Mekong to Coast to Ha Noi in 13 days

Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a 2-hour drive through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, arriving at Tam Binh Market. From here, explore the rustic islands, using local ferries to travel between islands and the mainland.

Experience local life in Cai Be, visit small family-run businesses, and enjoy a traditional Mekong lunch. Continue cycling toward the Mekong River, then take a public ferry to An Binh Island. Ride across the island before catching another ferry to Vinh Long, followed by a 1-hour vehicle transfer to Can Tho.

Take a boat trip to the busiest floating market, where all the shops and stalls are boats of different sizes. The market is open all day, but it is busiest from sunrise until around 9:00 am. Most of the goods sold here are fresh farm products and local specialties from nearby areas. Each boat has a long upright pole at the bow, with samples of the products hanging from it so buyers can easily see what is for sale.

After the boat trip, we take a shuttle to a farther point along the Hau Giang River. There, we pick up our bikes and ride across wide rice fields to Khmer villages. Along the way, we visit an old Khmer temple and enjoy the unique culture of the Khmer people. We then continue cycling past vegetable farms and stop at a local home workshop where handmade handbags and indoor sandals made from water hyacinth are produced. After lunch in Vinh Long, we take a shuttle back to Saigon.

Take a morning flight to Lien Khuong Airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred (approximately one hour) to Dalat, known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its pleasant temperate climate. Locals also affectionately call it the “Honeymoon City.” Dalat was developed as a resort town by the French in the early 1900s, beginning with the construction of its first wooden hotel in 1907, and it still retains many charming reminders of its colonial heritage.

Today, you will explore Dalat by bus. Highlights include visits to the unique Crazy House and the historic Bao Dai Summer Palace, followed by the scenic Valley of Love. You will then stop at XQ Headquarters – Dalat Historical Village, where you can visit the renowned XQ Hand Embroidery workshop.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a well-known local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a nostalgic ride on the old train through picturesque farmland and greenhouses to Trai Mat village. Here, you will experience local life and visit the beautiful Linh Phuoc Pagoda. At the end of the day, return to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore Dalat at your own pace.

Begin today’s adventure with a one-hour shuttle to Lac Duong District, near Bidoup National Park, northeast of Dalat. From here, you’ll start cycling along a newly paved road that winds through rolling hills, pine forests, and lush farmlands, gradually leading you into the heart of the tropical rainforest.

The route offers both scenic beauty and physical challenge, with several demanding climbs rewarded by sweeping views of valleys and dense forest. The highlight of the morning is the ascent of Khanh Le Pass. Though not long, its steep gradients will test your endurance. Support vehicles remain nearby at all times, ready to assist if needed.

At approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, Khanh Le Pass provides breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the mountains down to the plains—an ideal setting for unforgettable photos. Enjoy a thrilling 29-kilometer descent before stopping for lunch at Suoi Loi.

In the afternoon, the landscape changes completely as you cycle along narrow rural paths through quiet hamlets. Along the way, you’ll meet local farmers and pass fields of sugarcane and rice paddies, offering a glimpse into daily life in the countryside of Khanh Vinh.

The day’s ride concludes at the historic Dien Khanh Citadel, followed by a short transfer to Nha Trang, arriving in the late afternoon.

Depart Nha Trang at 7:30 a.m. for a one-hour transfer to Van Ninh, a charming fishing township on Vietnam’s south-central coast. From here, begin cycling along a peaceful coastal road lined with colorful fishing boats, small harbors, and quiet seaside villages. Pedal through scenic countryside dotted with rice paddies, local markets, and cheerful schoolchildren waving as you ride past.

Along the way, stop at a lively local market to experience authentic daily life and sample fresh tropical fruits before continuing deeper into the rural landscape, passing fish farms, orchards, and traditional villages. The route then leads to the short but rewarding climb over Co Ma Mountain, where spectacular panoramic views of Dai Lanh Beach and Vung Ro Bay unfold below.

In the afternoon, take on the climb over Ca Pass, a 7 km ascent with around 150 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of about 2.1%. After reaching the top, enjoy a beautiful descent toward the coast of Vung Ro, riding through picturesque landscapes of shrimp farms, wide green rice paddies, and peaceful rural communities. Some of these rice fields are among the largest in central Vietnam.

