cycling hanoi to saigon

Here, you can start your Saigon cycling to Hanoi trip through dragon fruit and rubber plantations. Indulge yourself in the tranquil beaches and see the sunset by the sea. Day 3: Suoi Nhum - Ke Ga - Phan Thiet - Mui Ne Cycling Trip. Before setting off along the coast and on a new road, you will be served a brilliant meal in the resort. Cycling From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: 700km in 10 Days. 'And now, five kilometres of downhill!'. Finally. It'd been a slow crawl of a cycle up the 10% incline on the Hai Van Pass… for me anyway. Our group had made it to the top, to be greeted my cloud coverage, much to the chagrin of the couple attempting wedding photos up there. Day 1: HaNoi -Ngoc Lac: Dist 160 km, cycling +-120 km asphalt road . Transfer to Hadong- Xuan Mai , cycling to Ngoc Lac. Overnight in hotel at Ngoc Lac (B,L,D) Day 2: Ngoc Lac- Tan Ky :Dist 135km, cycling +- 130 km asphalt road. Ride on the newly built two lane Ho Chi Minh trails Highway there is very few traffic! Biking from Hanoi To Saigon -- Vietnam is a fascinating country with a distinctive culture and a long and extraordinary history. Although it is often remembered most for its wars, modern Vietnam has emerged as a proud nation with a people eager to show off the many aspects of their diverse land that make for memorable cycling tours in Vietnam… Melia Hanoi 2,731 reviews #125 of 1,315 hotels in Hanoi Review Save Share 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi 001235 Vietnam 011 44 20 3499 0981 Visit hotel website Check In — / — / — Check Out — / — / — Guests — Contact accommodation for availability. There are similar hotels available. View all View all photos (1,544) Traveller (1164) 360. mimpi ketemu ayah yang sudah meninggal togel 4d. Biking and cycling tour Hanoi Saigon Biking down vietnam the stunning coastline of southerm Vietnam past turquoise bays, white beaches and palm tree-lined rice fields. Explore the majestic Royal Tombs of Hue and ascend the Hai Van Cloud Pass for vast views of tropical mountains falling into the sea. Biking vietnam holiday with Drift back in time while walking the cobblestone streets of Hoi An, a 2,200 year old trading port and relax and swim at the beach resort of Nha Trang… more details about departure . Day1 Hanoi – HoaBinh-Mai Chau cycling 72 km B,L,DBreakfast, we start Vietnam cycling tour by transfer to Hoabinh a beautiful valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and picturesque rice paddies. Bikes along a mix of asphalt road through Thai village and across rice paddies to Lac in a traditional house as home stay Day2 MaiChau-Cam Thuy- Ngoc Lac +- 75km B,L,D After breakfast , we start cycling in village when we sleep . The road to day has 10% dirt road, and 10km up hill 8% and down hill on the back road to Pho Doan, Canh Nang. We end of cycling in here Transfer the last 35 km on Hochiminh trails highway to the hotel in Ngoc Lac town . Dinner and overnight in hotel Day3 Ngoc Lac– Tan ky +- 110 km asphalt road Ride on the newly built two lane Ho Chi Minhtrails Highway there is very few traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, plenty of exploring possibilities along the on the banks of River Song Chu, the distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the back-up vehicle to rest weary legs. There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle. Arrival Tan Ky very late. Dinner and overnight in Hotel. B,L,D Day4 Tan Ky- Huong Khe- Phong Nha +- 120km, asphalt road The ride is on smooth road and passing peaceful villages and stunning mountain range. Our ride today toward Phong Nha National Park. Lunch stop on the way, late afternoon transfer 90km to Phong Nha by bus. Upon arrival in Phong Nha check in Hotel. Overnight on the hotel in Phong Nha. B, L, D Day5 Phong Nha- Dong Hoi – Hue Cycling +- 60km, asphalt road After breakfast we take boat trip visit Phong Nha Cave, which is a World Heritage Site. Pm cycling in ” DMZ ” area with “Truong Son National Cemetery ” where some hundred of thousand soldiers of North Vietnam who served in army during Vietnam War are resting in peace, visit Vinh moc tunnel is optional. Transfer to Hue by car, dinner and overnight in Hue. B,L,D Day 6 Hue to Hoi An +- 70km asphalt road . Visit Hue, Royal city then continue Vietnam cycling tour in afternoon by riding back road of country side from Hue to VinhHai beach +-50 km flat asphalt road . Optional climb for biking trip Hai van pass 19 km 9km up, 10 km down, altitude +- 400m . Our route passes by rural villages and picturesque Lang Co lagoon, an ascent of the pass with stunning views of the coast and a thrilling 5-mile descent from the top of the green rice fields around DaNang. End of cycling in DaNang city, drive 32 km to HoiAn. Overnight in Hoian B,L, D Day 7 HoiAn +- 20km Vietnam Cycling tour of HoiAn – country side villages in the morning . Afternoon take boat trip on Thu Bon river. Overnight in Hoian. B,L,D Day 8 HoiAn to MyKhe- Quang Ngai , cycling +-60 km, asphalt road Depart early along the coast and past scenic rice village. Start coastal riding followed by coaster, lunch at some where on the way – which is also a nice place for a dip in the cooling South China Sea. Driving to Quang Ngai Overnight in Quang Ngai city. B,L, D Day 9 Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon, cycling +- 90 km¸ asphalt road Cycling in the back road of past rural rice villages canopied by swaying coconut palm. Arrive at the Quy Nhon town which faces a beautiful beach front. Overnight in QuyNhon. B,L, D Day 10 QuyNhon to TuyHoa- Nha Trang , cycling +- 80, asphalt road Back road cycling in side high way one .Our ride from QuyNhon to Tuy Hoa covers some of VietNam’s scenic coastline, featuring deserted blue lagoons and stone Cycling Tour in overlooking the water below, end of cycling around 300pm transfer to Nha Trang by bus Overnight in Nha Trang. B,L, D Day 11NhaTrang- Ca Na 40km Dist 120km, cycling 85 km, asphalt road We head inland from Nhatrang, this is new route west of Nhatrang to KhanhVinh of approximately 30km of flat road before the small hill begin! This is a beautiful narrow piece of tarmac through the tropical desert to the highland, for a small road rolling through sun and sea, then cycling to sea beach at PhanRang where we spend tonight. .B, L Overnight in Ca Na. B ,L Day 12 Phan rang– country