Cycle Vietnam Tour with 1 Review by Intrepid Travel

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Highlights

Cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc and soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – the towering limestone karsts that rise over the rice paddies.

Ride one of Vietnam’ most spectacular highways to Nha Trang, hugging the granite cliffs and looking out across the sea to the many islands and lagoons. Then, chill out in the coastal town once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient'.

Discover Mai Chau – a town in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains – and enjoy the local hospitality and homecooked meals in your stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong.

Make the most of your time in Hue, Hanoi, Hoi An and Ninh Binh with your expert local leader, their unmatched guidance and the super friendly locals!

Swap your bike for a boat and explore the nearby islands from Nah Trang. Starting on the main boat, you’ll then take a small basket boat to shore and visit a fishing village, go snorkelling in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet.

Itinerary

See Vietnam in a whole new light with the 'Cycle Vietnam' tour—a 15-day moderate bicycle adventure designed for travelers hungry for both cultural connection and physical challenge. Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, this trip takes you through vibrant rice paddies, picturesque villages, ancient cities like Hue, and island-dotted coastlines. Pedal beside locals, relax at a traditional homestay, and enjoy full-day rides that get your heart pumping. There’s time to snorkel near Nha Trang and unwind on palm-lined beaches, with plenty of delicious Vietnamese dishes—like banh mi and regional specialties—to fuel your journey. Accommodation, meals, and support are all included, ensuring you can focus on the ride. The real USP? The chance to experience Vietnam’s iconic sights and everyday life at a unique, up-close pace that only a bicycle tour can offer.

day 1 - Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure officially begins in Hanoi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a walk around Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, taking a break along the way for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer). You could also join the queues at the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or chill out and people watch at Hoan Kiem Lake. After your group meeting, you’ll head out for an included dinner at KOTO restaurant – Vietnam's first social enterprise employing disadvantaged youth.

included:Hanoi - KOTO dinner

accommodation:

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Hanoi

This morning, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure. If you haven’t already, walking through the Old Quarter is really the best way to get a feel for the city – an architectural museum where the ancient '36 Streets’ sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery, embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings and lacquerware. This afternoon, you’ll cycle through the city on a quiet ride around West Lake. Pass by lotus lakes, old school villas and iconic temples including the Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. Tonight, why not head out for Bahn mi and a local beer – your leader will have the best recommendations!

included:Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Mai Chau

Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure kicks into first gear. Leave Hanoi behind and travel by bus to Hoa Binh, stopping at Vun Art on the way – a social enterprise run by people living with disabilities, specialising in craft products made from Van Phuc silk. When you arrive in Hoa Binh, you’ll jump on your bike and cycle to Cao Phong through small ethnic Thai villages and paddy fields. As limestone peaks climb in the background, you’ll take regular stops to admire the view across the valleys. When you arrive, take a short bus ride to Man Duc for lunch. Then, the bus will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Cycle along the Da River, passing karst cliffs through paddy fields. The peaceful town of Mai Chau sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains and is famed for its scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight, you’ll enjoy some local hospitality in your simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. After a home cooked meal, there may be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine that’s produced here.

included:Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Ninh Binh

Say farewell to your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai and on to Co Luong. You’ll ride through more paddy fields, testing your skills (or suspension) with the shallow potholes along the road. Pass farmers drawn by buffalo and wave to the friendly locals as you cycle. Today is all about the lush green fields, limestone mountains and tranquil waterways. Take a bus along the Ho Chi Minh Road and when you arrive in Ninh Binh, you have the option to take another 36 km cycle around the surrounding area. This is a wonderful chance to see the everyday rural life and take in the countryside.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 5 - Ninh Binh - Overnight train

This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – the limestone karst peaks rising over the rice paddies. Mixed in with the sounds and views of the river, which winds through the fields dotted with boats, you’ll find the true meaning of serene. Cycle to Hoa Lu – once the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th century Dinh Dynasty, the temples here were restored in the 17th century and architecture is still in great condition. Here, you’ll take a lunch break at the Dinh or the Le Temple, then it’s back on the bus to return to your hotel. After an early dinner, transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.

included:Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 6 - Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning and hop back in the saddle to explore the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue holds the treasures of the royal past – a mix of bustling streets and tranquil countryside settings. Ride through the fields to some of Hue's many remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas and country landscapes. Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive. The foliage-covered ruins and gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. After, kick back in a cafe or restaurant – Hue’s cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country, influenced both by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on presentation) and its strong Buddhist heritage (reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants).

included:Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour, Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

accommodation:

meals:1 Lunch

day 7 - Hoi An

Leaving Hue, you’ll do some mountainous riding today as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the laidback town of Hoi An. This pass is a gorgeous stretch of highway that winds through the Truong Son Mountain Range, with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. It is 500 m above sea level and the up/down slope ranges from 5 to 10 percent. There will be plenty of well-earned breaks along the way to take in the views, snap some photos and rehydrate. When you arrive in Hoi An, you’ll be immersed in the iconic lantern-lit streets, loud markets, tailor shops, artisans, ancient architecture, colourful temples and old school boats lining the river. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved, with parts of the town looking exactly like they did more than a century ago. This makes its streets of low tiled buildings perfect for strolling. Take the evening to soak up the atmosphere, or just rest your legs at a local restaurant after a day’s riding.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 8 - Hoi An

This morning, head out on a leader-led walking tour through Hoi An. Discover the history of the Chinese influence as you walk past pagodas and assembly halls. Visit a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The afternoon is free for you to cycle to the beach, head to the tailor shops or find a spot with a view and make the most of happy hour. For those who love to shop, Hoi An is a mecca with much to browse and buy. There are original paintings, leather goods, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and lots more.

included:Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Quy Nhon

Leave Hoi An behind today and head south down Highway One on the way to Phu. On this lesser-travelled route, you’ll drive past paddy fields, see the wheat drying for the local Hoi Beer and pass locals playing chess. When you arrive, climb back on you bike and cycle to the coastal city of Quy Nhon. The city is filled with long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards, and it’s a perfect spot to get to know the locals as it’s seldom visited by tourists. Tonight, you’ll have free time to get an authentic slice of coastal life.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 10 - Nha Trang

Today’s cycle is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’ll ride on this trip – the highway hugs huge granite cliffs and looks out across the sea. Following parts of the Reunification Railway, you’ll ride alongside spectacular horizons full of islands and lagoons. Join the scooter riders on the waterfront promenade as you arrive in the coastal town of Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient'. The palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay here might just be the best photo op you’ll get! This spot is known for its good weather, vibrant nightlife and excellent diving opportunities.

included:Nha Trang - Po Nagar Cham Tower

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 11 - Nha Trang

Today you’ll swap your bike for a boat and head out to explore the nearby islands. This excursion is often the highlight of the trip, as you’ll get to know some of the locals and indulge in the beauty of Nah Trang. Starting on the main boat, you’ll then take a small basket boat to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet for lunch. Make the most of your free afternoon by lazing in a deck chair, going for another swim or maybe taking a mud bath to soothe away your sore muscles.

included:Hon Mun Island - Snorkelling, Nha Trang - Basket boat ride, Nha Trang - Boat trip

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 12 - Dalat

Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climate of the South-Central Highlands, where some of the country's best fruits, flowers and coffee beans are grown. The road here is winding and steep but if you're fit and ready for a challenge, you may want to conquer the whole mountain on your bike. You can also take it easy and flag a lift from the bus. Whichever way you choose to get to the top, you'll still be treated to magnificent views when you reach the summit. After a short photo stop here, you’ll descend to Dalat – a perfect base to explore the region, Dalat is often called the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its temperate climate and landscape full of lakes, palaces, pine tree-covered hills, flower gardens and pagodas.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 13 - Phan Thiet

This morning you’ll take a city tour of Dalat, making the journey to Bao Dai's striking regal summer palace. He was the final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, and the last to rule Vietnam until 1945. You’ll then discover the wacky and weird architecture of Hang Nga Crazy House. Echoing Gaudi's unconventional designs, this place is described as a 'fairytale house' and you’ll explore the twisted tree roots, cave shaped hallways and animal themed rooms with your group. Drop by the train station and the central market before continuing to Di Linh, where the tea industry looms in the surrounding hills. After lunch, pedal down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass, then cycle from Malam to Phan Thiets beaches.

included:Dalat - Hang Nga Crazy House

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 14 - Ho Chi Minh City

Before heading to the big city, you’ll spend your last morning taking in the views along the beach on a ride to Lang Long. After a picnic lunch, keep cycling to Cu Bi where you’ll say goodbye to your two-wheeled friend. Hop in your group’s minivan for the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City and discover the fascinating blend of old and new here as East meets West. Maybe spend the final night of your trip with your fellow travellers, exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or with a few glasses of street-side Beer Hoi.

accommodation:

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 15 - Ho Chi Minh City

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), homestay (1 night), overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicle, Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Taxi

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Hanoi - KOTO dinnerHanoi - Museum of EthnologyMai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunchHoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King LeHue - Imperial City Full Day TourHue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu DucHoi An - Old Town walking tourNha Trang - Po Nagar Cham TowerHon Mun Island - SnorkellingNha Trang - Basket boat rideNha Trang - Boat tripDalat - Hang Nga Crazy House

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 1 review

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