Vietnam by Bike

Upon arrival, a World Expeditions representative will greet you outside the arrivals hall and you'll be transferred to the group hotel. Settle into your hotel and take some time to unwind, allowing yourself to adjust to the pace of Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, offering a rich tapestry of culture, history, and the fascinating contrasts of a city where tradition meets development.

In the late afternoon, we'll gather in the hotel foyer for a group meeting. Generally groups of 6 or more people will have one guide accompanying them throughout the journey, while smaller groups will have local guides in each region. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through Ly Thai To Square, honouring the founder of Hanoi, and continue along the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake towards the lively Old Quarter. We'll then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, featuring several iconic dishes of North Vietnam, before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Hong Ha Hotel or similar

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll load your bags onto the bus and head to the bike storage area for fittings. Once ready, you’ll transfer by bus to the mountainous region of Hoa Binh, approximately 90 kilometres west of Hanoi, a journey of around two hours. Hoa Binh is unique in Vietnam, being the only province where an ethnic minority, the Muong people, forms the majority of the population.

Upon reaching the shores of the stunning Da River reservoir, you’ll board a boat for a 90-minute cruise to the western edge. After disembarking, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before gearing up for your cycling adventure.

Your ride begins on a small road winding through the foothills, leading to your first climb that reconnects you with the historic colonial Route 6. You’ll then descend into the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, home to the Tai Dón people. Within the valley, you’ll take a second climb up into the forested heights of the region before descending into a remote valley. The final hour of your journey takes you along charming village roads to your guesthouse for the night. Here, a warm welcome, a hot shower, and a traditional Tai Dón dinner await you.

Cycling: (±) 40km/25mi, sealed road, +640m/2099ft, -660m/2165ft

Driving: 90km/60mi / 2hrs

Overnight: Mai Hich traditional stilt guesthouse (multishare) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll cycle towards the Laos border before veering east to enter the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The scenery shifts as the road hugs the mountainside, offering stunning views of deep, narrow valleys with terraced rice fields. For the first 15 kilometres, the terrain is mostly flat with minimal elevation changes. After that, you’ll begin a 15-kilometre ascent, followed by a mostly downhill ride on flat roads leading to your guesthouse. At the top of the ascent, you’ll pause to enjoy lunch at a local home. The ride should conclude by mid- to late afternoon. Near your guesthouse, two cascading streams with natural pools provide the perfect spot for you to unwind with a refreshing swim.

Cycling: (±) 60km/37mi (sealed road, 35km/22mi flat; 15km/9mi uphill, 10km/6mi downhill), +865m/2838ft, -807m/2648ft

Overnight: Les Bains de Hieu guesthouse (multishare) or similar

Today you'll commence with a 10km ride to Pho Doan village. You’ll then take a hidden route known to few, cycling towards the historic Ho Chi Minh Road. This stretch is especially scenic, and the locals are wonderfully welcoming. The ride covers about 60 kilometres with minimal elevation changes until you reach the Ho Chi Minh Road.

After lunch, we will load the bikes and hop on the bus to transfer to our beautiful resort at the doorstep of Van Long Nature Reserve. Check-in to the room before gathering at the pier nearby to enjoy a traditional sampan ride on the waters of the largest wetland reserve in the country. This area is famous for the abundance of waterfowl. Return to the hotel to enjoy the sunset over the rice paddies from the poolside before heading out for dinner.

Cycling: (±) 60km//37mi (sealed road), +403m/1322ft, -527m/1729ft

Driving: 60km/38mi

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort or similar

After three days of cycling through some of North Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes, you’ll take a well-deserved break to explore the legendary Halong Bay and iconic sites of Hanoi.

Start your day with an early breakfast before departing for Halong Bay. The drive takes you across the scenic Red River Delta, arriving at the coast just before noon. Here, you’ll board a beautifully crafted wooden junk for a one-night cruise through the breathtaking seascape of Halong Bay.

Once on board, you’ll be treated to a delicious seafood lunch as the majestic limestone karsts create a stunning backdrop. In the afternoon, the cruise takes you to a less-traveled area, where you can relax, sunbathe, and explore a cave. The day’s activities vary depending on the season and weather, but as the sun sets, you’ll find yourself on the sundeck—perfect for participating in a cooking demonstration before dinner.

Driving: 190km/118mi

Cycling: N/A

Overnight: Bhaya Classic Cruise or similar

Start your day with an early Tai Chi session on deck, or simply enjoy a quiet morning with coffee or tea as you watch the sunrise over Halong Bay. Before returning to the coast, you’ll have the chance to visit another cave in the archipelago. As the junk cruises back to the pier, a brunch will be served, allowing you to savour the last views of this stunning seascape.

Upon disembarkation, you’ll drive back to Hanoi, where you’ll have time to visit the Temple of Literature. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along Hung Vuong Avenue and explore the gardens of the Presidential Palace. The day concludes with snacks at a bia hoi, an outdoor pub typical of Hanoi—a perfect spot to bid farewell to your North Vietnam guide and the capital city.

Before your departure, you’ll transfer to a simple guesthouse near the train station, where you can shower and refresh.

The night train has long been a staple in long distance travel in Vietnam and to visit without experiencing this as the locals do is definitely missing out. After trundling through the Tam Diep Mountain range of the north we pass through the Annamite range of central Vietnam before reaching our destination, Hue.

