Overview
Some of the highlights of Vietnam are the stunning and diverse geography of towering mountains, picturesque coastline and endless green rice fields, the delicious cuisine, the friendliness of the people, and the intrigue at such a long culture of independence and national pride.
Our bike trip showcases the best of all these aspects of the country. We take a classic cycling route between the commercial hub of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and the capital of Hanoi. We then add the trademark Grasshopper touch to it by cycling on the most charming back road and trails experiencing the real countryside.
Our newest addition to the itinerary includes a ride near Phong Nha, made famous by the recent discovery of massive cave systems. There's even a day of cave exploration for outdoor adventurers.
With minimal driving and maximum cycling, this is a truly unique bike trip. We spent months mapping out the best route so that you can take just two weeks to see the full range of this amazing country.
With many kilometers of stunning beaches and dramatic coastal roads, as well as some of the freshest seafood going, this trip is an indulgent experience. We are never far from a beach and stay in comfortable hotels to make this trip one of our most luxurious adventure tours.
Pedal-assist E-bikes are an available option on this tour for $315.
525 Km riding. Apart from a couple of days on this tour that are just a touch short of 100km and a rather large hill (Hai Van Pass) the riding is achievable for anyone who rides regularly as a commuter or recreationally on the weekends. Most of the roads are paved back roads with minimal traffic. We encounter only a couple of dirt roads and these are not hard riding at all. 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 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.
Highlights
Make the most of a free day in Hoi An to cycle the town and countryside or explore this UNESCO World Heritage historical town.
Pedal to the Hai Van Pass for stunning views and satisfying cycling.
Visit the highlights of the fascinating Hue, cycling to old tombs and a citadel before a boat ride back to town.
Cycle the UNESCO World Heritage Phong Nha national park, then spend a day trekking and exploring the caves.
Day to Day
We meet in the bustling commercial capital of Vietnam. We'll head out and explore the culinary side of the city this evening and have a group briefing on the trip ahead.
After a morning flight to Quy Nhon, we spend the afternoon pedaling around this idyllic seaside town and learning about the work of a dedicated lady who has single-handedly established a center to provide vocational training for young, disabled Vietnamese.
Today we start our cycling journey properly as we leave Quy Nhon on a quiet back road along a sand dune peninsula with great views back over the bay and the mountains. We see lots of coast today as we undulate along the well-made road with friendly villagers waving and cheering us on as we pedal past. We’ll take a short drive at the end of the day to get us into the tiny village of Tam Quan.
A varied and highly enjoyable day lies ahead of us. We spend the morning riding along the coast then head inland to take in an array of new scenery.
We’ll pedal down some quiet roads, then ride along a railway road and pass farmers tending to rice fields and looking after water buffalo. Our home for the night is Quang Ngai, a small city of little note. Even so, the comfortable hotel, nice river view and a swimming pool make Quang Ngai a pleasant place to stay.
We start today with a visit to one of Vietnam's more sobering sites, the My Lai Massacre Memorial. It was here that the tragic massacre occurred that, once exposed, caused a turning point in American public opinion towards the American-Vietnam war. From here we get our bikes and pedal around the village. Along the way we may stop for a visit to bamboo basket workshop. This traditional form of craftsmanship is harder to find in cities, yet these skills still flourish here in the village. We enjoy a lunch of the freshest seafood possible and stay in the town of Tam Ky.
Today will be a highlight of your cycling on this tour. First we’ll park our bikes at the hero mother statue for an insight into the past. The hero mother in question was a lady who lost 11 sons, her husband and her grandson to the American-Vietnam conflict. This story underscores the terrible losses suffered by all people involved in war. From here, we ride dirt roads through sleepy fishing villages with friendly faces popping out to say hello. Duck and chicken farms are also present through today, so we can stop and learn a little about this particular means of income generation. We then take a boat ride to reach Hoi An, a fitting way to enter this ancient port town.
Today is a free day for you to enjoy Hoi An. We offer an optional morning ride of the town and the surrounding countryside, but you might prefer to sleep in.
