Cycling Vietnam

Another exciting adventure with [the tour operator]. Our trip was at the end of April/beginning of May and it was very hot !!!! I'm told June/July is even hotter. Phew !!!! Despite this I loved every minute of it. It was a very busy trip but extremely well organized. I very much liked the additional drink stops as it was so very hot. Home made chilled lime was just the thing. I also very much liked Lam pre-booking the meals and us all going together. He found some wonderful places and we had delicious fresh food. There just isn't time to find somewhere yourself. This really worked well. We were lucky to be with a super group of people. Everyone happy and smiling and enjoying every moment..................well................except a few of the group who did get a bit sore. Please do get yourself some chamois butter and padded pants. It works a treat. It worked well having all the cycling in the beginning. The train was much better than I had expected and I slept like a log !!! Whale Island and Halong Bay were real treats and I would have loved more time there. But, overall, the trip was perfect for timing as it kept us within the 15 day Visa limit and we saw and did so much. Despite being informed in writing by [the tour operator] that our big holdalls/suitcase stays with us all the time......this was not the case. You do need to have a rucksack or flat pack bag big enough for the one and two night stays (Whale Island and Halong Bay). In fact......it works very well to just take small luggage. Much easier to do once you get your head around it. I found the cycling easy compared with other trips I've done but I do feel it is right to be called a Level 3. Everyone cycles slightly differently and there is always a bit of a mix of abilities........which makes for a good group cycle I think.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved feeling at one with the rural landscape and the villages............although it was exciting to see the hustle and bustle of the cities too.........especially with all their motor scooters. I love their driving system and felt very comfortable when cycling amidst it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Lam. Well......what can I say.......such a lovely young man and always happy and smiling. He is the most organized leader I have come across but at no time did you feel you were being organized. He and his crew looked after us extremely well. He anticipated everything and made us feel special. Not always easy to do when you have one group after another after another. I do hope he wins Leader of the Year. He deserves it.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Do go. It's such fun..............and what an experience !!

We have just returned from the Cycle Vietnam holiday and had a wonderful time. We were slightly apprehensive having never done a group holiday or cycling holiday before, and I was worried that we might not be able to keep up. However, the tour was so well planned and organized that we were fine. The tour is graded a 3, and that felt right to us. It was challenging at times to us as recreational, 50 something cyclists, but not impossible. Our group consisted of 12 people - two couples, 4 lone men and 4 lone women, and that worked really well. We all got on and had a great time together. Our tour leader, Son, was incredible. He ensured we all had a good time and kept reminding us that we were on holiday and there to enjoy ourselves. He also arranged stops for us in little out-of-the-way places, which we would never have seen otherwise. The heat was gruelling - high 30s but with humidity it felt like low 40s. Someone in our group was from Puerto Rico and he found it too hot, so it wasn't just us Brits! The support truck and bus were there is you needed it - some people chose to only cycle in the morning and get on the bus for the afternoons, and that was fine. The only time I had to give up was on a 10km climb where the heat got to me after 8kms. I was picked up by the support truck which was always there if needed. Also, although the bus usually met us every 20kms with water and fresh lemon juice, on very hot uphills the stops were 10kms apart and at one point 5kms. Cycling through the small hill villages is incredible, all the children shout out to you and some of them want to touch you. Everyone was amazingly friendly. Our only regret is that it was often quite difficult to stop to take photos. As well as the cycling itself, we got to go snorkeling on Whale Island which was lovely. There is no air conditioning in Whale Island so be prepared for hot nights there. However it was stunning. Snorkels and flippers are provided but my husband took his own snorkel and mask. The trip to Halong Bay was also incredible, staying out on the boat overnight under a full moon took some beating. Our group had the boat to ourselves, and the staff on board couldn't have been more helpful. They also made great cocktails! I hadn't realized before we got there that you're not allowed to swim there, which I was a bit disappointed about until I saw the size of the jellyfish and then was relieved! We kayaked in the bay which was really good fun.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was all amazing but for me, the ability to cycle in areas we would never have gone to on a bus or car trip was so special, coupled with the friendliness of the people
What did you think of your group leader?
Son was incredible, as were the support team. He spent time encouraging us, telling us the history of Vietnam, negotiating for us with local people, and showing us the hidden side of Vietnam. He was also brilliant about sorting out things like getting our laundry done locally rather than using the hotel laundry, and arranging for us to order pizza delivered to the train for the overnight journey
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Be prepared for the humidity. It hadn't occurred to me that on non-cycling days we might get through 3 changes of clothes in a few hours! Don't eat the food on the overnight train. As well as it not looking very appetising you have to go to the dining car which is the only place on the train where smoking is allowed. It's not pleasant!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would thoroughly recommend this trip if you are a competent cyclist, you don't have to be amazing but you probably do need to have a fair level of fitness.

