Cycling Vietnam’s Backroads 13 Days

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, get ready for an engaging day delving into Vietnam's rich history. Our first stop is the revered Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can explore the humble stilt house of Uncle Ho and marvel at the unique One Pillar Pagoda, inspired by the elegant lotus flower. Next, we'll visit the magnificent Temple of Literature, an architectural gem adorned with ancient stone tablets bearing inscriptions. Take a leisurely stroll through the symmetrical gardens surrounding the temple, once renowned as Vietnam's first university. Crossing the picturesque red bridge over serene lakes, we'll arrive at the Ngoc Son Temple, offering a serene retreat amidst the heart of Hanoi. To add a touch of charm and authenticity, hop aboard a traditional rickshaw for a delightful tour through the enchanting streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. As the tour concludes, we'll return you to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore Hanoi further, and dinner can be enjoyed at your leisure.

In the morning, between 7:45 to 8:30, our team will pick you up from your hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter area. We'll then embark on an exciting journey towards Tuan Chau Island in Halong, with a brief stop for a refreshing break along the way. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, a warm welcome awaits you aboard the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Our 5-6 hour expedition will take you through a captivating route known for its picturesque islets and rock formations, each with its own whimsical name inspired by the local imagination. As you cruise, indulge in a delectable lunch served onboard. Our first destination is the enchanting Bo Hon archipelago, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Surprising Cave, adorned with stunning stalagmites and stalactites resembling diverse marine creatures. Afterwards, choose between an exhilarating kayaking adventure or a tranquil bamboo boat ride in the mesmerizing Luon Cave, unveiling the hidden beauty of a serene lagoon. Your journey continues to Titov Island, featuring a pristine sandy beach nestled against towering limestone cliffs. Scale Titov Peak to capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay, a sight reminiscent of paradise. As the cruise glides back to Tuan Chau harbor, savor the magical ambiance of a sunset party on the upper deck. Indulge in tea, delectable cakes, and bask in the golden rays while enjoying lively camaraderie with your fellow travelers amidst this world-renowned natural wonder. Disembarkation marks the beginning of our return journey to Hanoi. During the bus ride, take a brief rest before reaching your hotel around 7:30 pm, where you can unwind and reminisce about the day's unforgettable experiences.

Today, we will embark on a journey from Hanoi to the Noi Bai airport for our flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, our friendly guide will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel for a seamless check-in process. Relax and unwind as you settle into your accommodation, where you will spend the night in Hue.

Get ready for an exhilarating morning as we provide you with bicycles at your hotel, setting the stage for a captivating ride through the picturesque rural villages of Hue. Pedal your way towards the charming Thanh Toan Bridge, adorned with an elegant Chinese-style roof. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a local market, where you can witness the lively daily life and discover an array of local products. Returning to the heart of Hue, we will make a stop at the Ngoc Son Princess 'garden house,' a true gem showcasing a captivating family altar. The owner, a knowledgeable expert in Hue's culture and history, will delight in sharing the fascinating principles of geomancy underlying the construction and design of the house and garden. After a satisfying lunch, our route takes us through the Imperial Citadel, leading to Phu Mong Kim Long village, where we will explore the enchanting garden houses. Our journey continues with a visit to the renowned Thien Mu Pagoda. We'll cross the river by boat, traversing a peaceful country lane that leads us to a handicraft village specializing in the production of 'Huong Tram' (incense sticks). Experience the local craftsmanship before making our way back to your hotel. As the evening sets in, we will treat you to a delightful dinner at another exquisite garden house. The owner will personally prepare and serve a traditional meal, highlighting the distinctive flavors and characteristics of classic Hue cuisine. Rest and rejuvenate as you spend the night in Hue, savoring the memories of a fulfilling day.

Embark on a classic cycling trail, perfect for those with moderate fitness levels, offering a rewarding challenge without overwhelming exertion. We'll transport you to the coastal region, just 18km beyond the bustling city limits of Hue. Our journey begins with a scenic route, meandering along a picturesque lane shaded by majestic coconut palms, tracing the peninsula from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Along the way, take a well-deserved break to explore the captivating ancestral tombs scattered amidst the lofty sand dunes. As we reach the end of the peninsula, a local ferry awaits to ferry us across the estuary of the Perfume River. Once on dry land, our path continues for another 11km until we reach Highway 1. At this juncture, you have two options: braving the bustling traffic on Vietnam's busiest road or opting for a convenient transfer to the starting point of today's three exhilarating hill climbs. To avoid the chaos and enjoy a smoother ride, we highly recommend the latter! After conquering the two moderate climbs, each stretching approximately 3km, you'll be rewarded with a well-deserved respite. Relax, bask in the warm sun, and take a refreshing dip in the azure waters of Lang Co beach before indulging in a delectable seafood lunch. Reinvigorated and ready for more, we'll embark on the highlight of the day - the Hai Van Pass. Opting for the scenic mountain road, we'll bypass the tunnel congested with commercial traffic and noxious fumes. This serene route offers a manageable gradient and awe-inspiring vistas that will leave you breathless. To conclude our cycling adventure, we'll arrange a comfortable transfer for the remainder of the journey to Hoi An Ancient Town, a captivating historic port and trading post. You'll spend the night in this enchanting destination, relishing the ambiance of the past.