Hoi An has a long history dating back as far as the first century, but is known mostly for its role as a trading port for Chinese and Japanese sea merchants during the 17th and 18th centuries. The beauty of the town was miraculously spared the damage that many towns suffered during the American-Vietnam war. Today Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage listed town that cannot be compared to anywhere else in Indochina. It is an intriguing, photogenic old town, located just a short distance from a beautiful beach where you can sit and sip a coconut.
Beginning at the hotel in Hoi An, we'll take a short drive to Red Beach in Danang. After a strong Vietnamese coffee, we’ll hit the bikes.
Our scenic day of cycling from Danang starts near the base of the iconic Hai Van Pass, a 10km long climb along a winding road with a gradient averaging 5.8%. At the top, we enjoy amazing views over the coast before we take the thrilling descent into the charming beachside town of Lang Co.
Lunch Today will be at a small, local, delicious eatery. Fully refueled, we continue riding along a quiet stretch of road and then by the largest salt-water lagoon in Vietnam
At the end of the ride, we will transfer directly to our hotel in Hue by van, avoiding the congestion on the edge of town.
One of Vietnam's most beautiful and historic cities, Hue does not get anywhere near the tourist attention it deserves. The city center and countryside are a historic showcase of culture and architecture.
Our biking today takes us to many of the important historic sites of the city - from the Tombs of ancient rulers to the remnants of the stunning Citadel. Before lunch, we’ll relax on a lovely small boat heading back to Hue on the Perfume River.
The ride today includes a bit of up and down through the city and countryside. Early afternoon we’ll arrive back to our beautiful hotel where’s there’s time to enjoy the pool or the on-site spa.
We hop in the van this morning to make up some time heading towards the former borderline between North and South Vietnam.
Near the DMZ we set up the bikes and headed off to explore this area of significance during the American & Vietnamese war. The bridge across the Ben Hai River marks the former dividing line between North & South. We continue cycling a scenic route along the coast, now showcasing dramatic bluffs to the small village of Vinh Moc. During the war, villagers here created an elaborate tunnel system where commerce and life thrived underground as battles raged along the DMZ.
Later in the day, we will hop back in the van for the drive to Phong Nha. The flat coastal countryside quickly gives way to rolling hills and the impressive sight of karsts, the small craggy mountains for which the region is known.
Tonight is the first of three at the beautiful, remote Chay Lap farm stay for an authentic experience. There’s time for a cold beer or a glass of wine, and enough light to capture what will be the first of many memorable photographs of this region.
After breakfast this morning we’ll head out for an exploratory ride up and through the breathtaking Phong Nha valley. Our route takes us along the old Ho Chi Minh trail. You’ll enjoy pedaling with these idyllic surroundings.
There are a couple of steep climbs through the Phong Nha National Park, but after Hai Van Pass you’ll be well prepared. The support van is always ready to assist just in case.
Following a snack and a rest stop, we descend down to the town of Phong Nha for lunch. We continue to wind through the beautiful valley, taking a local ferry to cross the river and make it back to Chay Lap by late afternoon.
Today is about below ground, not above. Cave exploring is the main reason more and more visitors flock to the region. While on your tour, your Grasshopper guide will discuss cave options and make recommendations based on your physical ability and interest. Our preferred full day cave exploration requires an hour’s trekking. This cave exploration is unforgettable and undoubtedly a highlight of the trip. Also, weather conditions above ground may dictate which caves we explore underground.
We take a morning flight to Hanoi. In the afternoon, we walk the streets of this buzzing city with its constant clash of new and old and the continuing theme of delicious, plentiful food. We then celebrate the end of our adventure over dinner.
There are no activities planned today and you can depart any time you wish. Should you wish to travel to Halong Bay, please inquire with our staff at the time of booking and we can offer travel advice.
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
With our experience and knowledge of running tours in Vietnam, we have compiled this itinerary to show you some of the best of Vietnam in two weeks, including a three night stay in the Phong Nha area for a more thorough exploration of this incredible national park and its caves, as we know it is worth spending a longer time here in order to properly take in this environment. Along the way, rest assured knowing we have taken care of all of the small details, including comfortable and elegant accommodations, tasty local meals, and plenty of cultural stops.
