Our 22-day Ultimate Vietnam tour starts from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the South and finishes in Hanoi in the North. Enjoy bicycling with the locals on quiet country roads.
The tour includes flights from Saigon to Dalat and from the ancient capital of Hue to Hanoi, two nights in the lovely town of Hoi An, two nights at Quy Nhon, two nights in Dien Bien Phu, and two nights in Sapa.
As with all our tours, we stay in very comfortable, characterful places and bike on minor country roads. We drive part-way most days to cycle reasonable daily distances and avoid the highway.
Optional extras include a 2-day visit to Halong Bay and a leisurely 4-day Mekong Delta cycle tour that starts and ends in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1 SAIGON. The group will be met at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and transferred to your hotel. A bike fitting is scheduled at 4 pm, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 DALAT. We will start our day with an early flight to Da Lat lasting 1 hour. After arrival and check-in at your hotel, you will take a relaxing ride along the lakeshore roads in the shadow of Mount Langbian and discover the region’s distinctive European influences, mountain scenery, and temperate climate.
Day 3 NAH TRANG. Quiet country roads take us to the coastal desert reserve at Phuoc Buu. In the afternoon, we cycle beside dragon fruit plantations and descend gently to the coast with expensive views of giant dunes.
Day 4 PHU YEN. Today, we will cycle to the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built in AD 781, one of Vietnam’s oldest historical sites. We take a minor road, with superb views, past the shrimp farms and the most extensive rice paddies of central Vietnam to Phu Yen.
Day 5 QUY NHON. After breakfast, we will cycle along the coast to Quy Nhon, the province’s capital city. You will see the province’s main economic activity throughout the day: fishing. In particular, you will see the region’s iconic basket-shaped fishing boats as you enter Quy Nhon, where you will spend the night.
Day 6 QUY NHON. Rest Day.
Day 7 QUANG NGAI The ride today offers a view of coastlines as well as the local countryside. You will be able to observe the local shrimp and salt farms and meet friendly farmers along the way.
Day 8 HOI AN. Cycling today along the coastline, past rice paddies, and through small fishing villages filled with colourful boats of My Lai. Hoi An is a delightful UNESCO World Heritage town (dating back to 200) with street-side cafes, artists and markets. Much of the city was developed between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Day 9 HOI AN. Rest Day.
Day 10 HUE. We cycle from town along a flat coastal road through various fishing and agricultural villages. You will have your first experience of the friendliness of the locals, especially the children. From here, we tackle the Hai Van Pass or “Ocean Cloud” Pass (496m), a tranquil road now that there is a tunnel (not open to cyclists). The view from the top and on the descent is outstanding and well worth the effort.
Day 11 HANOI. Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam, so you’ll see some of the country’s most important political and religious buildings. We will ride around Hue this morning and visit its most iconic sights. We will finish the day with a relaxing cruise on the Perfume River before catching an hour-long flight to Hanoi.
Day 12 MAI CHAU. In the morning, we will transfer by van for 2.5 hours from Hanoi before getting on our bikes to begin our ride to Hoa Binh Lake.
You will enjoy stunning views as we pass through ethnic villages inhabited by the Thai, an ethnic minority in Vietnam, cycle across rice paddies along a mix of single-track paths and rough trails before returning to Mai Chau for dinner.
Day 13 SON LA. Start your cycling adventure from Mai Chau and head toward Son La. This scenic route will take you through picturesque villages, lush green rice paddies, and rolling hills. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Thai ethnic minority region along the way.
Arrive in Son La, where you can explore the local market and indulge in some delicious local cuisine.
Day 14 DIEN BIEN. Enjoy the breathtaking views as you pedal through mountainous terrain and pass by ethnic minority villages. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu, a historicallysignificant place where the decisive battle of the First Indochina War took place.
Day 15 DIEN BIEN. Rest day.
Day 16 MUONG LAY/ SIN HO. Embark on a scenic ride from Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay or Sin Ho. Enjoy the challenging but rewarding ride through mountainous landscapes, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages.Transfer to Sin Ho for overnight.
Day 17 LAI CHAU. Ride along a scenic road that winds through majestic mountains and dense forests. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and visit small villages along the way.Arrive in Lai Chau and explore the town’s unique culture and traditions.
Day 18 SAPA. A stunning scenery on ride from Lai Chau to Sapa. Sapa, a charming town nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Time to relax and explore the local markets, the unique culture and traditions of the local ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong and Dao people.
Day 19 SAPA. Rest day.
Day 20 Bac Ha. Embark on a challenging ride as you leave Sapa and head towards Bac Ha. Enjoy the exhilarating downhill sections and the scenic mountainous landscapes. Arrive in Bac Ha, known for its vibrant Sunday market and traditional ethnic minority cultures
Day 21 HANOI. The final day of cycling. Ride from Bac Ha to Lao Cai. Enjoy the last stretch of your journey through picturesque countryside and small villages. Arrive in Lao Cai and catch an overnight train back to Hanoi,
Day 22 END OF TOUR. The tour finishes after breakfast. We will gladly take you to the airport should you depart this morning. We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and wish you a safe journey home.
What’s included:
Accommodations at a very high standard (3 -4 stars hotels or best available)
All meals apart from L & D on rest days.
English-speaking cycling guides and bike mechanics – (number depends on group size)
RideWithGPS maps
2 domestic flights, economy class
1. Saigon to Da Lat
2. Hue to Hanoi
Night train Lao Cai to Hanoi
Air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and support
Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage and first aid.
Entrance fees, visits
Water, snacks, soft drinks, fresh fruit on biking days
Pedaltours jersey
Not Included:
Visa
Overweight luggage
Personal expenses
Travel insurance.
Tipping
Laundry
Alcoholic beverages and drinks during meals
