Vietnam Explorer

Cycling in Vietnam is for those seeking the essence of Asia. On this hugely popular tour we pedal past rice fields, through local villages and sometimes vie for space on the roads with buffalo-drawn carts, whole families on motor scooters and locals on old bikes. Our friendly, helpful Vietnamese guides lead our tours, ensuring a smoothly run holiday on quiet rural roads with the very best rental bikes in Vietnam. From cosmopolitan Saigon, to the beach resort of Nha Trang and the ancient Imperial city of Hue, this is the ultimate cultural experience on a bike.

This tour is 16-days long, but can be split into two shorter tours. The Ancient Vietnam 10-days tour (beginning in Hanoi, ending Nha Trang), and the Beaches and Highlands 9-days tour (beginning in Nha Trang and ending in Saigon).

Day 1 HANOI. You will be met at the airport and taken on a short sightseeing tour of Hanoi. We recommend you add a few extra days in Hanoi and the World Heritage Park of Halong Bay before the tour.

Day 2 Hue. This morning we fly to Hue to commence the cycling tour (flight included in tour price). We will fit you to your bikes before a welcome dinner featuring traditional music. The city is built on the banks of the Perfume River and steeped in 3,000 years of history.

Day 3 + 4: HOI AN. We cycle from town on a flat coastal road, then tackle the Hai Van Pass. The view from the top of the pass is outstanding and well worth the effort. We have a free day to explore this delightful town with its street side cafes, artists and markets.

Day 5: SA HUYNH. Cycle on a delightful little road into the countryside. Take an optional side trip to the My Lai Massacre site.

Day 6: QUI NHON. We drive from town to commence cycling on an attractive minor road. Few tourists stop on this stretch of road, so you can enjoy the contact with friendly local Vietnamese people.

Day 7: TUY HOA. Cycle through cassava and sugar plantations, along a quite rural road. We stop for lunch at Me Trang Cafe.

8+9: NHA TRANG. Enjoy jungle and bay views as you cycle to Vung Ro Bay and up to the top of Ca Pass. Nha Trang is the coastal capital of Khanh Hoa province. On our rest day we take a boat trip to the outer islands and lunch at a fishing village with time to swim and snorkel.

Day 10: BUON MA THUOT. Enjoy cycling in the mountainous Central Highlands. We also stop at an ethnic village with long houses.

Day 11 + 12: DALAT. A pleasant but uphill ride to this temperate region dotted with lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests. At 1,475m above sea level, Dalat was once known as Little Paris.

Day 13: PHAN THIET. Ride through desert-like scenery with sand dunes and coastal views.

Day 14: LOC AN. More coastal riding, then relax at our water-front resort.

Day 15 + 16: SAIGON. Finish biking on quiet roads past rubber, cashewnut and black pepper plantations. A farewell group dinner will be held to celebrate your achievements.