This has to be a trip of a lifetime. Cycling through a country that is unspoiled, dramatic countryside, mountains, lakes, coast, busy, manic towns and cities where the traffic stops for no-one. It is a country like no other and needs to be experienced to be believed. Be prepared to never come up for air. The people are so friendly and helpful and the food so delicious. Our group bonded well which made for the trip and our support team looked after us well.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting Whale Island and being blown away by its remoteness and uniqueness Cycling up the Hai Van Pass. Cycling 30km down a mountain pass where the temperature ranged from feeling like being in a fridge to feeling like being in a sauna. Finally, Halong Bay Cruise. Cycling through the craziness and mayhem of towns and cities but being expertly guided through safely.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tong was good fun, very knowledgeable and knew his stuff. He was also very fit and cracked the whip every day. He was also very motivating and inspirational and kept us on our toes. He also looked after our health and safety implicitly.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Be prepared for long days in the saddle, intense heat and to get very sweaty. Please try and get fit before you travel as it would be a shame to miss even 1 hour of cycling. The scenery is so varied, the towns are manically busy so be prepared for some hairy moments but the guides ensure you are safely taken through the craziness of it all. It has to be seen to be believed.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You will not be disappointed with this trip if you go with eyes wide open. It certainly exceeded my expectations. I didn’t expect the cycling to be so difficult and I am a fit person so it helps to even do some cycling before you go. Be prepared to see a lot of rubbish as the country doesn’t seem to have got its head around recycling yet and it’s a shame to see the countryside and coastal areas littered with rubbish. However, that is a minor criticism in what is a beautiful country. My memories will live with me forever from this trip.

This was a brilliant holiday which exceeded all my expectations. So well looked after by our leader, Toan Dao, this was a chance to see the real Vietnam. There were so many other activities included in the trip as well as the cycling and the accommodation was faultless. Great group of fellow travelers who felt like old friends by the end of the trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling the Hai Van pass
What did you think of your group leader?
Brilliant !
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Just book it. You won't be disappointed.

This is a great cycling adventure and a wonderful way to visit Vietnam! In addition to cycling through beautiful cities, villages, mountains and ocean landscapes, other memorable experiences included a wonderful relaxing overnight on Whale Island eco-lodge, overnight on a sleeper train, cruise and kayak in scenic Ha long Bay. Our enthusiastic tour leader Tung did an excellent job leading and keeping our group safe. I appreciated all the behind the scene logistics traveling from Saigon to Hanoi and seamless coordination of all activities on the tour. The support team driver Nhan and mechanic Trieu also did a fantastic job keeping us hydrated and fueled with fresh fruits and local snacks. We had a fantastic group of cyclists that made the trip even more enjoyable. The Vietnamese people were very friendly and inviting.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling Hoi Van Pass. Visiting the beautiful city of Hoi An. Cruising and kayak on Halong Bay. Island stay at an eco-lodge.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tung was excellent. He kept the group safe and took great care of accommodating everyones need. He prepped us well with the days activities. It was also nice he shared his personal history and experiences with our group.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Would totally recommend the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Not only did our mechanic Trieu help support the maintenance of our bikes, but he did an excellent job taking care of our refueling needs. His friendliness, helpfulness (wetting our personal towels, filling our water bottles, ...) and pride in supporting our cycling group shined especially in the way he lined up our bikes in the beginning and end of the day as well as the rest stops. Impressive!!!

