Cycling Ho Chi Minh Trails Vietnam: Ha Noi to Hoi An

Begin our exciting first day's ride with a scenic transfer from Hanoi to the outskirts of Mai Chau. We collect our bikes at Thung Khe Pass and set off along the winding, serpentine roads of DT432B toward Noong Luong.

The ride begins with a gentle 7 km warm-up on mostly flat terrain, followed by a gradual 10 km climb from 729 m to 1,116 m before continuing on rolling countryside roads to Noong Luong. From here, the route undulates through a series of gentle hills and picturesque landscapes, passing charming villages and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After a rewarding descent, we stop to enjoy a delicious local lunch en route to Pho Doan. In the afternoon, we leave the main road behind and follow peaceful rural lanes across a stunning, lush valley before arriving at the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

We’ll set off on a gentle cycling journey to Don Village, easing into the rhythm of rural life as we pedal through a tapestry of vibrant hamlets. Along the way, we’ll pause to visit a local family workshop where traditional Can wine is crafted, offering a glimpse into time-honored customs. From here, we continue riding through lovely valleys, stretches of rice paddies spread out like a green carpet, then enter lush forest toward Lang Tom, crossing a narrow suspension bridge before tracing the tranquil riverside paths. 

We’ll stop at picturesque water wheels, then cross the Ma River and follow the QL217 for a short stretch. Soon, we leave the main road behind and glide onto a quiet paved lane that winds into breathtaking valleys, rustic countryside, and forest-clad mountains. The route is smooth and leisurely, leading us past cornfields, terraced rice paddies, and charming stilt houses that dot the landscape. To conclude the day, we hop onto a shuttle for a short transfer into Ngoc Lac town, bringing this scenic adventure to a relaxed close.

We begin with a short transfer to the outskirts of Ngoc Lac, setting the tone for a rewarding day on two wheels. From there, we cycle toward Yen Cat Township, passing through remote villages and a tapestry of serene landscapes—peaceful rivers, glassy lakes, winding rivers, lush orchards, and vibrant rice paddies framed by gentle mountain hillsides.

Today's route is far from flat, featuring rolling terrain with a series of undulating roads and several short, gentle climbs. The final section includes a steady 200-meter ascent before the day's ride comes to an end. Along the way, we pass traditional stilt houses and ride primarily on quiet paved roads, occasionally joining main roads to connect some of the region's most scenic stretches.

After cycling approximately 71 km, we arrive in Yen Cat Township, where the ride concludes. A comfortable one-hour shuttle transfer then takes us onward to Thai Hoa.

Today's bike ride begins at the hotel and follows quiet pathways into the scenic countryside. Pedal along gently undulating roads through lush rice paddies, where you may see local farmers harvesting their crops, pass vibrant rural villages, and enjoy sweeping views of gentle mountains and shimmering rivers. Charming roadside markets dot the peaceful country lanes, offering a glimpse into daily rural life.

We pause for a flavorful lunch at a welcoming local restaurant in Tan Ky Town. In the afternoon, we tackle a short climb on a hill located 5 km away. The ascent gains 90 m in elevation with an average gradient of 6.7%. The ride then continues along gently rolling, well-paved rural roads, crossing vast stretches of fertile farmland as we approach Do Luong. After crossing several rivers, we continue cycling through the countryside before ending the day's ride in a rural village outside of Do Luong. A shuttle transfer takes us to Kim Lien, where we visit the historic childhood home of Ho Chi Minh. From there, we continue by vehicle to the vibrant city of Vinh.

Today's adventure begins with a short transfer to the outskirts of Vinh, where we hop back on our bikes and set off across the peaceful lowlands. The first 19 km is an easy ride through fertile farmland, passing centuries-old temples, colorful pagodas, and numerous Catholic churches that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Quiet canals and winding rivers accompany much of the route, allowing you to cycle at your own pace while soaking in the tranquil countryside.

Our first highlight is a visit to the historic Dong Loc Memorial, a poignant site that commemorates the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. From here, the landscape gradually changes as we leave the plains behind and enter the foothills. The road rolls gently over a series of small climbs, offering beautiful views of forested hills, peaceful lakes, and traditional villages nestled among the valleys.

After descending through picturesque rice paddies, we briefly join National Highway QL15 before turning once again onto quiet rural roads. The final stretch follows smooth, winding country lanes through lush farmland and charming hamlets, providing a relaxing finish to the day's ride. We arrive in Huong Pho and keep cycling to our hotel in Huong Khe Town, where we can unwind after another rewarding day in the saddle.

