Hanoi to Phong Nha & Hoi An Cycling and Heritage Train Tour

Today’s cycling is easier and more relaxing as we gradually descend from the mountains into the peaceful lowland valleys. After breakfast, take a short transfer along a quiet rural road to Kho Muong Village for amazing ride to Cuc Phuong. Ride through traditional ethnic minority villages surrounded by lush rice terraces, stilt houses, rolling hills, and green forests. Descend into a tranquil valley and follow winding country paths toward Don Village, one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Home to the Thai ethnic minority and nearly 100 traditional stilt houses, the village offers beautiful views of mountain ranges, valleys, and authentic rural life. 

Then, we'll continue cycling through gentle hills and fertile valleys, stopping at a local workshop to discover how traditional Can wine is made. Along the way, visit welcoming local homes where villagers create colorful costumes and intricate handicrafts. Pedal beside peaceful rivers, emerald rice paddies, and farmland before crossing a suspension bridge over the Cham River. Continue through ethnic minority villages along the Ma River, with the chance to cross a traditional bamboo floating bridge and enjoy spectacular views of riverside rice terraces. 

The final ride follows quiet country roads through remote villages, local markets, and lush countryside to Cam Tu. Here, your support vehicle awaits for a one-hour transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park, bringing a memorable day of cycling through Vietnam’s beautiful rural landscapes to an end.

Today promises one of the most scenic cycling experiences in northern Vietnam, taking us from the ancient forests of Cuc Phuong National Park through peaceful countryside, emerald rice paddies, limestone mountains, and riverside villages before arriving in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Turtle Conservation Center, where we learn about Vietnam’s remarkable biodiversity and ongoing efforts to protect its endangered wildlife. Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park, is renowned for its rich ecosystems, tropical forests, and extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.

Following our visit, we transfer deeper into the heart of Cuc Phuong National Park to begin our ride. The first 19 km is a beautiful, gentle descent through the national park, winding beneath a canopy of lush tropical forest. Birdsong echoes through the trees as we cycle along quiet roads surrounded by dense greenery, creating a wonderfully peaceful start to the day.

Leaving the forest behind, the landscape gradually opens into the tranquil countryside of Ninh Binh Province. The remainder of the ride is mostly flat, following a combination of paved rural roads and peaceful country lanes through fertile farmland, traditional villages, and vast rice paddies. At times, our route follows the Boi River, where quiet waters, riverside fields, and rural communities reveal an authentic glimpse into everyday life in northern Vietnam.

As we continue toward Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh’s iconic limestone karsts begin to dominate the horizon. Towering mountains rise dramatically above brilliant green rice fields, creating the spectacular scenery that has earned this region its reputation as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful cycling destinations. Our journey then takes us past the magnificent Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic limestone peaks, winding waterways, caves, valleys, and timeless rural landscapes.

For the final stretch, we leave the busier roads behind and follow a peaceful riverside route toward Tam Coc. Surrounded by limestone mountains, lush rice fields, quiet waterways, and traditional villages, this relaxing ride provides a memorable finale to an unforgettable day of cycling through the natural and cultural heart of Ninh Binh.

By the time we arrive in Tam Coc, we will have experienced an extraordinary transition—from the primeval forests and wildlife of Cuc Phuong National Park to the rivers, rice paddies, rural villages, and majestic limestone landscapes that make Ninh Binh one of the highlights of any Vietnam cycling tour.

Spend a full day discovering the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, with visits to Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Combining a traditional sampan boat journey, countryside cycling, spectacular viewpoints, and ancient Vietnamese history, this immersive adventure ends with an overnight train journey from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi.

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your Tam Coc boat tour aboard a traditional bamboo sampan for a peaceful journey along the scenic Ngo Dong River. Glide beneath towering limestone karsts, pass through natural caves, and drift alongside seasonal rice fields surrounded by the dramatic landscape for which Ninh Binh is famous. Along the way, watch local boat rowers demonstrate Tam Coc’s distinctive tradition of skillfully rowing with their feet.

Back on dry land, set off on an easy 10 km bicycle ride through the Ninh Binh countryside. Cycle along quiet village lanes and rural roads, passing emerald rice paddies, family farms, limestone mountains, and traditional communities. Depending on the day’s pace, there may also be an opportunity to visit Bich Dong Pagoda or Thai Vi Temple, two peaceful cultural landmarks nestled amid the spectacular scenery of Tam Coc.

Continue to Mua Cave (Hang Mua) for one of the highlights of the day. Climb the stone steps to the famous Mua Cave viewpoint, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the Tam Coc Valley, Ngo Dong River, rice fields, and limestone karst mountains. It is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Ninh Binh and a rewarding place to appreciate the region’s extraordinary natural landscape. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the area’s excellent local restaurants before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Do check out, in the afternoon, travel by shuttle to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the historic capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Surrounded by limestone mountains and peaceful countryside, Hoa Lu offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past. Explore its historic temples, pagodas, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage while learning about the early dynasties that helped shape the nation.

As the day draws to a close, we'll check in the standard hotel for a shower, and have a rest. Followed by dinner. and transfer to Ninh Binh Railway Station and board the overnight train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi, bringing an unforgettable day of boating, cycling, history, culture, and spectacular Vietnamese countryside to a relaxing end.

