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Map of Cycle Vietnam including Vietnam

An unforgettable north to south cycling tour of vibrant Vietnam

More than 30 million Vietnamese can't be wrong - handle-bar height gives you the best view of Vietnam! Our cycling tour through this mesmerising country provides opportunities to meet the locals and experience their culture in a way that wouldn't otherwise be possible. So come with us and get active as we travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, down country lanes and over spectacular mountain passes. And, of course, all the exercise gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Original
Theme
Cycling
Code
TVXB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • If you love to cycle, to feel the wind in your (helmet-covered) hair and a tropical breeze on your face then this speedy but comprehensive 15 day adventure is for you

  • A bike lets you see Vietnam like never before – you’ll go from road to beaten track to something way beyond

  • Think of the calories you’ll burn and the appetite you’ll work up cycling around Vietnam’s incredible landscape – all the more reason to indulge in the wealth of delicious local and regional food

  • This two-wheeled adventure will show you all the different sides of this country – wildlife-filled natural landscapes, small villages and ancient ruins, along with the region’s liveliest cities

Is this trip right for you?

  • To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.

  • This trip covers quite some distance – you’ll be cycling for up to 70 kilometres a day on varied terrain, so this trip is for the reasonably fit.

  • There’s the possibility of a few hiccups along the way – a puncture here and there maybe – but there’s no doubt this is an incredibly rewarding adventure

  • You'll be spending one night in a homestay and another on an overnight sleeper train. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to interact with the locals, and get a real sense of Vietnamese daily life.

  • If you’re confident in your cycling ability, then those that want an even longer cycling adventure should opt for ‘TVXCC - Cycle South East Asia’, which includes everything that's on the itinerary of this trip, plus the itinerary of ‘TTXC- Cycle Indochina’.

  • The weather in this region can be varied. Be prepared to get sweaty and for the occasional rainstorm, which may require a change of plans.

  • If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort we have the option of hiring an electric bike (e-bike) on this trip.

Enjoy the scenery as you cycle through Vietnam
Travellers looking on at the Hanoi cityscape on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Group of travellers on an Intrepid Travel tour through the Vietnamese countryside.
Cycle through the lush scenery of Vietnam
The imperial citadel in Hue, Vietnam
Enjoy the beautiful scenery in Vietnam from the comfort of a bicycle
Fruit vendor taking their stock of bananas on the back of their bike in Hanoi, Vietnam for an Intrepid Travel tour
Follow your leader through the fascinating countryside of Vietnam
Experience the real Vietnam on a cycling trip
Enjoy the colourful scenery and atmosphere of Vietnam
Travellers stopping for a rest during their cycling leg on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Coastal view of the famous Ka Ga lighthouse and beach, Vietnam along an Intrepid Travel tour
Fresh seafood available in Nha Trang, Vietnam
Group of cheery cycling travellers on an Intrepid Travel tour in Hanoi.
Say hello to the locals as you cycle through beautiful Vietnam

Itinerary
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Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

If you are bringing your own bicycle with you on the trip, you need to assemble it to check for any damage in transit before the welcome meeting.
If you have arranged for the hire of a bicycle, your leader will assist you in preparing the bike before your first cycling activity.

If you arrive with some time to spare then work your legs with a walk around Hanoi’s charming shaded boulevards and a squat on a short street-corner stools for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) in the Old Quarter.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception or your travel agent in advance.

Riding distance: none
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - KOTO dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner

This morning you’ll get the chance to explore the Vietnamese capital by bike on a guided ride through the city (approx. 22kms).

Hanoi is made for exploration by bike, so this is the perfect place to get to grips with Vietnamese street life and traffic. You’ll ride through parks, around lakes, and down tree-lined boulevards and visit iconic sights such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the Buddhist temple One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh.

There’s also time to explore the vibrant Old Quarter, an architectural museum where blocks of ochre buildings give off the air of a 1930s provincial French town. In these ancient ’36 Streets’ discover an amazing selection of shops that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery, beautifully embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings and lacquerware - it's a bargain hunter's paradise.

You’ll have some free time this afternoon. Perhaps take a walk around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, with the reflection of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface, or maybe dive into culture at the Vietnam Fine Art Museum or The Vietnamese Women’s Museum. Top off the day with a steaming bowl of fresh Pho from a hole-the-wall eatery – the street food in Hanoi is not to be missed!

Riding distance: approx. 22kms/14 miles, mostly flat with approx. 40m/130ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Army Museum - VND20000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure kicks into first gear. Leave Hanoi behind and travel by bus to Hoa Binh (approximately 2 hours). When you arrive you’ll jump on your bike and cycle 38 kilometres to Cao Phong, through small ethnic Thai villages, enjoying the tranquility of the paddy fields and interacting with the local people. Limestone peaks climb in the background and banks of green line the road, and you’ll take regular stops to admire the view across the lush valleys. After arriving you’ll take a short 30-minute bus ride for the next section, stopping for lunch at Man Duc.

