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Cycling Vietnam

Tour, Escorted tour

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Cycling Vietnam
Ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, witnessing Vietnam’s beauty unfold and interacting with the friendly local people

Cycle from electric Ho Chi Minh City to the thrilling capital of Hanoi, going beyond the guidebook to experience the true Vietnam. On this immersive adventure, we ride through fishing villages, folding rice terraces and jungle-cloaked mountains, while also climbing the twisting coastal roads of the famed Hai Van Pass. Off-the-bike adventures include an overnight cruise among the spectacular limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, a two-night stay on the tropical Whale Island and countless interactions with smiling local people.
Interests
  • Cycling
13 Nights Starting At
November 22, 2026 through December 05, 2026
Book by:
November 20, 2026 7:00 PM
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day 3
Cycle towards the coast and drive to Mui Ne
Day 4
Cycle to Dalat in the central highlands
Day 5
Cycle through Bidoup National Park; to the coast and boat transfer to Whale Island
Day 6
Cruise around islands with seafood lunch and snorkelling
Day 7
Coastal ride to Quy Nhon
Day 10
Ride over the spectacular Hai Van Pass; cycle and drive on to Hue
Day 12
Arrive Hanoi; drive to Ha Long Bay; board boat and cruise/kayak among spectacular limestone formatio
Day 13
Further cruising in Ha Long Bay; return to Hanoi
Loading Itinerary Content...
Dates & prices
Additional
Offers
Starting From Additional Details
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 20, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 15, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 19, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 22, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,695.00 (USD) Per Person
November 26, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 29, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,620.00 (USD) Per Person
December 06, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,620.00 (USD) Per Person
December 15, 2024 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
January 10, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
January 14, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
January 17, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
January 21, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
January 28, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
February 07, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
February 14, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
February 21, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
February 25, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
February 28, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
March 07, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
March 11, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,920.00 (USD) Per Person
March 14, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
March 21, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
March 28, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
April 04, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
April 11, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
July 04, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
July 25, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
August 08, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,695.00 (USD) Per Person
September 19, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,695.00 (USD) Per Person
September 26, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,770.00 (USD) Per Person
October 03, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
October 10, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
October 17, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
October 24, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
October 31, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 07, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 11, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 14, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 21, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
November 25, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
December 02, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
December 05, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
December 09, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,845.00 (USD) Per Person
December 12, 2025 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 09, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 13, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 16, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 20, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 23, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
January 27, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 06, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 13, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 17, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 20, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 24, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
February 27, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 06, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 10, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 13, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 17, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 20, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
March 27, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
April 03, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
April 10, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
April 24, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
July 03, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
July 24, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
August 07, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
September 11, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
September 18, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
September 25, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
October 02, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
October 09, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
October 16, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
October 23, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
October 30, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 03, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 06, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 10, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 13, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 17, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
November 24, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
December 01, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
December 04, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
December 08, 2026 7:00 PM
13 Nights from $2,995.00 (USD) Per Person
December 11, 2026 7:00 PM
Additional
Offers






















































































Accommodations
Hotels, resort, boat and sleeper train

The accommodation on this trip is wonderfully varied. We stay in unique 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/resort 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.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner are included.

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery flavours.

Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.

Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in South East Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.

You may find it beneficial to bring ‘cycling snacks’ with you from home if you have high-energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.

For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged – fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with homemade lemonade if the season is right.
Essential Equipment
— Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time
— A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first-aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit
— Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
— Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months.
— Large refillable water bottle
— Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
— Strong sunscreen and sun hat
— Swimming costume
— Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling

There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so it's fine to pack light.
Group Description
An experienced cycling tour leader will accompany all groups from start to finish. A bike mechanic will assist the tour leader, and local guides will step in at various sights.
Highlight
— Discover the best of Vietnam by bike – the most immersive way to experience the country
— Cycle the famed Hai Van Pass, a challenging climb rewarded with incredible views on the way down
— Crawl underground through the Cu Chi war tunnels, a poignant reminder of the recent past
— Relax with two nights at a tropical beachside resort on Whale Island
— Cruise among the magnificent limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay – a spectacular end to the trip!
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Hanoi Airport (HAN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Not Included
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request – hotel nights only)
— Visas or vaccinations
— E-bike hire
Optional Equipment
— Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time
— A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first-aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit
— Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
— Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months.
— Large refillable water bottle
— Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
— Strong sunscreen and sun hat
— Swimming costume
— Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling

