Vietnam 17 Day Cycling Tour
Mountain bike hire - US $300
E-Bike hire - US $590 (limited availability)
Single room surcharge - US $695
Overview
This epic tour showcases many aspects of Vietnam including its war-torn history. Indulge in the fragrant and unforgettable Vietnamese cuisine, cycle through beautiful wetlands backed by jagged peaks and pass alongside vast stretches of stunning beaches.
We begin in the South, exploring the vast underground Củ Chi tunnels near Saigon before flying to Dalat or “Le Petit Paris.” Here we explore the outskirts of this charming city before heading towards Da Chay where we’ll tackle challenging hills and the Hon Giao Pass. Muscles may ache, but the views will be worth it.
After resting in southeast Vietnam’s Nha Trang with its famous blue waters, gentle climbs snake along the Da Bia Mountain towards My Thanh. Enjoy the smooth terrain of Tuy Hoa, passing rice fields dotted with water buffalo. It's onto the Central Coast at Hoi An, the major trading port, before continuing along the scenic back roads of My Son. We enter North Vietnam through Ninh Binh, with its spectacular backdrop of mountains before completing this adventure on the Northeastern coast in spectacular Halong Bay.
Some of the days are quite long, and experienced riders usually find it sufficiently challenging. Faster cyclists can ride at their own pace after consulting the guides on the route. However, the average rider will want to stop for photographs and to take in the magnificent sights. This route has been designed to explore the Vietnamese countryside that lies on either side of the main north-south artery, Highway 1. We spend no more than 20 km on this busy route. Away from the main roads, cycling in Vietnam is a wonderful experience; the bicycle is the most common form of rural transport, and you will probably share the road and tracks with school children, farmers and animals. Free time for sightseeing in Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and Halong Bay allows you to explore at leisure.
Highlights
Culture: Learn about the fascinating history and how this has shaped the country's culture and traditions
Nature: Ride through fishing villages, rice terraces and jungle-cloaked mountains. Climb the twisting coastal roads
Activity: Tackle the Hon Giao & Hai Van Pass. Learn about the brutal wartime history at the Cu Chi tunnels. Boat trip to the coral islands. Walk the colourful lanes of Hoi An. Cruise among the magnificent limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay
Culinary: Quintessential Vietnamese Phở, traditional Bánh Mì, Cao lầu and the famous Hoi An Spring Rolls
Souvenir: Nón Lá (conical hats)
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
We'll meet at our hotel in Saigon - also known as Ho Chi Minh City. After a bike fitting and trip briefing you are free to explore the city before we gather together for a welcome dinner and trip briefing at one of the best restaurants in town.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels to Saigon
Today we transfer a short distance out of bustling Saigon and start riding to the haunting Cu Chi Tunnels, which the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used during the Indochina War as their stronghold and torture site of foreign POWs. After witnessing the war's devastating consequences, we return to Saigon in our bus and visit the notorious Museum of War Crimes. Dinner is own arrangements tonight.
Cycling Distance: 18km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Saigon to Dalat
After a very early transfer to the airport, it's a short flight to Dalat - once a favorite summer retreat among the French and Vietnamese royal families. Dubbed “Le Petit Paris”, this Central Highlands city is now a popular holiday destination. On arrival we'll stretch our legs on a relatively easy ride around Dalat and then on nearly traffic-free country lanes and back roads. We'll pass Xuan Huong Lake, colourful flower plantations and the Old French Railway station. After cycling in the shadow of Mount Langbian we return to Dalat. You may like to explore the city on foot this evening after dinner.
Cycling Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Dalat
Dalat to Nha Trang
As we head towards Nha Trang, a famous seaside getaway, we’ll tackle some challenging hills and be rewarded with some smooth descents. With lush mountains as our backdrop, our first break will be at the community house of the highland hill tribe people. Then we'll conquer Hon Giao pass (1650m) before a 30km descent to a local restaurant by the river where we'll have lunch. This afternoon it's back on the bikes for a flat 28km, then a transfer to our hotel.
Cycling Distance: 103km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Nha Trang Rest Day
During our rest from the saddle we take a boat trip to stunning coral islands for swimming and snorkeling. On the way back we'll have a cultural stop at Pa Na Gar Cham towers. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, four of the original eight towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Alternatively, those who would like to take it easy can stay at the hotel and relax by the beach.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Nha Trang to Tuy Hoa
After breakfast we cycle out of Nha Trang and then take a short transfer to avoid busy Highway 1. Back on our bikes we continue to Dai Lanh Beach where we'll stop for lunch and a swim. To avoid another busy section of road a we will take a 20 minute transfer to the start of our afternoon ride which is on a coastal road snaking along the base of Da Bia Mountain. There will be some gentle climbs before a flat finish on quiet country lanes that are a mix of tarmac and dirt, passing rice paddies and small villages.
Cycling Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Tuy Hoa
Tuy Hoa to Quy Nhon
After transferring out of town to avoid the main highway, our ride takes us along a remote but well-surfaced road running parallel with the railway. The terrain is gently rolling and we have great views of the hills. As we cycle through tribal and Viet villages we'll probably spot potbellied pigs as well as children crossing the trail. We then return to the highway and transfer a short distance to Quy Nhon.
Cycling Distance: 71km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon to Quang Ngai
Today we follow the coastal road to Tra O Lagoon, the largest wetland in Binh Dinh Province and also a principal food source for the locals. During this ride we'll take in the sea breeze and spot tranquil fishing villages lined along the coastline. After lunch at a local restaurant we continue our ride to Highway 1, where we transfer to Quang Ngai for the night.