Embark on a leisurely westward cycling journey along tranquil and flat roads, tracing the scenic banks of the Thu Bon River, towards the revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son Sanctuary. After a delightful seven-kilometer ride, we'll cross the river and make a stop at a charming fishing village. Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere before we continue our exploration. Cycling through picturesque backroads, we'll make a detour to visit a local market, immersing ourselves in the lively trading scene. After an additional 11 kilometers, we'll pause at Bara Bridge for a well-deserved break and refreshing refreshments. Recharged and ready to continue, we'll navigate a couple of major roads by pushing our cycles. Soon after, we'll return to the tranquil backroads, leading us to the enchanting destination of My Son. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you'll discover the remnants of the awe-inspiring towers, skillfully constructed by the Cham builders centuries ago. Although their exact origins and purpose remain a subject of intrigue, their architectural beauty is undeniable. In the afternoon, we'll make our way back to the hotel with the assistance of our support vehicle. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you please, indulging in the activities of your choice.

Kick-start your day with a satisfying breakfast, followed by a scenic drive along Highway 1 to Quang Ngai, where the charming My Tra Hotel awaits as your overnight sanctuary. Excitement fills the air as your bicycles eagerly await your arrival. The initial leg of the journey takes you along serene country lanes, meandering towards the captivating coast and quaint fishing villages. A brief but invigorating 2-kilometer ascent awaits, leading you to the pinnacle of Thien An Mountain. Here, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. Take a moment to explore an ancient pagoda, a sacred site dating back to 1650, where devoted worship still thrives. The residing monks extend a warm welcome, so be sure to have a small donation ready as a token of appreciation. The path now unfolds downhill, guiding you towards the solemn grounds of the infamous My Lai massacre. This solemn shrine serves as a tribute to the unarmed 550 villagers, predominantly women and children, who fell victim to the horrific American assault in March 1968. Before their lives were unjustly taken, many endured unspeakable acts of violence, including rape, torture, and mutilation. The accompanying museum and serene gardens stand as enduring memorials to this devastating event, where the gentle whispers of the breeze among the trees provide a poignant soundtrack of remembrance. Following a guided tour that invites reflection on the scars of war, peaceful roads lead you to a serene beach, offering a moment of well-deserved relaxation and, perhaps, a refreshing swim. As you relish a delightful picnic lunch, you have the option to embark on an extended loop through enchanting fishing villages before returning to Quang Ngai. Alternatively, if fatigue sets in, you can opt for a direct route back to the comfort of your hotel.

Gear up for a thrilling day of cycling as you indulge in an early breakfast to fuel your energy reserves! A short drive transports you to the starting point, a scenic 99km south of My Lai. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey along the captivating coastline, passing through the charming towns of Binh Duong, Tung Giang, and Tuy Phuoc, traversing lesser-known provincial roads that steer clear of the bustling highways. Along the way, immerse yourself in the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, as you seize opportunities to pause and interact with locals. While the road conditions may range from satisfactory to rugged, rest assured that our support vehicle will navigate detours whenever necessary, ensuring your safety and comfort. Eventually, you'll arrive at Tuy Phuoc, a mere 9km away from the vibrant city of Quy Nhon, your ultimate destination and haven for the night. If you're up for the challenge, feel free to pedal your way through this final stretch. However, given the relatively busy nature of this section of the road, we understand if you prefer to be chauffeured in our comfortable vehicles. Either way, the choice is yours, and we guarantee an unforgettable experience awaits!

Rise and shine for another day of thrilling cycling adventures, accompanied by an early start and a strategic transfer away from the bustling main highway. Today's route predominantly traces the tranquil lanes and tracks that run alongside the iconic Reunification Express railway. As you embark on the journey, the initial stretch will lead you along an isolated yet impeccably maintained road. The picturesque landscape, adorned with gentle rolling hills and mesmerizing glimpses of the Highland foothills, creates a captivating backdrop for your expedition. Prepare to be greeted by the heartwarming sight of potbellied pigs and lively barefooted children dashing across your path as you pass through ethnic minority villages and vibrant Vietnamese communities. Expect warm embraces of hospitality from the locals, who will undoubtedly be captivated by your presence. As your enchanting "off the beaten track" route begins to merge with the highway, we will provide four-wheel transportation to ensure your comfort and convenience. Along the way, we'll make a delightful stop at Dai Lanh Beach, offering you the perfect opportunity to indulge in a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters and savor some rejuvenating refreshments. Our final destination for the day is Nha Trang, where you'll spend a restful night, rejuvenating your spirit and preparing for the exciting experiences that lie ahead.

As per our customary routine, we will transfer you to the outskirts of the bustling city to ensure a smooth start without any traffic hindrances. Once you mount your bicycles, the exhilarating journey commences, leading you southward towards the captivating town of Cam Ranh. Covering a distance of 32 kilometers, approximately two hours of cycling will bring you to the point where you join Highway 1, prompting a temporary dismount. After a short drive to Ca Na, a well-deserved lunch break awaits you. Following this refreshing interlude, we will resume the cycling adventure from Luong Son. This stage, spanning 48 kilometers, equating to roughly one and a half hours of cycling, proves to be the longest segment of the day. The undulating terrain adds a touch of excitement to the expedition, but rest assured, the road conditions are excellent, allowing you to maintain a steady pace. As you approach Mui Ne and draw closer to your hotel, be prepared for a hilly section adorned with magnificent sand dunes and captivating vistas of the ocean.

Today is yours to savor at your own pace. Take full advantage of the leisurely ambiance of Mui Ne and indulge in activities of your choice. Relax on the pristine beaches, explore the local surroundings, or simply unwind amidst the serene beauty of this coastal retreat.

You have the freedom to enjoy your time in Mui Ne until your dedicated driver arrives to accompany you on the journey to Ho Chi Minh City. The approximate duration of this drive is 4.5 hours, and you will be transported in a comfortable shuttle bus, ensuring a hassle-free transfer for your departure flight.