Dining Flexibility: what to expect on your cycling tour
At Vietnam Backroads, we aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience, including meal planning tailored to your cycling routes and destinations. Here’s why some dinners are included and others are not, as well as how we ensure you have a great dining experience throughout your journey.
Where dinner is included
Small towns or countryside stays: If you stay in a small town or remote countryside location without quality restaurants or entertainment options, we arrange dinner for you. These meals often feature exceptional local dishes, allowing you to experience the authentic flavors of the region.
Family dinners in local homes: In some countryside areas, you’ll enjoy a unique and heartwarming experience—a family-style dinner with local hosts. These meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients and showcase the traditional cooking of the area. It’s a chance to connect with the community and immerse yourself in local culture.
Non-touristy destinations: When traveling to off-the-beaten-path locations where good restaurants are unavailable, we ensure your dinner is thoughtfully prepared and included as part of your journey.
Why some dinners aren't included
In remote areas or countryside locations, the availability of safe and high-quality dining options can be limited. To offer you flexibility, we leave dinner arrangements open in these cases, allowing you to choose based on your preferences. This also provides an opportunity to explore and try local specialties at your pace.
Why dinners are not included in popular tourist cities
At Vietnam cycling tours, we believe in giving you the freedom to enjoy your evenings and explore the vibrant dining and cultural scenes of the cities you visit. That’s why dinners are not included in popular tourist destinations, ensuring your trip remains engaging, flexible, and tailored to your preferences.
Opportunity to explore: After an active day of cycling, you deserve the chance to explore the town or city at your own pace. Wander the bustling streets, discover hidden gems, and savor local specialties at a restaurant or street food stall of your choice.
Enriching free time: During the day, our bike guides share fascinating insights into history, culture, and local lifestyles. In the evening, you have the chance to independently connect with the town and its people, enjoying the atmosphere and finding dining spots that intrigue you.
Lunch arrangements
Depending on the route, lunch may be a sit-down meal at an excellent local restaurant or a picnic carefully prepared by your tour leader and biking guides. In areas with limited dining options, picnic lunches are arranged in the morning and include fresh, safe, and satisfying food to fuel your ride. Your tour leader will provide details the day before, ensuring you’re always informed and prepared.
This flexible dining approach ensures that your meals are safe, enjoyable, and adapted to the unique experiences of each cycling route. With Vietnam Backroads, your dining needs are always in good hands.
Important reminder: avoid local drinks with unpurified ice
During your cycling journey with Vietnam Cycling Tours, you’ll spend most of your time exploring rural areas and villages, where access to purified water and ice can sometimes be limited. To ensure your health and safety, here are important guidelines regarding drinks with ice:
Avoid drinks with unpurified ice
Many rural areas use ice made from unpurified water, which can pose health risks if consumed. At water stops in the countryside, avoid local drinks with ice unless you are certain the ice is purified and safe.
Our commitment to your safety
Your tour leaders are trained to verify the quality of water and ice at stops. If purified ice is available, they will let you know, ensuring your drink is safe to enjoy. To stay hydrated, always carry sufficient bottled water or drinks provided by the tour team.
Best practices for hydration
Stick to bottled or filtered drinks during your trip. Refill your bottles at trusted sources identified by your tour leaders. When in doubt, avoid ice altogether to eliminate any risks.By following these simple precautions, you’ll ensure a healthy and worry-free cycling
