Cycling Across Vietnam 20 days

23, May 2023

CYCLING ACROSS VIETNAM 20 DAYS

✅ Ha Long Bay: Stunningly beautiful bay with towering limestone karsts, crystal clear waters, and traditional floating villages to explore.
✅ Hanoi Capital: Bustling city with a vibrant street food scene, historical landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, and picturesque lakes to stroll around.
✅ Vietnam Coast: Stretching from the northern coastline to the southern beaches, Vietnam’s coast offers breathtaking scenery, endless white sand beaches, and abundant seafood.
✅ Hue City: Often known as the imperial city of Vietnam, Hue boasts some of the country’s most magnificent temples, pagodas, and ancient landmarks.
✅ Hoi An Ancient Town: This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture, colorful lanterns, and its bustling marketplaces and street food.
✅ Highlands of Da Lat: Often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat’s temperate climate and surrounding evergreen forests provide some of the most beautiful vistas in the country.
✅ Saigon: Dynamic city, with both modern and historical attractions, including the iconic Saigon Central Post Office, the War Remnants Museum, and numerous skyscrapers.
✅ Cu Chi Tunnels: Vast underground tunnel network utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, providing a fascinating glimpse into a dangerous chapter of the country’s history.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi Capital in Vietnam, free day (D/No Cycling)

A welcome sign rises up when you get out of Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi, our guide will take you to your hotel in the city center.

In the afternoon, take a foodie tour of the atmosphere in the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. Free explore the Vietnamese Capital nightlife!

Airport pickup & transfer

Guide

Hotel of 4 star: May De Ville 4*hotel – https://maydevillepremierhotel.com/ or similar standard.

Welcome dinner

Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B, L, D/No Cycling)

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in old quarter HaNoi to get to the TuanChau Marina via the new Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway. Arriving at Halong Bay, you’ll be welcomed to embark on the cruise. It’s time to learn about the cruise briefing and safety instructions while sipping a welcome drink.

After check-in, you can take a short rest after an excursion while cruising through the karst rock formations into the world of natural heritage, you will have lunch at the luxury restaurant on the cruise. Fill your stomach with a great diversity of deluxe Vietnamese set menu and fresh seafood dishes. You can admire a lot of Dog Stone, Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, also known as Hon Trong Mai of Ha Long Bay. Island Images show up with two huge chickens: a drum, a roof with their heads together, feet pounding the protruding pose unique and impressive. Between heaven’s immense sea, Ga Choi island shows up beautifully, natural challenges, the weather which for hundreds of years, sometimes chicken stands proudly between sky and sea. Each dawn, the sun sometimes dyed red chicken to create a shimmering beauty scene, vaguely. Photos of the island, Ga Choi gorgeous attracted a lot of tourists come and also the symbol of the House tourism Cage

Visit to Luon Grotto. This is also one of the most beautiful tunnels in Halong Bay. You will explore it by kayaking or just sit on a small bamboo boat, one fisherman will take it. Returning for dinner and leisurely relaxing on the top roof bar !

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer.

Transfer guide & Cruise Guide

Cruise of 5 star Aspira (https://aspiracruises.com/)

Overnight on Cruise of 5 star Aspira (https://aspiracruises.com/) or similar standard

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Entrance fee/ticket

Boat/Kayak

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, Br/No Cycling)

Enjoy coffee, tea, and breakfast served in the dining room. You can wake up earlier to catch the sunset moment from the cruise which gives more stunning views than on land. Taichi class may take place.

After breakfast, the next destination of Halong Bay’s classic route is Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the most magnificent and largest caves in Halong. To reach the mouth of Surprise Cave, you have to climb more than 50 steps and feast your eyes on the mysterious natural vegetation of Ha Long Bay. Discovered in 1901 by the French, its original name is “Grotte Des Surprises” due to the amazing variability in the cave. Sung Sot Cave occupies an area of approximately 10,000m2, divided into two large chambers. Each has its own typical scientific value which features million-year-old stone stalactites and columns formed throughout millions of years. After that, you will have time to pack your luggage or chill out on the sundeck while the boat is heading for the pier and have lunch on cruise.

