Cycling Vietnam

We ride from vibrant Saigon in the south to the thrilling capital of Hanoi in the north on this two week cycling tour, travelling on tarmac roads through colourful fishing villages, folding rice terraces and mountains cloaked in jungle. The vast shoreline of white sandy beaches is ours to discover along the way, with time to swim in the sea on a tropical island retreat. Stopping off at the ancient trading port of Hoi An, home to temples and wooden merchant houses, we delve into the peacefulness of rural Vietnam before ascending the Hai Van Pass, riding along twisting coastal roads that lead to remarkable views of the misty forest below.

The accommodation on this trip is wonderfully varied. We stay in comfortable hotels (mostly three/four-star) for nine nights and a laid-back tropical island resort for two nights. We also spend one night on a junk-style boat cruising Ha Long Bay and, finally, have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hue to Hanoi.



Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip:



Whale Island Resort







Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many, though it is relatively basic. We stay in thatched bamboo bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. The simplicity of island life and a secluded spot makes it idyllic, but be prepared for it to be a bit different to the hotels used for the rest of the trip.



Ha Long Bay cruise







Board a traditional junk-style boat to cruise among the magnificent limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Each of the twin-share cabins has air conditioning and a window out to sea, while the boat has a rooftop deck with chairs – this is where most of our travellers tend to gather for views over the bay. There’s also a dining room with glass windows so we can continue to admire this extraordinary landscape during lunch and dinner.  



Reunification Express



Our sleeper train takes us from Hue to Hanoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.



Worth knowing



Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 11 nights of the trip (hotel
esort nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.

The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.