Experience The Real Vietnam
Between the contrasting cosmopolitan cities of Saigon and Hanoi, Vietnam boasts spectacular beaches, forest dappled mountains and a wealth of modern and ancient history.
Our cycling adventure begins in the vibrant city of Saigon, better known as Ho Chi Minh City.
Despite the vibrant bustle, Saigon’s timeless temples sit peacefully amongst modern architecture and traditional street vendors.
Heading out of the city we visit the famous ‘Cu-Chi Tunnels’, where the North Vietnam Army resided in a subterranean world, tormenting their enemies for many years.
The following day we take a short domestic flight to the charming hill town of Dalat. Over the next two days we seek out quiet country lanes and tackle the Hon Giao Pass (2062m) before enjoying a rest day on the soft sands of Nha Trang Bay, famous for its junk boat journeys. Combining a balance of private vehicle transfers and cycling, we continue northwards as we ride through friendly Viet villages and take in stunning coastal views.
Highlight of the Trip
All you can taste in Vietnam Cycling adventures.
Day 1: Saigon Arrival.
Upon your arrival in Saigon City, pick up by Countryside Adventures guide and transfer to your hotel.
In the late afternoon, we meet our guide and fellow group members for a briefing and having a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon City.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels
Morning short transfer out of the city to a peaceful countryside where we will cycle to the famous historical site ‘Cu-Chi Tunnels’, home for many years to the Southern Liberation Vietnam Army during the Vietnam War.
The tunnels provided the perfect underground world to evade enemy attacks.
Lunch en route after we visit the tunnel network.
Returning to Saigon by vehicle transfer, we enjoy another night in this superb city.
Cycling distance: Approx Ride Distance 35km.
Road Conditions: Flat, Countryside Roads
Day 3: Saigon flight Dalat
We take an early morning transfer for our short domestic flight to the highland town of Dalat! Also known as ‘Le Petit Paris’, due to its popularity during the French-Colonial period,
Dalat is a charming hill station with superb quiet country lanes and villages to explored by bike.
Riding from the airport to enjoy a spectacular view of its location 1,000 meters above sea level.
Cycling Distance 35 – 50km.
Road condition: Hilly
Day 4: Dalat – Nha Trang Beach City.
Our departure from Dalat begins with a gentle ride via the lakes of Xuan Huong through flower and fruit plantations.
Our destination today is the vibrant resort of Nha Trang, via the spectacular Hon Giao pass (2062M). Famed for its junk boats and turquoise waters Nha Trang ends our day with a touch of paradise!
Approx Ride Distance 100km.
Road Condition: Hilly, With up and down.
Day 5: Nha Trang relaxing day.
This free day at Vietnam’s popular coastal hang-out of Nha Trang is yours to recharge and relax! Kick back and chill out on the beach or take to the waters on a junk boat,
today you can do as little or as much activity as you want. overnight in Nha Trang
Day 6: Nha Trang – Tuy Hoa
From Nha Trang we cycle onwards to the traditional fishing village of Vung Ro and have time to make the most of the quiet Dai Lanh beach.
Our afternoon riding follows a beautiful rolling route through hillside villages and friendly encounters.
Approx Ride Distance 80km.
Day 7: Tuy Hoa – Quy Nhon
From Tuy Hoa we transfer to peaceful back roads, as we follow rail tracks through Viet settlements framed by classic views of terraced farms, pot-bellied pigs and the familiar sight of conical hats bobbing around in the distance.
Rounding the day off we finish at the lagoons and lakes of Quinhon.
Approx Ride Distance 65km.
Day 8: Quy Nhon – Quang Ngai
Riding the coastal road to the Tra O Lagoon, we cycle through the Bing Dinh province following quiet farmers’ lanes as we cycle from village to village.
After refueling with a traditional lunch we continue onwards to our accommodation at Quang Ngai for the night.
Approx Ride Distance 70km.
Day 9: Quang Ngai – Hoi An
This morning we take a guided tour of the nearby My Lai war memorial site.
Sadly one of the worst massacres of the Vietnam War, My Lai has become a poignant reminder in conveying the horrors of war.
