New Tour

Hanoi to Saigon by Bicycle

Day 1 Hanoi - Ninh Binh

This morning, we will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer 2.5 hours out to the rural area south of the city. After a briefing and bike fitting, we will begin our first bike ride by mid-morning. Enter a surreal landscape of limestone mountains surrounded by rice fields and natural beauty. On the way, we will stop to explore winding caves and watch for wildlife in bamboo boats, then explore the site of Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu, founded more than 1000 years ago, before the capital was moved to Hanoi. Later, we will finish our ride amid the striking rock formations and dazzling rice fields outside the town of Tam Coc. This evening, enjoy the sunset over these unique surroundings with a drink on the terrace and a delicious dinner of north Vietnamese cuisine.

Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 50km
+380m
-385m

Day 2 Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong

Enjoy breakfast among the idyllic surroundings of Tam Coc with the morning light dancing on the rice fields. Transfer one hour to Vietnam’s first national park, Cuc Phuong, consecrated by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962. The dense tract of mountainous jungle is still home to indigenous communities and is the habitat for many rare species. Visit the primate rescue centre where rescued monkeys transition back into the wild, then cycle among the gigantic trees of the park, past prehistoric cave dwellings, and finally emerge to ride along dykes and farm roads once more. In the town of Ninh Binh, we will shower and change at a local hotel before having dinner, then board the sleeper train headed south. The north-south train line is a legacy of the French colonial era and is still a vital link holding disparate parts of the country together. This is a quintessentially Vietnamese experience!

Overnight sleeper train
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 64km
+332m
-695m

Day 3 Dong Hoi - Hue

Wake up in the early morning as the train rolls into Dong Hoi. We will have breakfast and coffee in town and see the war relic of Tam Thoa church, destroyed by bombing in 1965. Transferring south about one hour, we will then cycle down the coastline to the Vinh Moc tunnels. These subterranean passages were made to sustain North Vietnamese troops on Con Co Island, and they remain authentic, unaltered from their original state. After this visit, we will cycle further south across the Bien Hai River, part of the historic dividing line between north and south Vietnam from 1954 and on through the war. Continuing south to the Thach Han River, we will then board our vans and transfer 90 minutes further south to Hue, the former imperial capital. Steeped in centuries of history, this city is a joy to explore. We will stay here for two nights.

Emm Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 70km
+376m
-360m

Day 4 Hue Loop

The many chapters of Hue’s history make for ideal on our bike ride, which begins just outside the city centre. Along the way, we will cross bridges, ride along quiet lanes through wooded areas and along streams, and navigate part of the Perfume River on one of the “dragon boats,” so named for their colourfully-painted figureheads. Walk through the elaborate afterlife palace of Minh Mang, one of Vietnam’s most illustrious emperors, and see the graceful Thien Mu Pagoda in its perfect location high above the riverbank. Later, your guide will walk you through the “Forbidden City” of Hue, the imperial compound designed according to the Confucian governing philosophy of the Nguyen Dynasty. The complex system of moats surrounding the fortification is a wonder in itself. Later, enjoy some sumptuous local specialties for dinner and take in the festive nightlife along the riverfront promenades.

Emm Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 34km
+141m
-144m

Day 5 Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Take a stroll along the waterfront before transferring 45 minutes south to the “Ghost City”, a district of lavishly decorated mausoleums constructed by locals for their departed ancestors, often with foreign remittances sent home by prosperous Viet Kieu (Vietnamese living overseas). Hundreds of these edifices make for a surreal vision on this remote stretch of coastline. We ride along a seawall with breakers crashing alongside us and reach Vietnam’s largest lagoon, where we see how the locals harvest oysters, shrimp, and fish. A couple of short climbs are warmups for the day’s main event: the legendary Hai Van Pass, a mountain ridge that juts into the sea to create one of Vietnam’s best-known coastal roads. It’s a steady climb with switchbacks yielding stunning views of the sea, beaches, and the Da Nang skyline. We transfer 90 minutes to historic and charming Hoi An, where we will stay for two nights.

La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 82km
+807m
-814m

Day 6 Hoi An - My Son

This morning, you can choose to rest your legs and explore Hoi An’s markets, tailor shops, and local handicrafts. For centuries, Hoi An was a port on the Maritime Silk Road, with influences from Japan, India, China, all within the French colonial architecture. There is plenty to see and do in town! You also have the option of cycling from Hoi An to My Son, ancient capital of the Cham civilization, a Hindu people who ruled this region until some 500 years ago. Although some of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, many remain with their relief carvings and statues intact. We will have lunch before visiting the site on foot. In the afternoon, we will transfer by van just over one hour back to Hoi An. Tonight, enjoy the delicious local fare for dinner in the heart of the old town.

La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 47km
+213m
-184m

Day 7 Hoi An - Tam Thanh - Quang Ngai

In the morning, we leave Hoi An and cross the Cua Dai Bridge, which spans high above the Thu Bon River, with impressive views of the open ocean and the Cham Islands in the distance offshore. We have a pleasant ride on quiet rural riverside roads, with friendly local farmers, eventually reaching the village of Tam Thanh to enjoy the beach and a lunch of local seafood. Every morning, small boats come ashore with their catch, which is brought directly to the local market by the very hardworking local fishing people. We will continue south, crossing a couple of river mouths on local ferries and enjoying these secluded communities. After the ride, we will transfer about 75 minutes to our hotel, the peaceful and comfortable Cocoland River Beach Resort & Spa, where the Phuoc Giang River meets the sea near Quang Ngai. This is the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day’s explorations.

