Vietnam, a charming Southeast Asian country, appeals to tourists through its beautiful natural landscapes, from majestic mountain ranges in the North to the stretching sandy beaches in the South. With its diverse terrain and winding roads, Vietnam is an ideal destination for cycling tours. This is a great way to experience and explore the most beautiful routes across the country. Let’s get more insights about cycling in Vietnam, the best routes, and things to note with Handspan Travel!

Through this blog post, you will learn the information below. 

Why go cycling in Vietnam?

Cycling is one of the most exciting experiences in Vietnam. No matter if you ride a road bike or just take a bike tour in one region of Vietnam, you will have unforgettable experiences. Let’s see why you should go cycling in Vietnam with us!

Exploring the natural beauty and unique culture of Vietnam

Vietnam is famous for its diverse natural landscapes. Cycling in Vietnam enables you to immerse yourself in the lush paddy fields of the Mekong Delta, the terraced rice fields in the Northern region of Vietnam, and the stunning beaches in the center. By cycling around the country, you can experience winding roads while admiring the scenery. 

Cycling in Ben Tre

Cycling in Vietnam is also an ideal way to learn about the daily life of the local people. You can stop at small villages outside the bustling cities or traditional handicraft villages on your own. Besides, you can drop in the local markets to experience authentic local life. Cycling gives you a chance to make friends with the locals, and feel their simplicity and the interaction between nature and people. 

Environmentally-friendly

Being environmentally friendly is also one of the reasons why you should go cycling in Vietnam. Cycling allows you to explore Vietnam without causing pollution or affecting the environment. This is a sustainable type of tourism that helps to decrease emissions and protect clean air, especially in rural areas or nature reserves. Cycling through the rice fields, forests, and beaches brings a sense of peace and helps preserve the beauty of Vietnam.

Various cycling routes and difficulty levels

Vietnam has many cycling routes that suit both beginners and professionals. When you go cycling in Vietnam, you can choose flat roads along the rice fields or challenge yourself on winding mountain roads. With this diversity, you can easily choose a journey that suits your ability and interests.

Trying delicious local specialties

Cycling in Vietnam also gives you a chance to try delicious dishes of Vietnam. You can stop along the way to enjoy a hot bowl of pho, crispy banh xeo or fresh fruit. Each region's cuisine has its own characteristics. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the food and enrich your experience. 

In general, going cycling in Vietnam allows you to immerse in stunning scenery of the country and learn about the culture of the country. If you want to explore Vietnam in your own way, a bicycle tour will be a great choice. So, let’s prepare 

What is the best time to go cycling in Vietnam?

With the diverse terrain stretching from the highlands to the plains and a coastline covering, each Vietnam region has its own characteristics in each season. Vietnam’s weather varies significantly from the North to the South, with different climate conditions. While Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, the Centre and the South of Vietnam only have dry and rainy seasons. Thus, the ideal time to go cycling in Vietnam depends on the destination you travel to. So, let’s see the time to take a bike tour in each region of Vietnam!

Cycling in the North of Vietnam

Northern Vietnam has hot summers with high rainfall and cold winters with low rainfall. More specifically, the period from May to September is hot and rainy. It is dry with little rain from November to February next year. Going cycling here in Spring, which is from January to March, you can catch up with the brilliant scenery of flowers blooming, from the city to mountainous areas. 

Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park

Thanks to the chilly atmosphere and cool weather, autumn, which is from July to September, is the most beautiful and best time to visit Northern Vietnam. Visiting the North of Vietnam in autumn, you can appreciate the falling yellow leaves and colorful flowers in Hanoi, yellow terraced rice fields, green tea hills, and many other stunning sceneries in the Northwest and Northeast areas. Ha Giang, Sapa, and Cao Bang are some destinations for cycling in Vietnam’s northern region. 

