Hanoi Bicycle Trips

An incredible trip from start to finish. Excellent balance of cycling, sight seeing, city experiences and local culture. The local team were fantastic I cannot recommend this trip more highly.

The itinerary was well thought out, with safe cycling and views/historical locations, plus comfortable bus transfers exactly as set out in the itinerary. The sleeper train was well managed and a lot of fun, and the junk outing was great, a very good way to visit Halong. The refreshment stops were at selected roadside cafes with European style facilities. We tried different things, but always had the option of fruit/snacks and tea/ coffee. We each paid a small sum into a whip round, which the guides used to buy fresh fruit every day, as well as wrapped snacks. Our guide was brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble and he helped when eg someone’s phone broke, and eg when an individual needed a doctor for a condition unrelated to the tour. Hotels were good, indeed better than expected. We always had one of the team leading every ride, and another at the back of the group, so no one was ever left alone, and any bike mechanicals were quickly fixed. One rider did have a problematic e-bike whose power unit may have been faulty, and although that proved difficult to fix that rider was fully supported at all times. The mix of cycling sections and bus sections was as described, and while some days a little more time on the bike might have been welcome, road conditions were obviously part of the planning; we never cycled on a road where I felt unsafe. No one raced ahead or got lost. We boarded the bus to leave or enter busy cities. We visited several bustling cities each with their own character. The guide always recommended a couple of restaurant options, including music spots or particular market food places, and the hotels were central enough for exploring. I was travelling with friends, but I would have felt safe and comfortable walking around the towns alone in my hotel areas. The cities all had ATMs and some cash was useful for small purchases, but all the shops and services we used accepted card payments. Sometimes they charge a 2-3% surcharge, which was explained before the transaction. I found Vietnam a friendly, welcoming place. People are pleased to see tourists, and we never encountered any hostility, not ever felt we had been cheated, nor felt unsafe.

First of all, shout out to Doan the tour leader. Passion for his country was contagious, he had us all transfixed with his stories and guides through history, food and culture. The whole team was fantastic, making us feel welcome. They gave us space so we felt like we were exploring and adventuring, but if we needed them (puncture etc) suddenly they would appear. Very happy with the tour. Cycling through amazing landscapes, remote villages and vibrant cities. Variation of light cycling, more challenging and chill out days (Beach and City). Pace of cycling was adapted to our fitness. This tour will work whether you are a leisure cyclist or someone looking for some challenge. Now we have done a cycle tour with Explore, its difficult to consider doing anything else. Cycling adds to the sense of adventure and gives a connection to the country you don't get otherwise. Explore put together an itinerary and ran the tour faultlessly. To add, I was surprised by the quality of Hotel. Better than I expected.

My husband and I usually go on self guided bicycling vacations. Choose this one because its the route I wanted without any planning hassles. It was a great choice. It was fantastic that we had a group leader, named Son, and his team Lee, Tee and Saow, who planed every detail. They got us out of the crazy busy cities by their bus/van. Routes were well planned and it was impossible to get lost. We had faster riders in the front and Lee in the back. Then Tee drove ahead and stood at every intersection to make sure we were all heading in the right direction. There were snack, water, and bathroom breaks. All breakfasts and lunches were included. Most dinners/not all were on our own . However Son always had great recommendations for restaurants . Couldn't have asked for a better staff leader. Son was always organized and as he said 100 times. Enjoy yourself and safety first. He and his crew handled everything. Literally, no stress. Eat ,ride, eat ride, look at the wonderful scenery, and wave to all of the kids and people who say hello and wave at us as we ride by. The Vietnamese people were so welcoming.

did the 21 day vietnam and cambodia tour and it was incredible ! great way to travel with no stress with a great mix of activities ! whole experience was made better by my amazing group leader Bela who was so knowledgeable and made the tour unforgettable :)

We have just returned from this amazing trip. Vietnam certainly lived up to and possibly exceeded our expectations. Vietnam is such a beautiful country - a true feast for the senses, so vibrant and joyful. The Vietnamese people are truly warm, friendly and engaging. The cycling landscape was very varied through some busy towns, quiet villages, breathtaking scenery and alongside endless rice fields. The organisation of this trip was truly remarkable thanks to the professional skills of our group leader Son. He absolutely is the best group leader we have ever met on our trips. Unfortunately, I had an accident half way through the holiday but I have nothing but praise for our wonderful leader Son. He showed such professionalism alongside care, support and empathy, as did all the support team - Lee the mechanic, Tee and Saow our driver. I could not fault any of the team and I felt so lucky to have the love and support of the group members. The accident did not ruin my trip. I feel so blessed to have seen so much of this beautiful country. 
Our hotel rooms were fantastic with available conditioning and a swimming pool available in most of them .
Whale Island was beautiful. The overnight train was an interesting experience and Halong Bay at the end was beautiful.