After you fuel up, the bus will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Stretch your legs again cycling along the Da River, passing spectacular karst cliffs, through paddy fields, and admiring the lush panorama of the Mai Chau valley on the way (approximately 19 kilometres). The peaceful town of Mai Chau is situated in a stunningly beautiful valley surrounded by verdant green mountains and is famed for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight you’ll enjoy local hospitality in a simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. Your amicable hosts will cook up a fabulous home-cooked meal, and there may even be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine produced in the region.

Riding distances:
Ride 1 - approx. 38kms/24 miles, uphill with approx. 330m/1080ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 19kms/12 miles, mostly downhill with approx. 80m/260ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

This morning you farewell your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai, and then on to Co Luong (approx 50kms). You’ll ride through more paddy fields and test your riding skills (or suspension) with the shallow potholes that can be found on the road. Pass farmers riding atop their load drawn by lumbering water buffalo, ride through small towns and wave to friendly locals on your way through picture-perfect Vietnam – lush green fields, towering limestone mountains, tranquil waterways and charming historic sites.

A bus trip then takes you along the Ho Chi Minh Road with a lunch stop before Ninh Binh. If you arrive in Ninh Binh with time (and energy) to spare you can take a 36 km cycle around the surrounding area. This is a wonderful chance to see everyday rural life in action as well as take in the beautiful countryside.

Riding distances
Ride 1 - approx. 49kms/30 miles, mostly downhill with approx. 195m/640ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 36kms/22 miles, mostly flat with approx. 50m/165ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, when you’ll really have the opportunity to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – limestone karst peaks thrusting out of serene rice paddies, the sounds and views of the river, which winds through the fields and has boats parading up and down its length. You will also cycle to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th-century Dinh Dynasty, the remains of which can be seen in the lasting beautiful archways and temples. Here you’ll take a lunch break at the Dinh or the Le Temple. Today’s cycling is approximately 50 kilometres. Then it’s back on the bus to return to your hotel, where you can use the day room to take a shower and freshen up. After an early dinner you’ll transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.

Notes: On the overnight train to Hue (approximately 12 hours) conditions are basic, but it is a true Intrepid experience and the best way to travel long distances like a local. Sleeper trains typically have four berth compartments (occasionally six berth depending on seasonal variations and group configuration), which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure.

Riding distance: approx. 52kms/32 miles, undulating with approx. 195m/640ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Arrive in Hue and hop back in the saddle to begin your exploration of the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Today you will ride (approximately 16 kilometres) through the fields to visit many of Hue's remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas and spectacular scenery.

On your cycle you will visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. The itinerary is flexible and you have ample time for stops along the way to admire the sites. Later, kick back in a cafe or restaurant. Hue’s cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country, and is influenced both by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on aesthetic presentation) as well as its strong Buddhist heritage, reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants in the region. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a wealth of goods and foods to see and snack on. It's a good place to try some of the local specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the ‘banh khoai’, Hue's answer to the pancake.

Riding distance: approx. 16kms/10 miles, flat with approx. 12m/40ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Today will be big on riding and big on spectacular views. Leaving Hue, you will do some mountainous riding (approximately 85 kilometres in total) as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the tropical south and the laidback town of Hoi An. The pass is a stunning stretch of highway the winds through the Truong Son mountain range for about 20 kilometres (10 kilometres each way), with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. It is 500 metres about sea level and the up/down slope ranges from 5-10%, and there will be plenty of well-earned breaks along the way to take in the views, snap some photos, and rehydrate. After the rewarding vistas on the cycle in, you’ll also be spoiled with the town of Hoi An – with lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, skilled tailors, artisan shops, ancient houses, colourful temples and beautiful smiles, it’s a Vietnamese wonderland. Recently declared a 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.

Riding distances:
Ride 1 - approx. 56kms/35 miles, flat with approx. 55m/180ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 30kms/19 miles, significant uphill & downhill with approx. 576m/1890ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This morning you leader with take you on a walking tour of the town, which used to be a busy port for the Cham people before the river silted up. There’s also a strong Chinese influence, and you’ll see it as you walk past the pagodas and assembly halls. On your tour you’ll take in 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 do whatever takes your fancy. For those who love to shop then Hoi An is a mecca, with much to browse and buy. There are original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. If you want to get some new threads then the town is also famous for its tailoring – pick a fabric and a design and it’ll be ready the same day. If you feel like keeping active then there are the options to take a 15-20 kilometre ride into the surrounding countryside, to cycle to nearby Cua Dai Beach, or to take a stroll through fields of rice, sesame, banana and peanuts.

