cycling hanoi to saigon

Our friendly local tour guide and local cyclist will lead you the way with full of support per kilometer you cycle so make sure you and your party get the best trip possible… Phone / WhatsApp :: + 84386664688 Traveling to Vietnam and looking for the best Vietnam destinations? What most people don't realize is how big Vietnam is, it's actually over 1,000 miles long. When planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering where to go in Vietnam you'll want to narrow it down to the best places to visit in Vietnam. 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… Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The capital of Hanoi is your gateway to the treasures of the north: spectacular mountains, valleys and bays studded with limestone karsts. Smack in the centre, up-and-coming Danang is one of Vietnam's most progressive cities. From here you have easy access to photogenic riverside towns Cycling is the best way to travel from Saigon to Ha Noi, if you have the right guide to show you the hidden backroads. Some know this place as the siteof the French and American wars, but to us, this is beautiful country, with many kilometers of stunning beaches, dramatic coastal roads,and spectacular scenery stretching from the North to the South. 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. Dịch Vụ Hỗ Trợ Vay Tiền Nhanh 1s. BIKING 11days/10nights HANOI to SAIGONBrief ItineraryDay 1 Hanoi ArrivalOur tour guide will pick you up at the airport and assist with your transfer to your hotel. We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at local restaurant and rest up in Hanoi for our adventure on the second 2 Hanoi City B,LIn the morning, we’ll spend a few hours exploring Hanoi by bus. We’ll see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his former residence, and the famed one pillar pagoda. Then, we’ll enjoy a cycle tour through the vibrant street scene of Hanoi's Old Quarter. In the afternoon, you’ll receive a full briefing and trip overview for the days to come. We’ll stay overnight in 3 Hanoi - Red River 35km B,LWe’ll rise early on the third day to witness local life along the lakeshores as we ride through the outskirts of the capital. The route follows the Red River, a fascinating introduction into rural life. After an early dinner back in the city, we’ll transfer to the train station for an overnight ride to Hue. Day 4 Hue 40km B, LWe’ll arrive in Hue early in the morning and begin cycling through town, across the Perfume River, to Hue's Imperial Citadel. We’ll take some time to explore the sprawling complex, rich with history. Then, we’ll continue cycling through the countryside along dirt tracks to the Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. We’ll ride past relics and ruins and visit the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. We’ll stay overnight in 5 Hue - Hoi An 90km B,LThe fifth day is an all-encompassing day of Vietnamese cycling. Starting just outside of Hue, the route follows a picturesque, peninsular road to Cau Hai lagoon, which intersects Highway 1 for three intense climbs. After the hard work, you'll be rewarded with lunch and a swim at Lang Co Beach. We’ll climb one more hill in the afternoon - the Hai Van Pass - and then transfer to Hoi An for the 6 Hoi An - My Son Heritage 50km B,LWe’ll enjoy breakfast in the morning, and then you’ll have a choice for the day’s activities. You may take the day to explore Hoi An ancient town, or you may set out on a challenging back road ride to the outskirts of Hoi An to visit the famous Cham Towers of My Son. Vietnam Bike Tours' ride is through a remote area where very few tourists venture, and is surrounded by stunning views. You will arrive tired but triumphant and enjoy a picnic lunch before transferring back to Hoi An for 7 Hoi An – Da Nang - Buon Ma Thuot B,LAfter a leisurely breakfast, you’ll have some free time in Hoi An before cycling side roads via the Marble Mountains to Da Nang. A short afternoon flight will transfer you to the highland of Buon Ma Thuot, where you’ll settle down for the evening. Day 8 Buon Ma Thuot – Da Lat 60km B,LThe day will begin with a straight ride to Lak Lake. We’ll enjoy lunch, some Elephant riding, and canoeing on the lake. Then, we’ll keep riding on a quiet, hilly road toward Da Lat. The road is shady, but the journey is tough. You’ll be rewarded with cooler temperatures and views of lush green fields as we enter the 9 Da Lat - Nam Cat Tien Park 45km B,LIn the morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for the Da Lat cycling loop. We’ll cycle on quiet back roads in the shadow of Langbian Mountain, stopping en route to visit a flower farm and enjoy great views of Da Lat. Then, we’ll transfer to Cat Tien National Park. At the park, we’ll enjoy some trekking through the Reserved Core Area to see hundreds of years old trees. After dinner, we’ll take a jeep tour to see the night animals of the park and then settle down at the park accommodation. Day 10 Nam Cat Tien – Ho Chi Minh City 25km B,LYou’ll wake up to the nice songs of native birds and meet the group for breakfast at the park. We’ll cycle and trek a bit to see a Crocodile-filled swamp. Then, we’ll have lunch and board the bus to Ho Chi Minh 11 Ho Chi Minh DepartureBAfter breakfast at hotel, we’ll take a tour of the city. You’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, Opera House and downtown city center. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then you’ll have some free time to explore the city before transferring to the airport for your onward ofAir-conditioned busSupport vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aidEnglish speaking tour guideTrain ticket soft berth Hanoi - HueEntrance feesAirport transfer in/outFlight from Da Nang to Buon Ma ThuotPick up & drop off at your hotelMeals as mentioned B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = DinnerAll biking gear bike, helmet, tool kit, water cageWater, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on cycling daysAccommodationExclusive ofTravel insuranceVisaPersonal expensesDeparture Dates DailyGroup Size Maximum of ten cyclistsPrice Rates vary. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs* Tour de Vietnam– road cycling Hanoi to Saigon TOUR DE VIETNAM CYCLING TRIP HIGHLIGHTS This road cycling adventures starts in the capital city Hanoi in the north, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City in the far south. This trip we use road bikes or cross bike , and daily distance ride from 120-140 km. En-route, you will cover more than 1,500kms as you visit the most unique landscape in this country has to offer. Having explored Hanoi and its stunning surroundings, you will head south to Hue, the former Imperial Capital. Dominated by majestic temples and ancient tombs, it is a town in which time seems to have stopped. After Hue you will ride to Hoi An, a charming old trading town situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Your journey continues as you will riding to the white sandy beaches of Nha Trang. From the beach, head to the cooler temperatures and lush hills of Dalat before reaching down to Mui Ne and final cycling in Ho Chi Minh City. We think you’ll agree there is no better way to experience the wonders of Vietnam than by bike! road cycling adventures starts in Hanoi ends in Ho Chi Minh City cover more than 1,400km upgrade to Colnago CX or Cenilli Supperstar road bike challenging road cycling tour Good accommodation from3- 4 star hotel Cultural experience, beach relax visit the most spellbinding places the country has to offer. Testimonials of this trip Hi Joe Happy holidays to you. We had a great time in Vietnam and still rave about it. We look forward to the next trip through Laos and Cambodia. Take care Fayez Dec,2008 Itinerary Hanoi arrival. Option airport transfer +25 USD Day 1 HaNoi – Ninh Binh Dist 120 km, cycling +-50 km asphalt road Transfer to Nho Quan, learn your bike then cycling to Trang An autogenic karst system, being rain-fed only and hydrologically isolated from rivers in the surrounding terrain , continue to Hoa Lu – Tam Coc boat trip on river . Overnight in hotel in Tam Coc B Day 2 Ngoc Lac- Tan Ky Dist 135km, cycling +- 130 km asphalt road. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh trails Highway there is very few traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, plenty of exploring possibilities along the way. Ride 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 Thai Hoa very late. Dinner and overnight in Tan Ky guesthouse. . B Day3Tan Ky- Huong Khe +- 130km, asphalt road The ride is on smooth road and passing peaceful villages and stunning mountain range. Overnight in Huong Khe B Day4Huong Khe– Phong Nha 150km, cycling +- 120 km, asphalt road After a relaxing breakfast continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail is still a dream to ride on. Transfer if tired in the afternoon to Phong Nha cave. Overnight in a local Hotel in Phong Nha B Day 5 Phong Nha – Dong Hoi- Dong Ha dist 140km asphalt road Riding on asphalt road to Dong Hoi. Breakfast in the hotel, today we will 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. Dinner and overnight in Dong Ha. B,L,D Day 6 Dong Ha – Hue Cycling +-90km, asphalt road Cycling to old military base at Quang Tri , with ” Thach Han River “. Old Quang Tri ride with river and tribal villages along the road. End of riding day in Hue. Overnight in Hue. B,L,D Day 7 Hue to Hoi An Dist 145 km, cycling +- 120, asphalt road We will begin riding early in the morning in back road , country side of Hue city to Hai van pass . 