43 Day Trans Vietnam Cycling Expedition Hanoi to Saigon
19 + Days
19 + Days
60 - 100 km/day
Challenging
2 to 15 riders
★★★★★
0/5
Cycling North to South Vietnam
Overview
The Expedition of a Lifetime
Imagine stepping onto your pedals in the narrow, thousand-year-old alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, watching the world awaken over a steamy bowl of authentic Pho, and knowing that ahead of you lies over 2,000 kilometers of raw, breathtaking, ocean-to-mountain paradise. Imagine tracing the entire spine of an ancient dragon—from the mist-shrouded limestone peaks of the Far North down to the sun-drenched palm groves and winding waterways of the southern Mekong Delta.
This is not merely a holiday; it is the definitive 43-Day Trans-Vietnam Cycling Expedition—a grand, slow-travel Odyssey crafted for those who refuse to experience the world through the tint of a tour bus window. On two wheels, you don't just see Vietnam; you feel it. You feel the cool mountain breeze rolling off northern rice terraces, smell the fragrance of drying cinnamon and roasted coffee beans in the Central Highlands, taste freshly caught seafood along pristine turquoise bays, and hear the heartwarming shouts of "Xin Chào!" from children waving from stilt-house doorsteps in remote ethnic villages.
Why This Journey Will Change Your Life
Covering the full geographic length of Vietnam, this meticulously planned 43-day expedition strikes the perfect harmony between physical achievement, deep cultural discovery, and effortless comfort. Averaging a gratifying 50 to 85 kilometers per day, you will conquer legendary mountain passes like the world-famous Hai Van Pass ("Ocean Cloud Pass") and the towering Omega Pass, while having ample time built into the schedule for rest days, UNESCO World Heritage exploration, beach relaxations, and culinary indulgence.
You will cross four distinct geographic and cultural zones:
The Majestic Northern Valleys & Karsts: Ride through emerald rice fields, deep limestone canyons, and pristine nature reserves where ancient Thai and Muong minority customs endure.
The Imperial Central Coast & Heritage Trail: Trace historical trade routes, ancient royal capitals, DMZ landmarks, and golden beaches along the shimmering East Vietnam Sea.
The Legendary Central Highlands: Escape the coastal heat as you climb into pine-scented mountain plateaus, waterfalls, and rich coffee plantations surrounding European-influenced Dalat.
The Fertile Mekong Delta & Saigon Metropolis: Glide along peaceful canal paths, cross river ferries, explore vibrant floating markets, and celebrate your epic finish in the electric heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Unmatched Support & Worry-Free Riding
Whether you are a seasoned endurance cyclist riding a high-performance gravel bike, an adventurous tourer, or a rider taking advantage of our premium E-bike pedal-assist options, our world-class support team ensures your trip is seamless:
100% Van Escort: A air-conditioned support vehicle is with you every single kilometer for luggage transfer, mechanical fixes, air-conditioned breaks, and cold drinks.
Expert Local Cycling Crew: Lead by passionate, English-speaking local ride leaders who know every hidden backroad, secret vista, and regional food stall.
Handpicked Boutique Stay: Recharge each evening in high-quality 3- to 4-star boutique hotels, beachfront resorts, and authentic luxury homestays.
Gourmet Regional Dining: Experience Vietnam’s legendary culinary diversity with daily freshly prepared local lunches, tropical fruit spreads on the road, and curated group feasts.
Highlights
The Ultimate Cross-Country Achievement: Complete the full 2,000+ km trans-national crossing of Vietnam on two wheels—a prestigious accomplishment shared by only a select group of global adventure cyclists.
Northern Valley Fantasy (Mai Chau & Pu Luong): Leave urban noise behind as you cycle through dramatic limestone amphi-theaters, terraced paddies, and peaceful ethnic Thai villages resting on stilts.
UNESCO World Heritage Crown Jewels:
Trang An & Ninh Binh: Glide through the "Ha Long Bay on Land" by bike and traditional wooden sampan boat.
Imperial Hue: Discover the secret inner sanctuaries of the Nguyen Dynasty's Citadel and royal mausoleums.
Hoi An Ancient Town: Lose yourself in the magical glow of thousands of silk lanterns along riverfront alleys.
The Legendary Hai Van Pass Climb: Test your legs on one of the top coastal mountain roads in the world—a spectacular 21 km winding climb featured on Top Gear, offering dramatic ocean cliff views.
The Highland Escape to Dalat: Ride through misty mountain ridges, flower valleys, and pine forests, ascending to 1,500m above sea level into the cool mountain haven of Dalat.
Tropical Coastlines & Hidden Bays: Ride smooth ocean highways alongside turquoise bays, stopping for rest days at pristine beaches including Quy Nhon, Doc Let, and Whale Island.
The Labyrinthine Mekong Delta: Navigate a serene network of island backroads, fruit orchards, canal bridges, and river ferries, culminating in an early morning boat ride through the famous Cai Rang Floating Market.
Culinary Journey Across 4 Regions: Indulge in northern Pho and Bun Cha, central Cao Lau and imperial tapas, highland mountain produce, fresh coastal seafood, and southern Banh Xeo.
Trip Specifications & Riding Conditions
Daily Distance: 50 – 85 km / day (carefully adjusted according to elevation profile and rest days).
Total Cycling Distance: ~2,100 km across 43 days.
Terrain Mix: 90% smooth tarmac/asphalt roads, 10% scenic gravel, paved village paths, and mountain asphalt passes.
Elevation Profile: Rolling terrain with flat coastal and delta days, mixed with iconic mountain ascents in the Northern Valleys and Central Highlands.
Suitable Bikes: Touring bikes, modern gravel bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, or high-end E-bikes (E-bike rentals fully supported).
Support System: Dedicated support vehicle, lead guide, rear mechanic, full hydration/nutrition stations every 15-20 km.
Day 1: Arrival in Historic Hanoi – The Journey Begins
Welcome to Vietnam! Transfer to your boutique hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Meet your lead guide and fellow riders for bike fitting, a safety briefing, and a welcome banquet featuring authentic northern cuisine.
Day 2: Hanoi Warm-Up & Cultural Loop (30 km)
Cycle gently around West Lake and historic tree-lined avenues. Visit the Temple of Literature and enjoy an evening traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Day 3: Hanoi to Mai Chau Valley – Into the Emerald Mountains (65 km)
Drive past city suburbs, then take to the saddle at the foot of the mountains. Climb Thung Khe Pass before dropping into the lush valley of Mai Chau, home to White Thai ethnic communities.
Day 4: Mai Chau to Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Terraces & Mist (55 km)
Pedal along mountain ridges and hidden singletracks into the untamed beauty of Pu Luong. Marvel at giant wooden water wheels and ancient rice terraces carved into the hillsides.
Day 5: Pu Luong to Cuc Phuong National Park – Ancient Rainforests (70 km)
Descend through limestone valleys into Vietnam’s oldest national park. Ride under a dense jungle canopy and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.
Day 6: Cuc Phuong to Ninh Binh – The "Ha Long Bay on Land" (60 km)
Cycle past towering karst peaks sticking out of quiet waterways. In the afternoon, exchange your bike for a traditional sampan boat trip through the limestone caves of Tam Coc.
Day 7: Ninh Binh Rest & Exploration Day (35 km optional)
Take a well-deserved light ride through the ancient 10th-century capital of Hoa Lu and the UNESCO Trang An landscape complex, or relax at your eco-resort pool.
Day 8: Ninh Binh to Vinh – Crossing into the North-Central Plains (80 km)
Ride south along coastal dikes, rural farming hamlets, and duck farms, experiencing authentic rural Vietnamese hospitality away from main tourist routes.
Day 9: Vinh to Ky Anh – Coastal Farmlands & Ocean Breezes (75 km)
Cruise down quiet roads framed by mountain foothills on one side and the East Vietnam Sea on the other. Stop at local fishing harbors to watch daily catches come in.
Day 10: Ky Anh to Phong Nha – Gateway to the Cave Kingdom (85 km)
Ride toward the legendary Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Watch as dramatic jungle limestone mountains rise dramatically on the horizon.
Day 11: Phong Nha Underground Cave Exploration (Rest Day)
Off the bike! Take a scenic river boat into the world-renowned Phong Nha Cave and explore subterranean wonderlands of stalactites and underground rivers.
Day 12: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi – Dunes & Coastal Tarmac (60 km)
Cycle along scenic rural roads leading down to the coastal city of Dong Hoi, stopping at white sand dunes and peaceful river crossings.
Day 13: Dong Hoi to Quang Tri & Imperial Hue (75 km)
Ride through the historic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), crossing the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River. Arrive late afternoon in the royal capital of Hue.
Day 14: Rest & Imperial Culture Day in Hue
Explore the Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and royal tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. Enjoy a sunset dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River and sample Hue’s famous imperial snacks.
Day 15: Hue to Hoi An via the Epic Hai Van Pass (85 km)
Highlight Day! Conquer the famous 21 km Hai Van Pass ("Ocean Cloud Pass"). Enjoy panoramic coastal views from the summit before descending into Da Nang and continuing to lantern-lit Hoi An.
Day 16: Rest & Romance Day in Hoi An
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Hoi An. Get custom clothes tailored, relax at An Bang Beach, or unwind at a riverfront café.
Day 17: Hoi An Artisan Countryside Loop (45 km)
Cycle peaceful village trails through organic vegetable farms (Tra Que), wood-carving villages, and traditional bamboo coconut groves.
Day 18: Hoi An to Tam Ky – Lagoons & Fishing Villages (60 km)
Ride coastal backroads past quiet lagoons, fish markets, and WWII history sites along pristine central coast beaches.
Phase 3: The Central Highlands & Pristine Tropical Shores (Days 19 – 30)
Day 19: Tam Ky to Quang Ngai – Rice Fields & Coconut Palms (70 km)
Ride along gentle coastal terrain lined with coconut trees, quaint villages, and salt marshes shining under the central sun.
Day 20: Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon – Granite Coves & Cham Towers (85 km)
Cycle one of the most stunning ocean roads in Vietnam, passing dramatic cliffside bays and centuries-old Cham towers overlooking the ocean.
Day 21: Rest Day in Coastal Quy Nhon
Relax on Quy Nhon’s golden sandy beaches, swim in warm tropical waters, and feast on local grilled seafood delicacies.
Day 22: Quy Nhon to Tuy Hoa – Secret Bays & Cliff Roads (80 km)
Traverse remote fishing hamlets, wooden bridges, and dramatic ocean overlooks along the unspoiled coastline of Phu Yen province.
Day 23: Tuy Hoa to Whale Island / Doc Let Beach (75 km)
Cycle south toward turquoise waters and secluded tropical bays. Arrive at your beachfront resort hidden away from urban crowds.
Day 24: Whale Island Tropical Paradise (Rest Day)
A full day of pure relaxation! Go snorkeling along coral reefs, kayak in turquoise lagoons, or read a book under swaying palm trees.
Day 25: Doc Let to Riviera Nha Trang (50 km)
Enjoy a short, breezy morning ride along coastal roads into the vibrant bay city of Nha Trang. Spend the afternoon exploring oceanfront promenades.
Day 26: Nha Trang to Dalat – The Great Omega Pass Ascent (85 km)
King of the Mountains Day! Ride from sea level up the magnificent Omega Pass, climbing into the cool pine forests of the Central Highlands at 1,500 meters elevation.
Day 27: Rest & Highland Exploration Day in Dalat
Enjoy the crisp mountain air of the "City of Eternal Spring." Visit French colonial villas, local artisan coffee roasters, and colorful flower gardens.
