Mighty Red River Delta Cycling Tour - 6 Days; Hanoi Cycle To Ba Be Lake - Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Lang Son - 6 Days; Hanoi Biking To Hue - 6 Days; Hanoi Biking To Cuc Phuong National Park - Ninh Binh- 3 Days; Hanoi - VanLong Nature Reserve - Cuc Phuong - Tam Coc Bike Tours - 2 Days; Hanoi Cycling To Ninh Binh - Tam Coc Cave - 1 Day Aug 09, 2021 · Read on for the most beautiful places in Vietnam - as voted for by our readers. Continue reading to find out more about 10. Hanoi Cycling To Ho Chi Minh City is a fascinating countries with a distinctive culture and a long and extraordinary history. Although it is often remembered most for its wars, modern Vietnam and Cambodia has emerged as a proud nation with a people eager to show off the many aspects of their diverse land that make for memorable cycling tours from Hanoi to Saigon Vietnam cycling tours is is a great way to see the country from bustling Saigon to the serene northern capital of Hanoi, we ride on country roads on either side of the main north-south artery of Highway One. Along the way we see many of Vietnam's historic and scenic highlights, from the cool mountain air of Dalat we descend tothe beach resort of Nha Trang before riding back roads to Classic cycling journeys, riding from SaiGon to Hanoi. Along the way we stop to visit the main sites in Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and finally Hanoi. What makes this tour special is our route will far from Highway One, as we ride along quiet or back roads to discover the real Vietnam. adventure cycling. Vay Tiền Nhanh. 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Saigon and Hanoi are the biggest cities with distinct and interesting features. So is there anything more wonderful than enjoying these physical and cultural activities? Saigon Cycling to Hanoi trip As one of the best Vietnam bike tours, the trip also allows participants to cycle leisurely and sightsee the stunning scenery along the Vietnam coast. Keep reading to explore the detailed itinerary and get ready for the trip. Saigon Cycling to Hanoi Detail Itinerary When joining the cycling Vietnam trip, you will receive a short English-speaking guide to communicate with others more easily. Accommodations, meals, and food are also included in the price. There will be 16 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the journey. You will receive fresh towels, cold mineral water, fruit, and snacks. Let’s see what you will do during these 15 days Day 1 Arrive From Ho Chi Minh City After the flight to Tan San Nhat International Airport, you will be greeted and picked up by a tour guide. Saigon is undoubtedly the busiest and largest city in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh city is famous for new and elegant international hotels with trendy bars and exclusive restaurants. But don’t be surprised to find noodle stalls, vociferous drivers, and street children. After the hotel check-in, you can visit some famous places if you have free time. Independence Palace, Ben Thanh market, War Remnants Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral are just a few. The Ho Chi Minh City Hall, or Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, built in 1902-1908 in a French colonial style for the then city of Saigon, Vietnam. Day 2 Ho Chi Minh – Vung Tau – Suoi Nhum Bike Tour Your first destination is Vung Tau, with extraordinarily fascinating scenery, quaint villages, sublime sand beaches, and green paddy fields. Here, you can start your Saigon cycling to Hanoi trip through dragon fruit and rubber plantations. Indulge yourself in the tranquil beaches and see the sunset by the sea. Cyling in Vung Tau beach Day 3 Suoi Nhum – Ke Ga – Phan Thiet – Mui Ne Cycling Trip Before setting off along the coast and on a new road, you will be served a brilliant meal in the resort. The day starts with admirably crystal sea water and sandy beaches. Going further reveals the breathtaking beauty of resorts and dragon fruit farms. On this day, Mui Ne is the most expected destination thanks to its eye-catching and fresh beach. It is a perfect place for relaxation and recreation after a 105-kilometer cycle. Mui Ne/Binh Thuan/Vietnam Vietnamese fishermen sort out nets with caught fish to sell in the fish market Day 4 Mui Ne – Ca Na Beach Bicycle Tour This is another great day with clear sea water, emerald sand, and sunshine along the Ninh Chu Beach resort. The vibrant atmosphere from the sea and fresh seafood create a great photo moment. Now, kick-off and come across various unique resorts before heading to the Pha Ri Cua. After having lunch here, you will travel by shuttle bus to the resort for a nap. Sunset on Ninh Chu beach, Ninh Thuan province, Viet Nam Day 5 Ca Na Beach – Ninh Chu – Vinh Hi – Cam Ranh – Nha Trang Biking Trip Don’t stay in bed too late! You will miss out on the pristine nature in the morning and fail to visit the local fishing market. Seize the chance to communicate with the locals and understand their daily life more. Today you start cycling from the tarmac road to Nui Chua Mountain Stop. The winding route and steep pass along the Cam Ranh hill can be a real challenge for adventure-seekers. Along the way to Vinh Hi Bay, there is a perfect scenic combination of ocean and mountain. Keep cycling to reach Way 1A and get on the shuttle bus. Our bus will take you to Nha Trang City. Beautiful beach at coast of Vietnam – Ninh van bay, Nha Trang Day 6 Nha Trang – Phu Yen Bike Tour A hearty breakfast energizes and motivates participants to get ready and move out of the bustling city. Again, the beautiful sea satisfies your eyes. Deo Ca steep pass will serve your needs if you are looking for some