Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by locals. As Vietnam's largest city and commercial hub, Saigon is a vibrant mix of the old and the new where pagodas and traditional markets sit alongside modern skyscrapers.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 4:00pm for the welcome meeting, before taking you on a walking tour of Saigon's central highlights. As you stroll the streets, you'll be captivated by the Saigon Opera House, a testament to the city's French colonial past, the elegant Hotel de Ville, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, and the General Post Office.

If you'd like a complimentary airport transfer today, please arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), around 30 to 40 minutes from the hotel. To join the afternoon orientation, walk, make sure to be at the hotel by 3:30pm. If you are arranging your own flights, allow at least 30 minutes to clear customs and immigration. Considering the 30-minute drive to the hotel, the latest recommended flight arrival is 2:00pm.

For early arrivals, Saigon offers endless possibilities to dive straight into its rhythm. Wander through the stately halls of the Presidential Palace, reflect on history at the War Remnants Museum, or simply get lost in the bustling streets, sampling freshly brewed coffee from a sidewalk cafe, savouring the aroma of sizzling street food, and soaking in the sights and sounds that make Saigon a city unlike any other.

First thing this morning, we drive for 90 minutes - through Saigon's remarkable rush-hour traffic - to reach the quieter suburbs. We'll collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base and start our ride to Ben Duoc (30 kilometres/18.6 miles), the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam's most fascinating historic sites, an underground network that played a pivotal role in the 1968 Tet Offensive. Today, you'll have the chance to step into history by exploring a specially adapted section of these famous tunnels. Crawling through the winding passageways offers a thrilling glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of the Viet Cong. The tunnels are narrow and low, but that only adds to the sense of adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for those ready to try it.

After lunch, our cycle continues for around 20 kilometres/12.4 miles towards Ben Nay. Then, we'll swap our bikes for our bus and drive for two hours back to Saigon, arriving in the early evening.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles (total accumulated ascent 50 metres/164 feet, total accumulated descent 40 metres/131 feet).

Today we journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon by bus, a two-hour drive brings us to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through a landscape of waterways, markets, orchards and riverside villages. Here, we can see local cottage industries making rice paper or coconut sweets as they have been for generations.

The first 30 kilometres/18.6 miles of today's ride is on roads with moderate traffic, and the remaining 20 kilometres/12.4 miles are on narrow pathways and routes that our support bus cannot follow.

We'll refuel with a lunch of fresh Vietnamese flavours, made using local produce. Then, we cycle on through Tan Phong to visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet. Our ride finishes at Cai Be, from where we have a two- to three-hour drive back to Saigon, arriving in the early evening.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres/31.7 miles on flat terrain.

Departing Saigon this morning, we head north through the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (set at 1,500 metres/4,922 feet elevation). After a two-hour drive, we pedal off on a picturesque 30-kilometre/18.6-mile ride through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along reasonably quiet, gently undulating back roads to the town of Gia Kiem and then Bao Loc.

After a relaxing lunch in Bao Loc, we board our bus again for a scenic two-to three-hour drive across the mountains, rewarding us with stunning views over the forested hills and tea and coffee plantations. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at the bustling mountain town of Dalat. The city has a European feel in its architecture and a cooler climate due to the higher altitude.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles (total accumulated ascent 210 metres/689 feet, total accumulated descent 150 metres/492 feet).

Hop on the bus as we depart Dalat this morning, driving for 30 minutes before we pedal off.

The beginning of today's ride is on relatively quiet mountain roads with plenty of ascent and descent for the first 20 kilometres/12.4 miles. We'll stop for a break, then head on for another 30 kilometres/18.6 miles, which finishes with an ascent of the Hon Giao Pass (1,700 metres/5,578 feet).

This challenging section takes us up through forests of pine and across a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery. After celebrating reaching the pass and a chance to rest at the top, the rest of our ride is an easy descent of 30 kilometres/18.6 miles towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we'll stop for lunch. The rest of our journey to Doc Let is by bus and should take around two hours.

Doc Let is a tranquil coastal retreat in Vietnam, known for its long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the crowds.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 1,140 metres/3,740 feet, total accumulated descent 2,962 metres/9,718 feet).

This morning, we take a boat trip through Van Phong Bay, passing quiet coves, small islands, and stretches of unspoiled coastline. There's the opportunity to snorkel, simply enjoy the views and relax on deck. Known for its calm, clear waters and natural beauty, Van Phong Bay remains one of Vietnam's less-visited coastal gems, offering a more peaceful alternative to the country's busier bays.

In the afternoon, you may choose to unwind on the beach or by the hotel pool, enjoying some downtime. For those keen to explore further, it's an easy walk to a nearby fishing village, where you can see the traditional boats and daily routines that shape life by the sea. Later in the day, there's also the option to visit the nearby salt fields. Watching local workers harvest the salt by hand is a fascinating glimpse into an age-old craft, and in the late afternoon light, the shimmering salt pans create a striking and memorable scene.

No cycling today. Rest day.

Travelling by bus this morning, we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon.

We'll drive north over the scenic Ca Pass to Bai Tien Song Cau. From here, the journey continues on two wheels, as we embark on a 60-kilometre (37.3-mile) bike ride along coastal roads and through small villages, passing rice paddies, local markets, and stretches of unspoiled beaches. The ride brings us gradually into Quy Nhon, a laid-back coastal city known for its golden sandy beaches, bustling fishing ports, and friendly local atmosphere. We finish the day at our hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the seaside setting after a full day of travel and exploration.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37.3 miles (total accumulated ascent 640 metres/2,100 feet, total accumulated descent 775 metres/2,543 feet).

Departing Quy Nhon this morning, we cycle across Thi Nai Bridge, Vietnam's longest sea bridge, which links the city to the Phuong Mai Peninsula. The bridge offers expansive views of the turquoise lagoon below, fishing boats coming and going, and the coastline stretching out along the horizon.

After crossing, we continue by bike along the Quy Nhon lagoon toward Phu My, a 50-kilometre (31.1-mile) ride through coastal roads and farmland. Along the way, you'll see farmers tending their fields, children playing near the water, and the quiet rhythms of rural life. The ride provides a direct glimpse into the daily life of this part of Vietnam.

From Phu My, we switch to the bus for the approximately five-hour drive to Hoi An. While longer than the morning ride, the drive is far from monotonous. The route winds through rice paddies, small rivers, and rolling hills, with occasional stops at roadside villages where you can see local markets or sample fresh tropical fruit. Mountains rise in the distance as we travel north, and the scenery gradually shifts as we approach central Vietnam. By late afternoon, we arrive in Hoi An, a historic town renowned for its lantern-lit streets, riverside setting, and well-preserved architecture.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 59 kilometres /36.7 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 395 metres /1,296 feet and total accumulated descent of 390 metres /1,280 feet.

The historic merchant town of Hoi An was once one of Southeast Asia's busiest international trading ports. Today, it has retained much of its original charm, with narrow streets, lantern-lit alleys, and well-preserved architecture that reflect its rich cultural heritage.

This morning, we'll take a leisurely walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, visiting the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and its museum, before wandering past traditional wooden houses and ornate Chinese temples. As you explore, you'll gain a sense of Hoi An's history as a thriving hub for merchants, artisans, and traders.

The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace. You might take a gentle river cruise, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking, visit one of Hoi An's renowned tailor shops, or explore the surrounding countryside by bike, discovering rice paddies, local villages, and hidden corners of this captivating town.

No cycling today. Rest day.

After breakfast, we leave Hoi An and travel by bus up the coast to Danang, before beginning a twisting ascent to the heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This scenic stretch, which once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south, offers breathtaking vistas as we reach the summit, with sweeping views of mountains, coastline, and the sea below.

From the pass, we descend by bus to Lang Co, where today's cycling adventure begins. We follow quiet back roads along the edge of the Cau Hai Lagoon, passing small villages, rice paddies, and fishing communities, before concluding the ride at Phu Bai.

From there, we meet our bus in Thuan An and continue for approximately one hour to Hue.

Hue is renowned not only for its imperial architecture and rich history but also for its unique culinary heritage. The city's traditional dishes, influenced by the royal court, offer a delicate balance of flavours and are considered some of the most refined in Vietnam.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) with a total accumulated ascent of 100 metres (328 feet) and a total accumulated descent of 100 metres (328 feet).

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'll set off for our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang.

After visiting the mausoleum, we return to our hotel to freshen up before the mid- to late-afternoon departure of the overnight train to Hanoi.

We take the overnight train to travel like the locals, choosing a sustainable, low-impact way to move through Vietnam. Following the historic Reunification Railway, which spans the country from north to south and played a key role in its modern history, the journey offers a unique perspective on the countryside while minimizing our environmental footprint.

We'll be travelling in comfortable 'soft sleeper\ four-berth cabins with bunk beds and provided bedding. Each carriage includes Western and Asian-style toilets as well as a basin. Our tour leader will assign beds and do their best to keep our group together; on occasion, you may share with other travellers, possibly of a different gender. For added comfort, we recommend bringing earplugs and a sleep mask to help you rest during the journey.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles (total accumulated ascent 130 metres/427 feet, total accumulated descent 115 metres/377 feet).

Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning, we drive to the hotel in time for breakfast and a chance to refresh before setting off toward Halong for our overnight cruise of Lan Ha Bay.

A picturesque and lesser-known gem adjacent to the famous Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is celebrated for its tranquil waters and relatively untouched environment, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. The bay is scattered with secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and grottoes waiting to be explored.

Around midday, we board our boat and set sail among the limestone karsts and emerald waters, enjoying a delicious lunch on deck while taking in the panoramic scenery. We spend this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Please note - the boat is not exclusive to us and we may be sharing with other tourists.

In the afternoon, there is a kayak excursion, giving you the chance to explore hidden caves and tranquil lagoons up close, before we continue to our overnight anchorage. Dinner will feature fresh seafood and local specialities, highlighting the region's rich culinary traditions.

No cycling today. Rest day.

This morning, if you wake up early, you can enjoy a Tai Chi session on the deck, surrounded by the stunning limestone landscapes of Lan Ha Bay.

After breakfast, we continue cruising through this scenic wonderland, taking in the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (optional cave visits may involve climbing some slippery steps). There is also time for one final exploration of the bay before an early lunch on board.

By mid-morning, we return to shore and begin the drive back to Hanoi, a journey of around two and a half hours. Arriving in the capital in the early afternoon, we embark on a short city tour, including a visit to Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, before exploring a little of the Old Quarter on foot and soaking in the bustling atmosphere of the city.

No cycling today. Rest day.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel.

We recommend adding extra nights in Hanoi to explore the city's highlights, from the bustling Old Quarter and street food stalls to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and a traditional water puppet show. Extra time lets you soak up Hanoi's vibrant culture and historic charm at a relaxed pace.