Day 28: Dalat Highland Countryside & Waterfall Ride (55 km)
Cycle down highland backroads past coffee plantations, cricket farms, silk factories, and thunderous waterfalls.
Day 29: Dalat to Bao Loc – Tea Estates & Pine Forests (80 km)
Ride along the highland spine through rolling green tea hills and fragrant coffee estates in Di Linh and Bao Loc.
Day 30: Bao Loc to Mui Ne – Thrilling Highland Descent (85 km)
Enjoy a thrill ride as you descend from the cool highlands back to the tropical coast, ending at the iconic red sand dunes of Mui Ne.
Phase 4: Southern Delta Waterways & Saigon Victory Grand Finale (Days 31 – 43)
Day 31: Rest Day on the Dunes of Mui Ne
Spend the day kitesurfing, exploring the famous red and white sand dunes, or lounging poolside at your beachfront resort.
Day 32: Mui Ne to Ba Ria Coast (75 km)
Cycle along ocean highways past dragon fruit farms, coastal lighthouses, and long stretches of quiet sandy beaches.
Day 33: Ba Ria to My Tho – Gateway to the Mekong Delta (65 km)
Transfer past busy highway corridors and hop on your bike to cross into the lush, watery paradise of the Mekong Delta.
Day 34: My Tho to Ben Tre – Coconut Palms & Island Pathways (50 km)
Cross wooden bridges and local ferries. Ride along narrow concrete paths shaded by endless coconut trees in Ben Tre province.
Day 35: Ben Tre to Tra Vinh – Khmer Culture & Orchard Paths (60 km)
Pedal deeper into the delta, passing ancient ethnic Khmer pagodas, dragon fruit orchards, and friendly agricultural villages.
Day 36: Tra Vinh to Can Tho – The Heart of the Delta (75 km)
Cycle across island ferries, fruit farms, and river dikes into Can Tho, the vibrant commercial capital of the southern river country.
Day 37: Can Tho Early Floating Market & Rest Afternoon
Early morning boat tour to the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market to see hundreds of boats trading fresh fruits. Free afternoon to relax by the river.
Day 38: Can Tho to Long Xuyen – Endless Green Rice Fields (70 km)
Ride flat, peaceful backroads alongside endless green paddy fields and canal networks filled with lotus flowers.
Day 39: Long Xuyen to Chau Doc – Border Waterways & Cajuput Forests (65 km)
Cycle near the Cambodian border, visiting Sam Mountain and taking a boat trip through the enchanting green duckweed of Tra Su Cajuput Forest.
Day 40: Chau Doc to Sa Dec – Flower Villages & Colonial Charm (70 km)
Ride along quiet river embankments to Sa Dec, famous for its colorful flower-growing villages and French colonial architecture.
Day 41: Sa Dec to Vinh Long – Island Homestay & Cooking Class (50 km)
Cycle onto river islands on the Mekong River. Spend the night at an authentic riverfront homestay, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese cooking class.
Day 42: Vinh Long to Saigon – Victory Ride & Grand Celebration Dinner (40 km)
Final morning cycle through island backroads. Transfer by vehicle into central Ho Chi Minh City. Celebrate your epic 2,000+ km victory with a champagne banquet!
Day 43: Farewell Ho Chi Minh City (Departure Day)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, capture final group photographs, exchange contacts, and transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for departure.
What’s Included
What is Included in Your Tour Package
Bicycles & Premium Equipment: High-performance touring or gravel bicycle fitted with helmet, front/rear pannier bags, and water cages (Modern E-bike upgrade available upon request).
100% Support Vehicle Escort: Dedicated air-conditioned support van/bus following the group throughout the entire 2,000+ km route for luggage transfer, passenger transport, bike logistics, and emergency backup.
Handpicked Boutique Accommodations: 42 nights of comfortable, carefully selected 3-star to 4-star boutique hotels, beach resorts, and authentic luxury homestays.
15 Group Dinners including Welcome Banquet, Imperial Hue Feast, Homestay Dinner, and Victory Celebration Dinner.
Professional Cycling Crew: Lead English-speaking cycling guide, assistant guide(s), and dedicated bike mechanic.
On-the-Road Nutrition: Unlimited cold bottled drinking water, electrolyte drinks, fresh tropical fruits, energy snacks, and local coffee served at rest stops every 15-20 km.
Excursions & Admissions: All tickets and entry fees for UNESCO sites, national parks, boat cruises (Tam Coc, Phong Nha, Hue Perfume River, Cai Rang Floating Market, Tra Su Forest), and local island ferry crossings.
All Taxes & Logistics: Local road tolls, ferry fees, bike transfer costs, and government service taxes.
What is Excluded from Your Tour Package
International Flights: Flights arriving in Hanoi (HAN) and departing from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).
Vietnam Entry Visa: Processing fees and stamp fees for Vietnam entry visas.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Mandatory personal travel, medical, bike cover, and emergency evacuation insurance.
Unincluded Meals: Select dinners on rest days, giving guests freedom to explore local dining scene independently.
Personal Expenses: Laundry services, mini-bar items, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks during non-included meals, and souvenirs.
Gratuities: Optional tips for lead cycling guides, support drivers, hotel staff, and local boat captains.
Itinerary
Experience the ultimate 43-day Vietnam cycling expedition from Hanoi to Saigon. Pedal 2,000+ km through misty mountains, UNESCO karsts, coastal roads, and the Mekong Delta. Fully supported bucket-list adventure. Book your journey today!
Step off the plane into the humid, electric embrace of Hanoi. Your expedition begins in the thousand-year-old capital where ancient traditions pulse alongside modern energy. After a comfortable airport transfer to our boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter, step outside to ignite your senses: the rich, aromatic perfume of simmering star-anise broth from street-side Pho cauldrons, the rhythmic chime of bicycle bells, and the soft amber light filtering through centuries-old banyan trees. In the late afternoon, gather in our private briefing room for custom bike fittings and gear checks with our master mechanical team. Test your shifting, adjust your saddle to perfection, and feel the nervous excitement build. Tonight, we celebrate the start of our odyssey with a gourmet welcome feast of grilled fish with dill (Cha Ca La Vong), ice-cold local craft beers, and the warm camaraderie of your fellow cross-country explorers.
Dawn breaks over Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals practice slow-motion Tai Chi under whispering willow trees. Clip into your pedals for your first warm-up ride through Vietnam's historic soul. We glide down French Quarter boulevards shaded by massive mahogany trees, the crisp morning air carrying the irresistible scent of freshly baked French baguettes and drip coffee. We trace the wide, shimmering rim of West Lake (Ho Tay), listening to the soft hum of rubber tires on smooth pavement and the gentle splash of lotus flowers nodding in the breeze. Pause at the Temple of Literature—built in 1070—where cool stone courtyards echo with centuries of history. We cross the historic Long Bien Bridge, its weathered cantilevered steel beams designed by Gustave Eiffel humming beneath our wheels as train engines rumble nearby. In the evening, relax with an authentic Water Puppet Show and dinner overlooking the illuminated lake.
Route: Xuan Mai - Luong Son - Thung Khe Pass - Mai Chau
Cycling Distance: ~65 km
Road Condition: Smooth mountain asphalt with sustained inclines
Elevation Gain: +850 m
Accommodation: Sol Bungalows Resort Mai Chau (4-star)
Our support van escorts us past suburban bustle to Xuan Mai, where the real mountain wilderness begins. Mount your bike and feel your heart rate elevate as the flat terrain vanishes, replaced by the soaring green walls of Hoa Binh province. The air grows noticeably cooler, filled with the scent of crushed fern and damp mountain earth. Click down through your gears as we tackle the serpentine gradients of Thung Khe Pass. Hear the crisp, mechanical snip-click of your index shifter as you adjust your cadences against sustained $7\%$ climbs. White limestone cliffs loom like giant icebergs above the tarmac. Reaching the cloud-swirled summit, stop at a local roadside hut to sip steaming-hot sweet ginger tea while absorbing panoramic vistas below. Then, release your brakes for a mind-clearing, 12 km swooping mountain descent into Mai Chau Valley—an emerald bowl ringed by jagged peaks and idyllic White Thai stilt houses. Tonight, enjoy traditional folk dance performances and a home-cooked banquet of bamboo-cooked sticky rice and wild grilled herbs.
Road Condition: Paved village roads, concrete singletracks, and rolling hills
Elevation Gain: +720 m
Accommodation: Pu Luong Retreat Eco-Lodge (4-star)
Awaken to the sound of crowing roosters, trickling streams, and morning mist rolling over palm-thatched roofs. Today is an immersive journey into the primitive, untouched beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We pedal along narrow concrete ribbons that weave through sprawling amphitheaters of golden rice terraces carved into steep mountain ridges. Feel the invigorating splash of mountain streams as we cross small bridges. Look out for giant bamboo water wheels—centuries-old engineering wonders creaking rhythmically as they scoop river water into bamboo aqueducts. The air is alive with the hum of cicadas and the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers. The final stretch rewards us with a punchy, muscle-stretching climb up to our eco-lodge, where an infinity pool overlooking misty green canyons invites you to soak your legs while sipping fresh passionfruit juice.
Route: Pu Luong - Cam Thuy - Cuc Phuong National Park
Cycling Distance: ~70 km
Road Condition: Quiet rural tarmac with smooth jungle canopy paths
Elevation Gain: +480 m
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa (4-star)
A thrilling morning descent carries us out of Pu Luong’s heights onto peaceful rural backroads following the emerald coils of the Ma River. We spin past quiet Muong hamlets where smoke rises lazily from kitchen fires, smelling of burned wood and wild mountain lemongrass. The road levels into gentle rolling curves framed by dense jungle canopy as we enter Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park. The air inside the rainforest is thick, humid, and rich with ozone and petrichor. Sunlight filters through thousand-year-old Thong Sam trees, casting dappled gold light across the asphalt. Listen to the exotic chorus of golden gibbons and hornbills echoing through ancient foliage. In the afternoon, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to witness rare langurs, then enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the deep, tranquil sounds of the prehistoric jungle.
Route: Cuc Phuong - Nho Quan - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh
Cycling Distance: ~60 km
Road Condition: Flat, smooth country roads winding between limestone karsts
Elevation Gain: +180 m
Accommodation: Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort Ninh Binh (4-star)
Roll out of the dense canopy into the breathtaking aquatic world of Ninh Binh, famously called the "Ha Long Bay on Land." Today offers smooth, flat spinning as our tires roll past sheer vertical karst monoliths rising dramatically out of emerald-green rice paddies and pink lotus ponds. The visual grandeur is staggering. By midday, we arrive at Tam Coc, trade our helmets for traditional woven straw hats, and step aboard a wooden sampan boat. Glide down the peaceful Ngo Dong River while local boat captains expertly row using their feet! Drift silently beneath dripping stalactites in three subterranean river caves, emerging into hidden valley lagoons where duck flocks ripple the glass-like water. Check into our luxury resort nestled right against the base of soaring cliff faces.
Route: Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Trang An - Ninh Binh
Cycling Distance: ~35 km (Optional recovery ride)
Road Condition: Flat paved village paths and scenic paved bypasses
Elevation Gain: +90 m
Accommodation: Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort Ninh Binh (4-star)
Your first designated rest day offers complete freedom. Sleep in to the tranquil sounds of rural Ninh Binh, indulge in a therapeutic hot-stone leg massage at the resort spa, or join our guide for a leisurely, flat recovery spin through the Trang An World Heritage Landscape. We pedal along quiet country dikes to explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th-century royal capital. Wander through ancient stone sanctuaries built in memory of King Dinh and King Le, surrounded by natural mountain fortresses. For lunch, sample Ninh Binh’s culinary icons: sun-dried crispy rice crust (Com Chay) paired with savory mountain goat cooked with lemongrass and elderberry. Tonight, recharge your body for the coastal journey south.
Road Condition: Flat coastal highways and rural tarmac
Elevation Gain: +210 m
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Luxury Vinh Hotel (4-star)
We head south today across the agricultural heartland of North-Central Vietnam. Leaving main highways behind, our route follows quiet coastal dikes and peaceful backroads through Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces. Feel the gentle coastal tailwind pushing your back as your group forms a smooth paceline, the steady hum of your tires rhythmically echoing off canal walls. Watch duck farmers guiding massive flocks through harvested paddies, and smell the salty tang of ocean air mixing with sun-baked rice straw. We stop at a coastal fishing village where colorful wooden boats bob in the harbor and fishermen repair golden nylon nets. Enjoy a lunch of freshly caught sea bass and tamarind-glazed shrimp before rolling into Vinh City, the historic birthplace of Ho Chi Minh.
Road Condition: Smooth coastal roads and rolling coastal tarmac
Elevation Gain: +310 m
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Grand Ha Tinh (4-star)
A crisp morning ocean breeze guides our wheels along the coastal roads of Ha Tinh. Today, the landscape glints with white reflection as we pedal alongside expansive coastal salt flats. Watch local salt farmers in iconic conical hats using wooden scrapers to haul shimmering white sea salt crystals into towering pyramids under the morning sun. To our left lies the infinite blue expanse of the East Vietnam Sea; to our right, the rugged blue wall of the Annamite Range. The road rolls gently, giving us brief power climbs followed by breezy, effortless descents. The aroma of drying squid and salted fish hangs sweet in seaside hamlets. We finish the ride strong in Ky Anh, enjoying cold coconuts and relaxed evening recovery.
Prepare for a dramatic transition into prehistoric cave country! The flat coastal plain gives way to the sweeping slopes of Deo Ngang (Ngang Pass). Shift into low gear and rise out of your saddle as you power up winding tarmac, drinking in elevated, breathtaking views of blue ocean bays and rocky offshore islands. Reaching the historic brick archway at the summit, pause to take photos before banking into a fast, technical descent toward Ba Don. We turn inland, following the Son River toward Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The flat horizon disappears, replaced by giant, jungle-draped karst cliffs towering thousands of feet above the road. Check into luxury riverfront villas as twilight paints the limestone peaks in deep shades of purple and gold.
Hang up your cycling helmet for a day of marveling at the subterranean wonders of the earth. We board a traditional wooden dragon boat and navigate up the turquoise Son River, watching buffalo swim along sandy banks. The boat cuts its motor as we float inside the colossal mouth of Phong Nha Cave. Drift silently down underground river channels, gazing up at giant illuminated stalactites and cathedral-like chambers formed millions of years ago. Next, we travel by electric cart and foot up to Paradise Cave (Thien Duong). Step inside a cavernous underground space so vast it could hold modern skyscrapers, decorated with delicate, shimmering rock formations that resemble frozen waterfalls.
Route: Phong Nha - Ho Chi Minh Trail East - Dong Hoi
Cycling Distance: ~60 km
Road Condition: Flat asphalt and smooth coastal boulevard
Elevation Gain: +190 m
Accommodation: Gold Coast Hotel Resort & Spa Dong Hoi (4-star)
We mount our bikes and spin along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway East, a smooth asphalt corridor winding through pine-covered hills and peaceful agricultural valleys. Feel the speed build as the road tilts gently downhill toward the sea. As we approach Dong Hoi, the forest gives way to brilliant white sand dunes and sweeping ocean views. We ride down a wide, palm-fringed coastal boulevard, the sound of crashing waves filling the air. Arrive early afternoon at our oceanfront resort. Swap your cycling jersey for swim trunks, dive into the refreshing ocean surf, and relax on pristine white sand beaches with a tropical cocktail in hand.
Route: Dong Hoi - Hien Luong Bridge (DMZ) - Quang Tri - Hue
Cycling Distance: ~75 km
Road Condition: Flat, smooth asphalt through historic battlefields
Elevation Gain: +150 m
Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel (5-star)
Today is a deeply moving ride through 20th-century history as we cross the historic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that once divided North and South Vietnam. We pedal across the iconic Hien Luong Bridge, spanning the turquoise waters of the Ben Hai River on the 17th Parallel. Stand at the center of the painted border line, reflecting on the peace and unification that defines modern Vietnam. Continuing south along smooth, quiet backroads, we cycle past quiet rice paddies and historical monuments before taking a comfortable vehicle transfer through busier urban stretches into Hue, the imperial seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Check into our 5-star hotel in the heart of the royal city.
Route: Hue Citadel - Imperial City - Thien Mu Pagoda - Royal Tombs
Cycling Distance: ~20 km (Optional city loop)
Road Condition: Flat city boulevards
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel (5-star)
Immerse yourself in the elegance and royal heritage of Imperial Hue. We take an easy morning cycle through the massive stone ramparts and moat of the Hue Citadel. Walk through the Forbidden Purple City, where grand wooden palaces, gilded dragon pillars, and manicured courtyard gardens echo with stories of emperors and concubines. In the afternoon, glide alongside the tranquil Perfume River, smelling wild ginger blossoms along the banks, to visit the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda and the majestic forest tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Tonight, put on royal attire for an exclusive Imperial Royal Banquet, savoring intricate artfully presented dishes carved into dragon and peacock shapes while court musicians play traditional music.
Route: Hue - Lang Co Beach - Hai Van Pass - Da Nang - Hoi An
Cycling Distance: ~85 km
Road Condition: Coastal flat leading into 21 km mountain pass climb
Elevation Gain: +980 m
Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (4-star)
The Crown Jewel Riding Day of Central Vietnam! Spin past the azure fishing lagoon of Lang Co, feeling your pulse quicken as the massive green wall of the Annamite Range rises straight out of the sea. Ahead lies the legendary Hai Van Pass ("Ocean Cloud Pass")—21 kilometers of winding mountain road made famous by BBC’s Top Gear. Click into your climbing gears as you ascend 500 m above the crashing ocean. Every hairpin curve reveals breathtaking views: turquoise bays, emerald cliffs, and mist swirling over mountain crags. Hear your breath rhythmically matching your pedal stroke as your legs power up sustained 6-8% gradients. Reaching the historic French and South Vietnamese brick bunkers at the summit, raise your bike in triumph! After celebrating, drop into a high-octane descent down toward Da Nang, banking smoothly into sweeping curves with the ocean sparkling below. We wrap up this epic day cycling along coastal roads into romantic Hoi An.
Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (4-star)
You have earned a relaxing day off in UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town. Spend your morning wandering mustard-yellow alleyways lined with centuries-old merchant houses, Japanese covered bridges, and bustling tailor shops where master tailors can custom-craft a suit or dress in under 24 hours. Sit at a riverfront balcony cafe, enjoying cold Vietnamese iced coconut coffee while watching wooden riverboats glide past. In the afternoon, ride an easy cruiser bike to nearby An Bang Beach for ocean lounging, or pamper your legs with a herbal spa treatment at our resort. At nightfall, witness the magical transformation as thousands of silk lanterns illuminate the ancient streets and float on the Thu Bon River.
Route: Hoi An - Tra Que Vegetable Village - Cam Kim Island - Hoi An
Cycling Distance: ~45 km
Road Condition: Flat dirt paths, narrow concrete bridges, and village trails
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Accommodation: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (4-star)
Today’s gentle, flat ride uncovers the hidden rural soul surrounding Hoi An. We pedal down quiet country paths to Tra Que Vegetable Village, breathing in the sweet scent of organic mint, basil, and cilantro growing in neat green rows. Try your hand at traditional farming methods with local growers. Next, board a small local ferry across the river to Cam Kim Island. Cycle past open-air woodcarving studios, mat-weaving homes, and historic shipyards where wooden fishing boats are handcrafted. We stop at a traditional courtyard home for a home-cooked lunch featuring Hoi An specialities: crispy Banh Xeo (savory crepe) and fresh Cao Lau noodles.
Route: Hoi An - Cua Dai Bridge - Tam Thanh Mural Village - Tam Ky
Cycling Distance: ~60 km
Road Condition: Flat, scenic ocean highway and seaside paths
Elevation Gain: +110 m
Accommodation: Ban Thach Riverside Hotel Tam Ky (4-star)
We cross the soaring high-arch Cua Dai Bridge, leaving Hoi An behind and taking quiet coastal roads south. Spin past tranquil lagoons, shrimp farms, and golden dunes. We stop at Tam Thanh Mural Village, where vibrant, sea-themed street murals painted by Vietnamese and Korean artists decorate village homes. The road hugs quiet coastal beaches where local fishermen operate traditional round bamboo basket boats (Thung Chai). Feel the smooth sea breeze carried on the ocean tide as you spin into Tam Ky for a peaceful evening along the riverbank.
Road Condition: Smooth country roads with gentle rolling terrain
Elevation Gain: +240 m
Accommodation: Central Hotel Quang Ngai (4-star)
Ride deep into rural Quang Ngai province, where time seems to slow down. We pedal along narrow paved backroads flanked by emerald rice paddies, coconut groves, and tranquil duck ponds. Local children race alongside us on their bicycles, cheering "Xin Chào!" with big smiles. We pause for a sober, reflective visit at the My Lai Memorial, surrounded by peaceful landscaped gardens, honoring those lost during the 1968 conflict. Continue cycling through tranquil farming paths into Quang Ngai City, enjoying a quiet evening and delicious fresh seafood dinner.
Route: Quang Ngai - Sa Huynh Salt Fields - Hoai Nhon - Quy Nhon
Cycling Distance: ~85 km
Road Condition: Rolling coastal tarmac with sweeping ocean vistas
Elevation Gain: +510 m
Accommodation: Fleur de Lys Hotel Quy Nhon (4-star)
Prepare for one of the most visually stunning coastal riding days in Southeast Asia! We pedal past the sparkling Sa Huynh Salt Fields, where white salt mounds glint against blue skies. The coastal highway weaves along dramatic granite headlands, revealing hidden turquoise coves where white waves crash against golden cliffs. Perched on hilltops in the distance stand 1,000-year-old Cham Towers, ancient brick monuments built by the Champa Kingdom. Feel the exhilarating rhythm of short rolling climbs and sweeping ocean descents before rolling into Quy Nhon along its wide oceanfront boulevard.
Accommodation: Fleur de Lys Hotel Quy Nhon (4-star)
Recharge your body on a well-earned rest day in Quy Nhon—a tranquil coastal jewel free from heavy tourist crowds. Sleep in late, dip in the ocean waters, or unwind on golden sandy beaches. For lunch, explore the beach promenade seafood markets to indulge in fresh grilled lobster, sweet scallion oil oysters, and steamed tiger prawns served with chili-lime dipping sauce.
Route: Quy Nhon - Song Cau - Ghenh Da Dia - Tuy Hoa
Cycling Distance: ~80 km
Road Condition: Undulating coastal terrain with stunning clifftop sections
Elevation Gain: +680 m
Accommodation: Stelia Beach Resort Tuy Hoa (5-star)
Mount your bike for an exhilarating coastal ride through Phu Yen province. We navigate rolling ocean cliffs, passing quiet fishing villages filled with colorful lobster-farming rafts floating in blue waters. We make a detour to explore Ghenh Da Dia (The Sea Cliffs of Stone Plates)—a natural geological wonder of tens of thousands of interlocking hexagonal basalt columns stepping down into crashing ocean waves like a giant staircase. Continue riding through golden sand dunes and coastal pine woods into the wide, peaceful seaside city of Tuy Hoa. Check into our 5-star beachfront resort.