highlights. After passing this challenging road is time to appreciate the brilliant and pristine nature. Wonderful view of Eo Gio beach- A tourist attraction in Quy Nhon- Vietnam with blue water and high rock cliffs Day 7 Phu Yen – Quy Nhon Cycling Trip On this day, we have a chance to meet and talk with various friendly and hospitable locals and school kids. Quaint and old villages will make your mind at peace. Then, we hop on our bicycles and have a leisurely bike trip to Quy Nhon, which welcomes us with the scent of sea wafting in the breeze. Cycling in Quy Nhon Day 8 Quy Nhon – Quang Ngai Bicycle Tour The journey from Quy Nhon to Quang Ngai is one of the most worthwhile ones. Scenic routes, peaceful villages, fresh seafood, seawater, and fishing farms can please any participant. You can pull over to plunge yourself in the cool, crystal-clear beach to recharge your energy. We bet that you can’t resist the temptation of that beauty. Colorful basket boats at Ly Son island, Quang Ngai Province, Viet Nam Day 9 Quang Ngai – My Lai Massacre – Hoi An Bike Tour Get away from the bustling cities and head for Son Tinh town. Here, you can experience the darkest page in the war between America and Vietnam in 1968. In the My Lai massacre, American troops stormed the little hamlet with over 500 deaths. Nowadays, there is a time war memorial to commemorate the unfortunate. Spending time learning about Vietnamese people’s history is a one-of-a-kind experience. Vietnamese Women on Bike in Front of Yellow Building Day 10 Hoi An Back Road Bike Trip If you are a big fan of Vietnam destinations, you must have once heard about Hoi An. This world heritage is famous for its cultural crossroads and 300-year ancient beauty. The unique site is a perfect combination of indigenous and foreign features. Its buildings and streets are the best testimonials. Cycle through canals and coconut palm trees and visit Japanese-covered roof bridges. HOI AN, VIETNAM – JUN! View of Hoi An ancient town, UNESCO world heritage, at Quang Nam province. Vietnam. Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam Day 11 Hoi An – Da Nang – Hai Van Pass – Hue Citadel Biking Tour On the way to Da Nang City, ensure you have enough water because you are facing the 12-kilometer Hai Van pass. This is one of the most spectacular trips in Vietnam. Then, get to the Hue citadel through a lagoon and fishing farm. Hue satisfies your eye with incredible architecture, ancestor houses, tombs, and temples. The Hai Van Pass, Da Nang, Vietnam. A beautiful road to drive by motorbike, very nice curves, turns and awesome view. Aerial view. Day 12 Hue – Ninh Binh Bicycle Tour Starting the day in Hue, you can enjoy a delectable breakfast here with its signature Bun Bo Hue or other specialties. Then, you can cycle on the tree-lined and shady streets to take in the fresh air. After exploring the famous religious and educational Hue city, we continue the trip by night train. Enjoy the night beauty with air conditioning. Biking in Ninh Binh Day 13 Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong Cycling Trip The train reaches Hanoi at 4h30, and you will be transferred by a shuttle bus. After breakfast, let’s pedal to Hoa Lu ancient capital and famous wetland reserves. Be amazed by picturesque scenery and outstanding limestone mountains. Biking in Cuc Phuong Nattional Park, Ninh Binh Day 14 Cuc Phuong – Ha Long City – Bai Tu Long Bay Bicycle Tour Drive through the Red River Delta and visit hand-embroidered and ceramic workshops. You can get some souvenirs here. After that, relaxing on a weaving boat allows you to witness the spectacular limestone formation and sculpted islands. This is nearly the end of our Vietnam biking tours, so we want to take in the scenery slowly and capture all the valuable moments with Mother Nature. The beautiful Ha Long Bay in Vietnam Day 15 Bai Tu Long – Hanoi Bike Tour This is the end of the cycling across Vietnam journey. The detailed schedule will be further discussed with you. When setting food in Vietnam’s capital, you can spend time discovering every nook and cranny of this ancient yet modern metropolis. Contrasting entertainment is also worth your attention. It is easy to find bowling alleys, golf courses, and shopping malls. Along these noisy places are traditional markets and pagodas. Couple paddle on kayak in Halong Bay. View from the back on limestone cave with azure water of Ha Long, Viet Nam. Conclusion Saigon cycling to Hanoi trip should be the very first thing popping into your mind when visiting Vietnam. The journey enables you to experience the pristine and breathtaking sceneries from the North to the South. Vietnam is famous for various tourist attractions, some of which are intact and retain the ancient atmosphere. The most worthwhile ones are included in our itinerary. Thus, don’t hesitate to join us and stay tuned for the next Vietnam bicycle tour! Find out what riders said about MTB Vietnam on Tripadvisor! HIGHLIGHTS Various activities on sites Cycling along the cities, the mountain, and the coast of Vietnam Visit the city of Vietnam including Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh city Unforgettable moments Cycling through the small street of Hanoi whilst the sea of motorbikes running around Cycling along the ancient cities of Hue & Hoi An and admire the glowing light of the past Cycling along the mountain range of the central Vietnam passing the mighty Hai Van pass. Cycling along the southern coast of Vietnam whilst admiring the beautiful nature scenery Nature exploration The nature of central of Vietnam in Hue, Hoi An, and the famous Hai Van Pass The coast of central Vietnam in Nha Trang and Phan Thiet The amazing nature of Da Lat