Cycling in the Centre of Vietnam

The center of Vietnam has three main areas: North Central, South Central, and the Highlands. Although each region has its own terrain, the weather and climate conditions have common characteristics. In the dry season, from January to August, the weather is hot, and the air humidity is low. Whereas in the rainy season, the weather is cold with heavy rain. The most intense rainfall in the Central region falls in October and November. This is not the ideal time to visit the North Central and South Centre of Vietnam, as you can catch up with storms and floods. However, at this time, you can visit the Central Highlands with wild yellow sunflowers on the roads. You can choose to take a bike tour in the dry season to enjoy the best of the Centre of Vietnam.

Cycling in Hoi An

Cycling in Vietnam’s Southern and Mekong Delta region

Southern Vietnam has a humid tropical climate with stable temperatures from 25 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. There are two seasons in the areas, dry and rainy seasons. The dry season is from December to April of the next year. At this time, the average temperature is from 23 to 38 Celsius with low humidity. From the end of November, the rain is less, and the whole region is full of sunshine. It is ideal for cycling through fruit gardens, canals, or rice fields. The rainy season in Southern Vietnam lasts from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from June to August. Visiting Southern Vietnam at this time, you can enjoy a variety of tropical fruits right in the garden and admire the life of local people in the river areas. You can combine cycling with exploring floating markets in the Mekong Delta region. 

Cycling in Cai Be

Overall, if you are going on a cycling tour across Vietnam, the ideal time is from March to May or September to November. At this time, the weather is pleasant in all regions. While the North is cool, the Centre is dry, and the South is not too hot. Cycling in Vietnam these times allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Vietnam.

The best destinations for cycling in Vietnam

By joining a cycling tour in Vietnam, not only will you have a chance to explore Vietnam’s winding roads but also stop en route to learn from and make friends with local Vietnamese people. Below are some best destinations for cycling in Vietnam from the North to the South.

Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the ideal destinations for cycling in Vietnam. Beyond the hustle and bustle atmosphere, Hanoi also possesses many small peaceful corners and off-the-beaten paths. Let’s explore some cycling routes in Hanoi with us!

• West Lake

West Lake is one of the most popular attractions for domestic and international travelers. The route around the lake is nearly 20 kilometers, with a colorful landscape. By cycling around the lake, you can enjoy the peaceful scenery and the daily life of local people here. While cycling, you and your family can stop to capture every moment together and visit some places such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tay Ho Temple, Quan Thanh Temple, etc. 

Cycling in the West Lake

• Banana Island

Cycling to the foot of the Long Bien Bridge, you will see a pedestrian staircase leading to Banana Island. This place has a tranquil atmosphere, which is different from crowded streets in Hanoi. Pedaling along the roads in Banana Island, you will have a chance to admire pristine and poetic scenery with stretching dunes, grassland, lush rice fields, banana plantations, etc.

Cycling around the Banana Island

• Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village, 50 kilometers from Hanoi city center, is ideal for a cycling tour. While cycling around the village, you can visit the old houses, talk and make friends with local people and see the ancient architecture here.

 

Biking in Duong Lam Ancient Village

Mai Chau

Located in the West of Hoa Binh Province, only 140 kilometers away from Hanoi, Mai Chau is also an ideal destination for cycling in Vietnam. Biking around is ideal for admiring the peaceful village scenery of the Thai, Muong people, idyllic and rustic terraced fields. Let’s take your bike and explore these villages below.

• Lac Village

Lac Village, a 700-year-old village, is well known for community tourism in Mai Chau. Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the rice fields, flowing streams, and overlapping mountains. 

Cycling in Lac Village

• Pom Coong Village

Pom Coong Village is another village in Mai Chau you should drop by. Like other villages in Mai Chau, the scenery in Pom Coong has a combination of mountains and hills interspersed with plains, creating a beautiful picture of nature. Cycling around the village, you will catch up with typical Thai stilt houses, built from bamboo, leaning against the mountain with a vast field in the front. 

• Van Village

Van village is near Mai Chau town and impresses travelers with its less busy life. Pedaling around the town, you will have a chance to see the house on stills next to the bamboo groves, the terraced fields winding around the village, the green corn and cassava fields, and witness the simple daily life of the friendly local people. 