Our experience booking a trip with [the tour operator] was great. From the time of booking the trip to our return flight, after our trip, was working out perfectly. Thanks to a wonderful, amazing tour guide, mechanic, truck- and bus driver we had a well organized trip. Not once did we have to wait for a connection. The hotels were wonderful, the bikes we had, were in perfect shape and the mechanic, on a lay-over day, changed all our chains. Lunches we ate were supporting smaller restaurants in many rural settings. We highly recommend this trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
While riding along the street, many kids would come out of their houses and call out "hello"! Kids riding their bikes home from school would great us with a friendly "hello".
What did you think of your group leader?
Chi, our group leader, was amazing, helpful, genuine, caring, organized, engaging, knowledgeable, punctual and many more wonderful characteristics. He was not only a great group leader, but you could see that the support team (mechanic, bus driver and truck driver) respected him.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Do the ride from Saigon to Hanoi. Not the other way around

Other reviewers say it all, but i would add the following. What a great group we had, 10 Brits and 8 kiwis - as one of our number said, we quickly became like family. Our tour leader, Linh Vo was outstanding and was always working hard to keep us safe, fed and entertained, but it was his willingness to go above and beyond to help members of our group that had some serious challenges to deal with that marks him out as an exceptional tour leader. we were blessed with a superb support team (Y, Vu and Tanag - we salute you) and all four guys worked seamlessly to deliver a unique and truly memorable experience. Vietnam is wonderful - the people, the food, the scenery and the traffic in Saigon !! But it was made 100# better because of what we learned and where Linh selected for us to eat some truly wonderful grub. We cant recommend this highly enough - quite simply the best holiday we have ever had and a list or fabulous memories too long to list here. Thanks to our wonderful group, to Linh and his team and to Exodus for creating life long memories
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
30k downhill from Dalat and then 10k up the Hai Van pass a couple, of days later. Oh yes, and whale Island of course - fabulous
What did you think of your group leader?
Exceptional - a truly superb ambassador for his country
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Just do it - live the moment, live every single experience, savor the food, meet the friendly, warm and welcoming people and remember - the safest way to cross the road in Saigon is to just walk slowly across and keeping your fingers crossed and your eyes closed :-)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you - we want to do it all again

This was a fantastic cycling holiday and excellent way to see a good part of Vietnam and experience its culture from the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, to historical cities such as Hoi An and Hue, as well as local villages and varying countryside. The trip is well balanced between biking (8 of 14 days), other activities (i.e. exploring the Cu Chi tunnels, caving, snorkeling, touring historic sites, shopping, etc.) and rest days at some idyllic locations (Whale Island, Ha Long Bay). The biking is rated as moderate and geared for biking enthusiasts or generally fit people as its mostly flat, some undulating sections, some "upulating" sections as our guide liked to characterize the predominantly uphill sections, a few tough climbs and a couple of super fun descents! The first few days on cycling is outside Ho Chi Minh, a bit busy and not too interesting (although the destinations were great). Thereafter the cycling becomes much more interesting and really fun! The trip is extremely well organized - I can't say enough good things about our guide Son and the rest of the team. Our group of 17 was diverse but bonded quickly, were very supportive of one another (even to those who spread the Canadian cold around...) and enjoyed a lot of laughs and Tiger beer together, and even some singalongs with "Kennaoke" and his ukulele! The food and accommodation exceeded our expectations, and the Vietnamese people are extremely friendly and hospitable. Fantastic trip, don't hesitate to do this one!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Biking, its a toss up between the joy of the 5000 foot descent from Dalat and the 2000 foot climb of the Hai Van Pass (wasn't smiling nearing as much but great sense of accomplishment). Culturally, riding through the countryside with its lush rice paddies, water buffalo, hard working locals and many friendly children saying "hello" as you passed.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Son, was awesome. Well organized, very informative on Vietnamese history, culture and the environment (kudos here), communication skills were excellent (more understandable than most Brits...yikes, going to be in trouble for that comment!), very safety conscious, enthusiastic and encouraging, and able to keep the group focused and on schedule. Son and his family hosted dinner on the final evening of the trip, everyone from our group attended, and it was a magical evening, amazing food, lots of shared memories, laughs and hugs! The entire team supporting Son was also excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
1. Do some training beforehand, you'll enjoy the rides more and you'll want to experience the satisfaction of climbing the Hai Van pass. 2. Try all the food, its mostly great, just beware of the little red chilies! 3. Be prepared to barter in the markets and recognize you are getting fake products (make good gifts!) 4. Don't drink the water, stick to beer! Tiger is "go to" beer but the rest are good too, and inexpensive! 5. Buy some tailor made clothing in Hoi An at Yaly's or another reputable place. Its great quality, good value. I bought a number of Egyptian cotton dress shirts (and promptly threw out my older off the shelf ones when I got home) and my wife bought a few jumpsuits that she is eagerly waiting to display once the snow melts!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
First trip with [the tour operator] very impressed, highly highly recommended!