with 4 seasons per day Culture experience The never-fading culture of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city whilst being affected by the waves western culture Learning about the last dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyens. Admiring the charming town of Hoi An which still keeps its way of life since the century ago. 3/27 Romantic Hoan Kiem Lake 4/27 Hoan Kiem Lake - Morning Exercise 5/27 Hanoi Countryside Cycling 6/27 Peaceful Hanoi Countryside 7/27 Hanoi Countryside Cycling 13/27 Thu Bon river - Hoi An 14/27 Floating Lantern - Hoi An 15/27 Mobile Flower Shop - Hoi An 16/27 Bridge Pagoda - Hoi An 17/27 Nha Trang - Vietnam 18/27 Nha Trang - Vietnam 19/27 Nha Trang - Vietnam 22/27 Da Lat Train Station 23/27 Phan Thiet Beach - Binh Thuan 24/27 Phan Thiet Beach - Binh Thuan 25/27 Ho Chi Minh City Saigon 26/27 Ho Chi Minh City Saigon 27/27 Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Day 1 - Welcome to Hanoi Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi. Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians. After a rest at the hotel, there will be a cycle fitting if wish at our garage. There will be a full trip briefing before dinner. Overnight in Hanoi. [-/-/d] Day 2 - Cycling the city of Hanoi - Hue O/N Train At 800, there will be pick up then transfer to our bike garage get the bike and head down to historic Long Bien Bridge. Take some time at the break stop on the bridge while our guide sharing some more information about it. Get over the bridge, we leave the concrete of the city behind, heading to Duong river direction. We will first visit a broom making village. A lot of small pagodas & temples with traditional old houses along the way us cycling through. You will know more the typical northern village in Vietnam. There will be a 500m of single track along the Hoang Giang River before getting to Co Loa ancient citadel. You can choose to ride or walk with your bike. The cycle will lead you through rice fields and vegetable gardens as well. Once arriving Co Loa ancient citadel, we will pay a visit to An Duong Vuong King Temple, Trong Thuy Prince’s well. Then, cycle around the remains of the ancient citadel and its beautiful surrounding. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to go through quiet village’s route to the dike of the Red River. Arriving at the meeting point of two great rivers, we board a small local ferry to cross to other bank of the river, then heading to the north side of West Lake, the largest of many lakes in the city. We ride along the water’s edge to one of the most popular and important place of worship in Hanoi – Tay Ho temple. After a visit to the temple, we’ll peddle along the lake, admiring the colonial architecture, before returning to garage around then transfer back to your hotel. In the evening, transfer to the train station for the overnight ride to Hue. Overnight on board the train to Hue. Notes Transfer 15mins to garage. Today do not have support vehicle during cycling. Cycling distance up to 42km Difficulty Easy You can take the direct flight to Hue today and overnight in Hue instead [b/l/-] Day 3 - Cycling the city of Hue Morning arrival to Hue, followed by a cycling excursion through town. Today’s cycling journey exposes Vietnam’s cultural capital. Ride across the Perfume River to Hue's Imperial Citadel to explore this sprawling, historical complex on foot, before continuing the ride out to the countryside along dirt tracks to the Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ride past relics and ruins until reaching the end of the journey at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River. Overnight in Hue. NotesTransfer 1-hour Cycling distance up to 45km Difficulty Easy [b/l/-] Day 4 - Hue - Hoi An Today is a classic day of cycling. Starting just outside of Hue, follow the picturesque and very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc, continuing on to Lang Co beach – one of the nicest beaches in Vietnam. Reward the morning’s hard work with a swim at Lang Co Beach and refuel with lunch before the final big climb of the day - Hai Van Pass. Challenging, yet manageable, this ride is full of breathtaking views. After the climb’s well-earned descent, transfer the remainder of the distance by van to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unwind over dinner and drinks or perhaps enjoy a traditional massage for sore muscles! Overnight in Hoi An. NotesTransfer 1 hour Cycling distance up to 100km Difficulty Hard [b/l/-] Day 5 - Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An Set out for a challenging ride on quiet back roads from the outskirts of Hoi An to the famous Cham Towers of My Son. My Son was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty 4th to 12th centuries; despite being largey destroyed during the American/Vietnam War, more than 70 towers and temples still rise majestically from the rice paddies. The ride is through a remote area surrounded by stunning views, a place where very few tourists venture. Enjoy a picnic lunch before transferring back to Hoi An for dinner. Overnight in Hoi An. NotesTransfer hours Cycling distance up to 45km Difficulty Medium [b/l/-] Day 6 - Hoi An - Da Nang // Nha Trang After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nha Trang… where 10km of white sandy beach awaits! Cycle around Nha Trang before having time for a sunset stroll along the beach or a massage in the late afternoon. Overnight in Nha Trang. NotesTransfer hours Cycling distance up to 30km Difficulty Easy [b/l/-] Day 7 - Nha Trang - Da Lat This morning, take on a challenging climb uphill to Dalat. Heading inland from Nha Trang, this route running west to Khanh Vinh is