At noon (around 11h30), the cruise itinerary ends at Tuan Chau Port, where you sit back and relax in the waiting room for return transportation and transfer from Halong to Hanoi and free in the evening to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi by your own way!

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer

Guide(s)

Cruise of 5 star Aspira (https://aspiracruises.com/) or similar standard

Overnight at May De Ville 4*hotel – https://maydevillepremierhotel.com/ or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, brunch

Entrance fee/ticket

Day 4: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

Pick up at your hotel at 7:30 am. Transfer out of Hanoi city to Luong Son – picturesque landscapes. Stop to cycle to Mai Chau village via Kim Boi hot spring and Bai Chao villages. Lunch at local restaurant.cycling to Cao Phong and Man Duc villages. Arrive Mai Chau villages and overnight in the home stay of white Thai ethnic.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Biking guide(s)

Mt. bicycle with helmet

Overnight at Mai Chau 3*Lodge – http://maichaulodge.com/ or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Entrance fee/ticket

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 5: Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong National Park (B, L, D/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

Breakfast in a Thai village house before setting off along a spectacularly beautiful river valley towards Hoi Xuan along an undulating tarmac road. The road follows the flow of River Song Ma. This is an old supply route of the HCM Trail that fed the main trail with ammunition during the American War with Vietnam. Just passing scenes of local village life and rice paddies ( If time permits we will visit the spirit fish stream in Cam Thuy – Thanh Hoa province ). Dinner at the hotel.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Biking guide(s)

Mt. bicycle with helmet

Overnight at Cuc Phuong Guesthouse – http://www.cucphuongtourism.com.vn/ or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Entrance fee/ticket (Cuc Phuong & farm along the ride)

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 6: Cuc Phuong – Ngoc Lac – Hoang Mai (B, L/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

Enjoy the fresh air of the national park and the melodies of nature in the morning before cycling through the jungle route that takes us away from the river and appears to contour through the same range of mountains that stretch to Thai Hoa on Ho Chi Minh trails. The road gets more beautiful the closer you ride to Ngoc Lac with looming karst limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The route is tarmac all the way, but quite hard riding due to the undulating terrain. We’ll ride for the first time on the newly built two lane Ho Chi Minh Highway. It hardly warrants two lanes as there is no traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, and for those who prefer there is always the old highway dirt and gravel – that weaves around the new highway allowing for plenty of exploring possibilities along the way. Ride to Muc Son, on the banks of River Song Chu. On the outskirts of this small town are the famous Kan Linh historical relics – a pagoda where the first king of the Ly dynasty, Le Thai To, ruled, in 1428. Continue riding on the trail to Yen Cat. 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, picnic lunch en route or a local restaurant. Overnight in Hoang Mai.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Biking guide(s)

Mt. bicycle with helmet

Overnight at Muong Thanh 4*hotel – http://grandhoangmai.muongthanh.com/ or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, lunch

Entrance fee/ticket (if any along the ride)

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 7: Hoang Mai to Ha Tinh (B, L/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

Continue riding the incredible Ho Chi Minh Trail. Have lunch in Lat town in Kim Lien and visit the famous museum and birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in 1890. This province has a reputation for producing charismatic revolutionary leaders; not only Ho Chi Minh but also Phan Boi Chau – another fervent anti colonialist -was born here. Overnight in Ha Tinh.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Biking guide(s)

Mt. bicycle with helmet

Overnight at Muong Thanh 4*resort – http://luxuryxuanthanh.muongthanh.com/ or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, lunch

Entrance fee/ticket (if any along the ride)

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 8: Ha Tinh – Phong Nha National Park (B, L, D/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