A great trip really well organized from start to finish, fantastic to see so many places in one holiday.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a doubt the people of Vietnam, fantastic people
What did you think of your group leader?
An excellent group leader who kept everything together and on time. Great knowledge of Vietnam and its history a really interesting man with a good sense of humor.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Get some practice in and take Cycling padded pants. Get your drinks before you get on the overnight train as they ran out of beer very quickly.

This holiday was the most fantastic holiday I have ever been on. Every day was a challenge that was broken down into small sections so it was possible to complete. The route was so exciting, the lunch stops were fantastic, really delicious food. The hotels were such a treat at the end of the day after a hard days cycling. Our tour guide Tung was the best and his crew were fun and so encouraging. Vietnam is a beautiful country and biking is a fantastic way to see it. The train ride was really different and such a great experience.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Completing 100k in one day with a fantastic group in the most sensational scenery. Conoeing in Halong Bay, stunning. Swimming and snorkling on an eco island
What did you think of your group leader?
Tung gave us excellent historical And political context. He was so knowledgeable about the area. He was great fun and a GREAT GUIDE.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
The people were so respectful to us as travelers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go for it, enjoy every experience.

Overall a fantastic trip. Lucky with the group members and Son the leader and his team. Vietnam is wonderful... the people, the food and the countryside. A bonus being it is very cheap!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Moments! The children shouting "Hallo" formed the sound backdrop to the trip. Add to that the food in the local restaurants (we are veggies and were catered for exceptionally well).
What did you think of your group leader?
Could not praise Son enough. His gentle but firm organization, sense of humor and unshakeable positive outlook. Also his explainations about the culture and the economy. Lastly his enviromental concerns.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Go!!! But, do some riding first to make it more enjoyable.

This was a very well-run tour which, because of the daily combination of medium-to-long bike rides and substantial bus rides, requires a fair amount of coordination. Since a bus was required, it was a simple matter for those not up to the full day’s ride to spend part of it on the bus. It was quite a treat to have a guide, a mechanic riding the tail end, a bus driver and a truck driver. They were a great team and didn’t miss a step. A particular mention must be made of the team leader, Son Nguyen, who ran things with a firm hand without being overbearing. Guiding a group of Western cyclists through the chaotic traffic of Vietnam, with its swarms of scooters going in every direction, is not for the faint of heart. He was on top of every detail. For example, one of us has an allergy to shellfish. He had this in hand before every meal, and she usually received her crustacean-and-mollusc-free dish right away, rather than having to chase it up. Lunch was typically a delicious bowl of pho in a small family restaurant. Restaurants and hotels were always ready for our arrival, and there were no problems or long waits for check-ins The tour itself is well structured, with a free day with no riding every four days or so. The riding portion started and ended outside the major towns and cities, where the traffic would have been insane. The hotels were much nicer than we expected, in the 3.5 to 4.5 star range. The rides ranged from 50 to 100 km per day and were not technically challenging. There are a few hills, and the one long climb up the Hai Van Pass is a 500+ meter climb over 10 kilometres. Everyone who attempted it crested the summit within an hour. However, it is humid and the temperature ranged from the high 20s to mid 30s. There were hourly stops for fruit and hydration, and we certainly used our bottles on the bikes. Expect to sweat out many liters over the course of a day’s ride. The Vietnamese are lovely and welcoming people. We have fond memories of many children waving and calling out “Hello!” as we rode past, often reaching out to snag high-fives. They also have a real interest in visitors, asking us where we came from, and giving us interesting insights into the country. This rapidly growing and modernizing country, however, has major problems with transportation and trash. There are millions of scooters and small trucks with little regard for the rules of the road, so one has to be alert. At least there are relatively few cars, which would make traffic much worse. Fortunately the truck or bus would go ahead and block traffic for our left turns and major intersections. There is a lot of air pollution because of the traffic, and a lot of scooter riders are wearing masks – not really an option for cyclists riding the distances we did in the heat and humidity.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The children calling out "Hello!"
What did you think of your group leader?
Superb. Son was very well organized and didn't miss a step.

