Get an in depth look into Vietnamese culture

Skip the busy highways and opt for peaceful riding in the villages

Have a taste of the ingredients which make up delicious Vietnamese food

Find out how the Vietnamese live on their side of the planet

See the ingenious ways that Vietnamese use their bike

Cycle the backroads which you'll be sharing with the locals

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 travelers ever do.

Category
Cultural & Historical
Type
Fully Guided
Duration
14 days
Culture Level
Adventurous
Skill Level
3 - Intermediate
Activity Level
3 - Active
Elevation
3 - Intermediate
Terrain
Coastal
Distance
561.7 miles
Avg. Daily Distance
42.3 miles

operated by

SpiceRoads Cycling

Best Price Guarantee

No booking or payment fees

Save $128 on your next booking

Book Nowfrom $4,268 USD

Loading tour details...

Quick Stats

Duration
14 days
Main Destination
Ho Chi Minh City
Distance
561.7 miles
Avg. Daily Distance
42.3 miles
Elevation
3 - Intermediate
Terrain
Coastal

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

Day 1Hanoi - Tam Coc
This morning, please head to your designated meeting point in central Hanoi. From here, you’ll transfer around 2 hours out to the rural area south of the city. After a briefing and bike fitting, you’ll begin your first bike ride by mid-morning.

Enter a surreal landscape of limestone mountains surrounded by rice fields and natural beauty. On the way, you’ll stop to explore winding caves and watch for wildlife in bamboo boats, then explore the site of Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu, founded more than 1,000 years ago, before the capital was moved to Hanoi. Later, you’ll finish your ride amid the striking rock formations and dazzling rice fields outside the town of Tam Coc.

This evening, enjoy the sunset over these unique surroundings with a drink on the terrace and a delicious dinner of North Vietnamese cuisine.
32.3 miles
-19.7 ft
1,246.7 ft
1,266.4 ft
Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort
Lunch and Dinner
Day 2Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong - Ninh Binh Overnight Train
Enjoy breakfast among the idyllic surroundings of Tam Coc, with the morning light dancing on the rice fields. Transfer one hour to Vietnam’s first national park, Cuc Phuong, consecrated by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962. The dense tract of mountainous jungle is still home to indigenous communities and is the habitat for many rare species. Visit the primate rescue centre, where rescued monkeys transition back into the wild, then cycle among the gigantic trees of the park, past prehistoric cave dwellings, and finally emerge to ride along dykes and farm roads once more.

You finish your ride in the town of Tam Diep and transfer 30 minutes to Ninh Binh City, where you’ll shower and change at a local hotel before dinner. In the evening, you head to the train station and board the sleeper train heading south. The north-south train line is a legacy of the French colonial era and is still a vital link holding disparate parts of the country together. This is a quintessentially Vietnamese experience!
28 miles
-1,046.6 ft
1,125.3 ft
2,171.9 ft
Reunification Express (overnight in 4 or 2 berth cabins)
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Elevation Profile
Day 3Dong Ha - Vinh Moc - Hue
Wake up in the early morning as the train rolls into Dong Ha. After breakfast, you transfer about one hour to the Vinh Moc Tunnels. These subterranean passages were built to sustain North Vietnamese troops on Con Co Island and remain authentic, unaltered from their original state.

After your visit, you cycle south along the coast, crossing the Bien Hai River, part of the historic dividing line between North and South Vietnam from 1954 and throughout the war. Continuing south, your ride ends at the historic citadel of Quang Tri. You then jump into the support vehicle for a 1.5-hour transfer further south to Hue, the former imperial capital.

