Vietnam cycling routes
One of the most important things to know about cycling in Vietnam is what to expect from the terrain. A lot of the cycling here is relatively flat, though there are some good climbs (always optional) such as those you find in the Central Highlands – the Bidoup-Nui Ba or Hai Van Passes being good examples. There is plenty of coastal riding; the resort town of Nha Trang is often used as a base to head out to smaller beaches and islands. Cycling through the Mekong Delta takes you into a wonderful watery world of floating houses, markets and rice paddies. And then there are the great cities of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi or Hoi An to explore, which may be flat in one respect, but in another, are totally effervescent.
Dalat & Central Highlands
1. Dalat & Central Highlands
Cycle up Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass through the Central Highlands which, settled by French colonisers to escape tropical heat, have a European alpine feel with pine forested hills, waterfalls and lakes. Then you turn a corner into a world of coffee and tea plantations. These fertile, misty landscapes have given Dalat the nickname ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and riding here feels wonderfully refreshing.
Ho Chi Minh City
2. Ho Chi Minh City
Cycle tours often start or end in Ho Chi Minh and there is nothing like negotiating this city on a bike. In many places, it’s still very respectful of traditional two-wheeled travellers, with whole lanes and roads dedicated to bikes. You can easily cycle to the Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum, Taoist temples and artisan workshops, and reward your exertions with amazing street food.
Hoi An
3. Hoi An
Hoi An is a magnificent city, and a lot less manic than others. It retains a deeply traditional feel with its car-free streets in the old town, crumbling colonial architecture, and studios for artists and artisans. If you want to escape the city, cycle out to Cua Dai or China beaches or into the Marble Mountains, with fascinating caves used as Buddhist sanctuaries. And, less serenely, by the Vietcong.
Hue
4. Hue
Hue is the midway point along the famous Reunification Express, which allows cyclists to explore both north and south Vietnam. This fascinating city is the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty where you can visit emperors’ tombs, an ancient citadel with Mandarins’ palaces, as well as the remains of the Forbidden Purple City – emperors, eunuchs and concubines only need apply.
Mekong Delta
5. Mekong Delta
Cycling through this vast coastal landscape at the very foot of Vietnam is a highlight for many. You can roam water-dwelling communities, browse the floating markets of Mai Tho and Cai Rang, eat or get a massage in Ben Tre market, or pedal around paddy fields while sampling the produce of the nearby rice, fruit and honey harvesters.
Nha Trang
6. Nha Trang
Often a relaxation stop on Vietnam cycling holidays, Nha Trang is soft sandy beach territory with coral reefs, islands, restorative hot springs and mud baths and sublime seafood. The main beach isn’t great, but there are many more stretching out along the coast, and this is the launch point for trips out to islands such as Hon Ong or Whale Island for a bit of saddle-free bliss on the sands.
Vietnam cycling travel advice
Brett Seychell from our leading Vietnam cycling holiday supplier, Social Cycles, shares some advice:
Discovering Vietnamese culture
“The Mekong Delta is a labyrinth of canals and rivers, twisting and turning through remote villages to enjoy on your bike. It's an incredible variety of terrain and a photogenic paradise. Ride the journey, not the destination. Want to dive deeper than museums and monuments? Engage with local experts and discuss local issues in the world of social impact within Vietnam. Scratching the surface has never been so rewarding.”
What to eat
“Eat everything. Food is what makes Vietnam so incredible and the best food is from the street. Forget fancy restaurants trying their take on what the street delivers. Go to the local traditional experts, get down low on those tiny red chairs and indulge!”
When to go
“Different times of year bring with them different experiences. The rainy season brings beautiful green landscapes, the dry season brings slightly cooler weather, but more tourists. It's always a good time to go, just adjust your expectations accordingly.”
Danh Nguyen, tour leader with our leading Vietnam cycling holidays supplier, Exodus, on how to barter: “In Vietnam any problem can be solved by being happy and smiling. So on the first day I always teach the group ‘oi choi oi!’, which is like ‘Oh my God!’ Whenever they go to buy something, I tell my group – you don’t ask for a discount but you just say ‘oi choi oi’ – ‘oh my God, too expensive!’ And you look happy, smiling and they can give you a good price!”
Andy Ross, Cycling Manager at our supplier, Exodus, shares some fitness advice: "Do as much training as possible beforehand as the fitter you are the more you can relax during the trip and properly appreciate the experience and where you are cycling. That said, always avoid the temptation to be competitive on the trip. Someone will always be the slowest rider and it really doesn’t matter if that is you. A good cycling holiday will have always been designed to allow enough time for most people to complete the rides each day."
Danh Nguyen, tour leader with our leading Vietnam cycling holidays supplier, Exodus, on how to barter: “In Vietnam any problem can be solved by being happy and smiling. So on the first day I always teach the group ‘oi choi oi!’, which is like ‘Oh my God!’ Whenever they go to buy something, I tell my group – you don’t ask for a discount but you just say ‘oi choi oi’ – ‘oh my God, too expensive!’ And you look happy, smiling and they can give you a good price!”
