14 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in Vietnam

Are you a cycling enthusiast and love exploring nature? Then, Vietnam can be the perfect destination for you. The country’s mesmerising landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality can be your next spot to fulfil your cycling adventures.

Whether you are a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, these handpicked destinations and tours will undoubtedly complete your desire of exploring the country while cycling in Vietnam.

Cycling through Vietnam, be it South or North, is an experience of its own due to the picturesque views. Some tracks cover a huge distance while others are short but memorable riding experiences.

Read on to know more about the best cycling tracks and roads for your Vietnam escapade.

1. Hanoi

You can start your cycling journey from the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi and cycle northeast to Halong Bay, or the Bay of descending dragons,  to enjoy the mesmerising views of limestone formation. You can experience the lush rice paddies, picturesque villages and vibrant rural scenery along your cycling track.

• Distance: 165 km
• Route: Hanoi to Halong Bay via Hai Duong
• Activities: Boat trip to Halong Bay’s limestone cave and visit local fishing villages
• Best Time: March to May and September to November

2. Sapa Valley

Sapa Valley is located in Vietnam's northern highlands, with gorgeous terraced rice fields, ethnic minority communities, and panoramic mountain vistas. This cycling destination offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience amidst the natural beauty of the region. This cycling destination is great for novice as well as seasoned cyclists.

• Distance: 55 km to 133 km
• Route: Rugged valley of Sapa
  • For novice cyclists, the ideal route is the surrounding terrain.
  • For seasoned individuals, you can take the route through Muong Khuong or up to Lao Cai.
• Activities: Explore markets to purchase traditional handicrafts.
• Best Time: September to November

3. Hoi An

This seaside cycling route connects the royal city of Hue with the quaint village of Hoi An, allowing you to learn about Vietnam's rich history and scenic surroundings. You can cycle through coastal roads, and rural communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Centre to witness the confluence of indigenous and foreign influences.

• Distance: 133 km
• Route: Hue to Hoi An via Da Nang and Hai Van Pass
• Activities: Visit historical sites such as the Old Town in Hoi An and the Imperial Citadel in Hue.
• Best Time: February to April and September to November

4. Ninh Binh

One of the best destinations to explore cycling in Vietnam is the Ninh Binh region. It is the flat valley between Limestone Mountains with very little traffic to enjoy a scenic cycle ride. The flat road makes it a great cycling track for all types of cyclists.

• Distance: 15 km to 23 km
• Route: Tam Coc to Hoa Lu, via Bich Dong Pagoda, Thung Nham Garden, Nua Cave and Trang An
• Activities: Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda temples and visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Tran An Landscape Complex.
• Best Time: April to June

5. Mekong Delta

Cycling in the Mekong Delta allows you to explore southern Vietnam's unique riverine tract and gorgeous landscapes. The total cycling route along the Mekong Delta is a 3-day trip along the countryside villages and workshops in BenTre.

• Distance: 180 to 200 km
• Route: Single-track ride from Saigon to Can Tho via Tra Vinh
• Activities: Boating in a floating market, enjoy the Khmer culture and visit countryside trails and fruit orchards
• Best Time: All year round

6. Dalat (or Da Lat City)

Da Lat is located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, on Langbiang Plateau. This cycling route comprises downhill and uphill rides, passing through mesmerising natural landscapes. As a cyclist, you can witness coffee plantations and pine forests on your journey and meet local ethnic people.

• Distance: 32 km
• Route: Base of Langbiang Mountain and continue riding along wood trails to Valley of Love (Thung Lung Tinh Yeu) via Ho Chien Thang (Victory Lake).
• Activities: Visit Datanla and Pongour waterfalls and Crazy House designed by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga.
• Best Time: December to March

7. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, located in the Halong Bay archipelago, is the perfect combination of natural beauty and coastal charm. Cycling across the island exposes you to stunning beaches, lush woods and spectacular sea vistas.

• Distance: Over 100 km
• Route: Three main routes to choose from - 
  • Phu Long Harbour to Cat Ba Town via Thien Long Cave.
  • Cat Ba National Park to Cat Ba Town via Viet Hai Village.
  • Gia Luan Harbour to Cat Ba Town via Trung Trang Cave and Hospital Cave.
• Activities: Visit Thung Thu Beach, Cat Co Beach and Cat Ba National Park.
• Best Time: May to October

8. Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park, located in southern Vietnam, is a biodiversity hotspot. Cycling through this protected region allows you to immerse yourself in nature while also spotting uncommon flora and fauna and exploring its beautiful woods and diverse ecosystems.

• Distance: 80 km
• Route: Around Cat Tien National Park
• Activities: You can trek to the crocodile swamp, cycle through hot springs, bike along the DongNai River and explore volcanic craters.
• Best Time: All year around

9. Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake is situated in North Vietnam, surrounded by Ba Be National Park and beautiful landscapes. Cycling around Ba Be Lake provides an opportunity to admire the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, along with Limestone Mountains and dense forests.

• Distance: 4 km
• Route: Ba Be Lake along Pac Ngoi to Hua Ma Cave
• Activities: Hike to Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall and take a boat trip to the lake.
• Best Time:  March to May and September to November

10. Mai Chau

In the northwest of Hanoi is a beautiful idyllic valley, popularly known as Mai Chau. When you think of cycling in Vietnam, Mai Chaun stands as the perfect location to enjoy an idle ride and a picturesque landscape. The cycling route here is the best way to immerse yourself in nature as well as go sightseeing.

• Distance: 40 km.
• Route: Pom Coong village to Tong Dau va Cha Long village.
• Activities: You can enjoy the local homestays of Thai minorities and trek to remote villages to enjoy traditional specialities.
• Best Time: September to November and February to May.

11. Cham Islands

This unspoiled island is rich in biodiversity and located just 18 km from Hoi An. The island has been tagged as a World biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Cycling on this island allows you to explore its natural beauty, and cultural heritage, and enjoy a tranquil island getaway.

• Distance: Depends on the route
• Route: Hoi An to Cham Island
• Activities: Go snorkelling and diving to witness colourful coral reefs.
• Best Time: March to September

12. Hai Van Pass

Your cycling trip in Vietnam will remain incomplete if you do not ride along the trail of Hai Van Pass. Transcending vistas, ascending and descending mountains and a climb at a 7% angle is an incredible experience for every cycling enthusiast.

• Distance: 11 km
• Route: Hue to Da Nang via Hai Van Pass
• Activities: You can visit the Hai Van Gate and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Lang Co Beach and seek thrill in the hard curve of the mountain road.
• Best Time: February to May and September to December

13. Vung Tau

If you love coastal cycle trails, then Vung Tau is the perfect pedalling route for your trip to Vietnam. You get concrete roads along the coastline to enjoy a leisure ride near the beach. The area is filled with rich Vietnamese culture and heritage along with recreational activities and a pumped-up atmosphere.

• Distance: 40 km
• Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau Beach and Saigon to Vung Tau Beach.
• Activities: Relax on the beaches of Bai Dua and Bai Truoc and go for water activities. Visit local historical sites of Jesus Christ’s Statue and White Palace.
• Best Time: December to April

14. Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal city known for its clear seas, sandy beaches, and lively nightlife. The shoreline stands as the best Vietnam cycling tour and Nha Trang tops it even more if you transition to this coast from Da Lat. Cycling in Nha Trang allows you to enjoy the sun while enjoying the city's attractions and experiencing the colourful beach culture.

• Distance: 70 km
• Route: Dalat to Nha Trang
• Activities: You can visit the ancient Hindu temples, Po Nagar Cham Towers and enjoy water activities such as jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
• Best Time: February to April and August to October