Ho Chi Minh Trails & Vietnam’s Coastline

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing Hanoi for a scenic drive through Hoa Binh. Follow winding mountain roads with sweeping views of lush valleys, rice paddies, and verdant farmlands, pausing for tea at a small hill tribe shop along the way.

Arrive in Mai Chau after around 3.5 hours, where a peaceful Thai ethnic hamlet welcomes you. After lunch, begin a gentle cycling journey through Mai Chau Valley, passing rice terraces, traditional stilt houses, and local shops. Ride through Pom Coong Village and Lac Village, enjoying mostly smooth paths with a few rustic tracks.

Along the way, admire scenic rice fields, spot water buffalo at work, and cycle beside the calm Ma River. In the late afternoon, continue to Ban Do hamlet before transferring along Highway 15C to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, ending the day surrounded by natural beauty.

We’ll pick up our bikes and ride slowly from the hotel through ethnic minority areas and along vibrant valleys. We'll pause at local homes to see how locals practice traditional customs, taste local wine, then resume cycling along winding rivers, past small villages on the hillsides, to Tram Tom. Cross the Cam River on a suspension bridge, stop at waterwheels, and take a short walk to discover the fascinating bamboo water wheels, which lift water through bamboo channels to irrigate terraced rice fields—an ingenious system shaped by the rhythm of the flowing stream and the seasons. 

We then hop on our bikes again, follow the Cham River, and ride through quiet tribal villages toward the Ma River. The route winds along gentle backroads through jungle, pineapple farms, and striking karst limestone landscapes, offering a glimpse into local life along the way with lunch en route. A highlight is crossing a floating bamboo bridge before continuing along sections of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, leading us to remote stilt-house hamlets surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. Cycling on a mix of gravel and paved roads—with support nearby—we enjoy ever-changing scenery before finishing in Cam Thuy, followed by a transfer to Lam Son Township.

After a hearty breakfast, we enjoy a scenic 1 hour transfer to the tranquil rural setting of Nghia Lam Village. Here, we begin exploring lush countryside farms and cycling through vibrant fields of blooming flowers—especially radiant sunflowers—making it a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Today’s route is pleasantly gentle, following mostly flat, softly undulating roads that wind through picturesque hills dotted with verdant fruit orchards and shimmering rice paddies. We pass through the charming township of Thai Hoa, cross the serene Hieu River, and continue along the quiet DT15 road, surrounded by breathtaking rural landscapes, peaceful countryside scenes, and quaint villages nestled along hillsides and riverbanks.

After a relaxing lunch in a small local town, we resume our ride along the rustic DT545 route toward Tan Ky. Our cycling day concludes at the historic Milestone 0 Ho Chi Minh Trail, a meaningful landmark marking the starting point of this legendary route. From there, we hop into our vehicle for a comfortable one-hour transfer to Kim Lien Village, the revered hometown of Ho Chi Minh. We then continue by vehicle to the lively city of Vinh for the evening.

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 rustic 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.

Today bike ride is 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.

After a hearty breakfast, we travel by comfortable shuttle bus to visit the breathtaking Paradise Cave, one of Vietnam's most magnificent natural wonders. Marvel at its immense chambers, extraordinary limestone formations, and awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites as you explore this remarkable underground masterpiece.

Following our fascinating cave exploration, we return to the comfortable hotel to check out before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we begin a delightful cycling adventure through the fabulous rural landscapes of Quang Binh. Pedal along peaceful riverside roads, passing charming villages, emerald-green rice paddies, and idyllic hamlets nestled beneath dramatic limestone mountains. Along the way, admire the region's distinctive Catholic churches, cross a narrow suspension bridge spanning the tranquil river, and enjoy opportunities to meet friendly local people going about their daily lives.

Our scenic ride continues across expansive rice fields and through the serene countryside before arriving in the coastal city of Dong Hoi, check in the hotel, and take a rest until diner.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll set off on a 1.5-hour shuttle drive to the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels. This remarkable underground complex was built to protect local villagers from relentless bombing during the war, serving as a semi-permanent underground community where families lived, worked, and sought refuge. After exploring the tunnels, we’ll take a 30-minute shuttle transfer to the beautiful Cua Viet Beach for a relaxing lunch before preparing for a scenic bicycle ride toward Hue.