Cocoland River Beach Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 81km
+401m
-400m

Day 8 Quang Ngai - Binh Duong - Quy Nhon

This morning, we will transfer by van for 2.5 hours to arrive at ideal cycling roads further south. Hopping on our bikes, we will begin a diverse ride through rolling coastline, rice paddy fields, salt making flats, fishing villages, and a series of small passes that form natural gateways to isolated beach communities. We will end today’s beautiful bike ride beside a large river estuary with a view to the Quy Nhon skyline and take a brief transfer to our hotel in the city center. During the war, Quy Nhon was a port and supply centre, and a refuge for thousands of Vietnamese fleeing the vicious bombing of the countryside. Today, it is a thriving central Vietnamese city that has retained its distinctive character. Enjoy the lively atmosphere on the waterfront and side streets before a well-earned dinner at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants!

Anya Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 68km
+465m
-473m

Day 9 Quy Nhon - Tuy Hoa

This morning, we will make a short transfer inland from Quy Nhon to a green valley full of water buffalo, waterfowl, herds of goats, locals fishing in the clean river, and views to formidable hills nearby. This is a real change of pace from the open coastline! As we reach the end of the valley, where the river flows into the sea, we will find ourselves cycling on elevated roads in rice fields, then feel the breeze pick up as we ride along a headland with wharves and seafood restaurants aplenty. We will stop here for refreshments and to sample some of the catch. Nearing Tuy Hoa, you may choose to transfer into town, or ride the last leg into the city centre. Our comfortable, modern hotel is in keeping with this fast-rising Vietnamese city. The waterfront is lined with huge sculptures, bars and cafes, all within walking distance of the hotel, making it easy to take in the optimistic atmosphere of the city.

APEC Mandala Phu Yen
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 103km
+422m
-458m

Day 10 Tuy Hoa - Nha Trang

Cycling directly from our hotel, we wind our way out of Tuy Hoa and mingle with locals going about their the morning. After a few flat kilometres, it’s time for a challenge, but with fantastic views, as we cycle to Vung Ro Bay and up the challenging Ca Pass. Along the way we will see villages nestled in coves and pass a 19th century lighthouse perched above the forbidding cliffs. This seldom-traveled road is one of the most dynamic and impressive sections of the central Vietnamese coast. Pushing up a succession of climbs, stopping for photos, lunch, and refreshments along the way, we will make our way to Dai Lanh Beach, where you may choose to plunge into the water and cool off. From here, we have a 2.5 hour transfer where you can take an afternoon nap on the way to Nha Trang. Our hotel is in the centre of this larger city, known as a top holiday destination for Vietnamese.

Libra Hotel Nha Trang
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 58km
+626m
-630m

Day 11 Nha Trang - Phan Rang

This morning, we will avoid the busier roads by transferring 90 minutes south to another slice of seaside cycling paradise, with white sand beaches and turquoise waters on one side, and an arid, rocky landscape (the driest in Vietnam) on the other. Today’s ride will once again test our legs, but it yields fascinating sights, including some of Vietnam’s vineyards: this terroir is ideal for growing grapes. The intact coastal ecosystem is protected by Nui Chua National Park, which spans several biomes and is home to sun bears, monkeys, dozens of bird species, numerous types of turtles, and many more animals, not to mention diverse plants. Keep your eyes open for wildlife! Emerging from the park, we ride through a succession of villages that lead to our fresh and inviting resort, with its irresistible pool overlooking the beach. Rest your legs and enjoy sundowners in this relaxed ambience.

Hoan My Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 61km
+811m
-812m

Day 12 Phan Rang - Mui Ne

Greet the spectacular sunrise over the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the Eastern Sea); early risers are in for a show! After breakfast, we will cycle directly from the resort with a flat section along Phan Rang Bay. After around 10 km, we will reach the Ninh Thuan Coast Road, beloved by Vietnamese for its dreamy viewpoints and red flamboyant flowers. As we reach Ca Na, we will see the vast salt flats stretched out before us. Stopping for lunch nearby, we will then transfer just under one hour south to our afternoon ride. This is a windswept section of high dunes and weathered pines, which eventually give way to a terrain of red stone eroded into deep gullies as we turn inland. We reach the surfing mecca of Mui Ne, where we once again make the most of our location in a beach community with the easygoing vibe of South Vietnam.

Blue Ocean Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 93km
+866m
-862m

Day 13 Mui Ne - Saigon

Take in the sights and sounds of Mui Ne by morning. This is our last day of riding, but much great riding remains. Cycling out of the resort, our route meanders to Phan Thiet, a town flanked by two rivers. Leaving town, we rejoin the seashore and arrive at Ke Ga, a small town on a headland buffeted by the surf. We will have lunch here, and the option for one more swim in the sea. From here, we will cycle northward into fields of neatly planted dragon fruit, among many other crops. You might be recruited to help with the harvest! As we near the more built-up Saigon area, we will transfer the last 2.5 hours into the metropolis. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we will gather for a celebratory dinner in this exciting city that never sleeps! The vivacity of Saigon is irresistible.

Nhat Ha L’Opera
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 83km
+513m
-500m

Day 14 Departure from Saigon

This morning, you may continue to explore all that Saigon has to offer, or head to the airport for your onward travels. We are happy to assist with advice or arrangements for your next destinations!

Breakfast

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.