Saigon to Hanoi Bike Tour, 17 Days, Cycling Vietnam

5.00/5

From: CHF 3'500

 

 

An unforgettable Vietnam Holiday. On our Saigon to Hanoi bike tour, we’ll cover 1,700 km of beautiful Vietnam. A bike tour in Asia that you’ll never forget.

  • Reviews 3 Reviews
    5/5
  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
      Active Holidays
    • Activity Level Moderate Adventure Holidays
      3/8
    • Group Size Medium Group
      2 to 16
    Get in touch
    All about the Saigon to Hanoi Bike Tour, 17 Days, Cycling Vietnam.

    Saigon to Hanoi Bike Tour

     


    Overview

    • 17 Days: 14 Cycling Days

    • Staying in Hotels

    • Support Van and Equipment

    • English Speaking Guides

    • Surfaced Roads and Good Quality Tracks

    • Lots of Sightseeing Opportunities

    • A True Exploration of Vietnam

     


    Why Do We Recommend It?

    Vietnam has a fascinating culture and history.

    Travel by bus, train, boat, and bike.

    You’ll eat amazing fresh seafood.

    Being fully supported in small groups allows you to relax and enjoy your experience completely.

    Perfect to escape the day-to-day and feel rejuvenated. Being active while discovering the culture, nature, and beauty is incredibly rewarding.

    Experienced and trusted cycle tour operator.

     

     


    Is It Right for Me?

    You don’t need any previous experience on bike tours. This trip is manageable for anybody with average fitness. There is always an air-conditioned support van traveling with the group, so if needed you can jump on the van and rest through any sections of the riding day.

    It’s a great trip for people who would like to experience Vietnamese culture at ground-level. You get plenty of rest days and time to really explore Vietnam. Also, if you enjoy Asian food and especially seafood, you’re in for a real treat.

    A great trip for solo travelers, couples or groups of friends.

     


    What People Say About The Trip

    A brilliant tour and I thought every day was exciting with a lot of variation. So friendly and happy people and you really feel you experience the country when biking through small villages, along the rice fields and the mountain passes.

     

     


    Can I Go Anytime?

    The tour is scheduled for specific dates and you can find those while checking availability in the fields above. However, not all dates are guaranteed to run and some may already have filled. So, just enter the dates you’re interested in and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with confirmation of availability. We always do our best to get the trip that suits you best.

    If you don’t see any dates that work for you, just select Get In Touch and send us a quick message about what would be ideal for you. We’ll do what we can and get back to you with options to make your dream trip a reality.

     

     


    Itsy Bitsy Details

    • Where: Vietnam
    • Duration: 17 Days
    • Tour Starts: Saigon
    • Tour Ends: Hanoi
    • Fly To: Tan Som Nhat International Airport (SGN)
    • Fly From: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
    • Group Size: 2-16 riders
    • Age: 18+
    • Total Cycling Distance: 787Km
    • Average Distance/Day: 57km

     


    More Great Biking Tours

    The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Tour riding jersey
    • Water bottle
    • Support vehicle
    • Guide(s)
    • Meals (as indicated)
    • Accommodation
    • Snacks and drinks
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • International flights
    • Domestic flights
    • Airport pick up
    • Airport drop off
    • Visa fees
    • Alcohol
    • Tips
    1. Overview Overview

      DAY 1
      Saigon Arrival
      DAY 2
      Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Saigon
      DAY 3
      Saigon – Dalat
      DAY 4
      Dalat – Nha Trang
      DAY 5
      Nha Trang Rest Day
      DAY 6
      Nha Trang – Tuy Hoa
      DAY 7
      Tuy Hoa – Quinhon
      DAY 8
      Quinhon – Quang Ngai
      DAY 9
      Quang Ngai – My Lai – Hoi An
      DAY 10
      Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An
      DAY 11
      Hoi An – Hue
      DAY 12
      Hue – Ninh Binh
      DAY 13
      Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park
      DAY 14
      Cuc Phuong National Park – Hai Phong
      DAY 15
      Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island
      DAY 16
      Halong Bay – Hanoi
      DAY 17
      Onward Travel

    2. Day 1 Saigon Arrival

      Upon arrival we meet at Northern Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. After bike fitting and trip briefing you are free to explore the city before returning for a welcome dinner at the renowned Temple Club Restaurant.