Cycling Distance: 72km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Quang Ngai
Quang Ngai to My Lai to Hoi An
This morning after cycling from the hotel, our first stop will be at My Lai - the site of one of the deadliest massacres during the Indochina War. After a guided tour we continue cycling along the coast, passing many picturesque fishing villages with their colourful boats. We transfer to Hoi An after lunch. This historic town was a major trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries with 844 structures of historical significance and many vibrant shopping streets, so there's plenty to see while you to wander around and absorb the atmosphere.
Cycling Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Hoi An to My Son to Hoi An
After a short transfer to avoid the highway we ride to My Son - the ancient centre of the Cham Civilization dating back to the 4th century. We'll be cycling along scenic country back roads flanked by rice paddies, eucalyptus plantations and sleepy villages. Later the road extends away from the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean as we head to My Son - once Champa’s most important city. After lunch we'll spend the afternoon visiting the site and although many of the temples were destroyed from heavy bombing, enough have survived the war to impress most visitors. After the historical tour, we take the bus back to Hoi An.
Cycling Distance: 47km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Hoi An to Hue
This is probably the toughest day of the tour yet it is also one of the most rewarding. A short transfer out of Hoi An brings us to the start of our ride along the beach to Danang, known to some as China Beach - an R&R destination for American troops during the Vietnam War. Before long, drop down a few gears and start the climb up Hai Van Pass - a steady and moderately challenging ascent (sea level to 480m) with exhilarating views of the coast. After a long and smooth descent we'll stop for lunch before venturing away from the main highway. The last leg allows us to cruise for 44km along a coastal road to Hue, the old capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Cycling Distance: 100km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Hue to Ninh Binh
Today by bike and boat we explore the rich history left behind by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. From our hotel we cycle along the An Cuu (Perfume) River and head up to the tombs of Khai Dinh - the 12th king of the Nguyen dynasty, built between 1920-1931. After our visit we continue on a quiet road to Vong Canh hill. Although it is only 43m high, it is the best place to catch a panoramic view of the Perfume River. We finish the ride today at the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious building in Vietnam. Built in 1601, it has become the symbol of the city. We then walk to the nearby pier and take a boat cruise back to Hue. After dinner at a local restaurant we board an overnight train to Ninh Binh.
Cycling Distance: 28km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Train to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh to Cuc Phuong National Park
We arrive in Ninh Binh around 10am and take a short transfer to a local restaurant. Here we'll be fitted to our new bikes and have an early lunch. This afternoon's ride to Hoa Lu (the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries) is through spectacular karst mountains towering over a blanket of rice paddies. We'll tour the temples and then continue to Cuc Phuong National Park - Vietnam's first and largest natural reserve
Cycling Distance: 56km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park to Hai Phong
A morning ride allows us to appreciate the park's beauty. We'll also visit the Primate Rescue Centre before heading east on serene back roads through a sea of pineapple plantations. Today you’ll notice many differences between North and South Vietnam such as type of crops, villages and clothing worn. We'll pass through a number of lovely villages with their friendly locals. Just before we reach Highway 1 we'll load up the bikes and transfer to Hai Phong - one of Vietnam’s major ports.
Cycling Distance: 63km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hai Phong
Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island
We transfer to the pier to catch a ferry to Fulong on Cat Ba Island. Located at the southern end of picturesque Halong Bay, the island is home to one of Vietnam’s most exquisite natural treasures, Cat Ba National Park. Once off the boat we cycle 27km on the island’s only road before stopping in town for lunch. In the afternoon you are free to explore the surroundings as we spend the night on this heavenly island.
Cycling Distance: 27km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel on Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay to Hanoi
There's only time for a short ride this morning before a memorable cruise through majestic Halong Bay. With its towering limestone karsts protruding from the emerald sea, Halong Bay is truly one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Legend has it that it was formed by a great dragon that descended from the mountain into the sea. Later today we transfer to Hanoi and get together for our farewell dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
Cycling Distance: 24km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Departure from Hanoi
This morning you are free to do last-minute shopping or take a short tour around the Vietnamese capital before catching your onward flight. Or maybe you would like to extend your stay in Hanoi.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- Accommodation (twin-share):16 nights: 4 to 5 star hotels
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- English speaking tour guide
- Support vehicle
- Domestic flight & overnight train
- Services as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water & snacks while cycling
- International flights
- Airport transfers day 1 & 17
- Visa fees
- Bike Hire
- Single room surcharge
- Personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
- Tips
There are some long days in the saddle on this trip and some challenging hill climbs so you will need a good level of fitness and cycling experience. The riding surfaces are mostly tarmac roads and some vehicle width dirt roads. There are a limited number of E-Bikes available so please enquire about availability.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 2 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
Explore Related Adventures
Don't just take our word for it
Why Travel with global cycling adventures?
New Zealand Owned
and Operated
Connect with ease. Our dynamic New Zealand based agency specialises in elevating your international cycling and golf getaways.
Tried and trusted
We have over 20 years experience and many of our clients tour with us year after year. Several clients have done over 25 tours with us.
Sustainability
We value the privilege to explore the world by bike. We partner with organisations and people that behave with respect and awareness to minimise any negative impact.
Giving Back
We believe our tours should improve life for the people and places we visit and leave a positive impact. We work in partnership with local people and providers who have local knowledge.