Andy Ross, Cycling Manager at our supplier, Exodus, shares some fitness advice: "Do as much training as possible beforehand as the fitter you are the more you can relax during the trip and properly appreciate the experience and where you are cycling. That said, always avoid the temptation to be competitive on the trip. Someone will always be the slowest rider and it really doesn’t matter if that is you. A good cycling holiday will have always been designed to allow enough time for most people to complete the rides each day."
Danh Nguyen, tour leader with our leading Vietnam cycling holidays supplier, Exodus, on how to barter: “In Vietnam any problem can be solved by being happy and smiling. So on the first day I always teach the group ‘oi choi oi!’, which is like ‘Oh my God!’ Whenever they go to buy something, I tell my group – you don’t ask for a discount but you just say ‘oi choi oi’ – ‘oh my God, too expensive!’ And you look happy, smiling and they can give you a good price!”
Andy Ross, Cycling Manager at our supplier, Exodus, shares some fitness advice:
"Do as much training as possible beforehand as the fitter you are the more you can relax during the trip and properly appreciate the experience and where you are cycling. That said, always avoid the temptation to be competitive on the trip. Someone will always be the slowest rider and it really doesn’t matter if that is you. A good cycling holiday will have always been designed to allow enough time for most people to complete the rides each day."
"Do as much training as possible beforehand as the fitter you are the more you can relax during the trip and properly appreciate the experience and where you are cycling. That said, always avoid the temptation to be competitive on the trip. Someone will always be the slowest rider and it really doesn’t matter if that is you. A good cycling holiday will have always been designed to allow enough time for most people to complete the rides each day."
Vietnam small group cycling holiday
The best of Vietnam on two wheels
From
£2695 to £4295
16 days
inc UK flights
Cambodia & Vietnam community cycling holiday
Explore Phnom Penh to Saigon and everything in between
From
AU $2790
12 days
ex flights
Vietnam cycling holiday, small group
Spectacular cycle tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
From
£1492 to £2065
15 days
ex flights
Cycle Vietnam and Laos, Hanoi to Vietiane
Cycle Vientiane to Hanoi in this epic S E Asian adventure!
From
AU $4450
18 days
ex flights
Mekong Delta cycling tours, 3 days
Experience Mekong river life
From
US $455 to US $594
3 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Vietnam cycling or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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Vietnam cycling travellers advice
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tour with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to do.
We have selected some of the most useful Albania cycling travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Albania cycling travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your suitcase.
Don't be put off if you are travelling on your own, you will be sharing this wonderful adventure with a group of great, like-minded people…This was, without doubt, the most memorable and wonderful small group holiday I have been on.![]()
– Ali Kenny
“Don't take any energy bars, the support truck carries fresh fruit, nuts and snacks. You need to be fairly fit for this trip so if you haven't cycled for a long time. Get out on your bike for at least six rides of about 20-30km to strengthen your legs. Definitely take a padded saddle cover, a few people who didn't suffered from saddle chafing.” – Cath Lysley
“My husband and I cycle regularly (road bikes) so didn’t have too much trouble completing the long days in the saddle but we appreciated borrowing paddle seat covers towards the end. Warm temperatures and high humidity some days made it challenging for those not acclimatised or less fit. Be mindful of staying hydrated, we used sports rehydration tablets regularly, so remember to pack them as they were not really available to buy (only rehydration sachets from the pharmacy). Also read up on the history of the region to fully appreciate the challenges communities have faced in the past and how those challenges impact moving forward.” – Fiona Brenninkmeijer
“Use thin lightweight, breathable fabrics that are short and long sleeve. They can easily be hand-washed. Some cycling tops are ideal as they provide useful pockets. A bag you can easily attach/detach from a bike is useful. It's too hot for a rucksack! A breathable baseball cap with a piece of cloth sewn on the back to cover your neck is a useful piece of kit. As is a small piece of cloth to mop one’s brow. Use short fingered padded gloves, and well vented footwear.” – Mark Woolner
“My husband and I cycle regularly (road bikes) so didn’t have too much trouble completing the long days in the saddle but we appreciated borrowing paddle seat covers towards the end. Warm temperatures and high humidity some days made it challenging for those not acclimatised or less fit. Be mindful of staying hydrated, we used sports rehydration tablets regularly, so remember to pack them as they were not really available to buy (only rehydration sachets from the pharmacy). Also read up on the history of the region to fully appreciate the challenges communities have faced in the past and how those challenges impact moving forward.” – Fiona Brenninkmeijer
“Use thin lightweight, breathable fabrics that are short and long sleeve. They can easily be hand-washed. Some cycling tops are ideal as they provide useful pockets. A bag you can easily attach/detach from a bike is useful. It's too hot for a rucksack! A breathable baseball cap with a piece of cloth sewn on the back to cover your neck is a useful piece of kit. As is a small piece of cloth to mop one’s brow. Use short fingered padded gloves, and well vented footwear.” – Mark Woolner
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