      Northern Hotel
      Dinner
    3. Day 2 Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon

      Today we transfer a short distance out of bustling Saigon and start riding to the haunting Cu Chi Tunnels, which the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used during the Indochina War as their stronghold and torture site of foreign POWs for decades. After witnessing the war’s devastating consequences, we return to Saigon by bus just in time for a visit to the notorious Museum of War Crimes. Dinner is your choice.

      Northern Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch
      Ride 25km
    4. Day 3 Saigon - Dalat

      We rise very early this morning and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Dalat, once a favourite summer retreat among the French and Vietnamese royal families. Dubbed “Le Petit Paris”, the city is now a popular honeymoon destination for Vietnamese newlyweds. Upon arrival, we’ll hop on our bikes, start off with a relatively easy ride around Dalat past Xuan Huong Lake, colourful flower plantations, the Old French Railway station and cycle out of town on picturesque and nearly traffic-free country lanes and back roads. After cycling in the shadow of Mount Langbian, we return to Dalat for dinner and you are free to take a walk to explore this lovely city.

      Dalat Hotel Du Parc
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 35km
    5. Day 4 Dalat - Nha Trang

      As we head towards Nha Trang, a famous seaside getaway, we’ll tackle some challenging hills before being rewarded by smooth descents with lush mountains as our backdrop. Our first break will be at the community house of highland hill tribe people, then we muscle up again to conquer Hon Giao pass (1,650 m) before a 30 km downhill to have lunch at the local restaurant by the river. In the afternoon it is back on the bikes for 28 km on a flat road. A short transfer takes us to the resort for a lively evening.

      The Light Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 100km
    6. Day 5 Nha Trang Rest Day

      For a rest day off the saddle we take a boat trip to stunning coral islands for swimming and snorkeling. On the way back we’ll have a cultural stop at Pa Na Gar Cham towers. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, four of the original eight towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Alternatively, those who would like to take it easy can lie down and soak up the sun by the beach.

      The Light Hotel
      Breakfast
    7. Day 6 Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa

      Following breakfast, we cycle out of Nha Trang and then take a short transfer to avoid busy Highway 1. Back on the bikes we cycle on to Dai Lanh Beach where we’ll have a beach side lunch with time for a swim in the blue waters. To avoid another busy section of road a 20 minute transfer takes us to the start of our afternoon ride on a coastal road snaking along the base of Da Bia Mountain. There will be some gentle climbs before we drop to the flats and finish our day on quiet countryside lanes that are a mix of tarmac and dirt, passing soothing rice paddies and peaceful villages.

      Cen Deluxe
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 85km
    8. Day 7 Tuy Hoa - Quinhon

      After transferring out of town to avoid the main highway we start biking along a remote, but well-surfaced road running parallel with the railway. The terrain rolls gently with breathtaking views of the highland hills. As we cycle through tribal and Viet villages we’ll also spot potbellied pigs and barefooted children trotting across the trail. We then return to the highway and transfer a short distance to Quinhon.

      Seagull Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 70km
    9. Day 8 Quinhon - Quang Ngai

      Today we follow the coastal road to Tra O Lagoon, the largest wetland in Binh Dinh Province and also a principal food source for the locals. While rolling we also take in the sea breeze and spot tranquil fishing villages lined along the coastline. After lunch at a local restaurant, the ride continues to Highway 1, where we transfer to Quang Ngai for the night.

      Central Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 70km
    10. Day 9 Quang Ngai - My Lai - Hoi An

      In the morning we start cycling from the hotel to have the first stop at My Lai, the site of one of the deadliest massacres during the Indochina War. After a guided tour we continue cycling along the coast, passing many picturesque fishing villages with their colourful boats. We stop riding at lunch and transfer on to Hoi An so we can have the afternoon free to explore this historic town. A major trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries there are 844 structures of historical significance and many vibrant shopping streets, the city is a must for you to wander around and absorb the atmosphere.

      Pho Hoi Riverside
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 50km
    11. Day 10 Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An

      This morning we have a short transfer to avoid the highway and start riding to My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham Civilization dating back to the 4th century. We then cycle along scenic country back roads flanked by rice paddies, eucalyptus plantations and relaxing villages. Later the road stretches away from the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean as we head to My Son, once Champa’s most important city. After lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the site, and although many of the temples were destroyed from heavy bombing, enough have survived the war to impress most visitors. After the historical tour, we take the bus back to Hoi An. Dinner is your choice.

