Vietnam Cycling: Land and Culture

Mai Chau is known for its stunning mountain backdrop and idyllic valleys filled with picturesque rice paddies. The rustic villages, with their traditional wooden stilt houses, are largely inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. A one-hour transfer takes you to Hoa Binh, where the ride begins, ascending through remote Muong villages and weaving through terraced rice paddies. The road is in good condition, with both challenging cross-country paths and quiet, paved mountain roads, rewarding you with splendid views of misty green karst formations and the expansive Hoa Binh Reservoir. After several climbs and thrilling descents, you reach the peaceful valley of Mai Chau, surrounded by steep mountains and a vast stretch of verdant rice fields.

Accommodations: Superior - Mai Chau Lodge
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

In the serene beauty of Pu Luong, cycle downhill along concrete village roads, where fresh air and lush landscapes unfold, with rice terraces cascading gracefully down the hills. The ride then leads through picturesque scenery, along tranquil rivers, and past traditional water wheels, where you can learn about the area’s irrigation system. Follow a remote country road shaded by riverside bamboo forests, offering a peaceful and immersive experience in nature. The terrain then changes as you pedal through sugarcane and corn plantations, eventually reaching the historic Ho Chi Minh Trails. An hour-long transfer then brings you to Ninh Binh, a stunning region often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its enchanting landscape of limestone mountains rising from the paddies.

Accommodations: Superior - Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Cycling in Hue offers a fascinating immersion into Vietnam’s imperial heritage. As you arrive in this historic city, prepare to pedal through a landscape of ancient grandeur, where majestic tombs, venerable pagodas, and the enduring Citadel showcase the charm of a bygone era. The ride along the Perfume River leads to Tu Duc’s mausoleum - a breathtaking creation set amidst lush gardens that reflect the emperor’s deep love for nature and literature. Following this, a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River transports you to the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most revered spiritual site. From here, a short cycle takes you to Hue Imperial City, the seat and residence of the Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945. A guided tour of the Imperial City uncovers its rich history and architectural splendour before riding through the city to the hotel.

Accommodations: Superior - Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

The Hai Van Pass, praised by BBC’s Top Gear as the world's most beautiful coastal mountain road, forms the final stretch of the Northern Truong Son Range to the sea. The cycling route from Lang Co Lagoon to Danang is both challenging and tranquil, offering glimpses of fishermen collecting oysters or emptying nets from the night before. As you ascend, the moderate terrain and winding paths reveal stunning views of fishing boats, waterfalls, mountains, pine forests, and pristine beaches. Reaching the summit is the ride’s true highlight, where breathtaking panoramas of Vietnam’s rugged coastline unfold. The summit also holds remnants of Vietnam's past, including a Nguyen dynasty fortification and wartime bunkers, adding historical depth to the ride. From there, the road continues to Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s younger and more dynamic cities. After a breathtaking descent to Xuan Thieu Beach zone, transportation is provided to your hotel in Hoi An.

Accommodations: Superior - Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Set off early from Cua Dai, where your ride unfolds along the coastal road, taking you to the charming Tam Thanh Mural Village. The village’s houses and walls are beautifully adorned with colourful murals, depicting various scenes of daily life, nature, and local folklore. Pedal towards Tam Hai, following a tranquil route that winds through the serene countryside, sometimes tracing the river and passing small fishing hamlets - a splendid opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoilt charm of Vietnam’s rural landscapes. Arrive at the sea mouth, where a local ferry ride awaits, followed by onward cycling to Chu Lai - a once-prominent Vietnam military base. From Chu Lai, transfer to Quang Ngai, with a stop en route at the solemn site of the My Lai massacre, where a guided tour provides profound insights into one of the Vietnam War’s most tragic episodes.

Accommodations: Superior - Cocoland River Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today's ride begins with a transfer to the southern coast of Quy Nhon, where you will cycle from a small village by the waterfront. The route takes you through beautiful countryside roads, including Vietnam's longest wooden bridge, and the Da Dia Reef attraction. Ganh Da Dia, or "The Sea Cliff of Stone Plates," resembles a giant beehive or a pile of plates. This area spans 100 by 250 metres and features around 35,000 basalt columns in various shapes. Continue along a 30km stretch with stunning coastal views, passing deserted lagoons, colourful boats, and seaside villages, before cycling over undulating paths through sweet potato and tapioca plantations on the way to Tuy Hoa city.

Accommodations: Superior - Sala Tuy Hoa Beach Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

You will have some leisure time to explore and enjoy Nha Trang Beach City before transferring to the airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast