Phong Nha's famous national park loop - bicycle on a bridge

Routes and tips for cycle touring in Vietnam.



In a country that’s all about people and landscape, cycling can be a truly immersive experience. With its deeply established tourist trail, Vietnam can be an easy place to travel. However – some of its best, emerging destinations and scenic highlights are best experienced by bike.

Motorbike travel is a popular and fabulous way to see the whole country but there is just something about cruising on a bicycle that ups the magic factor

Cycle touring without a guide

In a country as friendly as Vietnam, going it alone is challenging but mostly very safe – just enough adventure to be adventurous without going over the top. Whether you go for a few days or a few weeks, it’s a great thing to do.

I loved the experience so much it seemed just too good to keep to myself.

Vietnam's back roads are perfect for cycling - rice fields in Thanh Hoa province.
Vietnam’s back roads are often perfect for cycling

Moving your bike on public transport

Even with your own bicycle it’s fairly easy to move between locations by train, plane or bus.

That means you can skip the boring bits and just focus on the highlights.

Even if you are travelling with your own set of wheels, there’s almost always an inexpensive option for transporting your bicycle to the next destination by means other than riding it.

Depending on your budget, taxis and private transport are also relatively inexpensive in this part of the world.

So, if, like me, you’re not a superhero, have limited time or encounter some dodgy weather, there are always options.

Me with my bike at a Pu Luong homestay – at this stage my handbar bag was held together with duct tape.

Read more: https://ricepedals.com/about-rice-pedals/

Travelling solo versus joining a tour

There are many, many excellent cycle tour operators in Vietnam, many offering local insight, luggage transfer, technical support and emergency back up. However, tours aren’t for everyone. There is the price tag to think about, you might want more flexibility, or maybe it just isn’t your style. Perhaps you just want a personal challenge.

Or you might be someone who has done a guided cycling tour and fallen in love with it. Now could be the time to strike out on your own.

Hey, I did it as a solo female who’d never ridden more than 30km in her life.

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