side cycling- Saigon +- 75 km . Cycling in country side of Phan Rang . desert, dry, sun… visit Cham people village belong a way , green dragon fruit garden. Pm transfer to Saigon..Overnight in SaiGon. B,L End of Vietnam cycling services Email us for booking this itinerary bikingvietnam Tour Cost Option1 Self Guide tour Group Size 2 private tour Price /person = 1,875 USD Self guide tour including Pick up truck transfer luggage, bicycle and biker Accommodations as mention with 3* hotel Bike rental as Surly cross- electric gravel bike Note Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers. If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit. Best time to go From year around Option2 Guide tour Group Size from 2 people contact vietnamcycle +Single supplement = 320 USD WHAT’S INCLUDED English speaking local cycling tour guide Accommodations in hotel, and local hotel around trip as mention with 3 star hotel, 4 star hotel. Meals as noted B= breakfast, L= lunch , D= dinner. Cold drink water, tea, coffee, juice, fruit with banana , mango, apple Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary Transportation by bus support 100% transportation stand by Additional guides where necessary . Sight seeing for visiting per itinerary and permits. Bike hire Surly Cross road bike with maintenance WHAT NOT International airfare; meals not noted on itinerary; optional tour; Vietnam visa; insurance other than basic medical ; optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff; excess baggage charges; international airport taxes; cost of medical immunizations; items of a personal nature alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc..Summary Author RatingAggregate Rating5 based on 7 votes Brand Name Marco Polo Name Vietnam cycling tourPriceUSD 1,680Product Availability Pre-Order Only Duration 14 Days 13 Nights Offer End 31st, December 2023 About this tourExperience the joy of travel on our unforgettable 14-day cycling adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City! Explore Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities with the Cycling Vietnam holiday tour. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this captivating country.✨✨ CyclingVietnam ExploreVietnam DirectFlightsFor Enquiry of this Tour, please contact Direct Flights Kindly send us your email to bookings you’ll see Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue HighlightsDay 1 Hanoi Kickstart your adventure in Hanoi! 🚀🌃 Our friendly guide will escort you to your hotel. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Old Quarter and explore the vibrant nightlife of the Vietnamese 2 Halong Bay Board the cruise ship and enjoy a welcome drink at Halong Bay. ⛴️🌅 Cruise through the breathtaking karst rock formations of Halong Bay, savoring a delicious Vietnamese meal. Discover the mesmerizing Ga Choi Island and visit the enchanting Luon Grotto. Unwind on the rooftop bar in the 3 Hue Wake up to a beautiful sunrise over Halong Bay 🌅. Join a Taichi class and indulge in a hearty breakfast. Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and marvel at its ancient stalactites. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the cruise before returning to Hanoi. Shop, dine, and board the train to Hue Citadel 4 Hue Arrive in Hue city and embark on a cycling adventure 🏰. Visit the impressive Old Citadel and pedal alongside the Perfume River, passing historical sites. Cycle to the 19th-century Nguyen Tomb and explore the Bronze making village 🏞️Day 5 Hoi An Cycle along coastal roads, taking in the picturesque scenery and ancestral tombs. Conquer the challenging Hai Van Pass and descend to Danang city. Transfer to Hoi An and relax at a 4-star resort🏨Day 6 Hoi An Discover the charms of Hoi An with a walking tour. Explore ancient houses, assembly halls, and the local fish market. Cycle to Tra Que village, join farmers in gardening activities, and enjoy a boat tour on the Thu Bon River, witnessing a stunning sunset 🌅Day 7 Quy Nhon 🛍️ Visit a local market and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. Continue cycling through villages, palm trees, and along the coastline, enjoying scenic views. Reach Quy Nhon city in the 8 Nha Trang 🏖️ Pedal through scenic villages, cross wooden bridges, and admire bamboo boats. Explore the unique Da Dia Reefs with basalt rocks. Pass by local beaches, lively lagoons, and ancient 9 Nha Trang 🏖️ Discover the beauty of Nha Trang's bays and beaches on a boat cruise. Swim near islands and relax on a private island. Enjoy optional drinks and a seafood lunch. Return to Nha Trang for free 10 Da Lat Conquer the challenge of Hon Giao Pass as you cycle from Nha Trang to Da Lat. Experience uphill and downhill sections with stunning views 🌄Day 11 Bao Loc 🌺 Marvel at the stunning views of Da Lat on a full-day ride to Bao Loc. Visit attractions like Crazy House and Da Lat Flower Garden. Explore Elephant Waterfalls and pedal through peaceful countryside. Overnight at a forest resort in Bao Loc 🚵‍♂️Day 12 Bao Loc Enjoy the beauty of Bao Loc's plateau as you cycle along Perfume Lake. Experience the landscape of flowers, cricket farms, and elephant waterfalls. Ride through ethnic villages and savor a coffee break ☕Day 13 Cu Chi 🕳️ Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels by bike. Learn about their significance during the Vietnam War. Enjoy lunch by the Saigon River. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening 🌆Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City ✈️ Take your time to relax before transferring to the airport for your departure. We thank you for joining us and look forward to your next adventure. Included/ExcludedAccommodation 12 nights at hotels, junk & resorts of 3 & 4 star01 overnight train Hanoi - Hue ItineraryThis is the best experience in Vietnam while using the bicycle to led our explorers to the charming places in Vietnam. We believe cycling vacation is the best traveling way to explore Vietnam. This cycling trip is designed for explorer to discover Vietnam by bicycle 14 days that offers incredible adventure holidays. And we also understand that bus tours just cover a lot of your experience and challenge you to show you more about the most beautiful panorama in Vietnam. ✨ Vietnam has a fascinating culture, history, custom, local special foods that we had collected them all in this cycling holiday for you. ✨ Being fully supported in small groups allows you to relax and enjoy your experience completely. ✨ Perfect to escape the day-to-day and feel rejuvenated. Being active while discovering the culture, nature, and beauty is incredibly rewarding. ✨ There are plenty of cycling paths through rural villages, coastal road rolling hills, and stunning routes that directly allow you to learn about Vietnam. ✨ During this cycling tour, you explore the scenic countryside and discover Hanoi Capital and Its Old Quarter Hanoi, World Heritage Sites Ha Long Bay, Imperial Citadel of Hue, and Hoi An Charming Ancient Town, Nha Trang beach city, famous Da Lat Valley and the spectacular waterfalls in the central highlands, etc..✨ A welcome sign rises up when you get out of Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi, our Vietnam By Bike guide will take you to your hotel in the city center. ✨ In the afternoon, take a foodie tour of the atmosphere in the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. Free explore the Vietnamese Capital nightlife!✨ You’ll be picked up from your hotel in old quarter HaNoi to get to the TuanChau Marina via the new Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway. Arriving at Halong Bay, you’ll be welcomed to embark on the cruise. It’s time to learn about the cruise briefing and safety instructions while sipping a welcome drink. ✨ After check-in, you can take a short rest after an excursion while cruising through the karst rock formations into the world of natural heritage, you will have lunch at the luxury restaurant on the cruise. Fill your stomach with a great diversity of deluxe Vietnamese set menu and fresh seafood dishes. You can admire a lot of Dog Stone, Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, also known as Hon Trong Mai of Ha Long Bay. Island Images show up with two huge chickens a drum, a roof with their heads together, feet pounding the protruding pose unique and impressive. Between heaven's immense sea, Ga Choi island shows up beautifully, natural challenges, the weather which for hundreds of years, sometimes chicken stands proudly between sky and sea. Each dawn, the sun sometimes dyed red chicken to create a shimmering beauty scene, vaguely. Photos of the island, Ga Choi gorgeous attracted a lot of tourists come and also the symbol of the House tourism Cage ✨ Visit to Luon Grotto. This is also one of the most beautiful tunnels in Halong Bay. You will explore it by kayaking or just sit on a small bamboo boat, one fisherman will take it. Returning for dinner and leisurely relaxing on the top roof bar !✨ Enjoy coffee, tea, and breakfast served in the dining room. You can wake up earlier to catch the sunset moment from the cruise which gives more stunning views than on land. Taichi class may take place. ✨ After breakfast, the next destination of Halong Bay's classic route is Sung Sot Cave Surprise Cave, one of the most magnificent and largest caves in Halong. To reach the mouth of Surprise Cave, you have to climb more than 50 steps and feast your eyes on the mysterious natural vegetation of Ha Long Bay. Discovered in 1901 by the French, its original name is “Grotte Des Surprises” due to the amazing variability in the cave. Sung Sot Cave occupies an area of approximately 10,000m2, divided into two large chambers. Each has its own typical scientific value which features million-year-old stone stalactites and columns formed throughout millions of years. After that, you will have time to pack your luggage or chill out on the sundeck while the boat is heading for the pier and have lunch on cruise. ✨ In the afternoon, the cruise itinerary ends at Tuan Chau Port, where you sit back and relax in the waiting room for return transportation and transfer from Halong to Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi for free shopping and have dinner with the server's team and explore this last night in Hanoi until taking a train SE3 to Hue Citadel city. ✨ We plan to stay in 'soft-sleeper' four berth cabins, bunk bed style and bedding is provided. Both Western and Asian style toilets are at the end of each carriage as well as a basin. The Leader will allocate beds keeping people together as far as possible but it may be necessary to share with other travelers.✨ Arriving Hue city around 8h30, you will be greeted at the train station for hotel transfer with the buffet breakfast and fit the bicycle for your cycling adventure starting today. ✨ Once the Hue citadel of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is still a thriving and important city. First thing this morning we’ll drive to the impressive Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel we commence our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th century Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang and cycle past Vong Canh hill, Nam Giao Esplanade, Bronze making village. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometers. Overnight in Hue city!✨ Enjoy a short transfer to coastal roads and start your cycling day off the beaten track along a picturesque lane shaded by coconut palms running alongside the peninsula from Thuan An beach to Phuoc Tuong Pass. This cycling enables you to pause on the way to explore some of the hundreds of ancestral tombs scattered across the high sand dunes. ✨ Having lunch at Lang Co beach before you have one of the biggest challenges of rolling hills 12 km to the peak of Hai Van. The Hai van pass is a real challenge for you. Then going down 12 km to Danang city before a transfer to HoiAn. Overnight at the 4 star resort in Hoi An Ancient !✨ In the morning You will enjoy an Ancient Hoian walking tour around this enchanting port town. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture and visit its numerous places of interest the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market … Around the town we can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like. ✨ In the afternoon Cycle to Tra Que village, Join the farmers in farming, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and many other gardening activities. Next up, Hoi An boat tour. Follow your guide to the banks of the Thu Bon River to take to the waterways and discover even more of the area. Cruise the river, watch as the sun sets over the river, with bobbing local fishing boats adding to the atmosphere.