Vietnam is high on most peoples’ bucket lists, and for good reason, too. The sweeping beauty of the Mekong delta, the fine beaches along the country’s coast, and the high mountain passes in the north, all combined with its distinctive culture, make it a one-of-its-kind destination in Asia.
One of the best ways to explore this beautiful country is on a luxury bike trip through its heartland. A bike tour allows you to observe the country at close quarters, giving you time to absorb its sights, sounds, and smells. You can stop to interact with locals and enjoy the sumptuous cuisine, and at the end of a hard day’s riding, you’ll stay in a carefully-chosen luxury hotel where you can unwind with a drink by the pool or at the spa.
If this sounds like a trip you’d love to take then read on as we discuss how to get started when planning a bike tour to Vietnam and some of the most beautiful places you can visit when cycling in this country.
Choosing the right tour operator
Bike tours are generally either self-guided or guided and in Vietnam, you’ll be better off opting for a guided bike tour because of the challenges related to language, culture, and food etc.
There are several operators that run luxury bike tours in Vietnam, including Art of Bicycle Trips, whose tours consist of an expert local guide, high-quality, well-maintained bikes and a support van that stays with you throughout the journey. Additionally, each night on tour is spent in a best-in-class luxury hotel such as the Azerai La Residence, Hue or the Anantara, Hoi An.
It’s certainly worth keep in mind that northern and central Vietnam are quite hilly, so if you’re not comfortable climbing hills, you might want to opt for an e-bike instead. Tour operators will typically give you an e-bike upgrade for a small additional fee.
Finally, be sure to have a look at customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot for the tour operator you zero in on and make sure that you’re familiar with all the inclusions and exclusions in the tour price. For instance, while most meals are included in the tour price, there might be some days on tour where the guest is expected to pay for their own meal. Also, alcohol is usually not included in the tour price.
Where to go bike touring in Vietnam?
Vietnam might be a small country but it has no dearth of places to explore. Assuming you have between eight to 14 days at your disposal, here are three of the best places you should visit on your Vietnam bike tour.
The Mekong Delta
The Mekong river is the lifeline of southeast Asia. It’s a mighty river that originates in Tibet and flows down through south-eastern China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, eventually draining into the South China Sea through the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. And it is here, in its delta, as it meanders and circles lazily through the flatland that it creates a magical landscape of numerous islands, lagoons, lakes, and inlets, all intersected by human habitation.
Expect to see floating markets where both shop and shopper meet on a boat, rice paddies, jackfruit, durian, and citrus plantations, and verdant greenery all around.
A luxury bike tour in the region would typically cover Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Cai Be, and include stays at luxury hotels such as the sprawling Victoria Can Tho. At Cai Be, you can stay at the Mekong Delta Riverside Resort that has bungalows built directly upon the Mekong river, enabling you to sit on the balcony and watch everyday life on the Mekong river – it’s quite an experience!
Since the Mekong Delta also borders Cambodia, it is also possible to combine a Cambodia bike tour when you’re cycling in the region. The border crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia takes around 30 minutes, and you can extend your tour to include the famous Angkor Wat temple in your itinerary, too.
Northern Vietnam
Where the Mekong Delta is flat and easy going, Northern Vietnam is mountainous and thrilling. The north is where famous destinations such as the picturesque Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and the Vietnamese capital Hanoi are located.
A great bike tour in the north would ideally start from Hanoi and include Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, and Mai Chu. Expect to be amazed by dramatic limestone karsts, mesmerising bays, and tranquil paddy fields.
There are some exceptional luxury hotels along this route. For instance, the hotel L’Opera situated in Hanoi’s historic French quarter and the Tam Coc Garden Resort in Ninh Binh. However, the real gem here is the Paradise Grand in Lan Ha Bay — a luxury cruise ship with a Michelin-starred chef and delightful accommodations that offers some of the most breath-taking views of the bay. This is one experience that will likely remain etched in your mind for a long time.
The central coast
Vietnam has a pretty long coastline from north to south, however, it’s in central Vietnam where you’ll find the best views.
At the heart of central Vietnam is the historic city of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic monuments. From here, one can bike towards Hoi An, another ancient city with beautiful architecture and lovely beaches, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tam Quy, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Quang Ngai – all home to some of the prettiest beaches in Vietnam – lie on this route. There are also fewer hills on this route compared to northern Vietnam, though there’s the occasional mountain pass that may test your legs and your lungs.
When it comes to luxury hotels, there’s the Anantara in Hoi An and the Cocoland River Beach Resort in Quang Ngai that really stand apart. The Stella Beach Resort in Tuy Hoa is another exceptional luxury property on this route that should not be missed.
Final thoughts
Vietnam is not just a beautiful country, it’s also a destination with some of the best luxury hotels in Asia. A luxury bike tour in Vietnam allows you to not just experience this gorgeous country at close quarters, but also indulge yourself in immersive experiences.
Just make sure you pick the right bike tour operator, and clear out at least eight to 10 days in your calendar to explore this beautiful region, and you’ll be sure to end up with memories for a lifetime.