The day continues through rustic countryside, at times following sections near the railway line, before reaching the area near Phu Yen Airport. From there, transfer by support vehicle to Tuy Hoa City.

This morning, we begin cycling directly from the hotel, following a scenic coastal route with sweeping ocean views. After approximately 4 kilometers along the shoreline, we turn onto quiet backroads that wind past secluded sandy beaches before heading inland into the peaceful countryside.

The ride takes us through gently rolling terrain dotted with tapioca plantations, tranquil lakes, and traditional fishing villages as we make our way to the extraordinary Da Dia Reef, locally known as Ganh Da Dia. One of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural attractions, this unique geological formation was created by ancient volcanic activity and features thousands of perfectly interlocking basalt columns stretching along the coast of An Ninh Dong Commune. Covering an area of roughly 100 meters wide and 250 meters long, the reef is composed of an estimated 35,000 dark stone pillars arranged in striking geometric patterns, including hexagonal, pentagonal, circular, and other polygonal shapes.

After exploring this spectacular coastal landmark, we enjoy a delicious lunch at a local beachfront restaurant. In the afternoon, the journey continues along quiet country roads and scenic trails beside the lagoon. Pedal past colorful fishing boats, fertile farmland, emerald-green rice paddies, and peaceful coastal hamlets, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life in central Vietnam. A final crossing over a traditional wooden bridge brings us to Highway 1A, where our day concludes with a comfortable vehicle transfer to the coastal city of Quy Nhon.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart Quy Nhon City and enjoy a short transfer across the impressive Thi Nai Sea Bridge before beginning our morning ride. Cycling along the shores of Thi Nai Lagoon toward Phu My, we follow a network of quiet backroads, gentle rolling hills, and scenic coastal routes that reveal spectacular views of bays, mountains, and the sparkling sea.

The journey continues through fertile coastal plains and traditional villages where daily life revolves around farming and fishing. Along the way, we experience authentic rural culture, sample fresh local seafood, and ride beside the tranquil waters of Tra O Lagoon. Friendly encounters with local residents and the serene beauty of the countryside provide a memorable glimpse into the rhythms of coastal Vietnam.

In the late afternoon, a comfortable vehicle transfer brings us to Quang Ngai City, bringing to a close a rewarding day filled with stunning coastal scenery, cultural encounters, and historical insight.

Spend an entire day at your own pace—exploring the charming town of Hoi An and unwinding by the pool.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Da Nang for your domestic flight to Hai Phong. Upon arrival at Hai Phong Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Vietnam Backroads team and transferred by vehicle on a scenic one-hour drive to Ha Long. From there, enjoy a canoe ride to Lang Ha, where you will board your ship and begin cruising through the stunning landscapes of Lang Ha Bay. 

Lang Ha Bay offers many activities. From swimming at the gentle beach to bamboo rowing boats, kayaking, snorkeling, and even experiencing the local life at floating and fishing villages, this tour is a blend of adventure and cultural immersion. With its stunning scenery and untouched sandy beaches, Lan Ha Bay is best experienced overnight on a cruise. (2 days/1 night itinerary)

The morning is a great time to enjoy the beauty of Ha Long, especially at sunrise. Admire over rocky mountains, the various shape of the karst landscape in the bay. 

6:00 Start your day with a Taichi session on the sundeck or at the Piano Lounge (depending on weather conditions).  

6:30 Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries. 7:00 Explore Dark and Bright Cave - a frog-jaw-shaped cave featuring marvelous sparkling stalactites on the arch-shaped ceiling in various shapes and sizes. Kayaking and sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by locals are the best options for tourists to admire the cave's interior (passengers can choose one of these free activities).

8:30 Full breakfast is served at the restaurant.  

9:30 Bill settlement and check-out at the reception at the first deck.  

10:15 After disembarking from Ambassador Signature Cruise, passengers will be transferred to Halong International Cruise Port by speedboat—lunch en route on the way back to Ha Noi. Tour Ends!

After the healthy breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your time shopping and relax until a pick up for Noi Bai International Airport to catch your flight home. Tour End!