✨ We will start cycling today from the resort in Hoi An Ancient Town on the back street past lively fishing villages to Thu Bon river. Cross the river by a steel bridge and visit a local fresh market where the fish come straight out of the East Sea and into the baskets of this small market. Great opportunity to see the real daily life of locals who are living in the area for generations. We then continue cycling on the country roads through many villages and small towns. ✨ Take a break by having lunch at a local restaurant near Tam Thanh beach and 2 hours drive ahead to Tam Quan to cycle on quiet back roads through villages dotted with palm trees, then continue along the coastline with sand dune peninsula for great views back over the bay and the mountains. We see lots of coast today as we undulate along the well made road with friendly villagers waving and cheering us on. Overnight in Quy Nhon city in the early evening!✨ Leisurely resting, breakfast and ready to be transferred to the southern coast in Quy Nhon for cycling from the small village and waterfront, cross the river on the narrow wooden bridge, enjoy ocean views, and see colorful circular bamboo boats at small fishing cycling through rustic farms, small-town across lush farmland on the undulating back road to Da Dia Reefs. The seashore area is about 100 meters wide and 250 meters long, composed of an estimated 35,000 columns of basalt rocks. The rocks are dark lava columns with roughly flat surfaces of different shapes - round, pentagon, hexagon, polygon etc. Stop to take a walk down the area for a short break and take a photo. ✨ Followed as planned, we cycle on narrow pathways along the local beaches, pass by some little markets to the lively lagoon. There is another opportunity for us to admire hundreds of floating fish farmings on the lagoon. Afterwards, the ride continues, crossing the rivers and exploring idyllic villages on undulating paths, passing colorful ancient temples and pagodas. View the landscapes of nature through sweet potato fields, tapioca fields, rice paddies to Tuy Hoa finish point before driving to Nha Tran within 2 hours. Overnight at 4 star front-beach hotel in Nha Trang.✨ Nha Trang's beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters have seen it quickly grow into a bustling town and popular tourist destination. Weather permitting, this morning we’ll take a cruise out to explore the surrounding seas and islands. We aim to stop near one of the islands where you have the option to have a swim from the boat possible to hire snorkeling equipment. We move on to another tiny island where we plan to spend a few hours relaxing and swim. The island is privately owned and it is possible to rent a sun lounger and parasol. There will also be the option to enjoy drinks, a seafood lunch or snack on the island at your own expense. Returning to Nha Trang later this afternoon, the rest of the day is free.✨ Let’s see how big your challenge is if you want to conquer the Hon Giao Pass after an hour's transfer to the Western Nha Trang. We challenge cycling uphill about 33 km and then rocks & rolls along the pipe tree lance from the altitude of 1960 meters to the Da Lat valley city of 1,500 meters. Overnight at a 4 star hotel in Da Lat !✨ Experiencing your full-day from Da Lat to Bao Loc on to the spectacular views of this flora resort city. We offer the best stunning on the single-track any down & uphill in Nam Bang's Countryside along the numerous attractions such as Crazy House, Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Flower Garden and the beautiful "Love Valley". ✨ Following lunch, we pedal to the Elephant Waterfalls for sight-seeing activities and then pedal uphill on the backroads to past Cricket farm, silk farm, enjoy the Peace & Clean Atmosphere before driving to Forest Resort in Bao Loc!✨ Bao Loc is a lovely city and the cool weather makes this city become famous because of the thousand flowers with thousand colors. So, you will enjoy stunning along the Perfume Lake in Bao Loc plateau sounds very interest in many traveler's cyclists who want to be rode the hilly in front of the beautiful landscape of flowers, cricket farms, elephant waterfalls with any typical coffee break, wild ethnic group which attract you a lots today in Bao Loc cycling. Your biking distance is about 45 km and drives you ahead to Saigon and overnight at a 4 star hotel.✨ Driving for away from Saigon's remarkable rush hour traffic to reach the quieter suburbs this morning, we collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base 25th infantry division and start our ride for about 30 km to Ben Dinh, the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. ✨ We will have lunch on the riverside of Saigon river and explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. Afterward, we’ll drive 2 hrs back to Saigon arriving in the early evening!Depending on your flight time, you can take your own leisurely relaxation until our team will ready anytime to transfer you to the SGN Airport to fly back home with the great thanks and wish to meet you on the next adventure. Durations Languages Frequently asked questions ReviewsExplore other options And now, five kilometres of downhill!’ Finally. It’d been a slow crawl up the 10% incline on the Hai Van Pass… for me anyway. Our group had made it to the top, to be greeted by cloud coverage, much to the chagrin of the couple attempting wedding photos up there. The view didn’t matter. We’d got there, without having to call on the support vehicle. We’d hit kilometre number 60 of the day and the idea of just sitting there while another five flew by was just what I needed to hear. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid Travel had been entirely my idea, and so I only had myself to blame as I pushed, tough rotation after heavy revolution, all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City over two weeks. Thoughts of relaxing at bars, on beaches, trains and planes would come and go in my mind as I drifted between pure happiness and satisfaction, and desperation. But of course, it was that feeling at the top, the feeling of achievement shared with my group of 11 that made this trip leagues better than any sun lounger holiday. The Hai Van Pass Day had been the big one in my mind. We were set to do 90km on the itinerary, with 15 of them uphill. Thankfully for me – 10 minutes and a lot of heavy breathing in – the level crossing gate had come down and us three stragglers at the back had to wait for the train to pass. It was a welcome chance to breathe and stretch. Breathe and stretch. I struggled uphill. Drawing on all my training – which had consisted of 5 lots of 20 miles over Christmas week, on my dad’s bike. I’m not a cyclist, but what I lack in skill and knowledge I make up for in stamina. Despite the train, I didn’t actually end up too far behind the others. Even though, of course, I had to stop to take in the views, not those wheezing vacuum breaths. And so, after the jubilation at the top, our ride down to Hoi An began. It was to be my absolute favourite part of the two-week cycle Vietnam trip. I’d been to Vietnam before, three years ago, and followed much of this route. But I wanted to see it a different way. Back then it’d been my first trip to Asia, I was bright eyed, clueless and everything seemed to happen so fast – on the buses, planes and trains – that I wanted to slow down and take in Vietnam from the subtle speed of a bike. Our group started in Hanoi, with an introductory bike tour around the city lake. I met the team – a motley crew of Canadians, British, Germans, a token American and a Kiwi – a group that I’m happy to say got on from dusk till dawn. There’s just a certain type of person who’d be attracted to cycling every day for two weeks from north Vietnam to south. I’d been worried about keeping up, worried they’d be super enthusiasts, competitive with every uphill. They were all great though, in their own way. We worked well together, never more than ten minutes within each other at our recurrent snack stops. And thankfully, there were a few others that meant I wasn’t always at the back. My biggest worry. From meeting in Hanoi, we cycled to Mai Chau. Travellers talk about wanting to see the real’ in destinations, which usually mean the traditional’ – and that’s exactly what we got here. We stayed in a homestay, all 11 of us in one room, on mattresses on the floor surrounded by mosquito nets. At the window it was rice paddies as far as our eyes could see and dinner was served family style round a large table. Our cycle that day had led us up paths to dead ends where all we could do was to turn around. There’d been storms in the north over the last week, and we were so rural now the effects hadn’t been cleared. We loved it. It’d been a good few hours of adventure cycling on dusty roads, and now, finally at the homestay, it was the time to reflect with a Hanoi beer. I was shattered. Asleep before 9pm I didn’t even hear the others come to bed. I woke nine hours later to the cockerel alarm outside our window. Sleeping was not a problem on this trip – staying awake past 9pm was the struggle. I barely noticed sharing a room every nigh. I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. The first two days, the most rural of the trip, were spent high-fiving school children as we passed through villages. We were like celebrities as we cycled past, with the bravest of the children stepping out in front of us arms stretched screaming xin chao’ or hello’! And squealing with excitement if we responded or managed to hit their fives. We rolled on through past hair salons set up in front rooms, with faded pictures of British and American celebs bearing no resemblance to the hair and faces we saw here. We passed market stalls – the most memorable was the pig’s face exactly as it was when it was attached, with tongue lolling to the side, mine for just a few Dong. Even in the most remote areas of the North Vietnam outback there’d be at least one stall selling every part of a pig possible, the stallholder swatting flies waiting for their next customer. The cycle was a fast pace, for me. The photos I didn’t get were unfortunately better than the ones I did, but once you’re rolling you can’t stop. Instead of snapping, I enjoyed the moments. The stationary school bus packed with children leaning out the windows screaming for us. The teenagers on scooters laughing in our direction and holding their open hands up for high fives. Our group scooting out the way for buffalos as they passed on the road, and the herd of cows that took up the whole space, with no effort to move. The huge trucks passing us, with the drivers looking inquisitively out the windows and honking their horns. Chickens crossing the road, literally. Women in the traditional conical hats working the land. The ramshackle houses complete with cockerels strutting about outside. Lush lands and limestone mountains – one minute covered in misty clouds, the next as if the fogs had never been there. RELATED CHECK OUT OUR TIPS FOR BOOKING YOUR NEXT CYCLING TRIP We took an overnight train from Nimh Binh to Hue, purchasing some of the local Hanoi vodka to ensure we went to sleep. Turns out there was no need we were out about 20 minutes into the journey, lulled by the gentle chugging. Us four girls sleeping in the first class four-bed bunks, somehow managing to get all our stuff in, bike helmets, boots and all. I awoke early, and lay in my bed looking out the window at the lush greenery, shantytowns and dirt roads pass by. We arrived in the citadel of Hue to explore the walls and palaces of the Forbidden City. We went on to explore the French streets of Hoi An – the most picturesque town of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been restored to look like it did over a century ago and is the spot to buy suits, shoes and dresses tailor-made for less than you’d pay in the shops in England. In Hoi An we had a day off to explore. In Nha Trang we swapped our bikes for a boat trip and I never thought I’d say this…but I missed the cycle. I loved the trip more as the days went on and genuinely missed feeling the wind in my hair and seeing the country at the perfect pace. As soon as the weather changed for the sunnier, we disembarked the overnight train in Hue, and my enthusiasm had skyrocketed. Over week two we visited the huge pagoda in Nha Trang and went on a tour round a traditional fishing village. In Dalat we visited the famous Crazy House and cycled round the lake. In Ke Ga we stretched our muscles in the seafront pool with a cocktail or two and in Ho Chi Minh City we happened to be there for Tet, Vietnam’s biggest festival. We partied, we drank and we mourned the end of a job well done. The last kilometres were emotional, but concluded perfectly