Saigon to Hanoi by bike

Experience overview

Embark on an unforgettable biking adventure spanning 1,700 km from Saigon to Hanoi, incorporating bus, train, boat, and bike travel. Covering approximately 787 km in 14 cycling days, with ample rest breaks, our journey allows for extensive sightseeing and exploration of Vietnam. The cycling route navigates a mix of well-surfaced roads and high-quality dirt tracks.

While some days may be lengthy, experienced riders often find them suitably challenging. Cyclists preferring a faster pace can ride independently, consulting guides on the route. Yet, the average rider may prefer a more leisurely approach, capturing photos and absorbing the breathtaking scenery. Rushing through the country risks missing the rich tapestry of Vietnam's wonders.
Our meticulously planned route delves into the heart of the Vietnamese countryside flanking the main north-south artery, Highway 1, with a limited 20 km exposure to this bustling route. The true magic unfolds away from the main roads, where cycling in Vietnam becomes an enchanting experience. Here, the bicycle reigns as the primary form of rural transport, fostering encounters with locals such as beautiful girls donning flowing ao dais, cheerful school children, and hardworking farmers. The warmth of these interactions might leave you speechless with friendly greetings by day's end!

Strategically scheduled rest days offer ample time to explore key tourist sites and places of interest at your own pace. Whether soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, or Halong Bay, you have the freedom to delve into Vietnam's essence. Furthermore, our experienced guides contribute a personal and firsthand insight into the local culture.

Suitability: This trip caters to individuals with a reasonable fitness level. While not overly strenuous, it welcomes riders of varying experience levels, with enhanced enjoyment for those in good physical condition. A supportive air-conditioned bus trails the group, providing assistance. In instances where the bus can't navigate dirt tracks, we arrange motorcycle support equipped with snacks and water.

Biking Conditions: The majority of this trip follows well-maintained tarmac roads and some dirt roads wide enough for vehicles. A support truck is constantly available to assist as needed. Participants have the flexibility to cycle at their own pace, covering as much or as little distance as desired, all while enjoying the same picturesque views as the rest of the group.

Highlights

  • This is one of our most popular trips - it includes all the best components of a solid trip to Vietnam. You'll be able to see beaches, villages, countryside, and traditional rice fields. We recently started a brand-new route that also includes visiting the Phong Nha cave region for three days and nights. Currently, the trip travels from Saigon to Hanoi. The purpose of this trip is to show you the diverse countryside of this beautiful nation. You'll see mountains, beaches, and some of the most scenic rice fields in the region. Best of all, the locals are extremely friendly and you'll be able to engage with them throughout your journey. The trip will start in Saigon and take the traditional cycling path to Hanoi - these are two of the largest cities in the country. But don't worry, we travel between some quiet and beautiful countryside along the way. We keep the driving to the bare minimum - you'll cycle for most of the trip. We spent weeks finding the best routes and stopping points so that you can enjoy a seamless trip! Not only will you see some of the most beautiful sites in the country, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful seafood and stay in some of the country's most luxurious hotels!

Saigon - Dalat - Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa - Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai - Mỹ Lai - Hoi An - Hue - Ninh Binh - Cực Phương - Hai Phong - Caaba - Halong bay - Hanoi


Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Saigon Arrival

Upon arrival in Saigon, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Get acquainted with our bike team, and after the bike fitting, feel free to explore the city on your own. Later, return for a welcome dinner and a trip briefing at one of the finest restaurants in town!

 

Day 2
Cu Chi Tunnels by bike

Cu Chi Tunnels by bike. Ride: 18km

Embark on a short transfer out of town and bike your way to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels.

 

 

Day 3
Fly to Da Lat & Cycle

Saigon - Dalat. Ride: 25km

Catch an early flight to Dalat, a former French summer retreat. Test your bikes and cycle through scenic country lanes near Mount Langbian.

 

 

Day 4:
Dalat cycle to Nha Trang

Dalat - Nha Trang. Ride: 103km

Conquer challenging hills, including a 2,000-m pass, on your way to the beach town of Nha Trang.

 

Day 5
Free & Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing day off the saddle with a boat trip to breathtaking coral islands, offering opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. On the return journey, we'll make a cultural stop at Pa Na Gar Cham towers. Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, four of the original eight towers continue to be actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese Buddhists. For those preferring a more laid-back experience, feel free to lounge on the beach and soak up the sun.

Day 6:
Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa

Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa. Ride 80km
Follow the coastal route from Nha Trang, passing fishing villages and enjoying a relaxing afternoon ride on quiet countryside lanes.

Day 7
Tuy Hoa - Quy Nhon

Tuy Hoa - Quy Nhon, Ride: 71 km

Day 7: Navigate a remote road through tribal and Viet villages, covering gentle hills before reaching Quy Nhon.

 

 

Day 8
Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai

Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai. Ride 72 km

Cycle along the coastal road to Tra O lagoon, cruise the coast to Highway One, and transfer to Quang Ngai for the night.

 

 

Day 9
Quang Ngai - My Lai - Hoi An

Quang Ngai - My Lai - Hoi An. Ride: 52km

Visit Thien An pagoda, explore the My Lai site, and cycle to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

 

Day 10
Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An

Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An. Ride: 47km

Ride to My Son, the ancient Cham civilization center, and transfer back to Hoi An.