Driving: 150km/93mi

Cycling: N/A

Overnight: Soft sleeper 4-berth cabin with A/C

Your train arrives in Hue around 9:00 AM. After enjoying a traditional breakfast of Bun Bo Hue, the city’s famous soup, you’ll head to the bike storage, retrieve your bike, and set off for the most important historical site in the city: the Imperial Citadel, a city within a city. Here, you’ll explore narrow streets, hidden alleys, and secret viewpoints on a leisurely 10-kilometre ride, with stops to meet locals and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. If time allows, you’ll also glimpse the Forbidden City.

Next, you’ll visit an ancient village, once home to the Emperors’ Mandarins, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch featuring Hue’s famous banh - various kinds of rice dumplings. In the afternoon, you’ll cycle 45 kilometres along the ‘road of the tombs’ to Tam Giang Lagoon. the longest of the country at 70km from north to south, and learn about the ancestral fishing techniques of the locals. Once we bid farewell to our boatman and ride south along the barrier beach road to Phu Thuan and a lovely boutique resort located on the beach. Check-in then enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing. Choose from the sea or the swimming pool for a refreshing dip.

Cycling: (±) 50km/31mi (sealed road / mostly flat), +38m/124ft, -34m/111ft

Overnight: Villa Louise Hue Beach Hotel And Spa or similar

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast by the beach before embarking on an 80-kilometre ride. The route is mostly flat, with some gentle climbs towards the end. As you cycle along the scenic lagoon, you'll pass through the charming fishermen’s village of Chuon, known for its stilt houses. The ride continues along a picturesque road lined with pine trees.

Lunch is at a local restaurant before crossing a bridge into An Bang, famously called the “Ghost Village” due to its ornate tombs.

From there, you'll ride into the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park, followed by a stunning coastal stretch along Chan May and Lang Co bays. The day's journey ends at a resort nestled at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, where you can unwind on the beach or by the resort’s pool.

Cycling: (±) 80km/50mi (sealed road, 70km flat), +99m/324ft, -90/295ft

Overnight: Lang Co Beach Resort or similar

Today, you'll conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass, a significant climatic divide in Vietnam and a highlight of any journey. The 11-kilometre ascent and descent on what is hailed as "one of the best coastal roads in the world" will be an unforgettable experience. At the summit, we'll pause for an ice cream break to celebrate your achievement before descending into Danang, Vietnam's fastest-growing city.

From Danang, it's a further 30 kilometres to the historic port town of Hoi An. Upon arrival, take a break from cycling, settle into your hotel, and enjoy your first exploration of Hoi An's charming old quarter.

Cycling: (±) 65km/40mi (sealed road / 43km flat; 11km uphill; 11km downhill) +500m/1640ft, -505m/1656ft

Overnight: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort or similar

Following yesterday's conquest, enjoy a leisurely day in Hoi An, where you can indulge in shopping or a relaxing visit to the beach. An Bang Beach, just 4 kilometres north of town, is a perfect spot to unwind. If you're a food enthusiast, Hoi An offers a variety of local delights. Treat yourself to a Banh Mi sandwich, savour the legendary Cao Lau soup, or enjoy a plate of crispy Hoanh Thanh. For seafood lovers, head east of the Old Quarter to Song Thu restaurant, where you can relish the fresh catches of the day.

In the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a cycling tour through Hoi An's picturesque countryside, followed by a tranquil sunset cruise. This 3-hour experience includes sampling local snacks, a peaceful river cruise back to the hotel, and the use of simple, local bicycles.

Overnight: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort or similar

After a relaxed morning, you’ll transfer by car to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once you arrive, you’ll head to the hotel to refresh and unwind. You’ll have some free time to grab a quick lunch at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Ho Chi Minh City, often called Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city. With its modern skyline, dense population, and chaotic traffic, it’s not the ideal place for cycling. Instead, you’ll spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour of the city centre, where you can explore beautifully preserved colonial buildings that offer a striking contrast to the city’s modern energy.

Overnight: Queen Ann Saigon or similar

This morning, you'll transfer by bus to Hoc Mon town, about 20 kilometres north of the city. From there, you'll embark on a 20-kilometre cycling journey through rubber plantations and rice fields, leading to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels played a crucial role for the Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War. During your visit, you'll learn about the site's history and have the opportunity to explore part of this extensive underground network. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you'll board the bus again for a drive to Cai Be, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. The journey to the Mekong River takes approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you'll hop back on your bike for a leisurely 10-kilometre ride along the narrow lanes of An Binh Island, ending your day at a local guesthouse. As you cycle through the island, soak in the tranquil beauty of the delta, especially as the setting sun casts a warm, golden glow over the landscape.

Cycling: (±) 30km/19mi (sealed road / 30km flat), +30m/98ft, -31m/101ft

Driving: 160km/100mi

Accommodation: An Binh Island local guesthouse or similar

Your morning begins with a boat trip to witness the bustling activity of merchants around Cai Be, as they arrive on their sampans loaded with local produce for trade. Following this, you'll embark on a 50-kilometre cycling journey along the lesser-known roads and pathways of the region. Each stop provides an opportunity for your tour leader to share insights into the local culture and daily life. Compared to the early days in the Northern mountains, this experience will feel like you're in a completely different country.

After completing the ride, you'll enjoy a slightly late lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll board the bus for a transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

In the early evening, you'll meet your guide for a short walk to Ly Tu Trong Street, where you'll visit the taproom of one of Vietnam's pioneering craft breweries. Savour a tasting of their beers as you bid farewell to your guide.

Cycling: (±) 50km/31mi (mostly flat), +43m/141ft, +43m/141ft

Driving: 80km/50mi

Accommodation: Queen Ann Saigon or similar

The day is free at your leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant onward journey.