Central Vietnam Bicycle Trips: 10-Day Biking the Heritage Trail from Hue to Nha Trang

Welcome to Hue, the former capital of Nguyen Dynasty and UNESCO declared World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. If arrival time permits, enjoy some time exploring the charming, historic city with an easy cycle tour around the main sites.

Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

The morning’s cycle begins with a ride along the coast from Hue to Lang Co fishing village. The road is flanked by sand dunes and palm trees with occasional mausoleums, pagodas, and war memorials scattered about. Stop for lunch at a local café before continuing the ride along small back roads through fishing villages and the Cau Hai lagoon to Lang Co Beach.

Overnight in Lang Co.

Today marks one of the most intense rides of the trip, with the grand Hai Van Pass, Vietnam’s highest mountain road. Warm up with a short, flat ride from the hotel to the base of the pass before the 10-kilometer ascent, gaining an elevation of 550 meters. The views of the coast are spectacular from the top; a great reward for the morning’s climb.

Cruise downhill to Danang City, a further 9 kilometers, for lunch. Continue towards Marble Mountain and My Khe Beach for a refreshing swim in the ocean. Finally reach Hoi An late this afternoon and relax with a stroll through the quiet streets of this historic town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Today’s journey is a fabulous ride out to My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. Transfer a bit out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along scenic country back roads, rice paddy fields, eucalyptus forest, and many picturesque villages. The meandering roads eventually lead us to My Son, once Champa’s greatest city and now an impressive archaeological site.

Enjoy lunch near the sanctuary and spend the afternoon touring around the crumbling temples before transferring back to Hoi An by bus. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Begin the morning with a transfer from Hoi An toward Quang Ngai for the start of the day’s ride. The road is shaded by arching palm trees and surrounded by tended rice paddies, ultimately reaching My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres of the American/Vietnam War.

After lunch, take a sobering guided tour of the site and museum, and continue the ride through the Vietnamese countryside to visit a traditional pagoda. Continue cycling toward Sa Huynh for a chance to relax followed by a delicious dinner.

Overnight in Sa Huynh.

Depart early today for the 110-kilometer journey to Qui Nhon, an American port and supply centre during the American/Vietnam War, which sheltered thousands of Vietnamese fleeing the vicious bombing of the countryside. Ride southeast along the coast beyond Thi Nai bridge, pedaling along tranquil roads rarely visited by tourists; arrive in the afternoon to the hotel in Quy Nhon. Enjoy some downtime on the beach this afternoon to relax tired muscles.

Overnight in Quy Nhon

After a short shuttle out of town (to avoid the main highway), begin today’s ride at Dieu Tri. Pedal along a remote but well-surfaced road running alongside the railway through rolling terrain. Pass many Vietnamese and ethnic minority villages on the way for a glimpse of traditional countryside life while cycling southwards. Loop back toward the main highway with an option of cycling or transferring by vehicle for the final hour to Tuy Hoa. 

Overnight in Tuy Hoa.

Today is the last cycling day and perhaps the most memorable. Depart from the hotel for a 20 kilometer ride past a network of lush rice fields which blanket the valley. Ride 3.4 kilometers over a pass and descend down to stunning Dai Lanh Beach for a swim and some snacks.

Continue pedaling along the coast for 3 kilometers and turn on to the Hon Gom peninsular road for the final 20 kilometers. Walk a short distance through a local fishing village to the awaiting speedboat, which will provide transport to Whale Island for two nights of relaxation.

Overnight on Whale Island

Today is free to explore the Whale Island, relax on the beach, or take advantage of the snorkeling and Scuba diving opportunities.

This evening, enjoy a delicious seafood farewell dinner.

Overnight on Whale Island.

Transfer back to the mainland this morning and on to the airport or train station for the departing or connecting transport. Alternatively, book additional nights at Whale Island or Nha Trang for a few more days on the beach.

Still excited for more cycling, you can do the reverse route of this cycling tour from Saigon to Nha Trang