Riding distance: none
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD37
  • Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip - VND100000
  • Hoi An - My Son Cham tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included) - USD45
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue south, down scenic Highway One on the road to Quy Nhon, one of the routes that is less visited by travellers, past paddy fields, wheat drying for Beer Hoi, and locals playing chess to Phu.

Climb back on the bikes to cycle to the coastal city of Quy Nhon (approx. 45kms). The city is filled with long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards, and as it’s pretty undiscovered by visitors, is a great place to get an authentic slice of coastal life.

Riding distance: approx. 44kms/27 miles, undulating with approx. 255m/840ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today’s cycle is approximately 95 kilometres, but it is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’ll ride – the highway hugs huge granite cliffs and looks out across the deep blue sea.

Following parts of the Reunification railway, you’ll enjoy scenery of islands, lagoons and sand dunes. Join the scooter riders on the waterfront promenade as you arrive in the idyllic coastal town of Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient', and whose sandy palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay still make a pretty idyllic picture. Here there’s consistently good weather, a vibrant nightlife and excellent diving.

Riding distances:
Ride 1 - approx. 75kms/47 miles – lightly undulating with approx. 165m/530ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 19kms/12 miles - lightly undulating with approx. 140m/460ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nha Trang - Po Nagar Cham Tower
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you’ll swap your bike for a boat as you head out to explore the nearby islands. This excursion is often the highlight of the trip for many travellers, as you’ll get to know some of the locals and indulge in the beauty of the place. 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. You can enjoy this rest day by lazing in a deck chair, going for another swim or perhaps taking a mud baths to soothe away sore muscles.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hon Mun Island - Snorkelling
  • Nha Trang - Basket boat ride
  • Nha Trang - Boat trip
Optional Activities
  • Nha Trang - Bao Dai Villa - VND120000
  • Nha Trang - Mud baths - VND280000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climes of the South Central Highlands (approximately 65 kilometres), where some of the country's best fruits, flowers and coffee beans are grown. The road 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. If you're not so physically inclined, 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 once you reach the summit. After a short photo stop here, you will descend to Dalat. One of Vietnam's most delightful cities, Dalat is a perfect base to explore this pleasant region. With an appealing Swiss-French feel, along with pleasant lakes, palaces, pine tree-covered hills, flower gardens and pagodas, Dalat is often called the 'city of eternal spring' for its temperate climate.

Riding distances:
Ride 1 - approx. 57kms/35 miles, lightly undulating with approx. 160m/530ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 15kms/9 miles, lightly undulating with approx. 110m/360ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

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, and described as a 'fairytale house', explore the twisted tree roots, cave shaped hallways and animal themed rooms of this surreal guesthouse. Drop by the train station and the central market before continuing to Di Linh, where tea is the main industry and there are large plantations in the surrounding hills. After lunch, pedal down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass, then cycle along from Malam to Phan Thiet and it's beautiful beaches.

Riding distances:
Ride 1 - approx. 22kms/14 miles, mostly downhill with approx. 85m/280ft of elevation gain.
Ride 2 - approx. 45kms/ 28 miles, mostly downhill with approx. 30m/100ft of elevation gain.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dalat - Hang Nga Crazy House
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

You’re on the home stretch now and it’s time for one last cycling splurge. Before heading for the big city, take in the views along the beach on your ride to Lang Long. After a picnic lunch, keep cycling (approximately 55 kilometres) to Cu Bi. From there it’s goodbye to your two-wheeled friend as you take the support bus the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City. Here daily life plays out on the streets and the dynamic atmosphere is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or cheers to yourself and your new friends with a few glasses of street-side beer hoi.

Riding distance: approx. 56kms/35 miles, approx. mostly flat with hill at the end, approx. 125m/410ft of elevation gain
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your Cycle Vietnam adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you are sticking around then there are plenty of things to see and do in and around Ho Chi Minh City.

Riding distance: none
Optional Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD63
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Homestay (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Hanoi - KOTO dinner
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
  • Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
  • Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Nha Trang - Po Nagar Cham Tower
  • Hon Mun Island - Snorkelling
  • Nha Trang - Basket boat ride
  • Nha Trang - Boat trip
  • Dalat - Hang Nga Crazy House

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cycle Vietnam trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2..A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (Homestay) and Day 5 (Overnight Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike.
4. Bike helmets & closed toed shoes are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed bookiing. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
6. Please see your Trip Notes if your departure takes place during Tet, usually in late January/early February. Although we do our best to run trips during Tet as per the scheduled itinerary, it is likely that there will be some changes to transport, accommodation or order of destinations visited.
7.  During the group meeting, your trip leader will ask you if you would like to contribute to the snack kitty. This is $30USD per person and would be used to purchase extra supplies of snacks, including nuts and other energy packed goodies. It is not a compulsory kitty, although will make the purchasing of snacks easier and more convenient for you. You can find out more information from your leader upon arrival.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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