comprised of approximately 30 km of flat road before reaching the mountains. This is a beautiful, narrow piece of tarmac running through tropical forest to the highland, around 30km, climbing up to Hon Giao; a final 50km runs over a couple more passes to Dalat for the overnight stay. NotesTransfer 1 hour Cycling distance up to 100km Difficulty Hard [b/l/-] Day 8 - Da Lat - Phan Thiet Start the morning by riding along stunning mountain roads back down to the coast. It’s a fast ride in parts with plenty of declines, though there are plenty of challenging short climbs along the way. Time permitting, cycle all the way or transfer the last leg along a flat plain to Phan Thiet town. Overnight in Mui Ne. NotesCycling distance up to 90km Difficulty Medium [b/l/-] Day 9 - Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh Depart after breakfast straight from the hotel. Ride a pleasant coastal road to Khe Ga lighthouse then load up for the 3 hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Today’s ride is in stark contrast to previous cycling, with sand dunes and deserts cape being the distinguishing feature of the day. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City NotesCycling distance up to 50km Difficulty Medium [b/l/-] Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh - Departure Spend the day at leisure until a provided transfer out to the airport for the departing flight onward international flights. NotesTransfer 30 minutes [b/-/-] Northwest Vietnam Pedal Tour 11-Day Cycling Sapa to Hanoi - Vietnam - Northwest Vietnam Pedal Tour 11-Day Cycling Sapa to Hanoi Cycling & Biking / 11 days / fr. $1,523 Ride across the soaring landscapes of Northern Vietnam on an unforgettable biking adventure. Pedal from Sapa to Hanoi, crossing over vibrant mountain ranges and through lush valleys. Stop to mingle... More Central Vietnam Bicycle Trips 10-Day Biking the Heritage Trail from Hue to Nha Trang - Vietnam - Central Vietnam Bicycle Trips 10-Day Biking the Heritage Trail from Hue to Nha Trang Cycling & Biking / 10 days / fr. $1,569 Bike from beach to beach along Vietnam’s spectacular central coast. Travel from Hue to Nha Trang, pedalling through charming fishing villages and sleeping in tranquil seaside towns. Cross thr... More Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours 10-Day Biking the Remote Northeast Mountains - Vietnam - Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours 10-Day Biking the Remote Northeast Mountains Cycling & Biking / 10 days / fr. $2,520 Gear up and hit the road for a challenging but rewarding Vietnam biking adventure. Head to the rugged north where miles of quiet roads await. Pedal over imposing mountains, passing through vibrant... More Vietnam Cycling Holiday 13-Day Biking the Famous Ho Chi Minh Trail - Vietnam - Vietnam Cycling Holiday 13-Day Biking the Famous Ho Chi Minh Trail Cycling & Biking / 13 days / fr. $1,758 Delve into Vietnam’s past with a Ho Chi Minh Trail biking adventure. Follow the historic roads as they wind from coastal plains to lush highlands, vibrant towns to sleepy villages. Hop off th... More Vietnam Classic Tour The Essence of Vietnam in 11 days - Vietnam - Vietnam Classic Tour The Essence of Vietnam in 11 days Must-see / 11 days / fr. $1,465 Discover Vietnam’s delightful mélange of culture and history on a compact, insightful journey. Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s historic monuments then glide across the waters of the M... More Vietnam Family Holiday 16-Day In-depth Exploration Tour Package - Vietnam - Vietnam Family Holiday 16-Day In-depth Exploration Tour Package Family Vacation / 16 days / fr. $1,739 Join us on an in-depth journey through magical Vietnam, traversing the country from north to south. Bike alongside the rice paddy fields of Mai Chau and explore the intricate network of waterways i... More Hanoi Hanoi Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay Sapa Sapa Hoi An Hoi An Hue Hue Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Must-see Must-see Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see Luxury Holiday Luxury Holiday Unique experience combined with top-notch services Honeymoon Vacation Honeymoon Vacation Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories Wellness & Leisure Wellness & Leisure Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break Cruise Cruise The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers Family Vacation Family Vacation The combination of fun and educational activities Unseen Unseen Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups Cycling & Biking Cycling & Biking Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels Trek & Hike Trek & Hike Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot About 1 week About 1 week About 2 weeks About 2 weeks About 3 weeks About 3 weeks About 4 weeks About 4 weeks Tourist Visa Policy Tourist Visa Policy Best Time to Visit Best Time to Visit Budget & Currency Budget & Currency Getting Flight There Getting Flight There Packing List Packing List Internet & Phone Internet & Phone Local Etiquette Local Etiquette Getting Around Getting Around Safety & Precautions Safety & Precautions Buying & Bargaining Buying & Bargaining Tipping Customs Tipping Customs Travel Insurance Travel Insurance Vaccinations Vaccinations Useful addresses Useful addresses "Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience. Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators....more How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you? Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam....more Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed. In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said. The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry. Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours. Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival. Children under two don’t need to be tested. Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30. ...more The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022....more The Ministry of Health said on Wednesday, March 16th, 2022, foreigners entering Vietnam only need to furnish a negative Covid-19 test certificate and are not required to quarantine....more Vietnam is determined to fully reopen its tourism industry and will adopt measures to treat foreign and domestic tourists alike, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said Tuesday, March 15th, 2022...more Thailand Thailand Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches. Cambodia Cambodia There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure. Myanmar Myanmar It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure. Laos Laos Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous. Tour de Vietnam– road cycling Hanoi to Saigon TOUR DE VIETNAM CYCLING TRIP HIGHLIGHTS This road cycling adventures starts in the capital city Hanoi in the north, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City in the far south. This trip we use road bikes or cross bike , and daily distance ride from 120-140 km. En-route, you will cover more than 1,500kms as you visit the most unique landscape in this country has to offer. Having explored Hanoi and its stunning surroundings, you will head south to Hue, the former Imperial Capital. Dominated by majestic temples and ancient tombs, it is a town in which time seems to have stopped. After Hue you will ride to Hoi An, a charming old trading town situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Your journey continues as you will riding to the white sandy beaches of Nha Trang. From the beach, head to the cooler temperatures and lush hills of Dalat before reaching down to Mui Ne and final cycling in Ho Chi Minh City. We think you’ll agree there is no better way to experience the wonders of Vietnam than by bike! road cycling adventures starts in Hanoi ends in Ho Chi Minh City cover more than 1,400km upgrade to Colnago CX or Cenilli Supperstar road bike challenging road cycling tour Good accommodation from3- 4 star hotel Cultural experience, beach relax visit the most spellbinding places the country has to offer. Testimonials of this trip Hi Joe Happy holidays to you. We had a great time in Vietnam and still rave about it. We look forward to the next trip through Laos and Cambodia. Take care Fayez Dec,2008 Itinerary Hanoi arrival. Option airport transfer +25 USD Day 1 HaNoi – Ninh Binh Dist 120 km, cycling +-50 km asphalt road Transfer to Nho Quan, learn your bike then cycling to Trang An autogenic karst system, being rain-fed only and hydrologically isolated from rivers in the surrounding terrain , continue to Hoa Lu – Tam Coc boat trip on river . Overnight in hotel in Tam Coc B Day 2 Ngoc Lac- Tan Ky Dist 135km, cycling +- 130 km asphalt road. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh trails Highway there is very few traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, plenty of exploring possibilities along the way. Ride on the banks of River Song Chu, the distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the back-up vehicle to rest weary legs. There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle. Arrival Thai Hoa very late. Dinner and overnight in Tan Ky guesthouse. . B Day3Tan Ky- Huong Khe +- 130km, asphalt road The ride is on smooth road and passing peaceful villages and stunning mountain range. Overnight in Huong Khe B Day4Huong Khe– Phong Nha 150km, cycling +- 120 km, asphalt road After a relaxing breakfast continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail is still a dream to ride on. Transfer if tired in the afternoon to Phong Nha cave. Overnight in a local Hotel in Phong Nha B Day 5 Phong Nha – Dong Hoi- Dong Ha dist 140km asphalt road Riding on asphalt road to Dong Hoi. Breakfast in the hotel, today we will cycling in ” DMZ ” area with “Truong Son National Cemetery ” where some hundred of thousand soldiers of North Vietnam who served in army during Vietnam War are resting in peace. Dinner and overnight in Dong Ha. B,L,D Day 6 Dong Ha – Hue Cycling +-90km, asphalt road Cycling to old military base at Quang Tri , with ” Thach Han River “. Old Quang Tri ride with river and tribal villages along the road. End of riding day in Hue. Overnight in Hue. B,L,D Day 7 Hue to Hoi An Dist 145 km, cycling +- 120, asphalt road We will begin riding early in the morning in back road , country side of Hue city to Hai van pass . Our route passes by rural villages and picturesque Lang Co lagoon, an ascent of the pass with stunning views of the coast and a thrilling 5-mile descent from the top of the green rice fields around DaNang, which we will .Skirt by on our way to HoiAn. Overnight in Hoian .B,L Day 8 Hoi An to My Lai/ My Khe – Quang Ngai- Quy Nhon Dist 255 km, cycling +-115 km, asphalt road. Depart early along the coast and past scenic rice village. Lunch near a “secret” Cham sight. Via ChuLai, a former American military base, and cycling our way to the MyLai Memorial, riding ahead to city central. Pm continue cycling to Quy Nhon. Overnight in Quy Nhon .B,L Day 9 Quy Nhon – Tuy Hoa – Nha Trang Dist 213 Km, cycling +- 113, asphalt road. Our ride from QuyNhon to Tuy Hoa covers some of VietNam’s scenic coastline, featuring deserted blue lagoons and stone promontories. Overlooking the water below. Driving to Vietnam’s finest oceanfront city, Nha Trang. Overnight in Nhatrang B,L Day 10 Nha Trang relax