow potholes and passing farmers with their buffalo. Wave to the friendly locals as you cycle through lush green fields, limestone mountains, and tranquil waterways.

Take a bus along the Ho Chi Minh Road to Ninh Binh, where you have the option to cycle another 36 km around the area. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness everyday rural life and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

This morning, cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, where you'll be treated to one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – limestone karst peaks rising over rice paddies. The river winds through the fields, dotted with boats, creating a serene atmosphere.

Continue cycling to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th century Dinh Dynasty. The restored 17th-century temples here are still in great condition. Enjoy a lunch break at the Dinh or Le Temple, then hop on the bus back to your hotel. After an early dinner, transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.

Arrive in Hue this morning and hop back in the saddle to explore Vietnam's former imperial capital. Hue boasts a mix of bustling streets and tranquil countryside. Ride through the fields to visit some of Hue's remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas, and beautiful landscapes.

Stop at the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, which was largely destroyed during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. The ruins and bomb craters reveal the war's devastation.

Afterward, relax in a café or restaurant. Hue’s cuisine, influenced by its imperial and Buddhist heritage, is considered some of the best in Vietnam, with an emphasis on presentation and a variety of vegetarian options.

Leaving Hue, you’ll tackle some mountainous riding today as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on your way to the laid-back town of Hoi An. This stunning stretch of highway winds through the Truong Son Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views across the Bay of Danang. At 500 metres above sea level, the pass features slopes ranging from 5 to 10 percent.

You’ll take plenty of well-earned breaks to enjoy the views, snap photos, and rehydrate. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you’ll find yourself immersed in its iconic lantern-lit streets, bustling markets, tailor shops, artisans, ancient architecture, colourful temples, and traditional boats lining the river. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An has been beautifully restored, with parts of the town looking just as they did over a century ago, making its streets perfect for strolling.

Spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere or resting your legs at a local restaurant after a day’s ride.

This morning, join a leader-led walking tour through Hoi An. Discover the Chinese influence as you pass pagodas and assembly halls. Visit a historic trader's house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall, and a museum.

The afternoon is yours to explore. Cycle to the beach, visit tailor shops, or find a scenic spot to enjoy happy hour. Hoi An is a shopper's paradise, offering original paintings, leather goods, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns, and much more.

Leave Hoi An behind today and head south down Highway One towards Phu. This lesser-travelled route takes you past paddy fields, wheat drying for the local Hoi Beer, and locals playing chess. Upon arrival, hop back on your bike and cycle to the coastal city of Quy Nhon.

Quy Nhon boasts long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards, offering a perfect opportunity to connect with the friendly locals, as it’s seldom visited by tourists. Tonight, enjoy some free time to experience authentic coastal life.

Today’s cycle takes you along one of the most breathtaking stretches of road on this trip. The highway hugs granite cliffs and offers stunning sea views. Following parts of the Reunification Railway, you'll ride alongside spectacular horizons filled with islands and lagoons. Join the scooter riders on the waterfront promenade as you arrive in Nha Trang, the 'Cannes of the Orient'. The palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay provide the perfect photo op. Nha Trang is renowned for its good weather, vibrant nightlife, and excellent diving opportunities. Enjoy the scenic ride and the lively atmosphere of this coastal town.

Today, swap your bike for a boat to explore the nearby islands. This excursion is often the highlight of the trip, offering a chance to meet locals and enjoy the beauty of Nha Trang. Start on the main boat, then transfer to a small basket boat to visit a fishing village, snorkel in turquoise waters, and feast on a fresh seafood buffet for lunch.

In the afternoon, relax in a deck chair, take another swim, or enjoy a mud bath to soothe your sore muscles. It's the perfect way to unwind and soak up the idyllic island atmosphere.

Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climate of the South-Central Highlands, renowned for its fruits, flowers, and coffee beans. The winding, steep road presents a challenge, but if you're up for it, you can conquer the whole mountain on your bike. Alternatively, take it easy and catch a lift on the bus. Either way, you'll be rewarded with magnificent views at the summit.

After a short photo stop, descend to Dalat, often called the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its temperate climate. Dalat is a perfect base to explore the region, with its lakes, palaces, pine-covered hills, flower gardens, and pagodas.

This morning, take a city tour of Dalat, starting with Bao Dai's striking summer palace. He was the final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty and the last to rule Vietnam until 1945. Next, discover the quirky architecture of Hang Nga Crazy House, reminiscent of Gaudi's designs. Described as a 'fairytale house', you'll explore twisted tree roots, cave-shaped hallways, and animal-themed rooms.

Visit the train station and central market before heading to Di Linh, where the tea industry thrives in the surrounding hills. After lunch, pedal down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass and cycle from Malam to the beaches of Phan Thiet.

Before heading to the big city, spend your last morning enjoying a scenic ride along the beach to Lang Long. After a picnic lunch, continue cycling to Cu Bi, where you’ll bid farewell to your two-wheeled friend.

Hop in your group’s minivan for the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll discover a fascinating blend of old and new as East meets West. Spend the final night of your trip with fellow travellers, exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or enjoying a few glasses of street-side Beer Hoi.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today, marking the end of your adventure. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, please let us know and we can extend youtr trip in this wonderful city.