Route: Tuy Hoa - Ca Pass - Vung Ro Bay - Doc Let Beach
Cycling Distance: ~75 km
Road Condition: Coastal climbs leading into scenic seaside flats
Elevation Gain: +590 m
Accommodation: Paradise Resort Doc Let (4-star)
Climb over the spectacular Deo Ca (Ca Pass), where fragrant pine forests cover mountain slopes right down to the turquoise edge of Vung Ro Bay. Look down from high cliffside roads to spot historic sunken supply ships and pristine white-sand coves below. Descending smoothly off the pass onto flat coastal roads, we spin past tranquil salt pans and tropical palm groves into Doc Let Beach. Known for its shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters and powder-soft white sand, Doc Let is tropical paradise brought to life.
A full day dedicated to complete tropical relaxation. Bask on quiet white sand beaches under swaying coconut palms, kayakers paddle in calm turquoise waters, or float lazily in the sea. Sip cold, fresh coconut water straight from the shell while listening to gentle waves, fully resting your muscles before tomorrow’s climb into the Central Highlands.
Accommodation: Sunrise Nha Trang Beach Hotel & Spa (5-star)
Enjoy a short, breezy morning ride following the coastline into Nha Trang, Vietnam’s vibrant beach capital. We spin down wide, palm-lined ocean boulevards overlooking turquoise waters and green offshore islands. Arrive by midday, giving you the entire afternoon free to explore. Visit the 8th-century Po Nagar Cham Towers, indulge in a soothing hot mineral mud bath at a natural thermal spa, or stroll along bustling beachfront promenades filled with live music and fresh seafood dining.
Route: Nha Trang - Khanh Vinh - Omega Pass - Bidoup National Park - Dalat
Cycling Distance: ~85 km
Road Condition: Flat coastal start leading into a 30 km continuous mountain climb
Elevation Gain: +1,650 m
Accommodation: Hotel Colline Dalat (4-star)
The Ultimate Mountain Queen Stage! Today we ride from sea level all the way into the cloud-draped mountain highlands at 1,500 m elevation. After a flat warm-up through coastal rivers, we hit the base of the mighty Omega Pass (Khanh Le Pass)—a relentless, continuous 30 km mountain climb! Feel your breathing turn deep and rhythmic as your legs power up steady 7-9% gradients. Tropical rainforest gives way to mist-shrouded cliffside waterfalls, and the air becomes crisp and alpine. Feel the temperature drop with every thousand feet gained. Reaching the high summit of Bidoup National Park, ride into Dalat—the "City of Eternal Spring"—where pine forests, French villas, and cool mountain air reward your incredible physical triumph!
Route: Dalat Lake Loop - French Quarter - Crazy House
Cycling Distance: ~20 km (Optional city stroll)
Road Condition: Rolling pine-lined city streets
Elevation Gain: +210 m
Accommodation: Hotel Colline Dalat (4-star)
Wake up to crisp, cool highland air (18°C) smelling rich with pine resin and flowering blossoms. Spend an easy day exploring Dalat’s French colonial heritage. Take a leisurely spin around Xuan Huong Lake, admire yellow colonial mansions hidden among pine woods, and sip world-class, hand-roasted highland Arabica coffee at a cozy cafe. Visit the whimsical, surrealist architecture of the Crazy House or stroll through vibrant flower markets overflowing with fresh orchids, hydrangeas, and roses.
Route: Dalat - Ta Nung Pass - Nam Ban - Elephant Waterfall - Dalat
Cycling Distance: ~55 km
Road Condition: Rolling highland asphalt with scenic swooping descents
Elevation Gain: +620 m
Accommodation: Hotel Colline Dalat (4-star)
Spin down the mountain curves of Ta Nung Pass, carving through fragrant pine forests and high-altitude coffee plantations blooming with fragrant white blossoms. We stop at family-run highland coffee farms to learn about Arabica processing, visit a local silk-spinning workshop to witness raw silk threads extracted from cocoons, and stop at a cricket farm. Stand beneath the thunderous, mist-filled canyon of Elephant Waterfall (Thap Elephant) before returning to Dalat for a cozy highland evening.
Route: Dalat - Duc Trong - Di Linh Plateau - Bao Loc
Cycling Distance: ~80 km
Road Condition: Rolling mountain plateau roads with gentle descents
Elevation Gain: +450 m
Accommodation: Tea Resort Bao Loc (4-star)
Ride south across the undulating Di Linh Plateau, rolling through green hills covered in neatly manicured tea estates and coffee groves. The sweet aroma of roasted tea leaves fills the mountain air as we pedal through quiet highland villages. The terrain features long, flowing rollers that let you build incredible riding momentum. We finish today's ride at our luxury spa resort set amidst landscaped tea fields in Bao Loc, relaxing in thermal hydrotherapy pools under mountain skies.
Route: Bao Loc - Gia Bac Pass - Ma Lam - Red Sand Dunes - Mui Ne
Cycling Distance: ~85 km
Road Condition: Continuous 25 km mountain descent into coastal desert flats
Elevation Gain: +290 m (Massive negative elevation loss)
Accommodation: Pandanus Resort Mui Ne (4-star)
The Ultimate Descent Stage! Leave the cool highlands behind as we drop off the plateau down Gia Bac Pass—a thrilling 25 km continuous mountain descent dropping all the way back down to sea level! Enjoy sweeping, banked turns through bamboo canyons and jungle ravines, feeling gravity effortlessly pull you downward. The landscape changes dramatically from alpine green forests to arid dragon-fruit farms and coastal sand dunes. Arrive in coastal Mui Ne, famous for its red and white desert dunes framing the deep blue sea.
A well-deserved rest day on Mui Ne’s tropical coast. Watch colorful kitesurfers leap across turquoise ocean waves, take an early morning jeep tour to sand-slide down the towering White Sand Dunes, or relax by the resort pool beneath swaying coconut palms with a cold drink in hand.
Spin along smooth coastal highways past endless rows of dragon fruit farms, where bright pink fruits glisten under the sun like gems. We pedal past the historic Ke Ga Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a granite island rock off the coast. Enjoy a fast, flat paceline ride along oceanfront avenues into our beachfront resort in Ba Ria.
Road Condition: Flat paved country backroads and river canal paths
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: The Island Lodge My Tho (4-star boutique)
We transfer past busy industrial urban highways, mounting our bikes on the peaceful rural fringe of the Mekong Delta. Instantly, the landscape transforms into a watery paradise of winding rivers, emerald canals, tropical fruit orchards, and green paddy fields. We cycle along narrow concrete canal paths, over wooden footbridges, and past quiet stilt-house villages into My Tho, the traditional gateway to the southern riverlands.
Pedal deep into Ben Tre province, famously known as the "Kingdom of Coconuts." Navigate shade-covered pathways beneath giant water coconut palms leaning over serene canals. Cross river ferries alongside local motorbikes loaded high with fresh rambutan and mangosteen. Pause at family artisan workshops to taste warm coconut candy, honey tea, and fresh jackfruit pulled right off the tree.
Route: Ben Tre - Mo Cay - Co Chien River Ferry - Tra Vinh
Cycling Distance: ~60 km
Road Condition: Quiet island roads and concrete canal paths
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Tra Vinh Boutique Hotel (3-star)
Cross the massive Co Chien River on a local ferry, cycling deeper into the delta where ethnic Khmer culture thrives. Pedal past ancient Angkorian-style pagodas with soaring golden spires and tiled roofs, nestled beneath massive dipterocarp trees. The paths are smooth, flat, and completely shaded, surrounded by smiling locals and school children riding bikes along canal banks.
Route: Tra Vinh - Cau Ke - Hau River Ferry - Can Tho
Cycling Distance: ~75 km
Road Condition: Flat paved river embankments and village roads
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4-star luxury)
Cycle through the fruit basket of Vietnam, riding past fragrant orchards of durian, longan, mango, and dragon fruit trees. Pedal along quiet river dikes following the Hau River, hopping on small local wooden ferries to jump between river islands. Arrive in Can Tho, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta, and check into our luxury riverfront resort.
Route: Cai Rang Floating Market - Ba Lang - Can Tho Countryside
Cycling Distance: ~30 km
Road Condition: Flat, quiet orchard trails
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort (4-star luxury)
Wake up at dawn for a boat excursion to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. Watch hundreds of wooden boats trading pineapples, watermelons, and squashes hung high on tall bamboo poles (Beo). Savor a steaming-hot bowl of noodle soup (Hu Tieu) served directly from a floating food boat—an iconic Anthony Bourdain experience! In the afternoon, enjoy a quiet cycling loop through surrounding fruit orchards.
Road Condition: Flat paved canal dikes and rural backroads
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Hoa Binh 1 Hotel Long Xuyen (3-star)
Spin along flat canal paths framed by endless ocean-like expanses of green rice fields stretching to the horizon. Watch rice farmers tending their crops and duck flocks swimming in quiet waterways. The flat, peaceful terrain allows for smooth, relaxed spinning as you follow ancient river networks into Long Xuyen.
Route: Long Xuyen - Chau Thanh - Tra Su Forest - Chau Doc
Cycling Distance: ~65 km
Road Condition: Flat country tarmac and tree-shaded dirt trails
Elevation Gain: +80 m (Sam Mountain option)
Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (4-star)
Cycle northwest toward the Cambodian border, arriving at the enchanted Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Swap your bike for a sampan boat, gliding through emerald water carpeted in bright green duckweed under a silent forest canopy filled with storks and herons. Finish the day near Sam Mountain, watching the sun set over the vast Cambodian border plains.
Road Condition: Flat paved country roads along riverbanks
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Sa Dec Riverside Hotel / Heritage Homestay (3-star)
Ride along quiet river embankments to Sa Dec, famous for its colorful flower-growing villages and French colonial architecture. Visit the historic house of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’s famous novel The Lover. Pedal through vibrant nursery fields blooming with thousands of roses, marigolds, and bonsai trees.
Road Condition: Narrow concrete village paths and wooden footbridges
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Coco Riverside Eco-Homestay An Binh (Authentic Boutique Stay)
Cycle onto An Binh Island, set in the middle of the Mekong River. Navigate shaded footpaths where no cars can travel, surrounded by tropical fruit gardens. In the evening, stay at an authentic riverside eco-homestay. Join your hosts for a private Vietnamese cooking class, preparing crispy Mekong pancakes (Banh Xeo) and fresh elephant-ear fish.
Route: An Binh Island - Cai Be - Highway Transfer - Ho Chi Minh City
Cycling Distance: ~40 km
Road Condition: Flat village pathways followed by urban city arrival
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Accommodation: Hotel Des Arts Saigon - MGallery (5-star)
The Grand Victory Ride! Spin your final morning kilometers through the serene coconut pathways of Cai Be. Group photos mark the completion of your 2,100+ km trans-national crossing of Vietnam. Transfer by support vehicle into central Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Check into your luxury hotel before gathering for a champagne victory banquet to celebrate your epic accomplishment and exchange memories with fellow riders.
Route: Saigon City - Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Cycling Distance: 0 km (Departure Day)
Road Condition: Urban tarmac (Transfer)
Elevation Gain: N/A
Accommodation: Departure / Extension
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your onward flight home, carrying memories, friendships, and the extraordinary honor of having cycled the entire length of Vietnam!
YOUR BIKE
Bikes, Gears, and Support
Ride the Best Bicycles in Vietnam (perhaps, Southeast Asia)
Available with sizes from S, M, L, XL to XXL
The Trek Marlin Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Trek Marlin is an ultra-lightweight, highly versatile hardtail mountain bike engineered to excel across Vietnam's diverse touring terrains. By pairing stable, responsive handling with a fine-tuned front suspension fork, it delivers exceptional comfort and precise control over rugged roads, gravel tracks, and uneven rural paths. It represents a premium, dependable choice for discerning riders demanding absolute adaptability and performance across varied surfaces.