After our tour, we transfer by private bus and start riding at Tam Ky as we pedal onto possibly the most charming coastal town in Vietnam, Hoi-An.
Approx Ride Distance 70km.
Day 10: Hoi An – My son Holyland
We leave the delights of Hoi-An and cycle west to the impressive archaeological site of My Son. Once the ancient center of the Cham civilization, this scenic ride to the ruins is just as impressive as the ruins themselves.
Returning to Hoi-An by private transfer, the evening is free to discover the historic UNESCO listed streets of Hoi An.
Ride Distance 54km.
Day 11: Hoi An – Hue Citadel
With our cycling legs in good shape, we tackle the historic Hai Van Pass. In years gone by, Hai Van was a natural division between the two kingdoms of Da Nang and Dai Viet.
As we take a steady cycle, our climb opens up to present us with spectacular views of the South China Sea. Having earned our descent, we head for the ancient attractions of Hue.
Ride Distance 100km.
Day 12: Hue countryside by bike
Cycling out to the banks of the Perfume River, we swap bikes for a boat ride enabling us to reach the best vantage points of this former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.
It’s the back to dry land as we ride back to Hue for a quick freshen before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Ninh Binh.
Approx Ride Distance 30km.
Day 13: Ninh Binh
Arriving in the buzz of the morning we refresh and refuel before cycling out into an incredible change of scenery.
Conical hats bob around rice paddies as stunning limestone towers make up the stunning Karst Mountain skyline.
Cycling onwards, we head for Vietnam’s largest nature reserve, Cuc Phoung National Park.
Approx Ride Distance 60km.
Day 14: Cuc Phuong national park
Covered in lush vegetation, Cuc Phoung is a unique cycling experience as we ride amongst some of Vietnam’s rarest plant and mammal life.
Beyond the biodiversity, we pass through traditional Muong village life with their picturesque stilted houses. We end the day with a short transfer to one of Vietnam’s major ports, Haiphong. Approx Ride Distance: 60km.
Day 15: Hai Phong – Cat Ba
After a short ferry hop to the rugged, jungle-clad island of Cat-Ba we start today’s ride on the island’s only road!
On this largest of Halong Bay islands, Cat Ba has an incredible wealth of biodiversity, including the endangered Cat Ba, Lungur monkey, and over 220 plant species. A day of paradise island riding! Approx Ride Distance 27km.
Day 16: Cat Ba
Our final ride leads us through the lanes of Cat Ba and onto the waterfront where we meet our cruise boat for the day.
Cruising amongst the limestone pinnacles of the UNESCO listed Halong Bay, is a superb finale to our Vietnamese cyclo-cultural experience!
Transferring to Hanoi in the late afternoon we enjoy a farewell dinner in Hanoi City. Approx Ride Distance 25km
Day 17: Home Onwards
Depending on your flight departure time, you may wish to explore Hanoi.
If you prefer, you may wish to book extra hotel nights. Countryside Adventures package services end after breakfast.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Saigon Arrival.
Upon your arrival in Saigon City, pick up by Countryside Adventures guide and transfer to your hotel.
In the late afternoon, we meet our guide and fellow group members for a briefing and having a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon City.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels
Morning short transfer out of the city to a peaceful countryside where we will cycle to the famous historical site ‘Cu-Chi Tunnels’, home for many years to the Southern Liberation Vietnam Army during the Vietnam War.
The tunnels provided the perfect underground world to evade enemy attacks.
Lunch en route after we visit the tunnel network.
Returning to Saigon by vehicle transfer, we enjoy another night in this superb city.
Cycling distance: Approx Ride Distance 35km.
Road Conditions: Flat, Countryside Roads
Day 3: Saigon flight Dalat
We take an early morning transfer for our short domestic flight to the highland town of Dalat! Also known as ‘Le Petit Paris’, due to its popularity during the French-Colonial period,
Dalat is a charming hill station with superb quiet country lanes and villages to explored by bike.
Riding from the airport to enjoy a spectacular view of its location 1,000 meters above sea level.
Cycling Distance 35 – 50km.
