You’ll ride a total of 900 km over 13 cycling days on this journey. It all begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi, as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and ease into the trip with a relatively flat countryside route—perfect for warming up. The next two days also feature moderate distances and elevations, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the tour while still enjoying full days of cycling and sightseeing.
On Day 4, you’ll enjoy a relaxed loop ride around Hue, taking in the city’s rich cultural landmarks. Things ramp up on Day 5 with a more demanding route that includes coastal stretches, rolling hills, and the 470-meter climb up Hai Van Pass. Day 6 offers you a choice: take a well-earned rest day in Hoi An or opt for an easy ride out to the historic My Son temple site.
From Days 7 to 9, you’ll encounter moderate climbs and distances ranging between 70 to 100 km. You can adjust the difficulty to suit your energy levels—support vans are always nearby if you’d like to take a break. As you head into the rockier southern coastline, Days 10 through 12 bring the most climbing, with elevation gains between 630 and 870 meters spread out across multiple hills. Your final day of riding, Day 13, is a gentle coastal route through seaside villages and fruit orchards. Day 14 marks your departure from Ho Chi Minh City.
To make the trip more enjoyable and avoid congested areas, you’ll occasionally transfer by van—no more than three hours on any given day, and sometimes far less. You’ll also take a sleeper train between Ninh Binh and Dong Hoi to save your daytime energy for cycling.
Suitability
This tour is perfect if you enjoy cycling and have a reasonable level of fitness. It’s designed to be challenging but not overwhelming, so even if you’re not a seasoned rider, you’ll be just fine—as long as you're up for a little adventure. The fitter you are, the more you’ll get out of it, but our air-conditioned support bus is always available if you need to take it easy. Vietnam’s weather can be hot and humid, especially in the mornings, so a bit of acclimatization beforehand helps. You'll also need some confidence navigating occasional rough patches or busy streets—but you can always walk your bike through tricky sections or hop in the support van anytime.
Biking Conditions
You’ll be riding mostly on paved roads that are generally in good condition, though occasional potholes, road debris, and broken surfaces are part of the ride. Much of the route winds through quiet countryside, but you’ll also be sharing the road with cars, motorbikes, and buses—this is Vietnam, after all, a country always in motion! There are some unavoidable segments along provincial highways, but safety and comfort are always a priority. We ride rain or shine, though your guide can adjust the route based on conditions or how you’re feeling. It’s all part of the adventure!
SpiceRoads Cycling
SpiceRoads Cycling