Upon arrival at Dong Hoi Railway Station at around 6:00 am, meet your team and board a private vehicle for the approximately one-hour transfer to your hotel in Phong Nha. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take your time to savour a cup of Vietnamese coffee before changing into comfortable clothes for your exploration of Paradise Cave.

A scenic one-hour private drive takes you along winding mountain roads towards Dong Thien Duong, better known as Paradise Cave. Along the way, stop at a memorial temple dedicated to the young volunteers who sacrificed their lives while supporting transportation and supply efforts along the western Ho Chi Minh Trail during the war. We then continue to the cave's parking area, where an electric cart takes you closer to the entrance of Paradise Cave. We can also walk approximately 1.6 km along a forest-lined road or take a golf cart for a more comfortable journey. From there, a 570-metre uphill path leads to the cave entrance. The walk can be challenging, particularly in hot weather, but the beautiful surrounding scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Before entering Paradise Cave, we'll enjoy a short interpretive introduction to the cave's history, geology, and remarkable natural formations. On quieter days, an on-site guide may also be available to provide additional information upon request. From the entrance, around 300 wooden steps descend into the spectacular underground world, where temperatures of approximately 18–22°C provide a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Stretching for 31.4 km, Paradise Cave is renowned for its extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted naturally over millions of years.

Travellers can explore the first kilometre of the cave along a comfortable wooden walkway. Inside, dramatic formations evoke images of Buddha statues, elephants, terraced rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and coral reefs. Carefully designed lighting beautifully highlights the shapes and textures of these formations, creating a magical underground atmosphere. After exploring the cave, return to the hotel, with lunch en route. Rest your legs by the hotel pool after many days of challenging cycling.

After breakfast, begin the day with a relaxing boat journey along the river, surrounded by Phong Nha’s spectacular limestone landscapes and peaceful rural scenery. As we cruise through the countryside, enjoy glimpses of local life unfolding along the riverbanks before arriving at the Dark Cave area, where we’ll swap the boat for kayaks and enjoy a fun paddle through the beautiful natural surroundings.

After our kayaking adventure, we'll return to the hotel by vehicle, check out, and head to one of the best restaurants in town for a delicious lunch. Following lunch, a 30-minute private transfer takes us to Tho Loc Railway Station, where we board a new heritage tourist train bound for Hue. Sit back and enjoy approximately four hours of scenic rail travel through the picturesque countryside of Central Vietnam. Rolling the mountains, remote countryside, cross Ben Hai River, through DMZ to Hue. Designed with travelers in mind, the train features soft, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a coffee bar, and minibar service, making the journey itself a memorable part of the day.

As the train winds south toward Hue, watch the landscapes unfold outside your window—from peaceful villages and lush farmland to the beautiful scenery that makes this railway journey so special. We expect to arrive in Hue at around 5:00 PM, where our private vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel for check-in and a relaxing evening, and explore Hue on your own pace.

Begin the morning with a walking tour of Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent Hue Imperial Citadel, passing through Ngo Mon Gate and discovering the remains of the Forbidden Purple City while learning about the Nguyen Dynasty and Hue’s fascinating royal heritage. Next is to the Ancient Hue Garden Houses, beautifully restored residences showcasing traditional architecture and the refined lifestyle of old Hue. Then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, peacefully set along the Perfume River, before enjoying an authentic Hue-style lunch in town.

In the afternoon, cycle along quiet country roads through charming villages, traditional houses, riverside scenery, and rolling hills. Visit the impressive Khai Dinh Mausoleum, renowned for its striking blend of Vietnamese and Western architecture, before continuing to the tranquil Gia Long Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Return to Hue City in the late afternoon and celebrate the end of your journey with a memorable farewell dinner.

Begin today’s Hue to Hoi An cycling adventure with a short shuttle transfer out of Hue to a peaceful rural setting, where we begin our scenic bike ride south through the beautiful countryside of Central Vietnam.

Pedal along quiet village roads surrounded by rice fields and timeless rural landscapes, stopping at the historic Thanh Toan Bridge, one of Hue’s charming countryside landmarks. From here, continue cycling toward the tranquil lagoons, following peaceful backroads alongside the picturesque Can Tu and Cau Hai Lagoons.

This scenic stretch offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Central Vietnam’s traditional fishing communities. Cycle past floating fish farms, weathered wooden boats, and clusters of colorful fishing vessels gently moored on the calm lagoon waters, all framed by mountains and serene coastal scenery.

Our cycling journey concludes in Vinh Loc Village, where we board the support vehicle for a transfer to the beautiful Lang Co Peninsula. Relax over lunch while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and spectacular natural surroundings of one of Central Vietnam’s most scenic coastal destinations.

After lunch, continue by vehicle toward the legendary Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain roads. The winding route climbs through dramatic switchbacks, revealing breathtaking panoramic views across lush mountains, rugged coastline, Lang Co Bay, and the sparkling East Sea. Pause at the summit to soak up the scenery and capture unforgettable photographs before descending toward Da Nang.

In Da Nang, visit the renowned Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Champa stone sculptures. During a guided visit, discover remarkable sandstone carvings depicting Hindu and Buddhist deities while learning about the fascinating history, art, religion, and cultural heritage of the Champa civilization.

After exploring the museum, transfer to the enchanting UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, where today’s memorable journey from Hue concludes.