Key Engineering Specifications:
High-efficiency 1 x 11 drivetrain: Delivers seamless, reliable shifting and optimal power transfer.
32T chainring: Optimized gearing for efficient climbing capabilities and smooth acceleration.
Premium front suspension: Enhances traction, minimizes hand fatigue, and ensures superior handling on loose terrain.
Ergonomically optimized lightweight frame: Crafted specifically to ensure sustained comfort during all-day endurance rides.
Verdict: A highly practical, confidence-inspiring solution for riders seeking a capable, robust bicycle that effortlessly adapts to the dynamic climate and topography of Vietnam & South East Asia.
Trek Marlin Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Premium Electric Mountain Bike (E-MTB)
Engineered for endurance and uncompromising performance, this Electric Mountain Bike represents the pinnacle of long-distance touring capability. Designed to deliver robust, intelligent assistance without compromising the authentic joy of cycling, it effortlessly flattens steep climbs and shortens long distances. It stands as a highly dependable, high-capacity solution for riders seeking to sustain a steady pace, minimize physical fatigue, and fully immerse themselves in the journey.
Key Technical Specifications:
High-Performance Motor (250W - 500W): Provides smooth, intuitive electric assist that adapts to your pedaling cadence, making challenging climbs feel effortless.
Dual-Battery Range Extender: Equipped with an advanced dual-battery configuration—supporting two high-capacity batteries from 36V 15Ah to 48V 20Ah each—ensuring industry-leading range for multi-day expeditions.
Optimized Touring Geometry: Crafted to maintain ideal rider posture, maximizing comfort and reducing strain during long days in the saddle.
All-Terrain Stability: Engineered to deliver precise control and balanced handling across diverse surfaces, from loose gravel to rugged rural tracks.
Verdict: An elite, tour-ready E-MTB engineered to easily adapt to the changing climates and demanding topographies of Vietnam and Southeast Asia, offering the perfect blend of active cycling and reliable power.
Electric Mountain Bike
The Triban Gravel Bike
Engineered for ultimate versatility and long-distance endurance, the Triban Gravel Bike is a highly dependable aluminum all-road machine built to conquer changing terrains with absolute composure. Pairing a robust, lightweight frame with an advanced carbon fork, it effectively isolates road vibrations, minimizing rider fatigue over grueling distances. It stands as an exceptionally stable, low-maintenance solution for riders demanding consistent performance and comfort across Vietnam’s diverse road surfaces.
Key Technical Specifications:
Precision Shimano CUES 1 x 10 Drivetrain: Offers highly reliable, crisp gear transitions with a simplified single-ring setup.
Optimized 40T Chainring: Perfectly balanced to maintain high efficiency on flat asphalt while delivering ample leverage for climbs.
Ultra-Wide 11--48T Cassette: Provides an expansive gear range, ensuring controlled, high-traction climbing on steep or loose gravel grades.
Vibration-Dampening Carbon Fork: Engineered to absorb high-frequency road chatter, significantly improving front-end tracking and hand comfort.
Verdict: A highly robust and streamlined gravel bike that offers a seamless transition between tarmac and rough gravel paths, delivering a reassuringly stable ride in any conditions.
Gravel Bike
Touring Bike
Touring Bike – The Ideal Choice for Multi-Day Cycling Adventures
Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the Touring Bike is built to deliver the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and carrying capacity. Whether you are exploring quiet countryside roads, mountain routes, or embarking on a multi-day cycling adventure, this bike is engineered to perform efficiently while carrying everything you need along the way.
A touring bike is equipped to handle additional luggage such as rear pannier bags, front handlebar bags, and repair kits, allowing riders to travel independently and comfortably over long distances. Its strong frame geometry provides a more relaxed riding position compared with road bikes, reducing fatigue on long riding days and giving better control on varying road conditions.
For smooth and reliable performance, our touring bikes are available with two drivetrain options:
• 3×10 Drivetrain (3 Chainrings × 10-Speed Cassette)
This setup offers a wide range of gears, making it extremely versatile for different terrains. Riders can shift to lower gears for steep climbs while carrying luggage and switch to higher gears for fast riding on flat roads. It is an excellent choice for cyclists seeking flexibility and easier pedaling throughout the journey.
• 1×11 Drivetrain (1 Chainring × 11-Speed Cassette)
A modern and simplified drivetrain system designed for efficiency and ease of use. With a single front chainring and an 11-speed rear cassette, gear shifting becomes smoother and more intuitive while reducing maintenance. This option is ideal for riders who prefer a cleaner setup without sacrificing climbing ability or riding performance.
Touring Bike – The Ideal Choice for Multi-Day Cycling Adventures
Combined with ergonomic handlebars, durable wheels, and touring-specific components, our touring bikes are created to ensure every ride is comfortable, reliable, and enjoyable—so you can focus on discovering new landscapes and making unforgettable memories on the road.
TOUR LOGISTICS & SUPPORT SERVICES
1. SUPPORT VEHICLES & TRANSPORTATION
To ensure absolute comfort and seamless logistics, our support vehicle fleet is carefully scaled to match your group size:
Groups of fewer than 6 passengers: A spacious 16-seat minibus will be provided, fully air-conditioned and chauffeured by an experienced, professional driver.
Groups of fewer than 12 passengers: Either one comfortable 25-seat midibus or two 16-seat minibuses will be provided, fully air-conditioned and led by seasoned drivers.
Groups of up to 24 passengers: A 25-seat midibus dedicated to passengers, paired with a separate luggage van to handle all gear seamlessly, both air-conditioned and professionally operated.
Support Vehicle & On-Route Assistance
2. REFRESHMENTS: WATER & SNACKS
To keep you energized and refreshed throughout the tour, we provide complimentary cold water, authentic local snacks, and fresh seasonal fruits at our occasional break stops—helping you stay hydrated and well-nourished as you explore.
Water, snacks, and planned rest stops
3. SUPPORT TRUCK & ON-ROUTE ASSISTANCE
A dedicated support vehicle travels ahead of the group throughout the tour, positioned to assist whenever needed. Whether it’s a mechanical issue, a quick bike adjustment, or simple fatigue after a challenging gravel section, professional help is never far away.
SUPPORT VEHICLE & ON-ROUTE ASSISTANCE
Our team provides:
On-route mechanical support and basic repairs: Keeping your bicycle running smoothly and safely.
Water, snacks, and planned rest stops: Replenishing your energy at scenic, stress-free locations.
The option to rest and rejoin later: Hop into the support vehicle for a quick break and jump back on your bike whenever you feel ready.
Our Philosophy: This comprehensive support system allows you to ride with absolute confidence, knowing that the day can be adapted to suit how you’re feeling—completely free of pressure or judgment.
If you would like to book with another person (or group) but pay separately, please submit a separate booking form from the other traveler(s).
In your booking request, please note that you are traveling with another person who has booked separately from you. For example, state: “Bob’s cycling group” or “My travel partner is Stacy Smith.” That way we can submit your bookings together to ensure the same itinerary and accommodations for your entire party.
Because updates are always possible, a printed catalog would quickly become obsolete.
Additionally, not printing a catalog allows us to keep our own expenses low, which means we can continue to sell the tours at the same prices you'd pay directly to the local tour company.
We waive booking fees for travelers aged 17 and younger.
Additionally, some tour operators will offer discounts when booking children in the same room as two full-paying travelers. Please review the 'Prices' on the Dates and Prices tab of the individual tour pages for further details.
GoldenCyclingTours.com takes the overwhelming task of finding, choosing, and booking the right bicycle tour — from the seemingly endless options available online — and makes it easy for you. Read more about why you should book through us.
Lower costs. These are primarily small, local companies with low overhead, and no North American-style marketing budgets and salaries. As they have many European clients, they're also able to amortize their overhead costs over a larger customer base.
Knowledgeable staff and guides. You are helped by locals in the area, who know the area, and who can guide you, pointing out the gems on and off the beaten tourist track.
On-the-ground support. They're local, so you can simply reach out to them if any issues or questions arise.
International camaraderie. On group tours, your party is usually composed of people from all over the world. It's a wonderful way to make new friends around the globe. And on self-guided tours, you can choose (or choose not to) make friends with locals or other travelers.
Contact us if next year's dates are not yet listed for the tour you want to book. We can put you on a waitlist and notify you when the next season's dates and prices become available.
Rather than mark tour prices up in dollars to account for possible increases in exchange rates, We convert the local currency price to US dollars on your confirmation/statement, and your final payment is based on the exchange rate when we receive your final payment.
Please note: Any exchange rates or prices in other than local currencies shown on our site represent the purchase rate for local currencies. Many websites show the mid-point between buy and sell rates for major banks, and rates charged to consumers and small businesses are 3-8% higher. We charge you the purchase rates.
Sometimes. You may find early bird discounts on various tours on our website. If you don't, and you find that the local tour company is offering early bird discounts, just let us know, and we'll match it. Our policy is that you pay the same whether you book through us or directly with the operator.
It varies with the more than 500 local tour Itinerary we have and from tour to tour. If you're interested in a specific tour, let us know, and we'll check.
We are a local bike tour company and can book a year or more in advance, while some others can't. If you have a specific tour in mind, it's best to contact one of our tour advisors who can check it out for you.
For guided tours and bike and boat tours, we can usually check availability. Please contact us and let us know the tour and dates you are interested in.
For self-guided tours, we can confirm availability and The tours are “on request”, meaning they must receive a booking request from us and then check availability at each hotel along the route.
One final note – if you are organising a larger group, we are happy to hold a booking for a short period to allow time for everyone in your group to book. Please contact us for more details.
Just click on the orange 'Book this tour' button toward the top right of the page for the tour you're booking, fill in the requested information, and hit submit. We'll take it from there!
On each tour page, click on the Dates & Prices tab and below the dates, you'll find prices. You may need to scroll down a ways to see all the options. And don't forget to choose guided or self-guided, if both options are available.
Self-guided tours: You're excited about an adventure and schedule that's totally up to you. You're comfortable navigating, communicating, and dining solo.
Look for tours without a minimum number of participants.
You'll be responsible for a single room surcharge and sometimes a solo traveler surcharge.
We cannot confirm if there are other travelers on the date of your tour.
We cannot find a roommate or travel partner for you.
Guided tours: You'd like to join a group or Private. You'll ride, dine, and make new friends with your group mates over the course of the tour.
Look for tours with guided departures.
You're responsible for the single room surcharge.
We can ask the tour operator if there are any other solo travelers seeking a roommate on the departure and tour of interest. Matches are made infrequently.
Bike and boat tours: You'll travel with a group on and off the bike. Bike and boat tours may be guided, self-guided, or both.
Some boats offer single cabins for an additional fee. This fee is often less than the fee for a double cabin for one person.
You're responsible for the single cabin surcharge, as determined by the cabin type.
We can ask the tour operator if there are any other solo travelers seeking a roommate on the departure and tour of interest. Matches are made infrequently.
First, be sure to review the tour's rider level, Surface and Terrain details (under the Program tab), and daily (and average) mileages. This will help provide a full picture of the tour's details.
Then, consider the following:
Are you willing and able (and have the time!) to train up to the tour? If yes, book the higher level tour and start training! Here are our suggestions.
If not, book an easier tour knowing you'll feel more relaxed on tour and less stressed preparing for it (like a rider level Leisure tour!)
Additionally...