MOV190303 on YouTube says it all. This beautiful video documenting our trip was produced by our lovely mechanic/wing man Y (EE) who worked so hard and supported us all the way and still somehow managed to produce this great video in time for us to watch it by the end of our trip. The tour went like clockwork under the excellent leadership of our tour leader Linh supported by Y and our excellent driver who all worked tirelessly to make our trip the success it was.. Our group numbered eighteen which was great and we all got along like family (a happy one that is). Some reviews say the tour is pretty intensive and I would go along with that but also say that it was intensively good. Plenty of great cycling including the challenge of Hai Van Pass (if I can do it, you can! Lowest gear, take your time, make a few stops to take photos, and get a cheer from your mates at the top). The Whale Island experience was wonderful with its great snorkeling as was the Halong Bay overnight with kayaking which I have not done before. I had a jacket and trousers made by Yaly in Hoi An and they were great. Even crossing the road in Saigon and Hanoi was an experience not to be missed! The hotels throughout were of a very high standard and Lihn always found us the best places to eat real, fantastic Vietnamese food. We were even very adequately re-fueled en route via a selection of fruits and bits and home made cold drink using our "snacks kitty"to very good effect. Such a beautiful country. So many lovely sights. So many new experiences. Such lovely food. Such lovely new friends. Truly a wonderful holiday.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of the Hai Van Pass was a high point (literally). A bit on the old side, I was tail end Charlie but to reach the top to the waiting, cheering crowd of our friends was like winning a stage of the "Tour" and something I'll always remember. Yes!
What did you think of your group leader?
Linh was great from start to finish. He is an intelligent, thinking man was extraordinarily informative on anything we asked him as well as delivering informative set-pieces as we traveled on the coach. Linh had a couple of extraordinary things to deal with in support of members of the group and dealt with these really efficiently.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Nowhere is the water safe. We use a Sawyer water filter which has kept us safe on three tours in countries where the water is not safe. It cuts down on plastic bottles and gives complete independence. Take a silk sleeping bag liner for the train overnight. The ones in the shops/market in Vietnam say 100% silk but of course they are not! "Life Venture" ones are! and they are good. Forget anything genuine in Vietnam, it's all fake. North Face knock-offs are everywhere. Check out scams and things to avoid in Vietnam on You Tube. Weasel coffee is not genuine unless you are paying 500 USD a bag! I doubt you find it anywhere anyway! Cycling, don't try to keep up with the fastest. Cycle at your own pace and enjoy it. The group is a family. Be prepared for early starts and full days. Be prepared for quite a few hours on the bus. The tour covers many hundreds of kilometres from Saigon to Hanoi and beyond so a certain amount of time on the bus is necessary and not entirely unenjoyable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This tour is a credit to [the tour operator]. It was so well organized throughout and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Excellent support team! Cannot day enough about how well cared for we were! Trip was well planned with great rest day accommodations. Loc was extremely knowledgeable and shared wonderful recommendations for both sightseeing and restaurant choices. Excellent trip!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the beauty in the simplicity of life all through the Vietnamese countryside.
What did you think of your group leader?
INCREDIBLE! Will miss his sensitivity, knowledge, wisdom and humor!!
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Just do it!!