Steeped in centuries of history, this city is a joy to explore. You’ll stay here for two nights.
31.7 miles
-85.3 ft
702.1 ft
787.4 ft
Emm Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4Hue Loop
This morning, you’re off for a spin through this atmospheric city and its surroundings, where monuments of the last dynasty of Vietnam surprise you as you wind your way through tree-lined lanes and elevated roads in the fertile rice paddies. You visit the grandiose tomb of a famous emperor (truly a palace for the afterlife), cross the beautiful Perfume River by small ferry, explore the 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda at its majestic vantage point over the river, and then arrive at the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This massive complex – a city within a city – was the political, cultural, and religious heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last royal family. After your exploration here and lunch, you have the rest of the day at your leisure. With a variety of dining options available in this popular city, dinner is on your own tonight.
16.2 miles

344.5 ft
344.5 ft
Emm Hotel
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
This morning, you transfer 45 minutes south and begin your ride by weaving through the uncanny “Ghost City,” made up of huge, remarkably ornate mausoleums to ancestors, many of which are funded with money sent home by Vietnamese expatriates living abroad. You then skirt along Vietnam’s largest network of lagoons – where locals raise an abundance of oysters and fish – before tackling the iconic Hai Van Pass, a flagship achievement for cyclists in Vietnam! On smooth tarmac, you ascend nearly 500 metres over 10 winding kilometres, taking in views of the blue South China Sea and headlands covered in jungle and sandy beaches. You’ll catch your breath at the top before enjoying the thrilling 10 km downhill ride into Da Nang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, where you load the bikes and drive around 1.5 hours to Hoi An, Vietnam’s darling UNESCO World Heritage-listed town.

Once a major maritime trading centre, Hoi An boasts beautifully preserved architecture with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and French influences. You spend two nights here.
52.2 miles
-26.2 ft
2,998.7 ft
3,024.9 ft
La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6Ride to My Son
This morning, you cycle directly from your hotel out of Hoi An on small village roads and then make your way up the Thu Bon River by roads and farm lanes. The ride is a fascinating immersion in the region’s ecosystem and surrounding agrarian economy, inextricably tied to the natural cycles of the tides, seasonal rains, and jungle flora.

Eventually, you arrive at My Son, the ancient capital of the Cham civilisation, which ruled this region until some 500 years ago. Although some of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, many remain, conveying the prosperity and artistry of the Champa Kingdom. You’ll have lunch before visiting the site on foot.

In the afternoon, you transfer by van just over one hour back to Hoi An. Dinner is on your own tonight, so get adventurous and try the delicious Vietnamese food Hoi An’s markets and riverside restaurants have to offer! Your guides will be happy to recommend some of their favorites.
29.2 miles
95.1 ft
744.8 ft
649.6 ft
La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7Hoi An - Tam Thanh - Quang Ngai
In the morning, you leave Hoi An and cross the Cua Dai Bridge, which spans high above the Thu Bon River, offering impressive views of the open ocean and the Cham Islands in the distance offshore. You enjoy a pleasant ride along quiet rural riverside roads, passing friendly local farmers, eventually reaching the village of Tam Thanh to enjoy the beach and a lunch of local seafood.

Every morning, small boats come ashore with their catch, which is brought directly to the local market by the hardworking local fishing community. You then continue south, crossing a couple of river mouths on local ferries and enjoying these secluded communities. After the ride, you transfer about 1.5 hours to the coast of Quang Ngai, where you spend the night at a beautiful waterfront resort.
44.1 miles
-9.8 ft
1,473.1 ft
1,482.9 ft
Cocoland River Beach Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8Quang Ngai - Quy Nhon
This morning, you transfer by van for 2.5 hours to reach ideal cycling roads further south. Hopping on your bikes, you begin a diverse ride through rolling coastline, rice paddy fields, salt-making flats, fishing villages, and a series of small passes that form natural gateways to isolated beach communities.

You end today’s beautiful bike ride beside a large river estuary, with a view of the Quy Nhon skyline, before taking a brief transfer to your hotel in the city center. During the war, Quy Nhon was a port and supply centre, and a refuge for thousands of Vietnamese fleeing the vicious bombing of the countryside. Today, it is a thriving Central Vietnamese city that has retained its distinctive character.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere along the waterfront and side streets before a well-earned dinner at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants!
42.3 miles
-13.1 ft
1,912.7 ft
1,925.9 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 color. 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 favorite among Vietnamese travelers 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
This morning, you can choose to further explore the vibrant streets, cafés, and cultural landmarks of Saigon, or make your way to the airport for your onward journey. If you need any help with travel plans or recommendations for your next destination, we’re here to assist!
37.3 miles
Breakfast