Transport

Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to six hours). Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam, however traffic can slow progress in the main cities. The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private, and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. The coach will accompany the riders all the time, allowing you substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage. Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year) During the Tet holiday period, 9-15 February 2024 and 28 January to 3 February 2025, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.

Guide

An experienced cycling tour leader will accompany all groups from start to finish. A bike mechanic will assist the tour leader, and local guides will step in at various sights.

Others

Local Bike Hire - Giant Rincon Disc mountain bikes (with front suspension). Vehicle support. Drinking water. Visit the Cu Chi war tunnels. Boat ride in Halong Bay.

Meals

All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner are included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery flavours. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup). Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in South East Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring ‘cycling snacks’ with you from home if you have high-energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride. For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged – fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with homemade lemonade if the season is right.

Accommodation

The accommodation on this trip is wonderfully varied. We stay in unique hotels (mostly three/four-star) for nine nights and a laid-back tropical island resort for two nights. We also spend one night on a junk-style boat cruising Ha Long Bay and, finally, have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hue to Hanoi. Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip: Whale Island Resort Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many, though it is relatively basic. We stay in thatched bamboo bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. The simplicity of island life and a secluded spot makes it idyllic, but be prepared for it to be a bit different to the hotels used for the rest of the trip. Ha Long Bay cruise Board a traditional junk-style boat to cruise among the magnificent limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Each of the twin-share cabins has air conditioning and a window out to sea, while the boat has a rooftop deck with chairs – this is where most of our travellers tend to gather for views over the bay. There’s also a dining room with glass windows so we can continue to admire this extraordinary landscape during lunch and dinner. Reunification Express Our sleeper train takes us from Hue to Hanoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets. Worth knowing Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 11 nights of the trip (hotel/resort nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement. The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Not included:

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (http://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Flights

As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. Check out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner to book your flight - https://flights.tourradar.com

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request – hotel nights only) — Visas or vaccinations — E-bike hire

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is an exciting and absorbing city where bicycles battle with trucks and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral are within easy walking distance and are highly recommended. This evening there will be a welcome briefing with your leader followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Huong sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Transfer Out Of The City; Cycle To The Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Transfer Out Of The City; Cycle To The Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes. The network covers three levels and approximately 149mi (240km) of tunnels. Some parts have been widened for tourists, but the tunnels were originally very narrow and it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees. If you prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in Ho Chi Minh City. Places of interest include the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum. Accommodation: Huong sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Cycle Towards The Coast And Drive To Mui Ne (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cycle Towards The Coast And Drive To Mui Ne (Breakfast,Lunch)

After an early breakfast we head out of Ho Chi Minh City by bus and then start cycling towards the coast. We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and rubber plantations also passing small fishing villages as we make our way closer to the coast finishing our ride in time for lunch. We then transfer approximately three hours to Mui Ne, a tranquil white-sand beach where we can witness our first sunset over the East Sea. We spend four to five hours on the bus today. Accommodation: Ocean Dunes Resort (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Cycle To Dalat In The Central Highlands (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cycle To Dalat In The Central Highlands (Breakfast,Lunch)

We cycle towards Dalat; the route is undulating with occasional climbs. Along the way we pass coffee and tea plantations, flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher altitude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. We spend approximately 3hr 30min on the bus today. Dalat is a pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Paris, and has been described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It was favoured by the French for its climate, and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese. Accommodation: La Sapinette Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle Through Bidoup National Park; To The Coast And Boat Transfer To Whale Island (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle Through Bidoup National Park; To The Coast And Boat Transfer To Whale Island (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today’s ride is predominantly undulating and approximately 19mi (30km) downhill through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 4,921ft (1,500m) and travel through Bidoup Ba National Park. This area is home to rare pine forests, plus small villages inhabited by the ethnic minority people of the central highlands. Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus (approximately 90 minutes) to the coast near Nha Trang before boarding a boat to our tropical island retreat of Whale Island for the next two nights. Today you can cycle up to 55.9mi (90km) according to preference. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Cruise Around Islands With Seafood Lunch And Snorkelling (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cruise Around Islands With Seafood Lunch And Snorkelling (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today we relax and unwind. We join a boat trip in the morning for a spot of snorkelling and sea swimming before a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit a local fishing village, see the Whale temple or walk around the island to the viewpoint for a 360-degree view of the mountainous coastline and the surrounding coves and white-sand beaches. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Coastal Ride To Quy Nhon (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Coastal Ride To Quy Nhon (Breakfast,Lunch)