Hue

Cycling in Hue

Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is also a good choice for cycling in Vietnam. The city is famous for ancient architectural constructions, Hue Royal Refined Music (Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue), charming scenic spots, and other cultural heritages. Let’s explore these roads and attractions below.

• Cycling along the Perfume River (Huong River) and visiting Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Hue. Coming here, you will be attracted by the idyll and fresh atmosphere and green natural landscape. You can cycle and admire the scenery along the road to Thien Mu Pagoda covered with tall shady trees and the Huong River slowly flowing.

• Biking around the Imperial City of Hue

Located next to the Perfume River, the Imperial City of Hue is one of the relics recognized as World Cultural Heritages and still retains many unique imprints of the feudalism of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. Coming here, you can admire hundreds of magnificent palaces, monuments, and temples. The Imperial City of Hue is extremely large; therefore, it is ideal to use a bicycle to explore the whole area. 

• Cycling across Truong Tien Bridge and watching the Perfume River 

Being a symbol of Hue imperial city, the Trang Tien Bridge crossing over the Huong River is the pride of local people. If you have a chance to visit Hue, please don’t miss exploring the most beautiful moment of the bridge.

Phong Nha

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, located in Quang Binh Province, is one of the most favorite destinations for cycling in Vietnam. This gives you the chance to explore the charming beauty of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Exploring Phong Nha villages by bicycle is one of the most exciting activities in Phong Nha. Your journey will start with cycling slowly from the crowded town across the Phong Nha village, along the Son River to the ferry port. Coming here, local people will take you and your bike to the Tram village, a small village with friendly kids and friends.

 

Cycling in Phong Nha

The road in Bong Lai Valley is also among the Phong Nha cycling routes you should not miss. Bong Lai Valley, located in Hung Trach commune, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh Province, has the most typical characteristics of the Vietnamese villages in the central of Vietnam. In addition, exploring Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park by bike is an exciting experience during your trip to Phong Nha. This route is also one of the Phong Nha cycling routes that you should try. 

Hoi An

Hoi An, located amidst sandy beaches and Thu Bon River, is also an amazing destination for cycling in Vietnam. Biking around the ancient town and to the countryside is an exciting activity attracting every tourist coming here. It's time for you to discover a unique architecture and enjoy the hustle and bustle daily life of local people in Hoi An. Let’s ride your bike and drop in prominent and worth-visiting in Hoi An. They include the Pagoda Bridge (Cau Chua), Fujian Assembly Hall, Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics, etc. Besides, you will have a chance to admire Street corners lined with old trees, and flower papers put out on the eaves, and rows of ancient houses covered in green moss. Besides, you may want to cycle out of the ancient city toward Tra Que Vegetable Village and Cua Dai Beach. 

Cycling in Hoi An

Dalat

Dalat, located in Lam Vien Plateau, attracts millions of tourists thanks to the mild climate and rich natural resources. This destination is highly suitable for cycling in Vietnam thanks to its natural conditions. You'll pedal through untouched pine forests, winding mountain passes, crossing the rivers and streams to the more popular attractions or entirely off the beaten path, with different levels of difficulty for you to choose from.

Cycling in Dalat

Saigon

Saigon is also among the ideal destinations for cycling in Vietnam. This allows you to experience this bustling city in a unique way. You can choose bustling routes such as the central area of ​​District 1, passing Notre Dame Cathedral and the City Post Office, or relax along the riverside in Thao Dien and Thu Thiem with cool, peaceful air. 

If you like the green space, you can choose to bike at Gia Dinh Park or Phu My Hung urban area with spacious bicycle lanes and little traffic. In addition, those who are passionate about exploration can try the longer route to Can Gio, crossing the mangrove forest and enjoying the coastal beauty. The ideal time to cycle is early morning or late afternoon, when the air is fresh and traffic is less crowded. 

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta region is also among the destinations for cycling in Vietnam. Biking around the region, you can admire the river scene, fruit garden, and rustic life in the region. You can choose the Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market that passes through coconut-lined village roads and poetic canals. Besides, the Vinh Long cycling route is also ideal. By biking in this route, you can visit fruit-laden orchards and traditional craft villages. 

