Vietnam Cycling: Get off the Beaten Track

Many of the Vietnam cycling tours offer a mostly flat terrain, with optional challenging climbs available in the Central Highlands like Bidoup-Nui Ba or Hai Van Passes. The coastal cycling is delightful, with Nha Trang serving as a convenient base to explore smaller beaches and islands. When cycling through the Mekong Delta, you'll be immersed in a fascinating world of floating homes, bustling markets, and lush rice paddies.

The cities of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Hoi An are also worth exploring. While they may be flat physically, their vibrant energy and liveliness make them truly captivating.

The Mekong Delta itself is a mesmerizing maze of canals and rivers, taking you through remote villages and offering a perfect setting for picturesque bike rides. Embrace the journey itself rather than solely focusing on the destinations.

For more Vietnam bike tours, consider engaging with local experts and discussing social impact issues within Vietnam. Going beyond the usual tourist attractions will be enriching and rewarding.

Food is a highlight of Vietnam, and street food reigns supreme. Opt for local traditional experts rather than fancy restaurants attempting to replicate street delicacies. Embrace the authentic experience by sitting on those tiny red chairs and savoring the incredible street delights.

Here are the best cycling destinations in Vietnam:

Dalat and Central Highlands

Explore the enchanting Dalat and Central Highlands by embarking on a cycling adventure up the picturesque Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass. The Central Highlands, originally settled by the French to escape tropical heat, still exude a European alpine ambiance with their pine-covered hills, serene waterfalls, and glistening lakes. As you journey further, a captivating world of coffee and tea plantations awaits around the corner. The town of Dalat, fondly referred to as Le Petit Paris by the French, boasts attractions like the emperor's palace and the tranquil Thien Vien Truc Lam Monastery, reachable by a scenic cable car ride.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, serves as a vibrant starting or ending point for cycle tours. The city's streets are still respectful of traditional bike transport, with dedicated lanes and roads for two-wheeled exploration. Negotiate your way through bustling landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market and Taoist temples, indulge in delectable street food, and witness the skilled artisans at work. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the impactful War Remnants Museum, a poignant reminder of the city's history.

Hoi An

Hoi An, an alluring city, offers a refreshing and calmer atmosphere compared to other bustling destinations. The old town's car-free streets add to its timeless charm, complemented by colonial architecture and the vibrant studios of artists and artisans. For a peaceful escape, venture to Cua Dai or China beaches or explore the intriguing Marble Mountains, home to fascinating caves serving as Buddhist sanctuaries, as well as historical sites connected to the Vietcong.

Hue

Hue is a pivotal point where travelers embark or disembark from the famous Reunification Express, offering a unique opportunity to experience both the northern and southern parts of Vietnam. This captivating city, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, showcases the opulent emperors' tombs, an ancient citadel with grand Mandarins' palaces, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, a place reserved for emperors, eunuchs, and concubines.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta promises an extraordinary and quintessentially Vietnamese experience as you cycle through its breathtaking land and waterscape. Immerse yourself in the fascinating water-dwelling cultures, witness the lively floating markets of Mai Tho and Cai Rang, and treat yourself to the flavors of the local produce as you pedal alongside the lush rice paddies, fruit orchards, and honey harvesters.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang serves as a relaxing oasis during cycling vacations, with its soft sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and tranquil islands. The area offers rejuvenating hot springs and mud baths, as well as delectable seafood delights. Though the main beach may have lost some of its charm, there are plenty of beautiful stretches along the coast. It also serves as a departure point for trips to serene islands like Hon Ong and Whale Island, where you can savor saddle-free bliss on the pristine beaches.