Today's adventure begins as we collect our bikes from the hotel and set off on a memorable ride towards Phong Nha. The first 25 km follows the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, where quiet winding roads and rural paths lead us through peaceful villages, offering a glimpse into the authentic countryside of central Vietnam.

As we continue south on QL15, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular. The route traces sections of the tranquil Ngan Sau River and runs alongside old railway lines, passing vibrant farming communities, lush fruit orchards, and picturesque riverside landscapes. Where the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail meets the modern highway, we'll begin a series of rewarding mountain climbs through dense tropical forests, with breathtaking views and a well-deserved lunch stop along the way.

After cycling approximately 80 km, we'll board our support vehicle for a comfortable transfer to Phong Nha. En route, we'll visit the historic Khe Cat Military Airport, an important wartime relic that offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam's past. We arrive in Phong Nha in the late afternoon, ready to relax and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Today is a well-earned rest day, with no cycling as we give our legs a break after several adventurous rides. We’ll take a comfortable shuttle to explore the breathtaking Paradise Cave, savor a delicious local lunch, and then return to the hotel to unwind with a refreshing beer and a relaxing swim in the pool.

We begin our day with a visit to Ta Con Airport, also known as the Khe Sanh Combat Base, where fascinating war relics are preserved and open for visitors. From there, a support shuttle takes us to Dakrong Bridge, a symbolic friendship bridge built by Cuban engineers.

Our ride truly begins as we pedal into spectacular scenery. In the morning, we follow Highway QL14, part of the new Ho Chi Minh Highway, a gently undulating route that winds alongside the Dakrong River. The road rises and falls through breathtaking mountain landscapes, with lush tropical jungle and peaceful riverside stretches accompanying us along the way.

After about 45 km of riding, we pause for lunch in a small local town. In the afternoon, we cross the river and venture onto a quieter paved route—the Old Ho Chi Minh Trail—which runs parallel to the main highway. Though only around 15 km long, this section offers a truly memorable ride, passing stilt houses, small ethnic minority villages, and verdant hillsides.

Eventually, the trail rejoins the main highway, and we continue cycling over rolling mountain terrain, picking up speed as we approach Pe Ke Pass. From there, we descend into a picturesque valley as we enter A Luoi District, before following gently undulating roads to our hotel, where we can relax after a rewarding day on the road.

Check out and set off on a scenic ride toward A Luoi town. Turning left onto DT49, we’ll spin gently for a few warm-up kilometers before tackling the first rolling climb over the small Ta Lương Pass. From there, the route undulates gracefully through emerald rice paddies and rustic countryside villages, offering a peaceful glimpse of rural life.

We then gear up again for the charming Kim Quy Pass, where the road winds through lush jungle canopies. After a sweeping descent into a quiet town, we’ll pause for a local-style lunch.

In the afternoon, we cross the Huu Trach River and venture onto off-the-beaten-path dirt trails, weaving through dense jungle, tiny ethnic villages, and occasionally riding alongside the river. The day’s journey concludes at the serene Minh Mang Tomb. After the visit, a shuttle transfer takes us back to Hue city.

In the evening, gather with your group for a special farewell dinner in the charming town of Hoi An. Enjoy a warm and memorable night over a delicious Vietnamese meal, celebrating your journey and the experiences you’ve shared together.

After a leisurely breakfast, we embark on a guided walking tour of the Purple Citadel, where centuries of imperial heritage come to life. As we wander through this remarkable UNESCO-listed complex, we gain fascinating insights into Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and its journey from ancient dynasties to the modern era.

Leaving the city behind, we transfer to a charming coastal village and set off on a scenic cycling adventure through peaceful countryside lanes. The route unfolds across some of central Vietnam’s most captivating landscapes, winding past ancient temples, tranquil pagodas, emerald rice paddies, and traditional fishing villages. Along the shores of the legendary Tam Giang Lagoon, we witness the rhythms of local life as fishermen tend their nets and farmers work the fertile fields.

Our ride continues over graceful bridges, through sleepy market towns, across gentle rolling hills, and alongside family-run farms, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnam. We pause for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before continuing along quiet backroads. The afternoon ride follows a flat coastal route near Vinh Hien, where sea breezes accompany us before the landscape gradually rises toward the gentle slopes of Phuoc Tuong Pass.

Our cycling concludes here, after which we board our shuttle for the drive to Hoi An. En route, we stop at the spectacular Hai Van Summit to admire sweeping panoramic views of the coastline—one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain passes—before continuing to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An. Tour ends.