From Ha Tinh to Huong Khe the mountains rise and the road winds up, down and along the hillsides. The scenery is spectacular, the road tranquil. Ride up to 80 km then transfer the last few km to Phong Nha National Park. The park contains one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam, It is a true speleological wonder. Visit the cave by boat then wander through the cavern, past the foundations of ancient Cham ruins. Pause to admire the incredible formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Formed approximately 250 million years ago Phong Nha was used as a hospital and ammunition depot during the war, the entrance still showing evidence of fighter aircraft attacks. There are community projects underway with Flora and Fauna International and it may be possible to visit village initiatives and learn more about the forests of the National Park. Overnight at a hotel near the National Park of Phong Nha – Ke Bang.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Biking guide(s)

Mt. bicycle with helmet

Overnight at Victory Road Villas 3 star – https://goo.gl/maps/hWiewnUch6tkEk3Q6 or similar standard.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Entrance fee/ticket (if any along the ride)

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 9: Phong Nha National Park – Hue (B, L/ Cycling 50 – 80 km)

Cycling a short round along the buffer zone of Phong Nha National Park in the early morning and then continuing riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail across the DMZ (better known as the 17th Parallel,) to Cam Lo. The road is now quite flat and makes for good cruising! Stop en route to visit Truong Son Cemetery, a memorial to the tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who were killed in the Truong Son Mountains along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Fourteen miles further on is the town of Cam Lo – the Trail here intersects a strategic feeder road (H9) from Dong Ha and at this junction part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail heads across the country into Laos. We will finish our exploration of the Ho Chi Minh trail here. This is where we end the cycling section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Transfer to Hue visiting war relics en route. Overnight Hotel in Hue.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Overnight at Park View 4* hotel in Hue City (http://parkviewhotelhue.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch

Local/biking guide (s)

Entrance fees

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 10: Hue Cycling (B, L, D/ Cycling 35 – 50 km)

Enjoy your easy day today with the bike ride that will start at 9am from the Hotel, you will cycle a shortcut to the Perfume river and into the Citadel for an hour discovering the impressive Vietnamese Old Citadel of Nguyen Dynasty that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel we commence our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th century Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang and cycle past Vong Canh hill, Nam Giao Esplanade, Bronze making village. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometers. If time permits, our guide will lead you cycling to the beach, enjoy a coffee and swim at the beach before driving you back to the Hotel. Overnight in Hue city!

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Overnight at Park View 4* hotel in Hue City (http://parkviewhotelhue.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch

Local/biking guide (s)

Boat trip

Entrance fees: Hue Citadel & Khai Dinh Tomb

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 11: Hue to Hoi An (B, L, D/Cycling 50-80 km)

Enjoy a short transfer to coastal roads and start your cycling day off the beaten track along a picturesque lane shaded by coconut palms running alongside the peninsula from Thuan An beach to Phuoc Tuong Pass. This cycling enables you to pause on the way to explore some of the hundreds of ancestral tombs scattered across the high sand dunes.

Having lunch at Lang Co beach before you have one of the biggest challenges of rolling hills 12 km to the peak of Hai Van. The Hai van pass is a real challenge for you. Then going down 12 km to Danang city before a transfer to HoiAn. Overnight at the 4 star resort in Hoi An Ancient Town !

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Overnight at Vinh Hung 4* resort in Hoi An (http://www.vinhhungresort.com/) or similar standard.

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch

Local/biking guide (s)

Entrance fees

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 12: Hoi An: Walking, Cooking, Cycling and Boating (B, L)

In the morning: You will enjoy an Ancient Hoian walking tour around this enchanting port town. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market … Around the town we can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like.

In the afternoon: Cycle to Tra Que village, Join the farmers in farming, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many other gardening activities. Next up, Hoi An boat tour. Follow your guide to the banks of the Thu Bon River to take to the waterways and discover even more of the area. Cruise the river, watch as the sun sets over the river, with bobbing local fishing boats adding to the atmosphere.

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer: bicycles & riders

Overnight at Vinh Hung 4* resort in Hoi An (http://www.vinhhungresort.com/) or similar standard.