We set off early in the morning and first take a short transfer from Whale Island through Dai Lanh and Ca Pass before setting off on our bikes at Vung Ro Bay, where we ride along the coast to Tuy Hoa and O Loan Lagoon to Chi Thanh. In Chi Thanh, we stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing to La Hai where we complete our longest ride of the trip (62.2mi/100km). From La Hai, we then transfer one hour to our hotel in Quy Nhon. We spend approximately two hours on the bus today. Accommodation: Seagull Quy Nhon Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Further Coastal Ride Stopping En Route At Dunes; Then Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Further Coastal Ride Stopping En Route At Dunes; Then Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast,Lunch)

Leaving Quy Nhon, we travel through a new economic zone over the Thi Nai peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam. Getting off our bikes, we visit a market, where it’s not unusual to be pulled aside for a photo as this part of the country does not see many western tourists. The coastline features secluded bays, dunes and beaches with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the East Sea. We cycle until we arrive at Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 7mi (12km) once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An. Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchants houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We spend two nights in Hoi An, which is also a fantastic place to buy local art or have some clothes tailor-made for you. It’s best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want made. We spend approximately six hours on the bus today. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Sightseeing In Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Sightseeing In Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridges, temples, wells and houses. Those less interested in architecture can cycle the 3mi (5km) to the lovely Cua Dai beach or to the Marble Mountains, which are 11.8mi (19km) from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Viet Cong) sanctuaries. Also nearby is My Khe beach, a R&R spot for US troops in the war, and Da Nang, where there is a Cham Museum, which despite being in poor condition, is very interesting. It is also possible to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Ride Over The Spectacular Hai Van Pass; Cycle And Drive On To Hue (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ride Over The Spectacular Hai Van Pass; Cycle And Drive On To Hue (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route traverses over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – the Pass of the Ocean Clouds. The views are stunning, though those who prefer to avoid the 1,903ft (580m) climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. Once at the top it will all seem worth it as you plummet back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our city centre hotel. We spend about 2hr 30min on the bus today. Accommodation: Park View Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Explore Hue And Surroundings By Bike And Boat; Overnight Train To Hanoi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Explore Hue And Surroundings By Bike And Boat; Overnight Train To Hanoi (Breakfast)

Hue is often claimed to be the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam and there is plenty to see. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs. The most memorable site is the citadel, with walls 6mi (10km) in length: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. We then take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc’s Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens. Along the way we will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, which has a centre for anti-government protests in the early 1960s. It also houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers around the world. In the afternoon we will board the Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 428mi (688km) to the north. Accommodation: overnight train
Day 12 Day 12: Arrive Hanoi; Drive To Ha Long Bay; Board Boat And Cruise/Kayak Among Spectacular Limestone Formations (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Arrive Hanoi; Drive To Ha Long Bay; Board Boat And Cruise/Kayak Among Spectacular Limestone Formations (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast and a stretch of the legs, before we are met by our bus for an approximate four-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. This is one of the most beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak in the sea (weather permitting), allowing us to get to places inaccessible by boat and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with private facilities. Accommodation: overnight boat
Day 13 Day 13: Further Cruising In Ha Long Bay; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Further Cruising In Ha Long Bay; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)

Visit Me Cung cave and enjoy further time cruising the many islands of Ha Long Bay. We then return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings and the atmosphere is completely different from that in Ho Chi Minh City, mainly due to the much more conservative nature of the northern Vietnamese. Also, unlike its industrial counterpart, the centre of Hanoi has a faded charm with broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period, plus attractive lakes and pagodas. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a water puppet performance. Accommodation: Lenid Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 Day 14: End Hanoi (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: End Hanoi (Breakfast)

It’s been an unforgettable cycling adventure through Vietnam, but this morning marks the last breakfast of the tour. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on all that you’ve seen and achieved and, perhaps, to start planning your next big adventure.

+11

14 days tour

Cycling Vietnam

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycling Vietnam

Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Transfer Out Of The City; Cycle To The Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 3: Cycle Towards The Coast And Drive To Mui Ne (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 4: Cycle To Dalat In The Central Highlands (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 5: Cycle Through Bidoup National Park; To The Coast And Boat Transfer To Whale Island (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: Cruise Around Islands With Seafood Lunch And Snorkelling (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 7: Coastal Ride To Quy Nhon (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 8: Further Coastal Ride Stopping En Route At Dunes; Then Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 9: Sightseeing In Hoi An; Free Afternoon (Breakfast)

Day 10: Ride Over The Spectacular Hai Van Pass; Cycle And Drive On To Hue (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 11: Explore Hue And Surroundings By Bike And Boat; Overnight Train To Hanoi (Breakfast)

Day 12: Arrive Hanoi; Drive To Ha Long Bay; Board Boat And Cruise/Kayak Among Spectacular Limestone Formations (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 13: Further Cruising In Ha Long Bay; Return To Hanoi (Breakfast)

Day 14: End Hanoi (Breakfast)

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