      Pho Hoi Riverside
      Breakfast, Lunch
      Ride 54km
    12. Day 11 Hoi An - Hue

      This is probably the toughest ride of the tour, yet it is also one of the most rewarding. A short transfer out of Hoi An brings us to the start of our ride along the beach to Danang, known to some as China Beach, an R&R destination for American troops during the Vietnam War. It will be quickly time to change your gears and start the climb up Hai Van Pass, a steady and moderately challenging uphill with exhilarating views of the coast. From sea level we climb up to 480 m before flying down a long and smooth descent After lunch we venture away from the main highway and cruise on a coastal road for 44 km to Hue, the old capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty.

      Emm Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 100km
    13. Day 12 Hue - Ninh Binh

      Today we explore by bicycle and boat the rich history left behind by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. We start by cycling directly from our hotel along the An Cuu (Perfume) River and head up to the tombs of Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen dynasty, which were built from 1920-1931. After our visit, we continue to bike on a quiet route to Vong Canh hill, which is just 43 m high, but is the best place to catch a panoramic view of the Perfume River. We finish the ride today at the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious building in Vietnam. Built in 1601, it has become the symbol of the city, and be sure to get a photo with the marble turtle! We then walk to the boat pier nearby the pagoda to take a cruise on the Perfume River back to Hue. After refreshing ourselves and packing up we have a dinner at a local restaurant before boarding an overnight train to Ninh Binh.

      Overnight Train
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 30km
    14. Day 13 Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park

      We arrive in Ninh Binh around 10 am (arrival time may vary). Following a short transfer to the local restaurant for washing up, bike fitting (we have new fleet of bikes in the north) and an early lunch, we start cycling through spectacular karst mountains towering over a blanket of rice paddies to the ancient city of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. After touring the temples we continue to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first and largest natural reserve to check into our accommodation at the park.

      Cuc Phuong National Park
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 60km
    15. Day 14 Cuc Phuong National Park - Hai Phong

      We enjoy another ride to appreciate the park’s beauty, visit the primate rescue centre and head east on serene back roads through a sea of pineapple plantations. Today while riding you’ll notice the differences between North and South Vietnam ranging from crops, villages, to clothing as we pass through countless lush greenery, lovely villages and friendly locals. Today’s ride finishes just before we reach Highway 1 and our transfer to Hai Phong, one of Vietnam’s major ports.

      Huu Nghi Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 60km
    16. Day 15 Hai Phong - Cat Ba Island

      We transfer to the pier to catch a ferry to Fulong on Cat Ba Island. Located at the southern end of picturesque Halong Bay, the island is home to one of Vietnam’s most exquisite natural treasures, Cat Ba National Park. Once we get off the boat we cycle 26 km on the island’s only road before enjoying lunch in town. In the afternoon you are free to explore the surroundings before spending the night on this heavenly island.

      Princess Hotel
      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
      Ride 26km
    17. Day 16 Halong Bay - Hanoi

      We have a short ride in the morning and head for a memorable cruise through majestic Halong Bay. With its towering limestone karts protruding from the emerald sea, Halong Bay is truly one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Legend has it that it was formed by a great dragon that descended from the mountain into the sea. The boat trip is definitely rewarding after the long biking expedition. We then transfer to Hanoi and meet again in the evening for our farewell dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the city.

      Church Boutique Hang Gai
      Breakfast, Dinner
      Ride 22km
    18. Day 17 Onward Travel

      In the morning you are free to do last-minute shopping or take a short tour around the Vietnamese capital before catching your onward flight. If you would like to extend your stay in Hanoi, please contact us for the best hotel deals and rates.

      Breakfast

    Tour Details

    Saigon to Hanoi by Bicycle

    Our Saigon to Hanoi bike tour will take us by bus, boat, train and bike across 1,700 km of beautiful Vietnam. We’ll enjoy a few rest days as well as loads of time spent sightseeing and exploring the local wonders with 14 cycling days, riding 787 km. We’ll be cycling over good, surfaced roads as well as some good quality dirt tracks.

    To make the most of this cycling adventure tour we recommend stopping and exploring the photographing the fascinating sights along the way. However, some of the days have relatively long rides and most experienced riders find it sufficiently challenging and rewarding. Faster riders can consult with our guide and usually ride on ahead enjoying their own pace.

