Vietnam Classic Bike Tour: Hanoi to Saigon

After being met upon arrival, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ky Son for a morning bike ride through the bucolic countryside of the Hoa Binh mountain region. Pedal along beautiful rolling back roads that wind through lush mountains, fertile farmlands, tranquil lakes, and verdant rice paddies. Stop at a small roadside market before tackling a few gentle hills on the way to Hoa Binh Town. The cycling distance is approximately 22 km.

After the ride, transfer by support vehicle to Mai Chau, enjoying lunch en route and a stop at Thung Khe Pass to take in its breathtaking mountain scenery. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check in to your hotel, relax by the pool, and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Collect your bikes from the hotel and set off for Pom Coong Village, a charming settlement of the Thai ethnic minority. Meet friendly local residents and visit traditional stilt houses where skilled artisans craft beautifully handmade ethnic costumes. Continue with a leisurely ride through the tranquil countryside, exploring the picturesque villages of Lac and Ha before cycling onward to Mai Hich Village.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing walk through the village, immersing yourself in the rural atmosphere as you pass traditional wooden homes, lush rice paddies, and welcoming locals going about their daily lives. After lunch in Mai Chau, transfer by support vehicle for a scenic three-hour journey to Tam Coc. Along the way, stop at a mountain pass to take in spectacular panoramic views overlooking the valley below.

Upon arrival in Tam Coc, board a locally rowed sampan and drift along the picturesque Ngo Dong River. Surrounded by vibrant rice fields, peaceful waterways, and dramatic limestone karsts, you will experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. Later, return to your bikes and cycle through rustic villages, passing emerald-green rice paddies, blooming lotus ponds, and water buffalo working in the fields. 

As evening falls, check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest and refreshing shower. Enjoy dinner, savor a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee, and then board the overnight train to Hue.

The train arrives in Hue at around 6:00 a.m., and we will transfer to our hotel for breakfast and a chance to change our clothes before beginning our exploration of Hue. Our first stop is the Hue Imperial Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam until 1945. This majestic complex, although heavily damaged during the Vietnam War and the Tet Offensive, still preserves remarkable traces of Vietnam’s royal heritage, including tombs, pagodas, and a distinctive blend of Western and Oriental architecture. The Purple Forbidden City, once reserved exclusively for the emperor, his eunuchs, servants, and concubines, stands as a testament to the grandeur and exclusivity of the royal court.

We then board a private dragon boat for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the iconic symbol of Hue and its rich Buddhist heritage, and An Hien Garden House, before enjoying a delicious Hue-style meal at one of the city's finest restaurants.

In the afternoon, we get back on our bikes for a scenic ride through authentic villages and some of Hue’s most captivating landmarks. Cycle past traditional Mandarin houses, ancient pagodas, and historic military bunkers, visit to the Khai Dinh Mausoleum, then cross the tranquil Perfume River before continuing to the Gia Long Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Gia Long, the founder and first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. After the visit, return to Hue by vehicle and check into your hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, a short transfer takes us out of town, where we begin cycling across rice paddies on beautiful, smooth paths leading to the ancient tiled-roof wooden bridge of Thanh Toan, a charming village in Thuy Thanh Commune. We continue with a leisurely ride along tranquil rivers, through small local markets, and past traditional houses, traveling through vast farmlands and lush vegetation toward the lagoons. Along the way, observe fishermen navigating small wooden boats across the calm waters. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop at rustic fishing villages and meet local fishermen as they cast their nets into the lagoons and slowly draw them back in. These authentic encounters offer endless opportunities to interact with villagers and capture remarkable photographs of the stunning landscapes and daily life.

We then cross the Truong Ha River and follow scenic coastal routes, continuing to experience the local culture and lifestyle. Ride past colorful cemeteries, ancient pagodas, and peaceful villages, including the striking “City of Ghosts” at An Bang Cemetery. Today’s cycling distance is approximately 35 km, after which we enjoy a scenic transfer to Lang Co for lunch by the beach. In the afternoon, we continue by shuttle to Hoi An, with stops at the summit of Hai Van Pass and the Cham Museum in Da Nang City. We arrive at our hotel in Hoi An in the late afternoon.

