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Hanoi to Saigon by Bicycle
Duration
14 days
Site savings
$132
From
$4,268 USD
Do as the locals do—hop on a bike and experience Vietnam like never before on this epic journey from Hanoi in the north to vibrant Saigon in the south. Pedal off the beaten path to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating Southeast Asian country, known for its warmth, diversity, and deep cultural heritage. From the golden beaches of Nha Trang to the imperial history of Hue and the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, Vietnam offers it all. And by cycling through it, you’ll see and feel the country in a way few travellers ever do.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration14 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
- Distance561.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance42.3 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration14 days
- Main DestinationHo Chi Minh City
- Distance561.7 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance42.3 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Hanoi - Ninh Binh
This morning, you’ll be met at your hotel in Hanoi for a 2.5-hour drive to the countryside south of the city. After a short briefing and bike fitting, you’ll begin your first ride by mid-morning. Pedal through a surreal landscape of limestone mountains, vibrant rice fields, and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll stop to explore winding caves and drift through quiet waterways in a bamboo boat, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. Then, discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu—founded over a thousand years ago, before Hanoi took its place. Your ride ends among dramatic rock formations and shimmering rice paddies near the town of Tam Coc. In the evening, unwind with a sunset drink on the terrace and enjoy a flavourful dinner of northern Vietnamese cuisine.
- 31.1 miles
- -16.4 ft
1,246.7 ft
1,263.1 ft - Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 2Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong
Start your day with breakfast surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Tam Coc, where the morning light shimmers across the rice fields. Afterward, you’ll transfer about an hour to Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s first national park, established by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962. This lush, mountainous jungle is home to rare wildlife and indigenous communities. Visit the primate rescue center, where monkeys are rehabilitated for release into the wild, then hop on your bike to explore the park’s ancient trees and prehistoric cave dwellings. As the trail opens up, you’ll ride along dykes and quiet farm roads once more. In Ninh Binh, you’ll have a chance to shower and change at a local hotel before dinner. Later, board the overnight sleeper train heading south—a nostalgic journey along the historic north-south rail line, a lasting legacy of the French colonial era and a true slice of Vietnamese life.
- 39.8 miles
- -1,190.9 ft
1,089.2 ft
2,280.2 ft - Overnight Sleeper Train
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Dong Hoi - Hue
Wake up early as your train pulls into Dong Hoi. After breakfast and coffee in town, you’ll visit the haunting remains of Tam Thoa Church, destroyed by bombing in 1965. From there, travel about an hour south to begin your coastal cycling journey. Ride along scenic backroads to the Vinh Moc tunnels—an incredible network of underground passages that once sheltered North Vietnamese troops and civilians during the war. Remarkably preserved, these tunnels offer a powerful glimpse into the past. After exploring, continue your ride south, crossing the Bien Hai River, once the historic divide between North and South Vietnam, and onward to the Thach Han River. Here, you'll board a van for a 90-minute transfer to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Rich in history and culture, Hue invites you to slow down and explore its timeless charm. You’ll stay here for the next two nights.
- 43.5 miles
- 52.5 ft
1,233.6 ft
1,181.1 ft - Emm Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Hue Loop
Hue’s rich and layered history sets the stage for today’s bike ride, which begins just outside the city centre. You’ll pedal across bridges, follow peaceful lanes through shaded woodlands and along winding streams, and even cross a section of the Perfume River aboard a traditional “dragon boat,” named for its vibrant, dragon-shaped prow. Along the way, step into the grand tomb of Emperor Minh Mang—an elaborate afterlife palace nestled in tranquil surroundings—and visit the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, perched high above the riverbank. Later, your guide will lead you through Hue’s Forbidden City, the imperial complex built according to the Confucian ideals of the Nguyen Dynasty. The surrounding network of moats alone is a marvel of ancient engineering. As evening falls, savour a dinner of local delicacies and enjoy the festive atmosphere along the lively riverfront promenades.
