Top 8 Reasons to Cycle in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country uniquely suited to adventurers, especially cyclists. We could fill a book with all the unforgettable aspects of riding here. Since 8 is a lucky number in Vietnam, why don’t we start with our top 8?

• Coastal Climbs Vietnam is known mindblowing rollercoaster-like routes that reward physical challenges with spectacular views. On our tour Vietnam Gravel North: Hanoi to Hoi An, the most famous might be the Hai Van Pass (previously featured on Top Gear as one of the world’s top coast roads), a promontory that juts into the South China Sea between Hue and Da Nang, soaring above the crashing surf of the azure waters below. Meanwhile, on Vietnam Gravel South: Hoi An to Saigon, we experience the Ninh Thuan Coast Road, an arid coastal landscape with successive climbs above deserted coastlines and secluded bays.

• Culinary Cornucopias Refuel during and after the rides with the local specialties, which vary along the entire length of this long, S-shaped country. Think of your bike tour as one long culinary extravaganza, from the phở  (hearty noodle soup) in the north, to the mỳ Quảng (rice vermicelli with shrimp and pork) of Hội An, to the banh xeo of central and south Vientam. Abundant seafood and Don’t forget Vietnam’s amazing selection of craft beers, either! Tap rooms and breweries beckon throughout, as does boutique kombucha, infused with local herbs and fruit.

• A Tapestry of Cultures Vietnam’s deep valleys and river deltas are home to 54 ethnic groups. This stunning diversity of languages, agricultural techniques, clothing styles, foods, and spiritual beliefs makes for a rich and engaging journey. In the North, we’ll encounter the Hmong, Thái, and Mường ethnic groups in their mountain villages, where they live in stilt houses and still tend to the land as their ancestors did. Further south, we’ll see the elaborate Hindu temples of the Cham people, whose empire controlled much of this territory until several centuries ago. Their descendants still live in the region and worship in the same sacred spaces. 

• A Twist Around Every Turn Vietnam is easily one of the world’s most stimulating countries in the which to cycle. One moment, you’re navigating a prosperous village market; the next, you are are taking in idyllic views across sparkling rice fields. Cows, chickens, schoolchildren on bicycles… everyone shares the road, making your ride at times a communal experience. After these moments of bustle, remote mountain roads bring us solitude and peace. The terrain itself is constantly changing, from broken asphalt to smooth tarmac to chunky gravel. It’s the perfect place for a versatile gravel bike!

• Stunning Accommodations We’ve chosen the best of Vietnamese hospitality, with resorts, hotels and guest houses that bring out the authentic flavour of the region while ensuring we get a good dinner and night’s rest. Location-wise, the hotels flow seamlessly with the cycling routes we’ve plotted. You’ll also be able to book spa appointments and unwind with some time poolside to keep those muscles fresh for each day’s ride!

• From the Urban to the Natural Our tours incorporate Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi; its southern metropolis, Saigon; and its booming, fastest-growing city, Da Nang, along with other renowned cities and towns along the way. However, the space between is filled with lush, thriving natural beauty. Along winding mountain roads, cycle through nature preserves that are home to rare species. In the south, journey inland to crashing waterfalls and hushed valley roads. The fauna and flora of this country will always steal the spotlight!

• A Cycling Culture You may have heard of the crazy traffic in Vietnam, but this perception is skewed towards the admittedly chaotic areas in the urban centres. The rural roads that we have chosen for our tours are as safe as any you might think of. Vietnamese drivers are keenly aware that they may come across bicycles, Vespas, and all manner of livestock, so they tend to drive slowly and carefully. Besides being used for recreation among younger Vietnamese, the bicycle is still an important means of transport for citizens of all ages to reach the local market, school, or workplace. In this shared road environment, we can cycle with peace of mind and enjoy the experience!

• Layered history and a dynamic present Vietnam’s history spans millenia, and in traveling from north to south, we trace the nation’s expansion from the early kingdoms around Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll stop in Hue, which was the capital under the last imperial dynasty, the Nguyen; we’ll see the palace and stately old town from which the emperors ruled. Of course, we’ll also explore the history of the Vietnamese resistance against the French and the Americans, which was such a key part of the 20th century. The country rermains staunchly traditional, with Confucian values and family at the fore.

However, Vietnam is also embracing the present and modernizing in a dazzling variety of ways. The economy is booming; fashion, the arts, architecture, and technology are evolving quickly along with this newfound prosperity. When you are here, you feel part of a vibrant and exciting country that is finding a new place in the world. This intricate balance between the ancient and the modern makes a cycling tour through Vietnam a revealing and endlessly fascinating adventure.

What better way to capture all these contrasting and subtle sensations than by bicycle? Join us on Hanoi to Hoi An by Gravel Bike, Hoi An to Saigon by Gravel Bike, or combine them into a grand Vietnamese journey!