with a huge bowl of steaming pho, enjoyed to the sound of some terrible karaoke blasting from next door. Vietnam is enjoying huge development right now. Russia and Japan are investing in bridges and tunnels and the landscape and scenery are changing to make way for the millions of tourists the government are aiming to attract over the next few years. It was jarring – coming in from the rice terraces and time-trapped countryside – and emerging into the bright lights of Nha Trang and Qui Nhon. We’d cycled through uneven roads surrounded by old push bikes, desperate looking motorcycles and even buffalos still used as machinery, but in these new cities it was hoverboards on the boulevards and modern cars on the recently laid asphalt. It’s selfish to wish a country to stay the same, to retain its charm’. Progress can’t stop because us travellers want to shop at traditional markets and eat from a side-street stool. The change in fortune is exciting for Vietnam – a country whose development has been held back by the financial casualty of war. That’s why the cycling tour was a great way to see the history, and learn about the future. We had a rarely seen insight into the Vietnam that was, not so long ago. For some, away from the cities, it’s still a present reality. I saw a farmer using an ox to farm an entire field in Mai Chau, and then a few days later in Nha Trang, Intercontinental building a huge hotel with cranes along the beach. All separated by a few kilometres of dusty road. It’s difficult to get a sense of a country when you just drop into the big cities. When you have questions to ask, but no-one to answer. When you try to navigate as best you can. Many tourists end up slaves to Trip Advisor and whatever Google has deemed the top search result. Our tour was different. Our Intrepid tour leader, Chi, gave me more insight into the country and his life spent exclusively in Vietnam than I could hope to get from any research online. In total we probably spent around 20 hours on the bus over the two weeks and he entertained us with stories of marriage – laughing with a snort when I asked if men get down one knee here – home life, women’s rights, religion, serenading us with pop songs and telling us all about the social politics of the villages and cities we’d pass. No question was too tough for him to answer. He made sure we had all the food our hungry sometimes hangry worn-out selves could take. He recommended evening hotspots – taking us for the best BBQ in tourist-central Nha Trang – a place full of locals without a Western face in sight. Having his support and knowledge throughout the trip added a whole other layer to the experience. The most welcome sight of all, during the whole trip, wasn’t the pagodas we saw along the way, the huge looming limestone cliffs or even the aforementioned 5km downhill stretch; it was the back of the parked bus. This indicated that it was a time for a break on the route. Our driver Li would pass a beaker of lemon water, the mechanic Ti would slice up some watermelon and there’d be containers of delicious nuts, sesame sticks and biscuits to go round. The support team just couldn’t do enough for us. Usually, for me, 80% of the group would already be there, ahead of me, with smiles and words of encouragement of how awesome the last hour or so had been. We’d compare Strava results, pee in a bush, and then press on, with Chi’s usual declaration that it was 20km till the next stop’. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid was an incredible experience, and I was genuinely gutted when it ended. There were times though, when I really had to dig into myself to get the strength to pedal again. My elbows hurt from being too tense on the unpredictable roads, my knees ached from the constant rotation and, yes, my saddle area was tenderer by the day. The bus was always there for you though. I sat out for two lots of 20km, both because of the rain. Of course I look back now and think I should’ve just done it, but at the time I just couldn’t face the cold and wet in the north. I’ve experienced Vietnam as an independent traveller taking public transport, and now I’ve seen it from a saddle in a group. If you want a physical challenge in a fascinating country, with the comfort of knowing you have a trustworthy team should anything go wrong, this trip is perfect. The Intrepid team, the kind of people a cycle Vietnam trip attracts and the itinerary give a fascinating insight into the country few would be able to experience themselves in two weeks. The sights, experiences, rewarding work and people I’ve met on this trip will be with me for a long time to come. Want to ride Vietnam with Intrepid? Check out our small group cycling tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Written by Vicky Philpott. Follow more of her adventures at And now, five kilometres of downhill!’ Finally. It’d been a slow crawl of a cycle up the 10% incline on the Hai Van Pass… for me anyway. Our group had made it to the top, to be greeted my cloud coverage, much to the chagrin of the couple attempting wedding photos up there. The view didn’t matter. We’d got there, without having to call on the support vehicle. We’d hit kilometre number 60 of the day and the idea of just sitting there while another 5 flew by was just what I needed to hear. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid Travel had been entirely my idea, and so I only had myself to blame as I pushed, tough rotation after heavy revolution, on those pedals all the way from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City over two weeks. Thoughts of relaxing at bars, on beaches, trains and planes would come and go in my mind as I drifted between pure happiness and satisfaction, and desperation. But of course, it was that feeling at the top, the feeling of achievement shared with my group of 11 that made this trip leagues better than any sun lounger holiday. The Hai Van Pass The Hai Van Pass Day had been the big one in my mind. We were set to do 90km on the itinerary, with 15 of them uphill. Thankfully for me – 10 minutes and a lot of heavy breathing in – the level crossing gate had come down and us three stragglers at the back had to wait for the train to pass. It was a welcome chance to breathe and stretch for me. Breathe and stretch. I struggled uphill. Drawing on all my training – which had consisted of 