Overview
Vietnam offers cyclists a host of remarkable riding opportunities, and this tour takes full advantage of that. As you make your way from the energetic city of Ho Chi Minh along the coast to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning natural wonders, through mountains and countryside to Hoi An, you’ll experience everything from historic monuments and citadels to small fishing villages, the caves of Phong Nha, and countless rice fields. Explore Hue’s Imperial City, cycle the scenic Hai Van Pass, and check out the ruins of My Son as you visit these must-see locations as well as authentic off-the-beaten-track spots. You’ll see all the beauty and learn much of the history of Vietnam. Hop on your bikes and join us for this ultimate Vietnam experience.
220 Km riding. The riding on this bike tour is achievable for anyone who rides occasionally as a commuter or recreationally on the weekends. Most of the roads are paved back roads and concrete pathways with minimal traffic. There are often sea breezes to keep the temperature down a little. Hai Van Pass is a sustained climb of 10km with a lovely descent of the same length immediately after. The gradient is not overly steep, and once you find a rhythm, it is actually an enjoyable ride with some great views. There are a few other small hills, but we always return to sea level, so the up is a nice trade-off for the down.
Pedal assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for $210.
Highlights
Take a food tour of Saigon to discover the complex flavors of Vietnam.
Explore the stalagmites and stalactites of the Phong Nha cave with a trek through the National Park.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Imperial City of Hue for a day of historical immersion.
Cycle through the peaceful countryside of Hoi An to the ancient ruins of My Son.
Day to Day
Welcome to the fascinating city of Ho Chi Minh, also known by its former name Saigon, famous for ending the Vietnam War when it fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975. In addition to its historical significance, Saigon is Vietnam's most populated city, full of activity and home to classic examples of French colonial architecture and an innovative culinary scene.
We will meet in our hotel at 4 pm for a briefing and introduction before heading out on a special nighttime tour of the best food Saigon has to offer. This night will delight foodies and skeptics alike, with a stop for drinks at a local cafe, tasting of a variety of specialties at two different restaurants, a visit to a coffee shop with live music, and a taste of Vietnamese nightlife at a local bar. Don’t forget to bring your appetite!
This morning we’ll head to the airport for a short flight to Dong Hoi. Your guide will pick you up at Dong Hoi airport, then a transfer to Phong Nha where we will start our biking adventures. Phong Nha is a pleasant town surrounded by national park and the Son River, we’ll spend our morning pedaling through its bright river valley. After lunch, we’ll ride to Chay Lap where we’ll stay in the night at a farm homestay amidst towering hills and lush greenery. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Vietnamese culture in this rural setting of untouched farming land.
Head underground into the mysterious Phong Nha cave and underground rivers that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day’s cave exploration requires an hour of trekking, but the unique rock formations of the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park are ample reward for your efforts. We’ll make our way along the stalagmites and stalactites, past the beautiful reef and sandbank, to the spectacular underground lake.
The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy a drink by the pool at our farmstay, or explore this incredibly fertile and unspoiled area nestled far from the bustling cities and crazy tourist scenes of much of this Southeast Asian country.
Our day starts with a laid-back train ride to Hue and a scenic bike ride through the countryside will help warm up the legs. We’ll pass friendly locals hard at work, a variety of animals grazing in their pastures, and the peaceful surroundings of this rural area. Pedal past the peaceful Tam Giang lagoon tucked into the landscape like something out of a movie!
Tonight make your own way around the historical city of Hue.
A day of historical exploration awaits as we hop on our bikes and cycle to some of the highlights of this ancient city. We’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial City for a tour of its citadel and grounds, then head to the sacred tombs of former Vietnamese emperors, such as the opulent 19th century Tu Duc tomb along the river. This evening we will enjoy dinner in a private home, with the chance to taste proper Vietnamese cooking and hear the stories of this delightful family.
Today we’ll transfer out of Hue to the starting point of our ride. Make sure to get a good stretch before you pedal along the Hai Van Pass. This 21 kilometer stretch of road, with 10 kilometers of steady, achievable climbing, traverses part of the Truong Son mountain range of Vietnam, and as it winds its way through the mountains, the route provides spectacular views of the coast down below.
Have your camera at the ready to snap some pictures of this idyllic blue and green scenery as you rest along this climb. We’ll pedal to an ancient Buddha statue set on a headland near Da Nang City before transferring the rest of the way to Hoi An. Once in the city, we’ll take to the streets for a walking tour of the Old Town and a wonderful dinner together there.
Early this morning you’ll have the option to kayak along the Thu Bon river as the sun rises above the city of Hoi An. If you can get yourself up, the experience is totally worth it! Later we’ll pedal across the river into the countryside, passing through small traditional villages, onto dirt pathways past family farms and rice fields, exchanging smiles with workers along the way.
After renewing our energy with a snack, we’ll cycle on towards the ruins of My Son: another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once we’ve arrived, we’ll have the chance to wander through these ruins built by the Cham people who were originally Hindu and later evolved to practice Islam. The Cham kingdom was eventually conquered by the Vietnamese and then the Khmer, but the ruins of this sacred sanctuary remain in good shape, though covered in moss. We will transfer from My Son back to Hoi An.
This morning we will transfer an hour to the small, provincial city of Tam Ky before beginning our bike route that brings us back along the coast towards Hoi An. Take a peek above the handlebars, and catch a glimpse of headstones and graves that dot the landscape along the sand dunes and waterways. Once we’ve reached the Cua Dai bridge that spans the Thu Bon River, we’ll take a boat back to ancient Hoi An. Tonight let’s make the most of our last Vietnamese meal together at our farewell dinner.
Our tour concludes today with a transfer back to the Da Nang Airport.
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This tour is created to show you the very best of Vietnam, with two UNESCO World Heritage sites, two important cities, and plenty of cultural stops along the way. Intersperse your visits to these incredible sites with some fun cycling through the Vietnamese countryside. Stay the night at a homestay on farmland, then eat dinner in the home of a local for some connection with authentic Vietnamese life. You are sure to leave this cycling tour with a greater appreciation for Central Vietnam and its scenery, food, and people.
