This 9-day Vietnamese multi-surface cycling adventure connects a dazzling variety of landscapes, cultural influences, and accommodations, bringing out the essence of this diverse country through unforgettable rides. We meet in the elegant Old Quarter of Hanoi near serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a place woven into ancient Vietnamese history and legends. Our riding begins southwest of the city, a quintessentially North Vietnamese ride on roads that wind between surreal limestone columns to indigenous villages of stilted houses and swathes of bamboo forest. Continuing southward through farmland and wilderness, we then reach Vietnam’s coastline on the Gulf of Tonkin. Here, we’ll switch gears for a day of coastal riding, with the sea breeze in our hair and a stay at a unique seaside resort. After this warm-up period, we climb into the Annamite Mountains for a couple of days of serious climbing as we immerse ourselves in the jungle biodiversity and a tapestry of mountain cultures. Descending into Hue, once Vietnam’s capital, we stay beside the Perfume River and take in the courtly traditions of the town. Rejoining the coastline, we will spend a peaceful night on the shores of Vietnam’s largest lagoon, then take on the iconic Hai Van Pass on a stunning final ride before reaching the vibrant, UNESCO-designated heritage town of Hoi An. From here, extend your stay at the nearby beach resorts, or take a day’s pause before starting on another leg of cycling through central and southern Vietnam.
Rated 2 out of 4 our Intermediate tours are designed for sporty people who are looking to enjoy some more challenging rides. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
At 18:00 this evening, meet your guide in elegant central Hanoi for a tour briefing followed by cocktails and dinner.
This morning, we will leave Hanoi by a 2.5-hour vehicle transfer to the surreal rock formations and villages southwest of the city. This is the iconic landscape of North Vietnam. We ride through this culturally rich region, learning about the history of Vietnam as we warm up our legs with some good climbs amid the rolling terrain that passes through bamboo forests and river valleys.
Our ride begins very near our hotel this morning, heading south on small roads and laneways. Views open up over green hills, where a variety of crops are grown amid forested land. Enter lively countryside towns and engage with the locals; lunch will be an opportunity to try the hearty local fare. Continue with a more relaxed afternoon ride through the rice fields. Reaching the end of the route, we’ll transfer south, with dinner en route, reaching our beautifully-situated seaside resort in the evening.
Wake up to sunrise on the Gulf of Tonkin and ride straight out through the fishing village beside our hotel. This is a coastal joyride through a mix of rugged terrain and more populated areas. Wide river estuaries offer striking vistas over this fertile land of rice fields and fish farms, with sections of forest and small towns backdropped by mountains in the distance. After lunch, we’ll transfer a bit further south, then we can cycle into the historic city of Dong Hoi and our sprawling, shaded seaside resort property.
We leave the coast behind for the time being, riding into the Annamite Mountain frontier near the Laos border on the iconic Ho Chi Minh Highway. A post-war project to link north and south Vietnam, this is a crowning national project that provides us with stunning views and immersion in Vietnam’s “wild side”, with views over the jungle canopy and the chance to see rare wildlife, with waterfalls coursing down from the foliage from time to time. We will stay the night in a village nestled in this pristine setting.
We continue along the Ho Chi Minh Highway through villages of the local indigenous groups, such as the Van Kieu and the Co Tu. We will see their traditional houses, costumes, and maybe even some festivals underway. After a section atop the mountains, we will transfer to a fun section descending along the Perfume River into Hue, formerly the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty. We will spend the night in the heart of this historic milieu.
We wake for a stroll in historic Hue and a tour of the city’s historic sites. We then transfer around 45 minutes out of town to a surreal landscape known as the Ghost City, a vast district of ornate mausoleums honouring ancestors in grand fashion. From this distinctive starting point, we will ride through an isolated region punctuated by farming hamlets, then along a lagoon lined with fishing villages and views over the open coast. Roll into our resort and enjoy a plunge in the open-air pool, relax in the sauna, or head out for a paddle in a kayak on Vietnam’s largest lagoon.
Our ride starts from our lagoonside resort, but we soon enter a series of passes interspersed with idyllic, smooth-rolling seaside riding. The journey culminates in the Hai Van Pass, featured on the show Top Gear as one of the world’s top coastal roads. Soaring 500 m above sea level on a promontory with sweeping views over the South China Sea, this is a fitting culmination to our ride… but there’s still the thrilling rollercoast of a descent! Arriving in the outskirts of Da Nang, we transfer around one hour to the UNESCO-designated heritage site of Hoi An, a silk and spice-trading port of the maritime Silk Road during the 17th and 18th centuries. We’ll celebrate with a fantastic dinner of local specialties prepared by a local chef in the immaculately-preserved heart of the town
Plan your ownward travel from Hoi An, or join our next departure and hit the road south to Saigon!