Road condition: Hilly
Day 4: Dalat – Nha Trang Beach City.
Our departure from Dalat begins with a gentle ride via the lakes of Xuan Huong through flower and fruit plantations.
Our destination today is the vibrant resort of Nha Trang, via the spectacular Hon Giao pass (2062M). Famed for its junk boats and turquoise waters Nha Trang ends our day with a touch of paradise!
Approx Ride Distance 100km.
Road Condition: Hilly, With up and down.
Day 5: Nha Trang relaxing day.
This free day at Vietnam’s popular coastal hang-out of Nha Trang is yours to recharge and relax! Kick back and chill out on the beach or take to the waters on a junk boat,
today you can do as little or as much activity as you want. overnight in Nha Trang
Day 6: Nha Trang – Tuy Hoa
From Nha Trang we cycle onwards to the traditional fishing village of Vung Ro and have time to make the most of the quiet Dai Lanh beach.
Our afternoon riding follows a beautiful rolling route through hillside villages and friendly encounters.
Approx Ride Distance 80km.
Day 7: Tuy Hoa – Quy Nhon
From Tuy Hoa we transfer to peaceful back roads, as we follow rail tracks through Viet settlements framed by classic views of terraced farms, pot-bellied pigs and the familiar sight of conical hats bobbing around in the distance.
Rounding the day off we finish at the lagoons and lakes of Quinhon.
Approx Ride Distance 65km.
Day 8: Quy Nhon – Quang Ngai
Riding the coastal road to the Tra O Lagoon, we cycle through the Bing Dinh province following quiet farmers’ lanes as we cycle from village to village.
After refueling with a traditional lunch we continue onwards to our accommodation at Quang Ngai for the night.
Approx Ride Distance 70km.
Day 9: Quang Ngai – Hoi An
This morning we take a guided tour of the nearby My Lai war memorial site.
Sadly one of the worst massacres of the Vietnam War, My Lai has become a poignant reminder in conveying the horrors of war.
After our tour, we transfer by private bus and start riding at Tam Ky as we pedal onto possibly the most charming coastal town in Vietnam, Hoi-An.
Approx Ride Distance 70km.
Day 10: Hoi An – My son Holyland
We leave the delights of Hoi-An and cycle west to the impressive archaeological site of My Son. Once the ancient center of the Cham civilization, this scenic ride to the ruins is just as impressive as the ruins themselves.
Returning to Hoi-An by private transfer, the evening is free to discover the historic UNESCO listed streets of Hoi An.
Ride Distance 54km.
Day 11: Hoi An – Hue Citadel
With our cycling legs in good shape, we tackle the historic Hai Van Pass. In years gone by, Hai Van was a natural division between the two kingdoms of Da Nang and Dai Viet.
As we take a steady cycle, our climb opens up to present us with spectacular views of the South China Sea. Having earned our descent, we head for the ancient attractions of Hue.
Ride Distance 100km.
Day 12: Hue countryside by bike
Cycling out to the banks of the Perfume River, we swap bikes for a boat ride enabling us to reach the best vantage points of this former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.
It’s the back to dry land as we ride back to Hue for a quick freshen before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Ninh Binh.
Approx Ride Distance 30km.
Day 13: Ninh Binh
Arriving in the buzz of the morning we refresh and refuel before cycling out into an incredible change of scenery.
Conical hats bob around rice paddies as stunning limestone towers make up the stunning Karst Mountain skyline.
Cycling onwards, we head for Vietnam’s largest nature reserve, Cuc Phoung National Park.
Approx Ride Distance 60km.
Day 14: Cuc Phuong national park
Covered in lush vegetation, Cuc Phoung is a unique cycling experience as we ride amongst some of Vietnam’s rarest plant and mammal life.
Beyond the biodiversity, we pass through traditional Muong village life with their picturesque stilted houses. We end the day with a short transfer to one of Vietnam’s major ports, Haiphong. Approx Ride Distance: 60km.
Day 15: Hai Phong – Cat Ba
After a short ferry hop to the rugged, jungle-clad island of Cat-Ba we start today’s ride on the island’s only road!