no cycling Morning after breakfast visit city. Pm relax on beach. Fare well dinner in Nha Trang. Dinner and overnight in Nha Trang. B,D Day 11 Nhatrang – Dalat Dist 180km, cycling 125 km, asphalt road This morning we take on a challenging climb up hill to Dalat. We head inland from Nhatrang, this is new route west of Nhatrang to KhanhVinh of approximately 30km of flat road before the mountains begin! This is a beautiful narrow piece of tarmac through the tropical forest to the highland, 30km climb up to HonGiao, and 50km fuelling us over a couple more passes to Dalat for our overnight stay. Overnigh in Da Lat.B, L Day 12 Dalat- Mui Ne Dist 165km , cycling 110km, asphalt road We begin today with a twisting six-mile descent from Da Lat through pine forests to the rolling and gradually falling road to Di Linh. We’ll pass by numerous coffee, tea, banana and rubber plantations planted in the rich, red earth that marks the Central Highlands as the place where Vietnam’s finest tea and coffee is grown. We turn off High Way 20 for a small road, rolling through tropical forests to Gia Bac, then down hill to sea level at PhanThiet and Mui Ne Beach where we spend tonight. Cycling distance 90 ~ 190km. Overnight in Mui Ne B,L Day 13 Mui Ne- SaiGon Dist 180km, cycling 90 km, asphalt road Am Cycling around Mui Ne 40 km and Relax at the beach until lunch time while our staff clean and pack your bike. We check out of the hotel in the afternoon and transfer by van to Saigon. Overnight in SaiGon B,L Day 14 No cycling day. Breakfast , transfer to Airport for flight home B Tour Cost Guide tour Group Size 2 people 3-4-5 Price /person 2,890 $ 2,770 USD Note Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers. If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit. Best time to go From October to May Group tour from 6 to 14 people WHAT’S INCLUDED IN GUIDE TOUR English speaking local cycling tour guide Accommodations in hotels as 3 nights in 4* hotel and 9 nights in 3* hotel Meals as noted B= breakfast, L= lunch , D=dinner. Cold drink water, tea, coffee, juice, Hammer energy, fruit with banana , mango, apple … Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary Ground transportation with mini bus for biker and truck for bikes 100% transportation stand by . Additional guides where necessary . Cinelli road bike for rent Tour Cost Self Guide tour Group Size 2 people Price /person 1,890 $ WHAT’S INCLUDED IN SELF GUIDE TOUR pick up truck transfer luggage , bicycle and biker Accommodations in hotels as 3 nights in 4* hotel and 9 nights in 3* hotel with daily breakfast Road bike Cinelli rental Number of cycling days 13 full days Average Daily Distance 125km Total Distance +- 1,500 km Off Road 0% Max. Altitude 1,200m Road Surface This tour follows a mix of asphalt roads, long cycling day . You should be confident of your physical condition . Support One or two 16-seat air-conditioned transit vans converted to take bikes and bikers. Group Size Minimum 4. Maximum 10. Staff Groups of 6 or more a Vietnamese cycling guide and drivers as assistants. Groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader plus guide and support team. Accommodation Nights in comfortable tourist class hotels. All accommodation has a/c or fan, hot water and private facilities. Food Meals are included as mention in itinerary. During the ” the main meals are breakfast and the evening meal. Thus, breakfast should be large and substantial and include cereals. We recommend that all participants should bring a supply of their favorite cereals as many of the hotels where we stay don’t yet have cereal on offer at breakfast. For lunch picnic you will need to make sandwiches in the morning, and take some fruit. We recommend you also bring along some of your favorite energy bars. The evening meal will be in a restaurant, and precooked by the Organizers. We will make sure there are always plenty of carbohydrates and protein on the menu. Don’t forget adequate hydration is as important as a good meal and so you should make sure you carry enough water with you. In some stages there is no where to “top up” along the way. Follow your guides instructions for each stage. We recommend you use a hydration pack with at least 2l capacity, rather than water bottles. The water bottles don’t carry as much water, plus it will get warm during the day, they are not as hygienic and the water bottle cage can get in the way when you may have to carry your bike. Summary Author RatingAggregate Rating5 based on 7 votes Brand Name Marco Polo Name Tour De Vietnam- Road cycling Hanoi to saigonPriceUSD 2,870Product Availability Available in Stock And now, five kilometres of downhill!’ Finally. It’d been a slow crawl up the 10% incline on the Hai Van Pass… for me anyway. Our group had made it to the top, to be greeted by cloud coverage, much to the chagrin of the couple attempting wedding photos up there. The view didn’t matter. We’d got there, without having to call on the support vehicle. We’d hit kilometre number 60 of the day and the idea of just sitting there while another five flew by was just what I needed to hear. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid Travel had been entirely my idea, and so I only had myself to blame as I pushed, tough rotation after heavy revolution, all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City over two weeks. Thoughts of relaxing at bars, on beaches, trains and planes would come and go in my mind as I drifted between pure happiness and satisfaction, and desperation. But of course, it was that feeling at the top, the feeling of achievement shared with my group of 11 that made this trip leagues better than any sun lounger holiday. The Hai Van Pass Day had been the big one in my mind. We were set to do 90km on the itinerary, with 15 of them uphill. Thankfully for me – 10 minutes and a lot of heavy breathing in – the level crossing gate had come down and us three stragglers at the back had to wait for the train to pass. It was a welcome chance to breathe and stretch. Breathe and stretch. I struggled uphill. Drawing on all my training – which had consisted of 5 lots of 20 miles over Christmas week, on my dad’s bike. I’m not a cyclist, but what I lack in skill and knowledge I make up for in stamina. Despite the train, I didn’t actually end up too far behind the others. Even though, of course, I had to stop to take in the views, not those wheezing vacuum breaths. And so, after the jubilation at the top, our ride down to Hoi An began. It was to be my absolute favourite part of the two-week cycle Vietnam trip. I’d been to Vietnam before, three years ago, and followed much of this route. But I wanted to see it a different way. Back then it’d been my first trip to Asia, I was bright eyed, clueless and everything seemed to happen so fast – on the buses, planes and trains – that I wanted to slow down and take in Vietnam from the subtle speed of a bike. Our group started in Hanoi, with an introductory bike tour around the city lake. I met the team – a motley crew of Canadians, British, Germans, a token American and a Kiwi – a group that I’m happy to say got on from dusk till dawn. There’s just a certain type of person who’d be attracted to cycling every day for two weeks from north Vietnam to south. I’d been worried about keeping up, worried they’d be super enthusiasts, competitive with every uphill. They were all great though, in their own way. We worked well together, never more than ten minutes within each other at our recurrent snack stops. And thankfully, there were a few others that meant I wasn’t always at the back. My biggest worry. From meeting in Hanoi, we cycled to Mai Chau. Travellers talk about wanting to see the real’ in destinations, which usually mean the traditional’ – and that’s exactly what we got here. We stayed in a homestay, all 11 of us in one room, on mattresses on the floor surrounded by mosquito nets. At the window it was rice paddies as far as our eyes could see and dinner was served family style round a large table. Our cycle that day had led us up paths to dead ends where all we could do was to turn around. There’d been storms in the north over the last week, and we were so rural now the effects hadn’t been cleared. We loved it. It’d been a good few hours of adventure cycling on dusty roads, and now, finally at the homestay, it was the time to reflect with a Hanoi beer. I was shattered. Asleep before 9pm I didn’t even hear the others come to bed. I woke nine hours later to the cockerel alarm outside our window. Sleeping was not a problem on this trip – staying awake past 9pm was the struggle. I barely noticed sharing a room every nigh. I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. The first two days, the most rural of the trip, were spent high-fiving school children as we passed through villages. We were like celebrities as we cycled past, with the bravest of the children stepping out in front of us arms stretched screaming xin chao’ or hello’! And squealing with excitement if we responded or managed to hit their fives. We rolled on through past hair salons set up in front rooms, with faded pictures of British and American celebs bearing no resemblance to the hair and faces we saw here. We passed market stalls – the most memorable was the pig’s face exactly as it was when it was attached, with tongue lolling to the side, mine for just a few Dong. Even in the most remote areas of the North Vietnam outback there’d be at least one stall selling every part of a pig possible, the stallholder swatting flies waiting for their next customer. The cycle was a fast pace, for me. The photos I didn’t get were unfortunately better than the ones I did, but once you’re rolling you can’t stop. Instead of snapping, I enjoyed the moments. The stationary school bus packed with children leaning out the windows screaming for us. The teenagers on scooters laughing in our direction and holding their open hands up for high fives. Our group scooting out the way for buffalos as they passed on the road, and the herd of cows that took up the whole space, with no effort to move. The huge trucks passing us, with the drivers looking inquisitively out the windows and honking their horns. Chickens crossing the road, literally. Women in the traditional conical hats working the land. The ramshackle houses complete with cockerels strutting about outside. Lush lands and limestone mountains – one minute covered in misty clouds, the next as if the fogs had never been there. RELATED CHECK OUT OUR TIPS FOR BOOKING YOUR NEXT CYCLING TRIP We took an overnight train from Nimh Binh to Hue, purchasing some of the local Hanoi vodka to ensure we went to sleep. Turns out there was no need we were out about 20 minutes into the journey, lulled by the gentle chugging. Us four girls sleeping in the first class four-bed bunks, somehow managing to get all our stuff in, bike helmets, boots and all. I awoke early, and lay in my bed looking out the window at the lush greenery, shantytowns and dirt roads pass by. We arrived in the citadel of Hue to explore the walls and palaces of the Forbidden City. We went on to explore the French streets of Hoi An – the most picturesque town of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been restored to look like it did over a century ago and is the spot to buy suits, shoes and dresses tailor-made for less than you’d pay in the shops in England. In Hoi An we had