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
Hotel de Lagom Hanoi, nestled in the heart of the vibrant Old Quarter, is a stunning fusion of Swedish and French design principles that embody the essence of balance—neither too much nor too little. This philosophy, which can be interpreted as ‘in moderation’ or ‘harmony,’ is intricately woven into the very fabric of our hotel, creating a space that feels both stylish and inviting.
Stay at the Lamori resort, a tranquil “oasis” nestled amidst verdant fields and majestic mountains. The vision of the owners was to preserve the pristine beauty of the natural world and the cultural heritage of their homeland.
Located on the sandy Thien Cam Beach enjoy stunning coastal views and relaxed luxury. The outdoor pool promised refreshment after a long day on the bike!
Sun Spa Resort Quang Binh is set amidst a spacious 29 hectares of landscaped garden along pristine white sand Bao Ninh Beach Vietnam and on the banks of the legendary of Nhat Le river.
Located in the picturesque Central Vietnam city of Dong Hoi, 50 kilometers from the mystical, UNESCO recognized caves of Phong Nha, Sun Spa Resort offers luxurious accommodation in Dong Hoi, excellent facilities along Bao Ninh Beach and the perfect gateway to discover the World Heritage.
Perfectly placed on our route, this Khe San Hotel offers warm hospitality and clean, comfortable rooms.
Set on a two and a half-hectare site along the legendary Perfume River, Azerai La Residence, Hue is built around a 1930’s colonial mansion. The mansion’s distinctive façade, its long horizonal lines and nautical flourishes are hallmark of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture. Its two complementary wings, built in 2005, are contemporary in design yet echo elements of art deco aesthetics and embrace an expansive tropical garden and salt-water swimming pool.
Vedanā Lagoon Resort & Spa offers a new concept with stylish interior decoration set in undulating landscapes and peaceful lagoon. Tthe resort is as warm and inviting as it is fresh and full of vision. Each of the villas and bungalows are individualized and have their own private sundeck, and a balcony that leads out onto the immense lagoon or into a private garden. The highlight of the resort is the first over-water bungalows in Vietnam.
Anantara Hoi An Resort boasts an enviable setting, less than a kilometre from the historic quarter of Hoi An, in lush gardens fronting the Thu Bon River. Boutique luxury at our Hoi An hotel resort offers charming garden and river view rooms and suites, riverfront dining, blissful spa journeys, and sunset river cruises.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €60 per day.Bikes shown here are examples and are subject to availabilty at the time of booking. We'll let you know the available options in your size when you book with us.
A carbon gravel machine perfect for high speeds on paved roads and stability off-road. The Terra comes with a Shimano GRX groupset with 46/30 – 11/36 gearing.
A Swiss-Canadian, Chris first cycled on the backroads of Ontario and BC, then headed to France and Switzerland to guide bike tours. Eventually, he ended up in Asia, pedaling in Mongolia and China before heading to the warmer climes of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, where it’s easy to cycle all year. A trained bike mechanic and sometime endurance cyclist, Chris is constantly enthralled by all aspects of cycling and by the beautiful, fascinating regions where he lives and guides!
Quan has a dream of a brighter future for Vietnam tourism, because there seem to be countless wonderful things this country can offer to the world; and being a tour guide is his way to make that dream come true. He loves taking travellers to the untouched areas of Vietnam, showing them the life of a local farmer or fisherman, and delivering the experience of making rice paper or weaving grass rugs; sharing “truly local insight”. Cycling journeys are the best way to immerse in nature and local life!
Giang is an adventurous cyclist with a deep passion for traveling that started when she was very young. She started exploring when she moved to Da Nang for university, and quickly fell in love with the city’s charm and made it her mission to explore every nook and corner. This journey not only helped her learn about the local culture and hidden gems, but also gave her the opportunity to connect with new friends and communities. As she grows into her role as a tour guide, she’s excited to share that same sense of discovery with travelers from all around the world. She aims to offer more than just a sightseeing trip and striecs for each experience to be more special and unforgettable.
Asia is a vast and captivating region that offers incredible diversity for cycling, from tropical lowlands to rolling hills and mountain landscapes. With a warm climate and quiet rural roads across countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s an ideal destination for year-round riding. Cycling is deeply woven into daily life here, meaning riders are welcomed with curiosity and genuine hospitality wherever they go. Expect rich cultural encounters, colourful scenery, and the chance to explore far beyond the usual tourist routes on our Asia cycling tours.
Discover NowIf you have any questions about our tours, dates, or anything else, contact us here