5 lots of 20 miles over Christmas week, on my dad’s bike. I’m not a cyclist, but what I lack in skill and knowledge I make up for in stamina. Despite the train, I didn’t actually end up too far behind the others. Even though, of course, I had to stop to take in the views, not those wheezing vacuum breaths. And so, after the jubilation at the top, the descent to our ride to Hoi An began. And what was to be my absolute favourite part of my two-week cycle Vietnam trip. **** I’d been to Vietnam before, three years ago and following much of this route. But I wanted to see it a different way. Back then it’d been my first trip to Asia, I was bright eyed, clueless and everything seemed to happen so fast – on the buses, planes and trains – that I wanted to slow down and take in Vietnam from the subtle speed of a bike. **** Starting the Vietnam cycle – Photo by teammate Gillian, at the front Our group started in Hanoi, with an introductory bike tour around the city lake. I met the team – a motley crew of Canadians, British, Germans, a token American and a Kiwi – a group that I’m happy to say got on from dusk till dawn. There’s just a certain type of person who’d be attracted to cycling every day for two weeks from north Vietnam to south. I’d been worried about keeping up, worried they’d be super enthusiasts, competitive with every uphill. They were all great though, in their own way. We worked well together, never more than ten minutes within each other at our recurrent snack stops. And thankfully, there were a few others that meant I wasn’t always at the back. My biggest worry. **** Read more on travelling in Vietnam Click here to read all my advice on travelling to Vietnam. I’ve got over 30 posts, so you’ll be well prepared! Most Unique Places to Stay in Vietnam 9 Beautiful and Best Beaches in Vietnam Vietnam Advice to Know Before You Go Your Vietnam Packing List Travel to Vietnam How to Plan the Perfect Trip Perfect Week Itinerary for Vietnam Backpacking in Vietnam Exploring Mai Chau From meeting in Hanoi we cycled to Mai Chau. Travellers talk about wanting to see the real’ in destinations, which is usually the traditional’ and that’s exactly what we got here. We stayed in a homestay, all 11 of us in one room, on mattresses on the floor surrounded by mosquito nets. At the window it was rice paddies as far as our eyes could see and dinner was served family style round a large table. Our cycle that day had led us up paths to dead ends where all we could do was to turn around. There’d been storms in the north over the last week, and we were so rural now the effects hadn’t been cleared. We loved it. It’d been a good few hours of adventure cycling on dusty roads, and now, finally at the homestay, it was the time to reflect with a Hanoi beer. I was shattered. Asleep before 9pm I didn’t even hear the others come to bed. I woke nine hours later to the cockerel alarm outside our window. This is where I’m sleeping tonight ? Intrepid_Travel LiveIntrepid vietnam VickyFlipFlop VickyFlipFlop January 16, 2017 Sleeping was not a problem on this trip – staying awake past 9pm was the struggle. I barely noticed sharing a room every night as I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow. **** The Vietnamese countryside The first two days, the most rural of the trip were spent high fiveing school children as we passed through villages. We were like celebrities as we cycled past, with the bravest of the children stepping out in front of us arms stretched screaming xin chao’ or hello’! And squealing with excitement if we responded or managed to hit their fives. Vietnam Intrepid_Travel bike ride update things got a little dirty out there today… liveintrepid VickyFlipFlop VickyFlipFlop January 17, 2017 We rolled on through past hair salons set up in front rooms, with faded pictures of British and American celebs bearing no resemblance to the hair and faces we saw here. We passed market stalls – the most memorable was the pig’s face exactly as it was when it was attached, with tongue lolling to the side, mine for just a few Dong. Even in the most remote areas of the North Vietnam outback there’d be at least one stall selling every part of a pig possible, the stallholder swatting flies waiting for their next customer. The cycle was a fast pace, for me. The photos I didn’t get were unfortunately better than the ones I did, but once you’re rolling you can’t stop. Instead of snapping, I enjoyed the moments. The stationary school bus packed with children leaning out the windows screaming for us. The teenagers on scooters laughing in our direction and holding their open hands up for high fives. Our group scooting out the way for buffalos as they passed on the road, and the herd of cows that took up the whole space, with no effort to move. The huge trucks passing us, with the drivers looking inquisitively out the windows and honking their horns. Chickens crossing the road, literally. Women in the traditional conical hats working the land. The ramshackle houses complete with cockerels strutting about outside. Lush lands and limestone mountains – one minute covered in misty clouds and the next as if the fogs had never been there. *** Overnight trains in Vietnam We took an overnight train from Nimh Binh to Hue, purchasing some of the local Hanoi vodka before we did to ensure we went to sleep. Turns out there was no need, we were out about 20 minutes into the journey lulled by the gentle chugging. Us four girls sleeping in the first class four-bed bunks, somehow managing to get all our stuff in, the bike helmets, boots and all. I awoke early, and lay in my bed looking out the window at the lush greenery, shantytowns and dirt roads pass by. We arrived in the citadel of Hue to explore the walls and palaces of the Forbidden City. We went on to explore the French streets of Hoi An – the most picturesque town of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been restored to look like it did over a century ago and is the spot to buy suits, shoes and dresses tailor made for less than you’d pay in the shops in England. One day we did 90km in four hours, while in Hoi An we had a day off to explore. In Nha Trang we swapped our bikes for a boat trip and I never thought I’d say this, but I missed the cycle. I loved the trip more as the days went on and genuinely missed feeling the wind in my hair and seeing the country at the perfect