We had such a great time. It was a perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, relaxing on the beach in a gorgeous country. Our guide Loc was awesome and really knew his stuff. If he wasn’t able to answer our questions on the spot he would find the answer and come back to whomever asked the question. We loved Whale island, Hoi An, Dalat (honeymoon city), and of course Halong Bay was unforgettable. The support for the trip couldn’t have been better. Anyone who couldn’t cycle the whole time could always hop on the bus, there was always lots of snacks for our frequent rest stops as well as a refreshing limeade to replace electrolytes. Our bus driver, truck driver, and mechanic were wonderful and lots of fun. We loved all the restaurants and local family dinners that we had. The only negative things that I can say are: the 100 km day at 41 deg. C needed and extra stop for the last 20 k. Some people were out of water and exhausted with the heat. Also the train ride was great except that most of us didn’t sleep because we were so cold. Too much air conditioning or something. It probably isn’t possible to see so much of the country without as much bus ride but that was a little tiring, though the bus was very comfortable and lots of drinks and snacks on board. Loved, loved, loved the overall experience and recommend it to anyone..
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the children by the side of the road heartily greeting us as we went by.
What did you think of your group leader?
He (Loc) was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. Very attentive to our needs especially the last day when he personally escorted us to our taxi to the airport as the driver had to park blocks away because the roads were blocked off for the Trump/Kim Jon Yeung talks.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Take a warm blanket for the train. We froze. We found that a carryon and backpack was plenty for luggage for two weeks. We just washed things out at night if we needed to. It was a breeze at the airport this way. Take a GoPro camera for the snorkeling as well as for the spectacular views while cycling.

The tour leader Mr. Chii Nguyen was excellent. He communicated everything in advance of arrival at each new stop, whether it be a rest stop, a hotel, a train, a boat, a lunch. He responded to all questions about trip details, cultural awareness, vietnam history with a perfect understanding about the question being asked and the preconceived notions that we had about the topic. The cycling days were challenging but entirely doable.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Observing the work ethic of the Vietnam people. Observing how the Vietnamese appear to be fully aware of how other countries have treated them through various occupations, colonialism and war, but the absence of visible animosity. Children yelling "Hello!" in loud voices and perfect English, as we rode by.
What did you think of your group leader?
Perfect
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
I found that cycling in humid, 36 degree Celsius weather to be a bit difficult. Next time I will go in January.

This was a very enjoyable although really quite intensive 2 week holiday with plenty of variety. We covered a long overall distance. The 484k of cycling was manageable with a couple of demanding days . The longest distance cycled in one day was 100k. Most of the cycling was on flattish roads though and only 8 of the 14 days were actually spent in the saddle. There was a lot to do and see. I loved the opportunities for swimming. Most hotels were varied and most had swimming pools. The icing on the cake for me was being able to go swimming in the sea, also the snorkeling and kayaking were great. The time we were there it was Tet, the Vietnamese Chinese New Year Celebration. This added to the atmosphere and vitality of the places we visited but also made the roads more congested. Most Vietnamese road users aren't used to dealing with cyclists. Our support team were very good at protecting us ... very necessary, especially in towns. The Vietnamese people were delightful and I loved Vietnamese food.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The day of the long climb up the hill I was one of the last to arrive at the top. Our leader and members the group congratulated me and took my photo as I finally got there.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tri our group leader was really excellent. His experience showed as he managed the expectations and the needs of our large tour group (18) with care, intelligence and humor. Tri is very fit. His knowledge and passionate about his home of Vietnam impressed and enthused us all.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Take a bag to attach to your bike. I took one which I strapped onto my handlebars. It was much better than having to wear a rucksack and my phone was always handy for taking photographs. I added 2 extra nights at each end of the holiday to enable me to have a good look around Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and I'm glad I did.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The bicycles were very good and well maintained. Our mechanic was always on hand if needed. The bikes would have benefited from being fitted with a bell.