In the afternoon, we’ll pedal along peaceful rural roads, passing colorful pagodas, rustic shelters, traditional thatched houses, welcoming fishing villages, and lively local markets brimming with freshly caught seafood. As we continue toward Hue, the terrain becomes flatter and more enjoyable, while the refreshing southern breeze gently carries us along. Later in the day, we’ll slow our pace to explore the tranquil beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon, cycling beside its serene waters dotted with charming wooden fishing boats and simple waterfront shelters. After crossing the lagoon via the impressive new bridge, we’ll board our shuttle for the final transfer into the historic city of Hue.

Hue Imperial City is a large walled area inside the Citadel in Hue. It was the home of the Nguyen emperors, the last royal family of Vietnam, and was the country's capital from 1802 to 1945. The city was built in 1804 during the rule of Emperor Gia Long. It was the political and cultural center of Vietnam. Inside the Imperial City is the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his family could live. There are also palaces, temples, and other important buildings. The design of the Imperial City follows Feng Shui ideas and combines traditional Vietnamese architecture with Chinese and French influences. 

At 8:00 am, take a leisurely walking tour through the Purple Citadel, once the heart of the imperial court. Next is a shuttle to serene Thien Mu Pagoda, perched gracefully by the banks of the Perfume River. We then resume our bicycle journey with a leisurely ride to explore charming countryside. Stop at Tiger Arena, along the river’s tranquil shores, passing ancient villages, traditional mandarin houses, and colorful temples that offer endless opportunities for memorable photographs on the way to Gia Long emperors’ mausoleums. A delicious Hue-style lunch in Hue. We take a shuttle for 2 hours to Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day to relax and explore at your own pace. Wander through Hoi An Ancient Town, unwind on the beach to rest your legs, and stop at a riverside café to try some local specialties while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

In the morning, we depart from the charming town of Hoi An and cross the scenic Thu Bon River, enjoying sweeping views of the sparkling coastline and the distant Cham Islands offshore. Today’s ride follows peaceful rural riverside roads, passing lush countryside, welcoming local farmers, and picturesque villages. Cycling through Tam Thanh, we continue toward the tranquil seaside village of Tam Tien, where you can relax by the beach and savor a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

The day’s cycling concludes in Tam Hoa village, followed by a comfortable 1.5-hour transfer to My Lai Massacre Memorial, where we visit the memorial and museum commemorating one of the most significant and sobering sites of the Vietnam War. After the visit, we continue with a short transfer to the hotel, a relaxing riverside retreat offering comfort and serenity for the evening.

Today’s cycling adventure begins with a 2.5-hour transfer to the charming coastal town of Tam Quan, home to a lively fishing harbor and colorful local life. From here, we set off by bike, pedaling through vibrant villages shaded by swaying coconut palms. The route unfolds across rolling rice paddies, scenic coastlines, traditional salt flats, quiet fishing communities, and gentle mountain foothills.

Along the way, we’ll pause for lunch in a small local town before continuing our ride through My Tho and onward to De Ghi. The day’s journey concludes in Cat Tien after approximately 73 km of rewarding cycling. From there, we transfer to the coastal city of Quy Nhon for a well-earned evening of rest.

Your final day of cycling begins with a short transfer to Dieu Tri, where an unforgettable ride awaits. Pedal along a scenic paved route that parallels the historic Reunification Express Railway, offering ever-changing countryside views along the way. 

Journey through gentle rolling hills, mountain landscapes, and peaceful rural communities as you ride toward Van Canh and La Hai, with a relaxing lunch stop en route. Continue cycling through picturesque terrain to Chi Thanh, where the day’s adventure concludes. From here, enjoy a comfortable 2.5-hour shuttle transfer to the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang. Celebrate the end of the journey with a farewell dinner with the team, sharing trip's experience and special memories from the trip.

After breakfast, transfer to Cam Ranh airport and fly to HCM OR Hanoi to connect your international flight to home. Tour ends.