Cycling in Ben Tre

In addition, the My Tho - Ben Tre (~25 km) route with small bridges and peaceful village roads is an ideal place to feel the tranquility of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Traveling during the flood season (September - November), you will also admire the typical river scenery, making the trip more interesting. This is the perfect journey to immerse yourself in the unique nature and culture of this land.

The best road bike routes in Vietnam

 Cycling in Vietnam allows you to explore the beauty of the country. Each cycling route has its unique characteristics,  from culture, and nature to people. If you love cycling, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy these cycling routes below. 

Hanoi - Ninh Binh

The Hanoi - Ninh Binh is one of the ideal routes for cycling in Vietnam. This route is 90 kilometers, taking you through peaceful country roads and vast rice fields. When you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can explore famous landscapes such as Trang An, Tam Coc, and Hang Mua, where the beauty of limestone mountains blends with winding rivers. This is a gentle route, suitable for beginners, providing an experience close to nature and Vietnamese village culture. 

Mai Chau - Pu Luong

If you want to explore the mountainous people’s culture and the mountainous region’s stunning scenery, the Mai Chau - Pu Luong is a route you should try for cycling in Vietnam. This cycling route winds through Thai ethnic villages, lush green rice terraces, and rustling bamboo forests. Cycling here, you will feel the peace of nature and the rustic life of the local people.

Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac

The Ha Giang—Dong Van—Meo Vac route is more difficult and requires better physical fitness. This is also among the best routes for cycling in Vietnam. Cycling through Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the four great mountain passes of Vietnam, you can admire the majestic mountain scenery, deep valleys, and small villages perched on the mountainside. This is a journey that connects people with nature and the local people of the mountainous region. 

Hai Van Pass 

Hai Van Pass is famous for its breathtaking beauty of mountains and sea. This is an ideal route to challenge yourself on the steep slopes and winding curves. From the top of the pass, you will have a panoramic view of the blue Lang Co Bay to the north and the modern city of Da Nang to the south.

Saigon - Dalat

The journey from Saigon to Dalat is challenging for road cyclists. This is a hard route for cycling in Vietnam, outstanding with long climbs and sharp turns. Cycling through the Bao Loc and Prenn Passes, you can challenge yourself with steep slopes and enjoy the fresh air of the plateau.

Saigon - Mekong Delta region

The route from Saigon to the Mekong Delta region is an ideal journey to explore the river region’s stunning beauty. From the bustling streets of Saigon, you can cycle to the countryside with rice fields, coconut trees, and winding canals. An interesting stop is My Tho (Tien Giang), where you can enjoy Western specialties such as My Tho noodles or row a boat to explore the islands on the Tien River. Additionally, you can drop by Ben Tre and visit coconut candy-making villages and explore fruit-laden orchards.    

Things to note when you go cycling in Vietnam

When you go cycling in Vietnam, there are many things that you need to note. Let’s explore these things with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Checking your bike

Before going cycling in Vietnam, you must check the condition of your bike to ensure that it is safe to use. Make sure your bike is in good condition: brakes work, tires are not worn, and lights are adequate. Besides, you may want to bring basic repair tools, a pump, and a spare tire. 

Preparing your personal equipment

Preparing your personal equipment is needed when you go cycling in Vietnam. You may want to wear a certified helmet for safety. Let’s choose comfortable, sweat-wicking clothing and appropriate footwear. Besides, don’t forget to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen to protect your skin. 

Knowing your route

Before you go cycling in Vietnam, you may want to research the route ahead of time, especially in steep or sparsely populated areas. Besides, let’s use a map or GPS to avoid getting lost.

Protecting the environment

It is essential to protect the environment while going cycling in Vietnam. Don’t litter on the road and let’s respect nature and the environment in the places you pass through.

In general, you have just known about cycling in Vietnam, the ideal time to go biking and the routes to take a bike. If you want to book a biking tour in Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.