On this largest of Halong Bay islands, Cat Ba has an incredible wealth of biodiversity, including the endangered Cat Ba, Lungur monkey, and over 220 plant species. A day of paradise island riding! Approx Ride Distance 27km.
Day 16: Cat Ba
Our final ride leads us through the lanes of Cat Ba and onto the waterfront where we meet our cruise boat for the day.
Cruising amongst the limestone pinnacles of the UNESCO listed Halong Bay, is a superb finale to our Vietnamese cyclo-cultural experience!
Transferring to Hanoi in the late afternoon we enjoy a farewell dinner in Hanoi City. Approx Ride Distance 25km
Day 17: Home Onwards
Depending on your flight departure time, you may wish to explore Hanoi.
If you prefer, you may wish to book extra hotel nights. Countryside Adventures package services end after breakfast.
Countryside Adventures
Most of our accommodation are chosen as local places, home stay and nice resorts to make sure our guests will stay closely with the locals,thus will provide an inside of local life style and their cultures.
Local leaders at Countryside Adventures who all have strong passion in outdoor activities. Deep knowledge about History, culture and local cuisine. They know well and love their country are the most important to connect and happy to share with you all about whatever topics you may want to know.
We offer New Ford Transis which is comfortable for transportation and always available at your side in case you need to take a break during a ride.
For long cycling trip, we do provide a Truck for bikes and luggages.
We use Giant & Trek mountain bikes all size available at our bike store. Kids bikes are also provided. Please let us know your height on the time of tour booking and we will arrange proper bikes for you.
We do provide E-bike ( Trek/Giant) please let us know in advance.
We do provide light breakfast & Lunch for most of our day trip. As we want you to experience local food, therefore, most of our meal break is at super local restaurant with healthy and special local food of the area.
We do provide healthy local snacks and drinks during our outdoor activities. We buy all snacks & drinks along the way to support local community.
We focus one small group size of mimemum 02 and Maximum 10 guests to keep our trip quality and to make sure you will enjoy every mitune of the trip.
Departure: On your request.
Package cost per rider for Group size as bellow:
02 -04 Riders : US$ 2450 per person.
05 -08 Riders: US$ 2120 per person.
09 -12 Riders: US$ 1980 per person.
Road conditions: Most of roads from Dalat, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, QUang Ngai, Hoian, Hue are paved roads and coastaline with some passes,but not a big challenges.Total cycling distance for 12 days is around 550 km , as a group size from 02 -05 riders we will arrange 01 experienced cycle guides setting an even pace and stop often to visit points of interest and sample some of the local food. Our support vehicle follows close behind with plenty of refreshments. For a group size from 06 -12 riders, we will arrange 02 Cycling guides or 01 mechanic.
BIKING GRADE
Moderate Grade that means this tours involve in active, physical required activities up to 03 – 06 hours per days, under variable weather conditions or quick attitude changes. You should be in good level of fitness.
Who suits: Recommended for fit travelers
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances per day: cycle 40 – 55 miles (or 65 – 88km) most days
Pass: Hon Giao Pass is from Dalat to Nha Trang, Hai Van located between Hue – Danang which has 21Km long ( 496 meters = 1627fts above the sea level)
The bikes you will be riding are well-known such as Trek/ Giant or Cannondale makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 27- 29 speed gearing, Disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE BIKING DAYS
A typical biking day starts at about 7.30 am after breakfast. Lunchtimes can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5:00pm. During the biking we will have short breaks for rest, snack and photographing.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH?
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
The weather in Vietnam is split into two distinct weather patters Tropical and a temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South temperatues can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietname has 2 distincted seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 season with distinct difference between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemon grass, mint and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger and lime juice. There are a numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit (bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
HOTELS AND HOMESTAY
In big towns we use the finest 3-star with center location. Please contact us if you prefer higher hotel category. In remote areas we use the best hotels or guest houses available.
Homestay in villages is basic in term of bedding condition and amenities. We will sleep on bed or floor with mattress, clean sheet, pillows and mosquito nets. Toilet is usually western style.
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team