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the resort, lunch

Local/biking guide (s)

Boat trip

Entrance fees

Cooking class, farming course

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 13: Hoi An to Quy Nhon (B, L, D/Cycling 50 – 100km)

We will start cycling today from the resort in Hoi An Ancient Town on the back street past lively fishing villages to Thu Bon river. Cross the river by a steel bridge and visit a local fresh market where the fish come straight out of the East Sea and into the baskets of this small market. Great opportunity to see the real daily life of locals who are living in the area for generations. We then continue cycling on the country roads through many villages and small towns.

Take a break by having lunch at a local restaurant near Tam Thanh beach and 2 hours drive ahead to Tam Quan to cycle on quiet back roads through villages dotted with palm trees, then continue along the coastline with sand dune peninsula for 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. Overnight in Quy Nhon city in the early evening!

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Seagull 4* Hotel (https://www.seagullhotel.com.vn/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner

Biking guide (s)

Entrance fee

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 14: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang (B, L/Cycling 50-80km)

Leisurely resting, breakfast and ready to be transferred to the southern coast in Quy Nhon for cycling from the small village and waterfront, cross the river on the narrow wooden bridge, enjoy ocean views, and see colorful circular bamboo boats at small fishing villages.Continue cycling through rustic farms, small-town across lush farmland on the undulating back road to Da Dia Reefs. The seashore area is about 100 meters wide and 250 meters long, composed of an estimated 35,000 columns of basalt rocks. The rocks are dark lava columns with roughly flat surfaces of different shapes – round, pentagon, hexagon, polygon etc. Stop to take a walk down the area for a short break and take a photo.

Following as planned, we cycle on narrow pathways along the local beaches, pass by some little markets to the lively lagoon. There is another opportunity for us to admire hundreds of floating fish farmings on the lagoon. Afterwards, the ride continues, crossing the rivers and exploring idyllic villages on undulating paths, passing colorful ancient temples and pagodas. View the landscapes of nature through sweet potato fields, tapioca fields, rice paddies to Tuy Hoa finish point before driving to Nha Tran within 2 hours. Overnight at a 4 star front-beach hotel in Nha Trang.

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Comodo 4* Hotel (https://comodonhatranghotel.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch

Biking guide (s)

Entrance fee

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 15: Nha Trang Beach: Swimming and Canoeing (B, L/No Cycling)

Nha Trang’s beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters have seen it quickly grow into a bustling town and popular tourist destination. Weather permitting, this morning we’ll take a cruise out to explore the surrounding seas and islands. We aim to stop near one of the islands where you have the option to have a swim from the boat (possible to hire snorkeling equipment). We move on to another tiny island where we plan to spend a few hours relaxing and swim. The island is privately owned and it is possible to rent a sun lounger and parasol. There will also be the option to enjoy drinks, a seafood lunch or snack on the island (at your own expense). Returning to Nha Trang later this afternoon, the rest of the day is free.

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Comodo 4* Hotel (https://comodonhatranghotel.com/)

No cycling

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the beach restaurant & without dinner (excluding dinner)

Local culture guide (s)

Canoe trip

Entrance fee: beach & snorkeling

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 16: Nha Trang to Da Lat (B, L/ Cycling 50-80 km)

Let’s see how big your challenge is if you want to conquer the Hon Giao Pass after an hour’s transfer to the Western Nha Trang. We challenge cycling uphill about 33 km and then rocks & rolls along the pipe tree lance from the altitude of 1960 meters to the Da Lat valley city of 1,500 meters. Overnight at a 4 star hotel in Da Lat !

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Muong Thanh Holiday Dalat 4* Hotel (http://holidaydalat.muongthanh.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner

Local biking guide (s)

Entrance fee

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 17: Da Lat to Bao Loc (B, L, D/Cycling 50-80km)

Experiencing your full-day from Da Lat to Bao Loc on to the spectacular views of this flora resort city. We offer the best stunning on the single-track any down & uphill in Nam Bang’s Countryside along the numerous attractions such as Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Flower Garden and the beautiful “Love Valley”.

