Home Page > Vietnam > Saigon to Hanoi
SAIGON TO HANOI
Our cycling route discovers the "real Vietnam" via country roads on either side of the main north–south artery of Highway One.
This epic cycle trip covers the entire length of Vietnam. It is the ultimate journey of discovery all the way from modern Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known by the locals, to the serene northern capital of Hanoi.
Along the way we pause to visit many extraordinary sights. From Saigon we cycle to the Cu Chi Tunnels before heading to the cool mountain air of Dalat. We enjoy a ride around the lakes of Dalat, along plantation trails and old colonial bridleways, before a scintillating downhill to the coast.
Enjoy a daytrip to the islands of Nha Trang before riding coastal backroads to historic Hoi An and Hue. Experience the overnight Reunification Express Train before riding through the amazing Karst scenery of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. On reaching Hanoi, appreciate the architecture and unique ambiance of the most French of all the Indochine cities.
Cycling is the only way to see Vietnam. You will see the country close up and really meet the people. We have made the effort to take you away from the main roads into quiet, peaceful Vietnam. The real Vietnam!
TRIP PROFILE
We cycle 700 of the 1700 kilometres from Saigon to Hanoi. Riding in the countryside on backroads and quiet byways making sure we avoid the traffic of National Highway One.
The tour takes 17 days and we take time out of the saddle every three days or so to rest and give you a chance to explore all the main sites along the way in your own time.
We use trains and boats and of course we have a fully equipped, air-conditioned support bus with us at all times so tired riders can rest in comfort whenever they wish.
There are no technical sections and the tour is suitable for fit riders of every level of experience. Some of the long rides will test experienced cyclists and due to the excellent nature of our support keen riders can happily blast off at their own pace.
| ITINERARY (17 Days/16 nights starting in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and finishing in Hanoi.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive/meet in Saigon, day free for sightseeing and testing bikes. |
| Day 2 | Ride and visit Cu Chi tunnels. Overnight Saigon. |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Dalat and ride past coffee plantations, flower beds and ethnic villages on backroads. |
| Day 4 | Tackle the challenging Hon Giao pass (2,062 m) ride downhill before ending the day at Nha Trang. |
| Day 5 | Rest day with boat trip to islands. |
| Day 6 | Ride to Dai Lanh Beach, passing fishing villages via a costal road to Tuy Hoa. |
| Day 7 | Cycle gentle rolling hills on backroads towards Quang Ngai. |
| Day 8 | Visit the Thien An pagoda and My Lai museum before cycling on to Hoi An. |
| Day 9 | Ride from Hoi An to visit My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. |
| Day 10 | Climb the Hai Van Pass, ride along a costal road to Hue. |
| Day 11 | Sightseeing in Hue to visit the forbidden city and take a boat trip on the Perfume River. Take the overnight Reunification Express Train to Nam Dinh. |
| Day 12 | Ride through karst scenery of Ninh Binh to Cuc Phoang National Park. |
| Day 13 | Meander on backroads through pineapple and rice fields to Haiphong. |
| Day 14 | Take a private boat to Cat Ba Island, ride to Cat Ba town and overnight on island. |
| Day 15 | Boat tour of Halong Bay before late afternoon transfer to Hanoi. |
| Day 16 | Sightseeing tour including Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and evening water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. |
| Day 17 | Free for shopping. Afternoon transfers to airport for return or onward travel. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $2295 Single supplement: USD $450 |
| Bike Rental | USD $195 |
| Total Distance | 700 Kilometres |
| Number of Days | 17 days / 16 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | Seven full-days and four half-days |
| Road Surface | This tour follows a mix of good asphalt roads and vehicle-width dirt roads, which may be smooth, gritty, stony, rocky, rutted, loose or hard-packed. |
| Support | One or two 8-seat air-conditioned vans converted to take bikes and bikers. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | SpiceRoads cycling leader (for groups of 10 or more), plus a local cycling guide, as well as drivers and assistants for all groups. Smaller groups will be led by our local guide and support team. |
| Accommodation | All hotels are good tourist class ranging from 2-3 star apart from 1 night on a sleeper train. Hotels have a/c and private facilities as a minimum and we always choose hotels with charm and character whenever possible. |
| Food | All meals are included except 4 dinners and 3 lunches. |
| Biking Grade |
(out of five)
|
| Cultural Interest |
(out of five)
|
The guide (Tico) was great. The itinerary was very good and the rental bike was fine.
~Eric Frisch
Saigon to Hanoi Tour, June 2009
Thanks for a great experience!!
~John Gilbert
Saigon to Hanoi Tour, December 2007
Read more reviews in our Guestbook.