 

 

Day 11
Hoi An - Hue

Hoi An - Hue, Ride: 100km

Conquer the challenging Hai Van Pass with breathtaking coastal views, then ride to Hue, the old capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.

 

 

Day 12
Hue - Ninh Binh

Hue - Ninh Binh. Ride 28km

Cruise on the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Ming Mang Mausoleum, then take an overnight train to Ninh Binh.

 

 

Day 13
Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park

Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park. Ride: 56 km

Cycle through stunning karst scenery at Cuc Phuong National Park and visit the primate rescue center.

 

 

Day 14
Cuc Phuong National Park - Hai Phong

Cuc Phuong National Park - Hai Phong. Ride: 63km

Explore more of the park by bike, ride through pineapple plantations, and transfer to Haipong, a major port.

 

 

Day 15:
Hai Phong - Catba island

Hai Phong - Catba island. Ride: 27km

Take a ferry to Fulong on Cat Ba Island, roll along the island's only road, and enjoy free time in the afternoon.

 

 

Day 16
Halong Bay - Hanoi

Halong bay - Hanoi. Ride 24km

Experience a memorable cruise through majestic Halong Bay, then transfer to Hanoi for a farewell dinner.

 

 

Day 17
Hanoi departure

In the morning, you have the freedom to do some last-minute shopping or take a short tour around the Vietnamese capital before catching your onward flight.

If you wish to extend your stay in Hanoi, feel free to contact us for the best hotel deals and rates.

Booking Policy

    Water bottle
    Domestic flights
    Support vehicle
    Guide(s)
    Meals (as indicated)
    Accommodation
    Snacks and drinks
    Airport pick up
    Airport drop off   

    International flights
    Visa fees
    Alcohol
    Tips

  • Bikes For those who can't fathom embarking on a journey without their cherished bicycle, we don't include them in this tour. However, locally available bikes can be rented at the specified price in the tour pricing section. These bikes are renowned mountain bike brands equipped with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, Shimano components, and front suspension. If you opt to bring your own bike, ensure it's a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, and in good mechanical condition. Electric bikes (E-Bikes) are also available for rent at the listed price in the tour pricing section. We offer two sizes: S = 155 cm - 170 cm and M = 171 cm - 180 cm. The E-Bikes are from the GIANT brand, featuring SHIMANO Alivio1,9 speed, disc brakes, and an adjustable suspension fork. Bike Repairs The guide and support vehicle carry basic spares and tools, though we can't guarantee having spares for every conceivable issue. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended. Safety Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all our biking adventures and is non-negotiable. Failure to wear a helmet will result in cycling restrictions. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue. However, you must largely take responsibility for your own safety while riding. It is compulsory to have travel insurance that covers mountain biking tours. Guides You'll be led by a local English-speaking guide, and if the group consists of nine people or more, we'll add another guide to the tour. Our guides are well-versed in the history, culture, and religions of the biking area. They excel at imparting their knowledge to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist capable of handling most minor repairs en route.
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What our clients say about us

Leslie
Feb 2023
star star star star star
An amazing trip out together by Stephen at My Way Travel! This was our second trip ( went to Vietnam and Cambodia 2019). Stephen is great to work with- very flexible and listens to what we wanted to do. This trip was originally scheduled for April 2020. A honest company that asked if I wanted my deposit back and I said no - that I would use it in a future trip! How many companies around the world did this???? We had great guides In Bangkok and Chiang Rai and Chiang Rai. Fon was full of energy and fun in Bangkok. Ann was one of the best guides I have ever had- she took us to a couple of places not noted on the tour. We went for a hike at a waterfall and visited the cave where the Thai boys were rescued in the cave. Both Ann and Fon gave us wonderful suggestions for restaurants. I would absolutely recommend Stephen and My Way Travel! We plan to use him again in planning Bali!
Lida
April 18, 2023
star star star star star
Our group of 26 people traveled to Japan & Thailand with My Way Travel, and had an incredible time. This was our third trip with My Way Travel and the trip was planned perfectly with every detail accounted for. Our tour guides were exceptional in every way. They exuded a warmth and friendliness that immediately put us at ease, making our trip more enjoyable. Not only were they amiable, but they also had extensive knowledge about the places we visited. We would highly recommend My Way Travel to anyone planning a trip to Asia.
Erik
July 28, 2023
star star star star star
We have just returned from a 16 Day/15 Night trip to southeast Asia including stops in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand planned by Stephen at My Way Travel. We reached out to My Way Travel with quite a tall order asking them to arrange a trip for us that included visiting 9 cities in 15 nights! From the first point of contact, our experience with My Way Travel was absolutely fantastic. Stephen was very attentive and let us customize our tour however we pleased. All of the hotels he booked for us were incredible and the tour guides and drivers made us feel like family. It was very easy to keep in touch with Stephen throughout our trip via Whatsapp. The only thing we really needed during our trip was to add baggage for one of our flights and he was able to take care of it the day before we arrived at the airport. All the drivers/guides showed up on time and made transferring from airport to hotel to tour to wherever extremely easy. I will definitely recommend this company to anyone that plans on traveling to Asia.
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