Following lunch, we pedal to the Elephant Waterfalls for sight-seeing activities and then pedal uphill on the backroads to past Cricket farm, silk farm, enjoy the Peace & Clean Atmosphere before driving to Forest Resort in Bao Loc!

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Madagui forest 3* Resort (https://www.madagui.com.vn/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner

Local biking guide (s)

Sight-seeing tickets & Entrance fees

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 18: Bao Loc – Saigon (B, L/Cycling 50-80 km)

Bao Loc is a lovely city and the cool weather makes this city become famous because of the thousand flowers with thousand colors. So, you will enjoy stunning along the Perfume Lake in Bao Loc plateau sounds very interest in many traveler’s cyclists who want to be rode the hilly in front of the beautiful landscape of flowers, cricket farms, elephant waterfalls with any typical coffee break, wild ethnic group which attract you a lots today in Bao Loc cycling. Your biking distance is about 45 km and drives you ahead to Saigon and overnight at a 4 star hotel.

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Fusion Suites 4* Resort (https://saigon.fusion-suites.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner

Local biking guide (s)

Sight-seeing tickets & Entrance fees

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 19: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Saigon (B, L, D/Cycling 35-50km)

Driving for 1.5hrs away from Saigon’s remarkable rush hour traffic to reach the quieter suburbs this morning, we collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base (25th infantry division) and start our ride for about 30 km to Ben Dinh, the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops.

We will have lunch on the riverside of Saigon river and explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. Afterward, we’ll drive 2 hrs back to Saigon arriving in the early evening!

Vehicle transfer

Overnight at Fusion Suites 4* Resort (https://saigon.fusion-suites.com/)

Mt.bike with helmet

Meal: breakfast at the hotel, lunch & farewell dinner on Saigon river cruise

Local biking guide (s)

Tunnel sight-seeing tickets & Entrance fees

Water, fruit, snacks..

Day 20: Saigon Departure (B/No Cycling)

Depending on your flight time, you can take your own leisurely relaxation until our team will be ready at any time to transfer you to the SGN Airport to fly back home with the great thanks and wish to meet you on the next adventure.

Airport drop-off & transfer

No cycling

Meal: breakfast at the hotel

Transfer guide (s) and driver

Our full package include:

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer and back up as itinerary: airport pickup, drop off and transfer before, after the biking loops..
Mt. Bike (Trek/Cannondale/GT bicycle 27.5”), helmet
Plenty of water provided throughout the day when cycling
Snacks and local fruits
Cycling Certified English Speaking Guide
1 first aid kit per guide
Cycling guide will have a full set of travel bike tools
1 main support vehicle will have spare parts
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, Br = Brunch, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Sightseeing tickets were mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation as listed below each day.
Boat trips and ferries as mentioned on each day

Our services don’t include:

Visa arrangement
Any International and domestic flights
Meals other than mentioned above
Soft drinks, or beverages beyond water – we can add this into costs at agents request
Beverage and alcoholic drinks at mealtimes
Tips
E-bike surcharge 510 USD/person
Single supplement surcharge: 855 USD
Energy drinks or powders, performance bars, or performance gels (Gatorade, Powerbars, Gu, Isostar, etc)
Personal Travel Insurance and Health insurance for Covid treatment.
Personal expenditure (Laundry, telephone)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion.
Other language speaking guides

Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It has beautiful natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Here are some reasons why Cycling Vietnam 20 days is an excellent choice for a holiday:

Scenic beauty: Vietnam has beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and lush greenery. It is perfect for nature lovers and those who want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and cycling.
Delicious cuisine: Vietnamese cuisine is known for its variety of flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy options. Some of the must-try dishes include pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.
Rich history and culture: Vietnam has a fascinating history, and it is reflected in its culture. It has plenty of historical sites, ancient temples, and pagodas that offer a glimpse into the country’s past.
Affordable prices: Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination, and you can get a lot for your money. Accommodations, food, and activities are relatively inexpensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Friendly people: Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality and kindness towards visitors. They are happy to share their culture and traditions and make you feel welcome.