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, which we will .Skirt by on our way to HoiAn. Overnight in Hoian .B,L Day 8 Hoi An to My Lai/ My Khe – Quang Ngai- Quy Nhon Dist 255 km, cycling +-115 km, asphalt road. Depart early along the coast and past scenic rice village. Lunch near a “secret” Cham sight. Via ChuLai, a former American military base, and cycling our way to the MyLai Memorial, riding ahead to city central. Pm continue cycling to Quy Nhon. Overnight in Quy Nhon .B,L Day 9 Quy Nhon – Tuy Hoa – Nha Trang Dist 213 Km, cycling +- 113, asphalt road. Our ride from QuyNhon to Tuy Hoa covers some of VietNam’s scenic coastline, featuring deserted blue lagoons and stone promontories. Overlooking the water below. Driving to Vietnam’s finest oceanfront city, Nha Trang. Overnight in Nhatrang B,L Day 10 Nha Trang relax no cycling Morning after breakfast visit city. Pm relax on beach. Fare well dinner in Nha Trang. Dinner and overnight in Nha Trang. B,D Day 11 Nhatrang – Dalat Dist 180km, cycling 125 km, asphalt road This morning we take on a challenging climb up hill to Dalat. We head inland from Nhatrang, this is new route west of Nhatrang to KhanhVinh of approximately 30km of flat road before the mountains begin! This is a beautiful narrow piece of tarmac through the tropical forest to the highland, 30km climb up to HonGiao, and 50km fuelling us over a couple more passes to Dalat for our overnight stay. Overnigh in Da Lat.B, L Day 12 Dalat- Mui Ne Dist 165km , cycling 110km, asphalt road We begin today with a twisting six-mile descent from Da Lat through pine forests to the rolling and gradually falling road to Di Linh. We’ll pass by numerous coffee, tea, banana and rubber plantations planted in the rich, red earth that marks the Central Highlands as the place where Vietnam’s finest tea and coffee is grown. We turn off High Way 20 for a small road, rolling through tropical forests to Gia Bac, then down hill to sea level at PhanThiet and Mui Ne Beach where we spend tonight. Cycling distance 90 ~ 190km. Overnight in Mui Ne B,L Day 13 Mui Ne- SaiGon Dist 180km, cycling 90 km, asphalt road Am Cycling around Mui Ne 40 km and Relax at the beach until lunch time while our staff clean and pack your bike. We check out of the hotel in the afternoon and transfer by van to Saigon. Overnight in SaiGon B,L Day 14 No cycling day. Breakfast , transfer to Airport for flight home B Tour Cost Guide tour Group Size 2 people 3-4-5 Price /person 2,890 $ 2,770 USD 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 October to May Group tour from 6 to 14 people WHAT’S INCLUDED IN GUIDE TOUR English speaking local cycling tour guide Accommodations in hotels as 3 nights in 4* hotel and 9 nights in 3* hotel Meals as noted B= breakfast, L= lunch , D=dinner. Cold drink water, tea, coffee, juice, Hammer energy, fruit with banana , mango, apple … Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary Ground transportation with mini bus for biker and truck for bikes 100% transportation stand by . Additional guides where necessary . Cinelli road bike for rent Tour Cost Self Guide tour Group Size 2 people Price /person 1,890 $ WHAT’S INCLUDED IN SELF GUIDE TOUR pick up truck transfer luggage , bicycle and biker Accommodations in hotels as 3 nights in 4* hotel and 9 nights in 3* hotel with daily breakfast Road bike Cinelli rental Number of cycling days 13 full days Average Daily Distance 125km Total Distance +- 1,500 km Off Road 0% Max. Altitude 1,200m Road Surface This tour follows a mix of asphalt roads, long cycling day . You should be confident of your physical condition . Support One or two 16-seat air-conditioned transit vans converted to take bikes and bikers. Group Size Minimum 4. Maximum 10. Staff Groups of 6 or more a Vietnamese cycling guide and drivers as assistants. Groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader plus guide and support team. Accommodation Nights in comfortable tourist class hotels. All accommodation has a/c or fan, hot water and private facilities. Food Meals are included as mention in itinerary. During the ” the main meals are breakfast and the evening meal. Thus, breakfast should be large and substantial and include cereals. We recommend that all participants should bring a supply of their favorite cereals as many of the hotels where we stay don’t yet have cereal on offer at breakfast. For lunch picnic you will need to make sandwiches in the morning, and take some fruit. We recommend you also bring along some of your favorite energy bars. The evening meal will be in a restaurant, and precooked by the Organizers. We will make sure there are always plenty of carbohydrates and protein on the menu. Don’t forget adequate hydration is as important as a good meal and so you should make sure you carry enough water with you. In some stages there is no where to “top up” along the way. Follow your guides instructions for each stage. We recommend you use a hydration pack with at least 2l capacity, rather than water bottles. The water bottles don’t carry as much water, plus it will get warm during the day, they are not as hygienic and the water bottle cage can get in the way when you may have to carry your bike. Summary Author RatingAggregate Rating5 based on 7 votes Brand Name Marco Polo Name Tour De Vietnam- Road cycling Hanoi to saigonPriceUSD 2,870Product Availability Available in Stock 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! 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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

cycling hanoi to saigon