We’ll spend half a day cycling, farming, and cooking, ride through Cam Thanh Village to Tra Que Village, where you’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking class at a local family home. Begin by picking up your bikes and riding through the peaceful countryside of Cam Thanh Village before arriving at Tra Que’s lush organic vegetable gardens.

Here, you’ll join a local family and experience life as a traditional farmer, helping to plant or harvest fresh vegetables. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with villagers, and learn about  traditional cooking culture passed down through generations.

After your time in the gardens, return to the local home for a cooking lesson. Learn how to prepare regional specialties and authentic Vietnamese dishes before enjoying the delicious lunch you have created. Following lunch, transfer back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax on the beach or explore the ancient town of Hoi An at your own pace, wandering through its charming streets and enjoying some shopping before checking out of the hotel. Enjoy lunch before a private transfer will then take you to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

Traveling to the Cu Chi Tunnels by luxury speedboat offers a unique perspective on Vietnam as you journey to the famed tunnel complex, home to an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Along the way, you’ll also witness authentic local life unfolding along the riverbanks.

After an early breakfast, depart for an exciting speedboat ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At 7:00 a.m., you’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to Bach Dang Pier. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the river before arriving at the historic site. Watch a short documentary about the Cu Chi Tunnels during the war, then explore the remarkable three-level underground tunnel system. Visit the shooting range and gain insight into wartime history before enjoying lunch at a local riverside restaurant.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City by speedboat, arriving at approximately 1:30 p.m., followed by a transfer back to your hotel.

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00 AM and journey south through the scenic countryside toward Cai Be, a charming gateway to the Mekong Delta. After approximately two hours on the road, arrive in this tranquil riverside region and board a traditional Mekong cruise boat for an unforgettable journey along the waterways.

As you glide along the legendary Mekong River, pause to savor freshly picked tropical fruits and discover local cottage industries that preserve the region’s rich traditions. Visit family-run workshops producing handmade candies and authentic local snacks, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of delta life. Continue with a peaceful sampan ride through the canals of Tan Phong Island, where lush greenery and quiet waterways create an idyllic setting.

Rejoin your Mekong boat and cruise across the river to An Binh Island. Here, enjoy a special homemade lunch hosted by a local family, featuring regional flavors and warm hospitality.

In the afternoon, set out on leisurely cycling along shaded village paths lined with flourishing orchards of orange, papaya, grapefruit, and mango trees. Pedal through peaceful hamlets and winding waterways, gaining an authentic insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta. Your cycling adventure concludes a ferry boat to Vinh Long, where a vehicle awaits for a scenic 45-minute transfer to Can Tho.

Can Tho, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta, is renowned for its iconic Cai Rang Floating Market—one of the region’s most lively and authentic attractions. The market operates throughout the day, though the most enchanting time to visit is from sunrise until around 9:00 a.m., when the waterways are at their busiest. Here, local farmers trade an abundant variety of fresh produce, with large wooden boats overflowing with seasonal fruits such as mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples, longans, grapefruits, and watermelons. Smaller boats with long-tail engines weave gracefully through the floating stalls in search of the best deals, while floating coffee vendors and grocery boats add to the bustling commercial atmosphere.

After breakfast, check out and board a private boat from the pier in front of your hotel. Cruise along the picturesque riverbanks, taking in scenic waterfront views and observing the vibrant morning life that unfolds along the waterways as you journey toward the authentic Cai Rang Floating Market. Later, disembark at the charming An Binh land market, where you can experience the daily rhythm of local life and witness traditional trading activities.

Begin the final day’s cycling adventure through the peaceful rural district of Binh Thuy in Can Tho. Pedal along quiet countryside paths that cross narrow rivers, pass lush tropical fruit orchards, serene villages, and colorful local markets. The ride concludes at the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House, an elegant heritage residence showcasing graceful French colonial architecture surrounded by tranquil gardens. This beautifully preserved house also served as a filming location for the famous movie "The Lover". Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a cozy local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure. Your tour concludes here.