- 21.1 miles
- -9.8 ft
462.6 ft
472.4 ft - Emm Hotel
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 5Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Start your day with a peaceful stroll along the waterfront before transferring 45 minutes south to the “Ghost City”—a striking coastal district filled with elaborate mausoleums built by local families, often funded by remittances from overseas Vietnamese. These ornate ancestral tombs stretch across the landscape, creating a surreal and unforgettable sight. From here, hop on your bike and ride along a coastal seawall with waves crashing beside you. You'll reach Vietnam’s largest lagoon, where you’ll witness local communities harvesting oysters, shrimp, and fish using traditional methods. A couple of short climbs warm you up for the highlight of the day: the legendary Hai Van Pass. This iconic mountain road winds up and over a dramatic ridge that juts into the sea, offering sweeping views of the coastline, sandy beaches, and the skyline of Da Nang. After your descent, you’ll transfer 90 minutes to the beautifully preserved town of Hoi An, where you’ll spend the next two nights soaking in its charm and history.
- 51 miles
- -23 ft
2,647.6 ft
2,670.6 ft - La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Hoi An - My Son
This morning, you can choose to rest your legs and take your time exploring the charm of Hoi An. Wander through lively markets, browse tailor shops, and discover local handicrafts. Once a major port along the Maritime Silk Road, Hoi An reflects centuries of global influence—from Japanese bridges to Chinese temples and French colonial architecture. There's no shortage of sights to explore!
If you're up for more cycling, you also have the option to ride from Hoi An to My Son, the former capital of the Cham civilization. This ancient Hindu kingdom ruled the region until around 500 years ago. Though some temples were damaged during the war, many remain standing, with intricate carvings and statues still intact. After lunch, you’ll explore the archaeological site on foot, before transferring just over an hour back to Hoi An by van. This evening, savour a flavourful dinner in the heart of the old town, surrounded by lantern-lit streets and riverside views.- 29.2 miles
- 95.1 ft
698.8 ft
603.7 ft - La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 7Hoi An - Tam Thanh - Quang Ngai
In the morning, you’ll leave Hoi An and ride across the Cua Dai Bridge, high above the Thu Bon River, where sweeping views of the open ocean and the distant Cham Islands unfold before you. Your route takes you along quiet rural roads beside the river, where you'll pass friendly local farmers going about their day. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the village of Tam Thanh, where you can unwind on the beach and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Each morning, small fishing boats land their fresh catch here, which the hardworking local fishers bring straight to market.
Continuing south, you'll cross a couple of river mouths on local ferries, taking in the charm of these peaceful, tucked-away communities. After the ride, you’ll transfer for about 75 minutes to your hotel—the serene and comfortable Cocoland River Beach Resort & Spa, where the Phuoc Giang River meets the sea near Quang Ngai. It’s the ideal spot to relax and reflect on the day’s journey.- 50.3 miles
- 3.3 ft
1,315.6 ft
1,312.3 ft - Cocoland River Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Quang Ngai - Binh Duong - Quy Nhon
This morning, you'll take a 2.5-hour van transfer to reach quieter, scenic cycling roads farther south. Once on your bike, you’ll begin a varied ride that takes you through gently rolling coastal terrain, lush rice paddies, salt flats, bustling fishing villages, and over a few small mountain passes that lead to hidden beach communities. You'll finish the day’s picturesque ride near a wide river estuary, with views of the Quy Nhon skyline in the distance, before a short transfer brings you into the heart of the city.
Quy Nhon, once a wartime port and refuge for thousands fleeing rural bombings, has transformed into a vibrant central Vietnamese city while preserving its unique character. In the evening, take time to soak in the lively energy of the waterfront and side streets before sitting down to a well-deserved dinner at one of your guide’s favourite local spots.- 42.3 miles
- -26.2 ft
1,525.6 ft
1,551.8 ft - Anya Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Quy Nhon - Tuy Hoa
This morning, you’ll take a short transfer inland from Quy Nhon to a lush green valley teeming with life—water buffalo grazing, herons and ducks wading, goats roaming in herds, and locals casting lines into the clear river. Surrounded by rugged hills, this peaceful valley offers a refreshing contrast to the coastal roads of previous days. As you follow the river back toward the sea, you’ll ride along elevated paths cutting through rice fields, then feel the coastal breeze return as you cycle past wharves and seafood restaurants perched on a breezy headland. It’s the perfect spot to pause for refreshments and taste some of the day’s fresh catch.