This amazing trip has earnt its place as one of the top [tour operator] cycling adventures. In a fortnight you cover the whole country by bike, bus and train. We combined this trip with the Indochina and Angkor Wat trip so had already cycled from Bangkok to Saigon in the previous fortnight and were acclimatised to the time zone, heat and general chaos of the streets of south east Asia. its a shock to share the roads with so many motorbikes, cars, trucks and people but somehow everyone finds their place. Don't do this trip if you don't like traffic and are looking for peace and tranquillity. We had only a few cycling days through country backwaters but these were outstanding in their beauty. Mostly we cycled busy roads and at a pace which didn't allow for much contemplation. It's a fascinating itinerary with some fabulous stops along the way such as Whale Island, Hoi-An and Halong Bay. I recommend a few extra days in Saigon at the start and also Hanoi at the end as there is much to see and do in both cities. The bikes are mountain bikes so the mileage can seem long at times and the hills tough. That said, I never felt tempted by the bus until the very last day which I skipped to enjoy sightseeing in Hue without sweat. The hotels are all first class and the accommodation on Whale Island and Halong Bay very charming. The overnight train is an 'experience'. Food is fabulous of course and the cycle snacks really amazing especially the home made lemonade. No need to bring anything extra except maybe a bag of muesli (I am a gluten free person and was very well provided for with rice cakes, nuts and fruit at every stop). Our leader was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and great fun. He did push the pace above that stated in the trip notes but we all coped and enjoyed the challenges of the passes and the 'undulating' landscape. The history of Vietnam is gruesome and complex. Meeting the people now and seeing the progress is inspirational. Our photos are awesome and we are looking forward to booking our next adventure. Many thanks [tour operator] and Tri our leader, for this fabulous cycling holiday. We totally recommend putting the 2 trips together if you have the time and funds available. It's totally worth it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top of the high pass and then sailing down the other side
What did you think of your group leader?
Fantastic
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
No need to bring snacks along. Leave space in your suitcase for shopping. Think about getting a tailor made item or two in Hoi An.

I believe that for many people the Vietnam is totally different what they think. This happened with me. Vietnam was a bucolic place in my mind when in the reality is a place where people are in permanent movement across cities and small villages. There are amazing landscapes and warm receptions everywhere you arrive. Every second worth it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There are a lot of memorable moments during the trip. The down hill from Dalat and the happy new year in Hoi An were unforgettable. The landscape in Halong Bay is unic. Also, the interaction with the group and local team was perfect.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Chi Nguyen is a efficient and skillful professional. He was able to establish a high degree of interaction with the group and he has always paid close attention to necessities of each person.
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Enjoy the trip and interact with people and places.

What a trip! We cycled from Saigon to Hue in warm sunny weather with a fantastic Vietnamese Crew headed up by ‘Chi’ who not only looked after us but also imparted a wealth of information on his country along the way. Then via train and bus to Hanoi and Halong Bay. Hotels were excellent, roads were generally good, most of the riding was flat or gently undulating, with two days of more serious climbing and excellent descents. The food was tasty, plentiful and generally inexpensive and the fruit at roadside rest stops was varied and truly gorgeous. But the highlight was the lovely and friendly Vietnamese people who shout ‘Hello’ at you about 100 times a day as you cycle past (mainly children of course). Things to be aware of are the number of scooters - sometimes with families of 4 or even 5 riding together, the apparent lack of any road rules or enforcement, the number of horns being used (generally as a friendly warning it should be said) and finally the amount of general waste on the roadsides (and floating at Halong Bay). But to the Vietnamese who have suffered decades of strife and wars agains western colonial powers, this is seen as a temporary and low priority issue as they try to rebuild their country and improve the standard of living. Vietnam is a communist country but unlike Cuba commerce is encouraged and major investment is visible for all to see. This is a great trip - do it.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing my infrequent cycling wife of 62 climb up the Hai Van pass just behind men in their 50s. Personally Hoi An on New Years Eve was fantastic
What did you think of your group leader?
Chi really couldn’t have done anything better - capable, professional, knowledgable, humorous and an all round top bloke! All his recommended eating places were excellent too
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
Be aware of the minor negatives that you will experience in a developing country like Vietnam. And read up/watch documentaries about the Vietnam War. Check out weather profiles - we had hot, dry and sunny weather in late January/early February.