    We avoid the busy Highway 1 most of the time, only joining it when we must, which is no more than 20 km. We’ve designed this route to explore the Vietnamese countryside away from the main roads where the bicycle is the most common form of transport. You’ll share the back roads and tracks with school children, farmers and beautiful girls in flowing ao dais. In fact, you may well lose your voice saying so many greetings along the way!

    You won’t miss any of the fascinating main attractions and places of interest along the way, as we have allocated rest days for just this opportunity. So you can enjoy the best of Vietnam at your own pace. For example, you’ll have this time in Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and Halong Bay so that you can really immerse yourself in the Vietnamese culture and landscape.

    Is This Tour Suitable for Me?

    Our Saigon to Hanoi bike tour is suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness. The tour is not too arduous, so riders with less experience are definitely welcome, although the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. An air-conditioned bus travels behind the group for support. On some occasions, if it is impossible for the bus to follow us on the dirt tracks, we arrange for motorcycle back up with snacks and water.

    Biking Conditions

    The bike tour is mainly on good-quality tarmac roads and some vehicle-width dirt roads. A support truck is always available to help whenever required, and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group.

    The Bikes

    Many people can’t imagine going on a bike tour without their own bike, for that reason we don’t provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the FAQ section. The bikes are trusted brands of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed, v-brakes, and Shimano components as well as front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it’s a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical condition.

    You can also hire an electric bike (or an E-Bike). We have 2 sizes available: S = 155 cm – 170 cm and M = 171cm – 180 cm. The E-Bikes are GIANT brand bikes with SHIMANO Alivio1,9 speed, disc brakes and adjustable suspension forks.

    Bike Repairs

    Your support vehicle carries basic spares and tools, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

    Safety

    Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you have travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

    Guides

    You’ll be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we’ll add another guide as well. All of our guides are knowledgeable in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and love passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

    Health

    Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. Vietnam is a malarial area so you may want to take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information.

    Weather

    Weather in Vietnam is divided into 4 main regions – the far north, north, central and south.

    The far north can get very cold in December and January while the dry season runs from October to late March and the wet season between April to September.

    In Hanoi & the north, it is hot, wet and humid from May to October while November to April is cooler and dry.

    Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January & August with temperatures ranging in the mid 30°C. High levels of rainfall are during September – November.

    Southern Vietnam is dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.

    Food

    Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are Vietnamese food and features noodles, rice curries and soups. Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and we make sure you sample as much variety as possible. Any special dietary requirements can be catered for, please just let us know when booking.

    Drink

    We know how important it is to keep you well hydrated. That’s why cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Beer is freely available everywhere in Vietnam but is NOT included in the price.

    Solo Travelers

    SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can’t match you up we’ll provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share, you can pay a single supplement to guarantee your own room.

    Extra Expenses

    We recommend that you tuck away a few extra pounds, perhaps 10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should depend on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, we suggest £2-3 per person per day.

    Money

    The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d). ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about £100). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centres. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it on departure.

     

    More Great Biking Tours

    Activity Level: Moderate

    Average fitness required, but OK for most people.

    Our Saigon to Hanoi bike tour is suitable for anyone with a average level of fitness. The tour is not too arduous, so riders with less experience are definitely welcome, although the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. An air-conditioned bus travels behind the group for support. On some occasions, if it is impossible for the bus to follow us on the dirt tracks, we arrange for motorcycle back up with snacks and water.

    Biking Conditions

    The bike tour is mainly on good-quality tarmac roads and some vehicle-width dirt roads. A support truck is always available to help whenever required, and participants can cycle as much or as little as they like and still enjoy the same views as the rest of the group.

    Bike Hire

    Mountain Bike: £148
    E-Bike: £367

    Cycling Distance

    Number of Cycling Days: 14
    Total Cycling Distance: 787 km
    Average Distance Per Day: 57 km
    Overall Rating
    5/5
    Richard Albert Wolf
    Reviewed On 10/06/2018
    5/5

    Great trip. Best way to see the backroads. Excellent, knowledgeable guide, good accommodations, excellent food. Certainly exceeded expectations.

    Martin Frei
    Reviewed On 15/04/2018
    5/5

    We saw a lot of the country and we enjoyed the local food very much. The whole trip was very well organized - so we passed a great time in Vietnam! Our guide did a great job.

    Paul Alcantra
    Reviewed On 11/01/2018
    5/5

    Our guides were phenomenal! They were professional, knowledgeable about the Vietnamese culture and environment, and demonstrated true customer care.

    LEAVE YOUR COMMENT