Vietnam Cycling Holiday: 10-Day Biking Trips from Hanoi to Saigon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

After a rest at the hotel, there will be a cycle fitting (if wish at our garage). There will be a full trip briefing before dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi.

At 8:00, there will be pick up then transfer to our bike garage get the bike and head down to historic Long Bien Bridge. Take some time at the break stop on the bridge while our guide sharing some more information about it.

Get over the bridge, we leave the concrete of the city behind, heading to Duong river direction. 

We will first visit a broom making village. A lot of small pagodas & temples with traditional old houses along the way us cycling through. You will know more the typical northern village in Vietnam.

There will be a 500m of single track along the Hoang Giang River before getting to Co Loa ancient citadel. You can choose to ride or walk with your bike. The cycle will lead you through rice fields and vegetable gardens as well. Once arriving Co Loa ancient citadel, we will pay a visit to An Duong Vuong King Temple, Trong Thuy Prince’s well.

Then, cycle around the remains of the ancient citadel and its beautiful surrounding. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to go through quiet village’s route to the dike of the Red River. Arriving at the meeting point of two great rivers, we board a small local ferry to cross to other bank of the river, then heading to the north side of West Lake, the largest of many lakes in the city.

We ride along the water’s edge to one of the most popular and important place of worship in Hanoi – Tay Ho temple. After a visit to the temple, we’ll peddle along the lake, admiring the colonial architecture, before returning to garage around 4.00pm then transfer back to your hotel.

In the evening, transfer to the train station for the overnight ride to Hue.

Overnight on board the train to Hue.

Morning arrival to Hue, followed by a cycling excursion through town. Today’s cycling journey exposes Vietnam’s cultural capital. Ride across the Perfume River to Hue's Imperial Citadel to explore this sprawling, historical complex on foot, before continuing the ride out to the countryside along dirt tracks to the Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Ride past relics and ruins until reaching the end of the journey at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River.

Overnight in Hue.

Today is a classic day of cycling. Starting just outside of Hue, follow the picturesque and very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc, continuing on to Lang Co beach – one of the nicest beaches in Vietnam. Reward the morning’s hard work with a swim at Lang Co Beach and refuel with lunch before the final (big) climb of the day - Hai Van Pass. Challenging, yet manageable, this ride is full of breathtaking views.

After the climb’s well-earned descent, transfer the remainder of the distance by van to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unwind over dinner and drinks or perhaps enjoy a traditional massage for sore muscles!

Overnight in Hoi An.
 

Set out for a challenging ride on quiet back roads from the outskirts of Hoi An to the famous Cham Towers of My Son. My Son was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty (4th to 12th centuries); despite being largey destroyed during the American/Vietnam War, more than 70 towers and temples still rise majestically from the rice paddies. The ride is through a remote area surrounded by stunning views, a place where very few tourists venture. Enjoy a picnic lunch before transferring back to Hoi An for dinner.

Overnight in Hoi An. 

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nha Trang… where 10km of white sandy beach awaits! Cycle around Nha Trang before having time for a sunset stroll along the beach or a massage in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

This morning, take on a challenging climb uphill to Dalat. Heading inland from Nha Trang, this route running west to Khanh Vinh is comprised of approximately 30 km of flat road before reaching the mountains. This is a beautiful, narrow piece of tarmac running through tropical forest to the highland, (around 30km), climbing up to Hon Giao; a final 50km runs over a couple more passes to Dalat for the overnight stay. 
 

Start the morning by riding along stunning mountain roads back down to the coast. It’s a fast ride in parts with plenty of declines, though there are plenty of challenging short climbs along the way. Time permitting, cycle all the way or transfer the last leg along a flat plain to Phan Thiet town.  

Overnight in Mui Ne. 
 

Depart after breakfast straight from the hotel. Ride a pleasant coastal road to Khe Ga lighthouse then load up for the 3 hour drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Today’s ride is in stark contrast to previous cycling, with sand dunes and deserts cape being the distinguishing feature of the day.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Spend the day at leisure until a provided transfer out to the airport for the departing flight onward international flights.