Consider an e-bike. They provide a boost when you pedal, making higher-level tours more accessible.
Consider a bike and boat tour or a tour based in one hotel - you'll have options for a rest day or two!
There are a couple of options for partners and groups of varying levels.
Bike and boat tours offer the unique option to skip a day's ride and relax aboard the ship instead of cycling.
Guided toursthat include support vehicles* include the ability to skip a day's ride by riding in the support vehicle, which can also be utilized to shorten a day's ride.
Electric bikes are available on 90% of tours including numerous bike and boat and guided tours. They add a boost to your cycling when you pedal.
*Be sure to review the 'Included services' on the Dates & Prices tab to see if the tour includes a support van.
Want to know more? Here's some recommended reading from our blog:
Thanks to ratings from our wonderful clients, you can view our Top Rated tours on our site!
The tours are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars and higher! Don't limit yourself to this list--many of the other tours on our site are also rated this high, but we just couldn't fit them all on the list.
Definitely! Families with children of all ages can take a bike tour.
Each family's needs and preferences are different, and we recommend family-friendly bicycle tours with families with younger children. Another popular option is tours that are primarily on bicycle paths.
Families with older children (tweens and teens) can consider most any tour based on the family's abilities (rider level) and preferences. Or check out this list for ideas!
Bicycle tours are a great way for your family to explore a region or country. Together you get a feel for a new terrain, the sights and smells, history, culture, and people - experiences that aren't always possible from a train or rental car. Another bonus for parents? Built-in physical activity every day means worn-out kids at night!
When you do a search, you can select parameters like country, departure month, rider level, average daily distance, and type of tour.
You can use the filters on the left side of the page to adjust the search results.
Simply click on a parameter to make selections. If you wish to clear a filter selection, simply click on the "X" next to it or to start over click 'Clear all filters'.
ForModerate (3), Advanced (4), Off Road (5) or Challenging(6) rider level tours generally yes. Please review the tour page's 'Daily Program', 'Route Map', and 'Surface and Terrain' for insight into the tour, and ask us if you still have questions!
ForLeisure (level 1) or Easy(2) rider level tours generally no. Elevation profiles are not relevant. You can search for additional material online, and be sure to review the tour page's 'Daily Program', 'Route Map', and 'Surface and Terrain' for insight.
Here are some of our favorite tours that offer shorter daily distances, flatter terrain, peaceful settings, and which mostly follow dedicated bicycle paths or quiet back roads. We feel this combination is especially friendly for first-time bike tourists.
And here are some questions we recommend you ask yourself when deciding on your tour.
Self-guided bike tours offer flexibility and independence but maintain a level of support and convenience. Your hotels are booked, your luggage is transported, and you have maps and directions for each day's ride.
Be sure to consider your comfort level with navigating a different culture and foreign language, reading maps and signs, ordering food, and dealing with flats or other minor emergencies - some travelers don't enjoy doing these things, but others find them the best part of an adventure.
If you enjoy traveling with a group, meeting new people, and having a guide and structured daily schedule, then a guided group bike tour is probably the better fit for you.
Select the country or countries you're interested in. If you wish to select more than one country, simply keep clicking on the countries you prefer.
If your search yields too many tours, use the options on the left side of the page to adjust the search results (like departure month, rider level, average daily distance, and type of tour).
Involves cycling for up to two to four hours a day at easy pace and usually, between Half to one days in duration. The cycling distances is around 15 – 30 km per day. There are likely to be no steep and sustained descents as well as demand for technical riding. We will normally ride on flat roads. Suitable for bikers who enjoy occasional weekend riding on trails at home. Push bikes are sometimes used for these itineraries.
Easy
Involves cycling for up to four hours a day at steady pace and and are usually between Two to four days in duration. The cycling distances is around 30 – 40 km per day. There are likely Sometimes it can be long flat rides or medium ride with few up and downhill climbs. The support vehicle will not always be available. We will need a good level of fitness. We use either mountain bikes or road bikes for these itineraries.
Moderate & Advanced
Involves biking for up to six hours a day at a steady pace and are usually between five to seven days in duration. The cycling distance is about 40 – 60 km per day. Sometimes it can be long flat rides or medium ride with few up and downhill climbs. The support vehicle will not always be available. We will need a good level of fitness. We use either mountain bikes or road bikes for these itineraries.
Challenging & Offroad
Involves biking in mountainous areas with big climbs for up to seven or eight hours a day and usually more than a week in duration. Cycling distance is about 60 – 100 km per day. There will be steep and sustained ascents and descents. The support vehicle will not always be available. These trips will provide a real sustained workout even for fit and experienced mountain bikers.
Be sure to also review the details under 'Surface and Terrain' and the daily distances for each tour.
Anyone in reasonable shape should be able to enjoy a bike tour. Many tours cover about 15-40 Km per day and are designed for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace. When you read the tour descriptions, pay close attention to the 'Surface and Terrain' details and daily distances.
We've also included rider levels on each tour to help guide you.
If you're concerned about your ability or it's your first tour, consider doing a Leisure (1) or Easy (2) level tour.
You should be an experienced cyclist (but not necessarily an expert) to do tours rated Moderate(3), Advanced(4), Off Road(5), Challenging(6).
Lucky for us, we have the amazing opportunity to check out many of the tours we help book so we can better advise and promote bicycle touring in some of our favorite places.
Most of our staff get an international data plan for our personal phones when we travel and only use data or make calls minimally (as it generally costs extra). We then take advantage of Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Need more info? We've got multiple suggestions here.
Your confirmation email (and Final Payment Due reminder email) contain a personal payment link. You may follow this link to make secure balance payments via credit card or e-check (as well as obtain wire payment bank details).
Credit card (Visa, American Express, Discover, MasterCard).If you opt to pay by credit card, we charge a non-refundable 4% surcharge based on the total tour cost. The charge on your credit card will read 'GoldenCyclingTours'. You can avoid the 4% surcharge by paying by check.
Wire transfer. you may pay by wire transfer either in U.S. dollars to our U.S. account or in euros to our Euro account. Please be sure the transfer includes a reference to your name, tour name, and/or invoice number. Please also email us with the wire transfer reference number at info@goldencyclingtours.com. We will provide you with our account information after you book.
Check or money order. Please make personal or bank checks payable to 'GoldenCyclingTours.com' and mail to our office:
Cancellation fees vary among tour operators. Exact details can be found on the individual tour page on the Dates & Prices tab via the linked text 'Tour Company Terms' (in the bottom right-hand corner). Tour operator cancellation fees usually increase as the tour date approaches.
Cancellations must be made to GoldenCyclingTours.com in writing via email, fax, or mail. Please read full details under 'Cancellations' in our Terms and Conditions.
Your tour packet includes maps, route instructions, and sightseeing information.
Sometimes clients report that tour materials for certain routes offered by our overseas tour operator partners were somewhat lacking. We encourage you to do some homework upfront. Your local bookstore can supply you with guidebooks, maps, and other information about your destination.
Please note that you will receive just one packet per room unless you request otherwise.
Pre-tour documents are the documents you receive before your tour.
You'll receive pre-tour documents via email, including your hotel list (for hotel-based tours) and information on how to get to your starting town and hotel or boat, Golden Cycling Tours operator contacts, packing tips, and other helpful information, about 2-3 weeks before your tour.
These items are supplied by the local Golden Cycling Tours company, and while we do our best to get the information to you well in advance of your tour.
Tour documents are documents you'll receive on tour.
For self-guided tours, you will get (physical) packets with maps, route instructions, and sightseeing information at your start hotel (or boat). Please note that you will receive just one set per room or cabin unless you request otherwise. Guided tours tend to have little to no on-tour documents as you are cycling with a guide.
If you are travelling, please contact the operator Golden Cycling Tours. for a faster and more accurate response. Contact information will be included in the travel brochure we email you before your departure. Of course, if you do not receive a satisfactory response, please contact us.
The process of getting a business visa or a tourist visa is generally the same. Most tourists get their visa through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate office in their country of residence or in their travels country before entering Vietnam.
For a tourist visa, you will need to submit:
1) Entry permit form (which can vary from one Vietnamese embassies or consulate abroad to another).
2) Two photos (usually 4cm x 6cm or 3 cm x 4 cm)
3) Your original passport
4) Visa fee
The form and the fee can vary by country, so please check directly the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to which you are applying.
A business visa usually also requires a letter of support from your sponsor agency or company in Vietnam. In person, the process usually takes 2-3 days, and by mail, the process usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the service you use, although times can vary considerably by embassy or consulate. If you are mailing, please note that you need to make arrangements to have your passport with visa returned to you.
This happens, although rarely. Some tours are subject to a minimum number of participants (but you'd be notified upfront with a provisional confirmation if your departure hasn't met the minimum number of participants when you book). If a tour cancels a tour due to an insufficient number of participants, or any other reason, you'll be refunded any payments you've made up to that time, or you may be able to apply those funds toward another tour. GoldenCyclingTours.com will refund your payment within 15 days of when we receive funds from the tour. Please note that most travel insurance generally doesn't cover cancellation by the Golden Cycling Tours Company except for 'cancel for any reason' policies.
We recommend travel insurance for your bike tour. Everyone's needs are different, but we suggest the following types of coverage:
Trip cancellation and interruption
Travel delay
Baggage delay
Financial default
Emergency evacuation
Depending on your health insurance coverage, you may also want to look at:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
'Cancel for any reason' coverage
Please note that most travel insurance does not cover Golden Cycling Tours Company cancellation due to insufficient numbers of participants or other reasons unless it specifically offers and you purchase 'cancellation for any reason' coverage. We encourage that you purchase this coverage if you are on tours that have not reached their minimum number of participants at the time you book (this applies primarily to guided group tours).
We don't sell travel insurance, but we recommend you purchase it.
We purchase our personal travel insurance through TravelGuard, BaoViet but please feel free to shop around. Yonder lets you compare multiple companies' policies and prices.
Details on how to get to your hotel will be included in the tour documents we email you before your tour (approximately 2-3 weeks in advance of departure). If that information is missing, please let us know.
Most tour pages include a sample hotel list, under 'Hotels' on the ride side of the Program tab on each tour page. This list represents hotels booked 99% of the time.
In advance of your tour (generally 2-3 weeks prior to departure), we'll email you tour documents, including your hotel list and information on how to get to your starting town and hotel, Golden Cycling Tours operator contacts, packing tips, and other helpful information.
At the time of confirmation we will require a deposit within 10 days.
Your balance payment is due 90 days before your tour departure.
If your tour is confirmed within less than 100 days before tour departure, the due dates are as follows:
Booking from 100 to 45 days before your tour: Full payment must be received within 5 days of when your tour is confirmed. If payment is not received, your credit card will be charged plus 4% processing fee.
Booking within 45 days of your tour date: Your credit card will be pre-authorized for the full amount of your requested reservation plus a 4% processing fee, until your payment is received by us.
Booking within 21 days of your tour date: Your credit card will be pre-authorized for the full amount of your requested reservation plus a 4% processing fee. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will capture the pre-authorization (fully charge your card) and send confirmation and receipt.
As we offer you the same prices as the tour companies, we don't increase tour prices to offset credit card fees. The 4% fee is what the credit card company charges us. Many of the tour companies also charge credit card fees, and many banks charge a transfer fee for paying in a foreign currency (you pay us in US dollars).
Please note that you can avoid the credit card fee by paying by e-check, check, or wire transfer. If you pay by one of these methods, the credit card fee is not applied to your $200 per person deposit.
You may make your balance payment by wire transfer either in US dollars to our US account or in euros to our Euro account. Your confirmation email provides you with a personal payment link. Following that link will take you to a personal, secure payment portal with information on where to wire your balance payment.