pace. As soon as the weather changed for the sunnier when we disembarked the overnight train in Hue, my interest and enthusiasm had skyrocketed. Nha Trang, Dalat, Ke Ga, and finally Saigon Over week two we visited the huge pagoda in Nha Trang and went on a tour round a traditional fishing village. In Dalat we visited the famous Crazy House and cycled round the lake. In Ke Ga we stretched our muscles in the seafront pool with a cocktail or two and in Ho Chi Minh City we happened to be there for Tet, Vietnam’s biggest festival. We partied, we drank and we mourned the end of the trip but a job well done. The last kilometres were emotional, but perfectly concluded with a huge bowl of steaming pho, enjoyed to the sound of some terrible karaoke blasting from next door. As we found to be totally typical across Vietnam. *** Development in Vietnam Vietnam is enjoying huge development right now. Russia and Japan are investing in bridges and tunnels and the landscape and scenery are changing to make way for the millions of tourists the government are aiming to attract over the next few years. It was jarring – coming in from the rice terraces and time trapped countryside villages, and emerging into the bright lights of Nha Trang and Qui Nhon. We’d cycled through uneven roads surrounded by old push bikes, desperate looking motorcycles and even buffalos still used as machinery, but in these new cities it was hoverboards on the boulevards and modern cars on the recently laid asphalt. It’s selfish to wish a country to stay the same, to retain its charm’. Progress can’t stop because us travellers want to shop at traditional markets and eat from a side street stool. The change in fortune is exciting for Vietnam – a country whose development has been held back by the financial casualty of the relatively recent war. That’s why the cycling tour was a great way to see the history, and learn about the future. We had a rarely seen insight into the Vietnam that was, not so long ago, and away from the cities is a present reality for some. I saw a farmer using an ox to farm an entire field in Mai Chau, and then a few days later in Nha Trang, Intercontinental building a huge hotel on with cranes along the beach. An interesting comparison within just a few days and kilometres of each other. Cycling with Intrepid It’s difficult to get a sense of a country when you just drop into the big cities, have questions but no one to ask and try to navigate how best you can. Many tourists end up slaves to Trip Advisor and whatever Google has deemed the top search result. Our tour was different. Our Intrepid tour leader, Chi, gave me more insight into the country and his life spent exclusively in Vietnam than I could hope to get from any research online. In total we probably spent around 20 hours on the bus over the two weeks and he entertained us with stories of marriage – laughing with a snort when I asked if men get down one knee here – home life, women’s rights, religion, serenading us with pop songs and telling us all about the social politics of the villages and cities we’d pass. No question was too tough for him to answer. He made sure we had all the food our hungry, sometimes hangry, worn out selves could take. He recommended evening places to us – taking us for the best BBQ in tourist-central Nha Trang – a place full of locals without a Western face in sight, but us. Having his support and knowledge throughout the trip added a whole other layer to experiencing Vietnam to the fullest in the time we had. **** Best sight of the trip The most welcome sight of all, during the whole trip, wasn’t the pagodas we saw along the way, the huge looming limestone cliffs or even the aforementioned 5km of downhill, but the back of the parked bus. This indicated that it was a time for a break on the route. Our driver Li would pass a beaker of lemon water, the mechanic Ti would slice up some watermelon and there’d be containers of delicious nuts, sesame sticks and biscuits to go round. The support team just couldn’t do enough for us. My Intrepid_Travel cycle Vietnam trip is over! Devo! Big thanks to Chi, Ti, and Ly for getting us through it. Xx VickyFlipFlop VickyFlipFlop January 27, 2017 Usually, for me, 80% of the group would already be there, ahead of me, with smiles and words of encouragement of how awesome the last hour or so had been. We’d compare Strava results, pee in a bush, and then press on, with Chi’s usual declaration that it was 20km till the next stop’. Cycling Vietnam with Intrepid was an incredible experience, and I was genuinely gutted when it ended. There were times though, when I really had to dig into myself to get the strength to pedal again. My elbows hurt from being too tense on the unpredictable roads, my knees ached from the constant rotation and, yes, my saddle area was tenderer by the day. The bus was always there for you though. I sat out for two lots of 20km, both because of the rain. Of course I look back now and think I should’ve just done it, but at the time I just couldn’t face the cold and wet in the north. Should you do it? I’ve experienced Vietnam as an independent traveller taking public transport, in a couple, and now I’ve seen it from a saddle in a group. If you want a physical challenge in a fascinating country, with the comfort of knowing you have a trustworthy team should anything go wrong, this trip is perfect. The Intrepid team, the kind of people a cycle Vietnam trip attracts and the itinerary give a fascinating insight into the country few would be able to experience themselves in two weeks. The sights, experiences, rewarding work and people I’ve met on this trip will be with me for a long time to come. ** If you like what you read, you can learn more about cycling Vietnam on the Intrepid it out! What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for 3 days – the YouTube video! And subscribe for updates SAVE TIME & MONEY Check the prices for your Vietnam trains, buses, flights and ferries here… More on Vietnam Sapa Cycling Tours Sapa Cycling Tours Cycling In Sapa Sapa Biking Tours Sapa is a beautiful hill station city in Northern Vietnam close to the Chinese language border. The area as also referred to as “the Tonkinese Alps” and it’s culturally wealthy with totally different hilltribe minorities, lush mountain ranges, rice fields and an total, breathtaking views

cycling hanoi to saigon