a day off to explore. In Nha Trang we swapped our bikes for a boat trip and I never thought I’d say this…but I missed the cycle. I loved the trip more as the days went on and genuinely missed feeling the wind in my hair and seeing the country at the perfect pace. As soon as the weather changed for the sunnier, we disembarked the overnight train in Hue, and my enthusiasm had skyrocketed. Over week two we visited the huge pagoda in Nha Trang and went on a tour round a traditional fishing village. In Dalat we visited the famous Crazy House and cycled round the lake. In Ke Ga we stretched our muscles in the seafront pool with a cocktail or two and in Ho Chi Minh City we happened to be there for Tet, Vietnam’s biggest festival. We partied, we drank and we mourned the end of a job well done. The last kilometres were emotional, but concluded perfectly with a huge bowl of steaming pho, enjoyed to the sound of some terrible karaoke blasting from next door. Vietnam is enjoying huge development right now. Russia and Japan are investing in bridges and tunnels and the landscape and scenery are changing to make way for the millions of tourists the government are aiming to attract over the next few years. It was jarring – coming in from the rice terraces and time-trapped countryside – and emerging into the bright lights of Nha Trang and Qui Nhon. We’d cycled through uneven roads surrounded by old push bikes, desperate looking motorcycles and even buffalos still used as machinery, but in these new cities it was hoverboards on the boulevards and modern cars on the recently laid asphalt. It’s selfish to wish a country to stay the same, to retain its charm’. Progress can’t stop because us travellers want to shop at traditional markets and eat from a side-street stool. The change in fortune is exciting for Vietnam – a country whose development has been held back by the financial casualty of war. That’s why the cycling tour was a great way to see the history, and learn about the future. We had a rarely seen insight into the Vietnam that was, not so long ago. For some, away from the cities, it’s still a present reality. I saw a farmer using an ox to farm an entire field in Mai Chau, and then a few days later in Nha Trang, Intercontinental building a huge hotel with cranes along the beach. All separated by a few kilometres of dusty road. It’s difficult to get a sense of a country when you just drop into the big cities. When you have questions to ask, but no-one to answer. When you try to navigate as best you can. Many tourists end up slaves to Trip Advisor and whatever Google has deemed the top search result. Our tour was different. Our Intrepid tour leader, Chi, gave me more insight into the country and his life spent exclusively in Vietnam than I could hope to get from any research online. In total we probably spent around 20 hours on the bus over the two weeks and he entertained us with stories of marriage – laughing with a snort when I asked if men get down one knee here – home life, women’s rights, religion, serenading us with pop songs and telling us all about the social politics of the villages and cities we’d pass. No question was too tough for him to answer. He made sure we had all the food our hungry sometimes hangry worn-out selves could take. He recommended evening hotspots – taking us for the best BBQ in tourist-central Nha Trang – a place full of locals without a Western face in sight. Having his support and knowledge throughout the trip added a whole other layer to the experience. The most welcome sight of all, during the whole trip, wasn’t the pagodas we saw along the way, the huge looming limestone cliffs or even the aforementioned 5km downhill stretch; it was the back of the parked bus. This indicated that it was a time for a break on the route. Our driver Li would pass a beaker of lemon water, the mechanic Ti would slice up some watermelon and there’d be containers of delicious nuts, sesame sticks and biscuits to go round. The support team just couldn’t do enough for us. Usually, for me, 80% of the group would already be there, ahead of me, with smiles and words of encouragement of how awesome the last hour or so had been. We’d compare Strava results, pee in a bush, and then press on, with Chi’s usual declaration that it was 20km till the next stop’. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid was an incredible experience, and I was genuinely gutted when it ended. There were times though, when I really had to dig into myself to get the strength to pedal again. My elbows hurt from being too tense on the unpredictable roads, my knees ached from the constant rotation and, yes, my saddle area was tenderer by the day. The bus was always there for you though. I sat out for two lots of 20km, both because of the rain. Of course I look back now and think I should’ve just done it, but at the time I just couldn’t face the cold and wet in the north. I’ve experienced Vietnam as an independent traveller taking public transport, and now I’ve seen it from a saddle in a group. If you want a physical challenge in a fascinating country, with the comfort of knowing you have a trustworthy team should anything go wrong, this trip is perfect. The Intrepid team, the kind of people a cycle Vietnam trip attracts and the itinerary give a fascinating insight into the country few would be able to experience themselves in two weeks. The sights, experiences, rewarding work and people I’ve met on this trip will be with me for a long time to come. Want to ride Vietnam with Intrepid? Check out our small group cycling tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Written by Vicky Philpott. Follow more of her adventures at

cycling hanoi to saigon