More information can be found on our Payments page under 'Balance payments'.
Please note deposits are by credit card in US dollars only.
At this time, we do not offer a personal account feature; however, you will find a personal payment link in your confirmation email. Following this link will show you the amount due (based on a real-time exchange rate).
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need additional help at any time.
Golden Cycling Tours companies will confirm , but please allow at least 3-4 business days for confirmation. In rare cases, it can take 5-7 days. We'll send our confirmation as soon as possible.
On the tour page, you can find the start and end locations of the tour noted on the Program tab in the 'Daily Program' section. General information on how to get to your start/end city is found in the 'How To Get There' section.
When a tour starts and ends in different locations, you're responsible for the logistics in between.
Most travelers fly in and out of the same city and take public transportation from the end city back to the start or vise versa. Trains, buses, and even ferries are all options to consider.
For tours with seasonal surcharges, dates are denoted for each season. The seasonal surcharge is determined by the date of the first day of the tour.
This means a particular surcharge applies even if only the first day of the tour falls in that season (and the remaining days of the tour fall into another season).
Golden Cycling Tours Company provide the tour route, a detailed route description, and maps. You navigate using these items.
At Golden Cycling Tours we have GPS files upon request (to be used on your personal GPS device) and a few offer devices with pre-loaded files for an additional fee. Please check the 'Included services' and 'Prices' details on the Dates & Prices tab of the individual tour page for this information.
You may wish to supplement the above items with your smart phone's navigation. Be sure to take care of any data needs before your trip to avoid additional fees.
Most our tours will encounter car traffic at some point. Generally, this occurs when entering or leaving towns at the beginning or end of each day.
It's important to note, though, that tour operators pick routes not only for historical significance, scenery, and proximity to attractions but also for safe and enjoyable cycling. If the tour ride on roads, they are often back-country or low traffic roads.
For further details, be sure to review the 'Surface and Terrain' information on the Program tab for individual tours.
Still concerned? Consider a tour that's primarily on bike paths!
Such detailed information is provided in the tour documents, which you will receive upon arrival at your first hotel.
The documents generally indicate where there is a town (or towns) along the route in which you can find a place to eat lunch. Some tour documents will even suggest specific restaurants. Alternatively, you can stop at a local grocer and pick up some goodies for a picnic lunch.
For dinner, you can expect to be in an accommodation/location with at least one option, if not many. We suggest asking the hotel staff for a recommendation on where to find delicious local fare!
This will vary greatly based on the tour, but here are some valuable details to keep in mind:
The average person, at a veryleisurely pace, cycles 8-10 mph.
This means that a 15 km day will have approximately 4.5 hours of cycling or less. This leaves plenty of time for exploring and sightseeing!
A majority of our tours are leisure (level 1) and Easy (2) tours. These tours have small to gradual or gentle elevation gains and often have average daily distances of 15 - 30 km or less.
Be sure to review the tour page for the exact details.
There are a couple of different answers to this question. Be sure to review them all.
Forself-guided tours,you will have maps and daily directions. You can use these at your discretion, meaning you are free to leave the route or travel another way if you desire. Your only constraint is to arrive at your destination's hotel each night.
For guided tours,you should stay with the group. This is especially true for bike and boat tours in which the boat has a schedule and it's possible it could leave without you. There are some bike and boat tours in which you can choose to do guided or self-guided - on those tours you do have an option.
Our tours are suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Although the majority of our customers are between 30-60 years old, we see more and more young people and families traveling each year. All tours are great fun regardless of age because everyone shares an appreciation for cycling and travel.
If you are considering traveling with friends or family of different ages, especially children, consider some of the points in our article on family-friendly bike touring.
No, anyone in reasonable shape with a good attitude is able to enjoy a bike tour.
Many of our tours cover about 20-40 km per day and are designed for travelers who enjoy a leisurely pace. When you read the tour descriptions, pay close attention to the 'Surface and terrain' details as well as the daily distances. We've also included rider levels for each tour to help guide you.
If you're concerned or it's your first tour, consider doing a tour rated Leisure (level 1) or Easy (2). Other options for consideration include booking a guided tour with a support vehicle, renting an e-bike, or selecting a bike and boat tour (where you can relax on the boat and skips a day's ride).
Tours rated Moderate, Advanced, Off Road, Challenging are much more enjoyable if you're an experienced cyclist or spend regular time in the saddle.
Both tour types will include accommodations, bikes (whether they're included or rentable) and luggage transfer.
On self-guided bike tours, you're provided with maps and directions, but you're free to cycle and schedule each day as you wish. They cost less than guided bicycle tours but still maintain a level of basic support and convenience.
On a guided group bike tour, you'll travel with a group and a guide for the duration of the tour. The guide provides local insight and a structured daily schedule.
It's important to consider your comfort level navigating a different culture and a foreign language, reading maps and signs, ordering food, and dealing with flats or other minor emergencies. Some travelers don't enjoy doing these experiences, but others find them the best part of an adventure.
Bicycle touring is the act of traveling via bicycle for a period of time through a location.
We believe there is no better way to see a new country or place than by bicycle. Here are a few reasons why we think touring is fantastic. And, in this article, previous company president Jim Johnson explains why he feels bicycle tours are the best way to experience a region or country and its people.
Typically, if you can take or check it on a plane, you can take it on a bike tour. So, generally, one bag under 50 kg plus one carry-on bag per person.
It can vary from tour to tour, so check the 'Included services' on the Dates & Prices tab of the individual tour for any restrictions.
For bike and boat tours, there is limited space onboard. Smaller, collapsible luggage is recommended.
It's generally possible! Self-guided tours are generally the most flexible, while guided and bike and boat tours generally cannot adjust their daily programs or overnight stops. You can also consider taking one our many day tours to supplement your itinerary.
Contact us and let us know how many nights you'd like for your tour, which tour you are interested in, and your preferred average daily distance, and we'd be delighted to get back to you with some options.
It's possible to adjust mileage on many tours. Self-guided tours are generally the most flexible, while guided and bike and boat tours generally cannot adjust their daily programs or overnight stops.
Contact us and let us know how many nights you'd like for your tour, which tour you are interested in, and your preferred average daily distance, and we'd be delighted to get back to you with some options.
It's possible to book extra nights in any overnight location along the route for most tours.
Self-guided tours are generally the most flexible, while guided and bike and boat tours generally cannot adjust their daily programs or overnight stops.
Contact us and let us know how many nights you'd like for your tour and which tour you are interested in. We'd be delighted to get back to you with some options. You can also consider taking one of our many day tours to supplement your itinerary.
It's almost always possible to add an extra night in the start or end location of your tour.
Check the 'Price' section on the Dates & Prices tab of the tour page to see if extra nights are an option. If so, simply include the extra night(s) in your booking request.
To add an extra night that's not on the tour route, we encourage you to book through Hotels.com. Or, if the idea of staying as a guest in a private home appeals to you
This varies from tour to tour. Please check under 'Included services' on the Dates & Prices tab on each tour page.
All the tours we represent include nightly accommodation along with breakfast the next morning. With very few exceptions, luggage transportation from hotel to hotel is also included in the price.
For some people, that's part of the joy of travel: making yourself understood in a foreign country using a combination of gestures, print or online dictionaries, or applications.
That said, English is widely spoken in many destinations, especially in Western Europe, though less widely in rural locations and parts of Eastern Europe.
Either way, don't let not speaking the language keep you from visiting a country. Try to learn a few basic expressions ('Hello', 'Thank you', 'Goodbye', 'Excuse me') and perhaps an advanced sentence or two ('Where is the bathroom?').
Download a language app. We really like Google Translate, which you can even use to scan a menu or sign and get an instant translation. You can speak to it in English and play a foreign translation to your new friend.
If this is still a big concern, consider a guided tour (the guide will speak English) or a bike and boat tour (where most boat staff will speak English).
We tend to recommend not booking optional dinner packages (often known as half-board or half-pension) since it often limits what you can order and when you can eat. You may also find an absolutely wonderful restaurant you want to try out as you explore the town.
However, you may wish to select the dinner plan if one or more of the following are true:
You're with a large party that wants to eat together
You prefer to have as much planned in advance as possible
The price is too good to pass up
You prefer to prepay as much as possible rather than pay as you go
Please note that dinners are already included on most guided tours and bike and boat programs.
We've created a typical day page on our site - split into guided tours and self-guided tours, that will help you visualize your big adventure on the bike. The tour you book might differ in the details, but this will give you a general idea of what to expect.
You can review a list of sample hotels on each tour page in the 'Hotels' section of the Program tab.
Tour operators tend to favor smaller, family-owned inns with more character and personal attention and stay away from chain hotels and larger lodging when possible. Many hotels cater specifically to bicyclists. You will stay in two-, three-, or four-star hotels or inns, and private bathrooms are a given.
Please be aware that many hotels are historic buildings and modern air conditioning is non-existent or limited.
The answer is generally 'yes'. If the tour offers multiple hotel categories, then it's possible (dependent on availability). Please note that not all tours offer different hotel category options.
It's also generally possible to upgrade hotels. This may not be an option for very busy times (no availability) or more rural or remote areas (when there is only one or very few options).
And lastly, this will affect the tour cost. There is no rule of thumb here and costs vary. Please inquire with a Tour Advisor for further details and be sure to let us know which tour you are interested in!
Breakfasts are generally buffets that take your active program into consideration. Self-guided tours often only include breakfast.
Lunch is generally on your own, although some guidedgroup tours decide to pool funds on some days and others enjoy picnics en route. Bike and boat tours often pack lunches in the morning for the day's ride.
Dinners are usually included with guided tours and bike and boat tours and dinner packages are sometimes an option on self-guided tours. Expect either a fixed menu or a few choices, often with multiple courses.
If you have any allergies, restrictions, or other dietary requests, please let us know at the time of booking.
Some tours offer a choice of hotel categories, as noted in their prices.
Category A is generally 3- and 4-star hotels located in a town center.
Category B is generally 2- and 3-star hotels that may lie outside of town.
Tour pages list sample hotels or describe the categories to give you an idea of the type of hotels you'll be booked in on the Program tab under 'Hotels'.
We may send a request to another customer like you but we do not know if they can pair you with another traveler. And if they cannot, you will be responsible for the single supplement.
*Please let us know which tour and which date you would like to join as we may not be able to find another solo traveler.
Generally, pairing is not possible on self-guided tours.
At the end of the tour, there's usually a final night's lodging included. You arrive by bike that day, enjoy a relaxed evening, and depart the next morning. Your package typically ends with breakfast on the last day. Generally, the bikes are left at the last hotel. It's often possible to stay extra nights to enjoy the area even more. In exceptional cases, tours include rides on the last day, and this would be noted in the Program tab.
Guided tours almost always include a support van to help you all or part of the way. Be sure to check the 'Included services' on the Dates & Prices tab for exact inclusions.
On self-guided tours, it's your responsibility to get from the start to end hotel each day, but you can get help. Make sure to keep the Golden Cycling Tours company's service number in case you need advice along the way. In many cases, trains, buses, or even ships may be an option on days when you don't feel like riding. Occasionally, and with enough notice, you may be able to hitch a ride in the luggage van.
Typically, luggage is picked up after breakfast and delivered by 4 p.m. This varies from tour to tour and depends on the number of travelers cycling on the route on a given day. Of course, road and traffic conditions may cause delays beyond the Golden Cycling Tours company's control.
Yes, the hotels generally have Wi-Fi (with the exception of more remote areas). However, don't expect the signal to be as strong or reliable as the one you have at home.
For most self-guided tours, the only meal included is breakfast. It's usually a buffet, meaning you can pick and choose what you would like to eat.