Cycling In Vietnam-12-26th January-Michael Barrett It was my first view of Asia,Ian and Sandra taught me how to walk across a street with a few hundred motorcycles hurtling towards us,a leap of faith I guess and I’m still standing as the song goes.An assortment of fellow travelers from Australia,America Puert Rico,Canada and the Uk assembled on the first night to express their hopes for the trip to our genial Vietnamese host LD who explained the ground rules and structure of the trip.My attention had been drawn by 2 friends who had completed the trip and my mind on Vietnam as a place was largely a blank canvas , I had been keen to avoid any programmes such as Top gear to prevent any Clarkson like judgements. Comfortable accommodation and a support crew of vehicles and guides explained how to operate our sturdy mountain bikes.New to this type of tour I was keen not to be left behind and set off with the same vigor as a young Wayne Rooney ,but the first day was reasonably easy , a chance to stretch and ease off the jet lag which didn’t thankfully afflict me.A trip to the Chui Chui tunnels was an early reminder of the war that had blighted this country in the 1950’s and 60’s with French and American bombardment of this strikingly beautiful country.Gliding through small villages we couldn’t help but notice the open hearted nature of the schoolchildren who hurtled hello’s with great excitement as our pelaton crossed their homes, The tunnels were a timely reminder of the resourcefulness of a guerrilla army faced with a mighty enemy ,but the difficulty with which I crawled down the tunnel after our Vietnamese guide made me thankful this was a holiday and not warfare as my chance of survival would have been below zero. The first few days were reasonably warm and the carefully arranged stops with the welcome site of our support buses and healthy sustenance from fruit and drinks enabled us to continue our progress from Saigon(Ho Che Minh) towards the eventual target of Hanoi.Evening meals were a chance to relax after a days cycling and mingle with a vast array of personalities all willing to engage .Any special events such as birthdays were accommodated, Whale island being a decent spot and even the loss of an iphone only served to show what a decent gang of people I was traveling with. As we traveled further north rain became part of our days and my bandana decided it was time to change my hair from blonde(maybe grey?) to purple much to the joy of my fellow cyclists .Even damp days were transformed by sun and lunch among local people that our guides arranged, eating great local food with local people was a personal highlight along with cycling off road among the rice fields and observing the marvellous flexibility and postures of women shaped by years of hard work(sorry, can’t stop thinking like a physiotherapist) I had trepidations as a single guy traveling but the nature of the group meant all characters were accommodated even people with my off the wall sense of humor.I guess the masochistic nature of cycling the beautiful Hoi van pass (we believe it is? ) in heavy rain and mist created a team ethos and a determination to finish which strips us all of cool and pretension.I even remember keeping pace with our Vietnamese guide a racing cyclist as my legs became more powerful and my clothes soaked in rain.I remember when he put the back burners on and had to stop when water buffaloes blocked our path, thank god for water buffaloes I said or maybe expletive deleted. On a long trip the guide needs to be able to raise flagging energy levels and the long night train journey from Hue to Hanoi was my first introduction to Kareoke and believe it or not gin and tonic.Thank you LD for your rendition of Delilah which will always remind me of Vietnam, and Katie Bush came from somewhere , and I even gave a fair rendition of the Mountains of Mourne or maybe not, and even some pogues, albeit with teeth Andrew . Well onto Hailoon bay a lovely tranquil place but the journey to it demonstrated a country in transition from a largely agrarian society to a more industrial society with its attendant effects on the environment.Hanoi appeared to be swathed in smog and I was thankful our trip had taken us through more idyllic unspoiled places.My last memory before the flight back was a taxi ride with a young man who seemed willing to take every available risk ,I decided it was best to shut my eyes and we arrived at departures thank god. Flashing memories of being hugged by a saleswoman in Hoi ann to try to effect a sale and the sight of disabled victims of agent orange ,could not counteract the positive energy gleaned by this journey of enlightenment through modern day Vietnam on a bicycle.My last day in Hanoi and a walk around the lake was welcomley(is there such a word?) interrupted by parents keen to get their young offspring talking English to me, their politeness and desire to learn truly humbling. I need to read up on this country . Thanks everyone for making this a memorable trip and I’ve booked my trip to Italy in May, so Ciao for Niao Mike
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many intertwine and built up as we took in the nature of the war and then observing the energy and optimism of the young children that welcomed us as we cycled through their villages.The importance of education was transparent when I was asked to speak English with young children in Hanoi by their parents
What did you think of your group leader?
excellant,
Do you have any advice for potential travelers?
bring some waterproofs and gloves and aerated cycling shoes are a good buy .