As you approach Tuy Hoa, you can either hop in the van for a quick transfer into the city or choose to pedal the final stretch into the center. Your hotel is a sleek, modern retreat in tune with this fast-growing city. With its waterfront promenade lined with large-scale sculptures, buzzing bars, and lively cafés—all just a short walk away—you’ll easily soak in the vibrant, forward-looking spirit of Tuy Hoa.- 64 miles
- -118.1 ft
1,384.5 ft
1,502.6 ft - APEC Mandala Phu Yen
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 10Tuy Hoa - Nha Trang
Starting the day right from your hotel, you'll ride out of Tuy Hoa and blend into the morning rhythm of local life. After an easy warm-up on flat roads, the terrain begins to rise as you head toward Vung Ro Bay and take on the challenge of the scenic Ca Pass. Along the way, you'll spot hidden villages tucked into quiet coves and pass a 19th-century lighthouse standing guard over dramatic cliffs. This quiet stretch of coastline is one of the most breathtaking and varied sections in central Vietnam.
As you push through a series of climbs, you’ll stop for photos, a well-earned lunch, and some refreshing breaks before arriving at the palm-fringed Dai Lanh Beach. Here, you can cool off with a dip in the sea if you’d like. After the ride, settle in for a 2.5-hour transfer—perfect for a relaxing nap—as you head to Nha Trang. Your hotel is centrally located in this lively coastal city, a beloved holiday spot for many Vietnamese, known for its vibrant energy and beachside charm.- 36 miles
- -13.1 ft
2,053.8 ft
2,066.9 ft - Libra Hotel Nha Trang
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 11Nha Trang - Phan Rang
This morning, you’ll skip the busier roads with a 90-minute transfer south, arriving at another stunning stretch of seaside cycling. On one side, white sand beaches and turquoise waters stretch out before you; on the other, an arid, rocky landscape—the driest in Vietnam—adds dramatic contrast. Today’s ride will challenge your legs again, but the scenery more than rewards the effort. You’ll pass some of Vietnam’s few vineyards, thriving in this unique climate and terrain.
As you cycle through the protected coastal ecosystems of Nui Chua National Park, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife—this biodiverse area is home to sun bears, monkeys, turtles, countless bird species, and an incredible variety of plants. Exiting the park, you'll wind through a series of small villages before arriving at your resort, where a sparkling pool and beach views await. It’s the perfect place to unwind—rest your legs, sip a sundowner, and soak in the easygoing coastal vibe.- 37.9 miles
- -3.3 ft
2,660.8 ft
2,664 ft - Hoan My Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 12Phan Rang - Mui Ne
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the South China Sea—called the Eastern Sea in Vietnam—where early risers are treated to a stunning display of colour. After breakfast, you'll hop on your bike for a flat and scenic ride along Phan Rang Bay. About 10 kilometers in, you’ll join the Ninh Thuan Coast Road, a favourite among Vietnamese travellers for its sweeping ocean views and bursts of red from flamboyant flowers lining the route.
As you approach Ca Na, the landscape shifts dramatically, with vast salt flats stretching across the horizon. After stopping nearby for lunch, you’ll transfer just under an hour south to begin your afternoon ride. This section takes you through windswept dunes and groves of weathered pines, gradually transitioning to a surreal landscape of red stone sculpted into gullies by time and weather. Your day ends in Mui Ne, a laid-back beach town known for its surf culture and coastal charm—an ideal place to relax and soak in the easygoing spirit of southern Vietnam.- 57.8 miles
- 13.1 ft
2,841.2 ft
2,828.1 ft - Blue Ocean Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 13Mui Ne - Saigon
Spend the morning soaking up the sights and sounds of Mui Ne—its breezy coastline, local markets, and laid-back energy. Though it’s your final day of cycling, there’s still plenty of beautiful riding ahead. Setting off from the resort, you’ll wind your way toward Phan Thiet, a riverside town nestled between two waterways. From there, the route returns to the coast, bringing you to Ke Ga, a quiet seaside village perched on a wave-battered headland. Here, you'll stop for lunch and have the chance for one last dip in the sea.
Afterwards, you’ll head north through fields filled with neatly planted dragon fruit and other crops. Don’t be surprised if locals invite you to lend a hand during the harvest! As the scenery begins to shift toward the outskirts of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you'll hop in the van for a final 2.5-hour transfer into the heart of the metropolis. After settling into your hotel and freshening up, you’ll come together for a celebratory dinner in this electrifying city that pulses with energy—Saigon’s vibrant spirit is impossible to resist.- 51.6 miles
- 42.7 ft
1,683.1 ft
1,640.4 ft - Nhat Ha L'Opera
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 14Departure from Saigon