For guided tours and bike and boat tours, oftentimes meals are included. Please be sure to let us know when you book of any dietary requests so that we can be sure to inform the tour operator.
Please note the tour operator may charge an additional fee.
You usually travel along paved bicycle paths or lightly traveled back roads through the countryside or from village to village. Routes are selected for their charm and beauty as well as for their cultural and historical importance.
Especially in Southeast Asia countries, tours often switch to meadow and forest paths or side roads. During some stretches and entering and leaving cities, distances on roads with traffic are unavoidable.
Most programs start in the afternoon or evening of Day 1 upon arrival at your first hotel (or the boat). You don't usually ride that day; it's just a time to arrive and relax. Cycling often begins the next morning.
If you're on a guided tour, there's usually a group dinner the first night followed by an orientation. If you've opted for a dinner package, dinner the first evening is generally included.
Depending on when your overseas flight arrives, you may want to arrive in the start city a day earlier. You'll be more relaxed, and you'll have the chance to explore the city on your own.
In exceptional cases, tours include rides on the first day, but these are noted in the Program tab.
Nothing prepares you for a bike tour like 'time in the saddle'. Even if you excel at other sports and consider yourself a strong athlete, you owe it to yourself to get a lot of riding in before your tour - you use a lot of different muscles riding a bike. Also, when we're out on tours, we hear more people groaning about sore bums than sore muscles! Bottom line (sorry): ride more, and your butt will thank you later!
Each day, you leave your luggage in a secure area that the hotel designates. While you're off riding, the Golden Cycling Tours company will pick up your luggage and transport it to your next overnight hotel.
We have 4 riders level to assist you in picking the best tour:
Leisure
Involves cycling for up to two to four hours a day at easy pace and usually, between Half to one days in duration. The cycling distances is around 15 – 30 km per day. There are likely to be no steep and sustained descents as well as demand for technical riding. We will normally ride on flat roads. Suitable for bikers who enjoy occasional weekend riding on trails at home. Push bikes are sometimes used for these itineraries.
Easy
Involves cycling for up to four hours a day at steady pace and and are usually between Two to four days in duration. The cycling distances is around 30 – 40 km per day. There are likely Sometimes it can be long flat rides or medium ride with few up and downhill climbs. The support vehicle will not always be available. We will need a good level of fitness. We use either mountain bikes or road bikes for these itineraries.
Moderate & Advanced
Involves biking for up to six hours a day at a steady pace and are usually between five to seven days in duration. The cycling distance is about 40 – 60 km per day. Sometimes it can be long flat rides or medium ride with few up and downhill climbs. The support vehicle will not always be available. We will need a good level of fitness. We use either mountain bikes or road bikes for these itineraries.
Challenging & Offroad
Involves biking in mountainous areas with big climbs for up to seven or eight hours a day and usually more than a week in duration. Cycling distance is about 60 – 100 km per day. There will be steep and sustained ascents and descents. The support vehicle will not always be available. These trips will provide a real sustained workout even for fit and experienced mountain bikers.
Sometimes. Check the 'Bike Rentals' section on the Dates & Prices tab of each tour page. If a helmet isn't included, you may be able to rent one or purchase one.
Please note We strongly recommend you bring your own helmet for those reasons as well.
We can't tell you exactly, of course, but Weatherspark provides information on average and record temperatures for destinations around the globe.
Just type a location in the search box and hit enter to read about seasonal weather patterns. You can click on each of the charts for more detailed information.
Be sure to review the forecasts for your destination as your tour approaches so that you can be prepared for the weather during your tour.
More information is available on our Weather page!
Please check on the Dates & Prices tab under 'Included Services' to see if GPS tracks (files) are available. For the tracks, you will need to provide your own device.
A few tours offer GPS devices for rent, please check the Dates & Prices tab under 'Included Services' and/or 'Prices' to see if this is an option.
No, there is not a group. Self-guided tours often have many departures available, it's not possible to confirm if there are others cycling on the same schedule or to and from the same hotels.
Self-guided bike and boat tours are the exception, while the daily rides are self-guided you may choose to ride with your shipmates.
Sometimes. Road bikes are not available on numerous tours as they are not suitable for the terrain (think ancient cobblestone streets!), or they are not in the Golden Cycling Tours fleet of bicycles.
Most likely, no. On hotel based tours, 99% of the time bikes are left at the final accommodation for the Golden Cycling Tours to retrieve. The specific tour page will have a note under 'Bike rentals' on the Dates and Prices tab if this is not the case.
The bikes remain on the boat on bikeandboat tours.
Please check the details under 'Bike Rentals' and 'Dates and Prices' on the Dates & Prices tab to see if e-bikes are available. Only a few tours do not offer e-bikes.
Well, that depends. Seats vary from tour to tour and person to person.
Most tours we offer are rider Leisure,Easy,Moderate,Advanced,Off Road,Challenging. These tours will be on hybrid touring bikes, which have bigger, more comfortable seats.
If you're still concerned, we'd recommend:
1. Training up to your tour - nothing makes cycling more comfortable than being prepared.
2. Purchasing padded bike shorts, a gel seat cover, or both!
On hotel based tours, 99% of the time, bikes are left at the final accommodation for the Golden Cycling Tours to retrieve. The specific tour page will have a note under 'Bike rentals' on the Dates and Prices tab if this is not the case.
The bikes remain on the boat on bike and boat tours.
We strongly suggest wearing a helmet on all bike tours, and, for hygiene and safety reasons, wearing your own personal helmet.
That said, Golden Cycling Tours rent or sell helmets. Check the 'Bike Rentals' and 'Prices' details on the Dates and Prices tab on each tour page for additional details.
An alternative option is to purchase a helmet upon arrival from a local bike shop.
Here are some packing suggestions if you bring your helmet from home:
Pack it in your purse or backpack. If you have a bigger bag this works great. A helmet is a little bulky but generally doesn't weigh much. And it's a great place to store any delicate snacks while you're traveling.
Pack it in your suitcase. Again, it's lightweight, albeit a bit bulky. We suggest rolling up smaller items, like socks and undies and filling up your helmet. Try to take advantage of all the space!
On the majority of tours we represent, the bikes are upright, touring-style bikes with a cushioned seat. If you want to bring your own seat, be sure to let us know so we can pass this information on to the tour operator.
And don't forget to take it off the bike at the end of your tour!
On most tours, yes, the pedals can be exchanged for your personal pedals.
If you do bring your own pedals, please bring your shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, be sure to let us know so we can pass this information on to the tour operator.
And don't forget to take them off the bike at the end of your tour!
On hotel-based tours, the hotel will have either a garage area or a bike rack where you will store the bike overnight. When you check in, the hotel staff will direct you to this location.
On bike and boat tours, the boats are equipped with bike storage.
We've been asked this numerous times, and we understand why you're asking.
Unfortunately, no, you can't rent two bikes. This is due to there not being enough storage space (on bike and boat tours) or there being no way to transport an additional bicycle, since that's your method of transportation, from place to place.
Here are a few suggestions, as we want you to have a great time!
If you want a leisurely tour or are on the fence, go with the e-bike. It's a total game-changer, and you won't regret it.
If you want to be challenged, go for the hybrid/road/mountain bike. BUT - prepare and set yourself up for success. Here are some details on training for your tour. And DON'T wait until the last minute!
Consider a different tour. Perhaps this one tour is a little overwhelming, but you would love to do it! Let us know, maybe we can suggest a similar experience that suits you better.
Bicycle rentals are included in the price of some tours and are an additional fee on others.
When there's an additional cost, the bike rental fee will be listed on the tour page. Please review the 'Prices' on the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page.
We strongly recommend that you rent a bike as part of your tour package (which more than 99% of our clients do, most of them with great satisfaction).
Transporting a bike can be expensive and a hassle, especially if you have a bike box you need to have transported.
Equally important, if something goes wrong with the rental bike, the local tour company is responsible for fixing or replacing it. Don't risk missing days of your tour waiting for a replacement part!
On guided tours, the guide will make the necessary repairs.
On self-guided tours, you should be prepared to make basic repairs like fixing flats. If there's a difficult repair, you may have to call the Golden Cycling Tours emergency service number or go to a repair shop in the nearest town. Let the Golden Cycling Tours know, and you'll get reimbursed for repair costs. If necessary, you'll receive a new bike. Since many tours are in the countryside, you may wish to rent a cell phone or get your home cell phone activated for international travel.
This varies from tour to tour. We try to list specific information in the 'Bike rentals' section of each tour page on the Dates & Prices tab. The Golden Cycling Tours has selected the ideal bike for each tour's terrain, and we stick with their recommended bike types.
For most tours, handlebars are upright, pedals flat, and seats and tires wide. The wider tires are more forgiving on the occasional gravel or dirt surface and on cobblestone streets.
Electrically assisted bikes (e-bikes) are becoming more widely available, and are specifically mentioned in the tour listings.
Tandems, child trailers, and tag-alongs (also called slip-streamers or third wheels) are also sometimes available.
Golden Cycling Tours retire their entire fleets every two years to keep their bikes in top condition.
Electric bikes are the great 'equalizers'. If your partner is a strong cyclist, and you're not, the e-bike allows you still to ride together, faster and further. If you're afraid that you'll be the slowest cyclist in a group (rarely the case), the e-bike gives you the confidence to keep up. Or if you just want to take it easy on a more challenging tour, the e-bike comes to the rescue.
Electric-assisted bikes provide power on demand, responding to and complementing your pedaling speed and power. The harder you pedal, the more power the engine gives back.
Electric bikes aren't motorbikes or even mopeds. Instead, they provide power on demand, responding to and complementing your pedaling speed and power. The harder you pedal, the more power the engine gives back. Most e-bikes provide up to 150% of your own power with each pedal stroke. Most also have three settings - high/medium/low - and off. You should still prepare for your time in the saddle, but you'll have more reward for your efforts.
The cost varies based on factors like destination, trip length, and chosen activities. We'll collaborate with you to design a budget that fits your preferences.
No, we accommodate groups of all sizes, including solo travelers. However, some activities might have specific group size requirements, subject to availability.
If you've reviewed all the information about custom tours, asked any relevant questions, and explored our website but still haven’t found a tour that fits your preferences, the next step is to fill out our quick questionnaire to get started.
We understand that plans can change, so we allow minor adjustments even after the itinerary is finalized. Please note that major changes might incur additional costs and extend planning time.
Inquiring about a custom or private bike tour is free of charge. However, once the planning progresses to the stage of reserving dates, securing accommodations, and making reservations, a planning fee or deposit will be required, just as with any booking.
Golden Trail Travel Co., Ltd and Golden Cycling Tours would like to inform you of an important security notice.
Recently, we received warnings from Vietnamese authorities regarding an increase in online fraud targeting customers of travel companies and international businesses. Fraudsters are impersonating legitimate companies by using fake email addresses, forged payment instructions, and fraudulent bank account details to deceive customers into transferring funds.
These fraudulent emails are typically sent from unofficial email addresses and include fake banking information intended to redirect payments. This type of cybercrime, commonly known as phishing, is currently being reported and monitored by many organizations and government agencies.
To ensure the security of all transactions, Golden Trail Travel and Golden Cycling Tours use ONLY ONE official tax code and ONE official bank account as follows:
We will never request payment to any bank account other than the official account listed above.
Any phone number, email address, or payment information not included in our official contact details should be considered suspicious and potentially fraudulent.
Before making any payment, please contact us directly via our official hotline , WhatsApp or email addresses if you have any doubts or concerns.
If you receive any suspicious email or any request to change payment details, please notify us immediately so that we can verify the information and assist you.