There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so it's fine to pack light.
Profile
— Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 8 Classic nights (7 hotel, 1 boat), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
— Nine days cycling (including one optional ride) with 90 percent vehicle support
— Roads nearly all well paved
— The route is generally flat with some undulation with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass
— Group normally five to 18, plus local leaders
— Angkor Wat Extension (from Siem Reap) available to book pre tour
—
Limited number of e-bikes available for an additional cost
Spending Money
You will need about 4.6m-6.2m Vietnamese dong (US$195-US$260) for meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like beer/alcohol) and souvenirs. Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around 478,000- 750,000 dong (US$20-US$30) per person depending on the group size.

Optional excursions:

Hoi An

— Tu Bon River boat trip 170,000 dong (US$7)
— Marble Mountain entry approximately 24,000 dong (US$1)
— My Son excursion from 265,000 dong (US$11) depending upon numbers
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion, but is customary in Vietnam. To take the hassle out of tipping, the leader will suggest you contribute to a tipping kitty of approximately 2m dong (US$87) per person. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, hotel staff, on boats etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are, of course, free to do so.

In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of 140,000 dong (US$6) per day for your leader as a reasonable starting point.

The ‘tipping kitty’ explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Transportation
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to six hours). Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam, however traffic can slow progress in the main cities. The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private, and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. The coach will accompany the riders all the time, allowing you substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage.

Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 9-15 February 2024 and 28 January to 3 February 2025, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nine days of cycling (including one optional ride)
Average 43mi (70km) per day
90 percent vehicle support



Terrain and route: Road surfaces are mostly well paved. The route is generally flat with some undulation with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass. Vietnam can be very hot and humid, which can make cycling more demanding at times, but rests and water are readily available. You should be comfortable riding in traffic during parts of the itinerary.

This is a busy trip that involves early departures from hotels on cycling days; anyone not wanting to cycle all day can use the support vehicle.

Please be advised, that on any of the cycling days, if your leader feels the itinerary is running behind schedule and has concerns about arriving at the hotel at an appropriate time, they may ask some or all members of the group to finish their riding for the day and transfer to the support vehicle. This will ensure the group still arrives on schedule around the approximate expected arrival times communicated to the group in your daily briefings with your leader.
Weather Info
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night. There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with drizzly rain).

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

Please be aware that the boat trip on Ha Long Bay can be subject to short-notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip. These could occur all year round, but especially in monsoon season (from October to April). Boat trips on Ha Long Bay are governed by the local authorities who are authorised to make appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Ha Long Bay for your group, or less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather will be hot and humid all year round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods.

The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.
Hotels, resort, boat and sleeper train

The accommodation on this trip is wonderfully varied. We stay in unique 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/resort 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.
All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner are included.

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery flavours.

Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.

Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in South East Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.

You may find it beneficial to bring ‘cycling snacks’ with you from home if you have high-energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.

For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged – fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with homemade lemonade if the season is right.
— Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time
— A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first-aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit
— Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
— Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months.
— Large refillable water bottle
— Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
— Strong sunscreen and sun hat
— Swimming costume
— Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling

There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so it's fine to pack light.
An experienced cycling tour leader will accompany all groups from start to finish. A bike mechanic will assist the tour leader, and local guides will step in at various sights.
— Discover the best of Vietnam by bike – the most immersive way to experience the country
— Cycle the famed Hai Van Pass, a challenging climb rewarded with incredible views on the way down
— Crawl underground through the Cu Chi war tunnels, a poignant reminder of the recent past
— Relax with two nights at a tropical beachside resort on Whale Island
— Cruise among the magnificent limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay – a spectacular end to the trip!
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Hanoi Airport (HAN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request – hotel nights only)
— Visas or vaccinations
— E-bike hire
— Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time
— A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own first-aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister treatment kit
— Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
— Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months.
— Large refillable water bottle
— Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
— Strong sunscreen and sun hat
— Swimming costume
— Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling

There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price so it's fine to pack light.
— Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 8 Classic nights (7 hotel, 1 boat), 1 Simple night (sleeper train)
— Nine days cycling (including one optional ride) with 90 percent vehicle support
— Roads nearly all well paved
— The route is generally flat with some undulation with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass
— Group normally five to 18, plus local leaders
— Angkor Wat Extension (from Siem Reap) available to book pre tour
—
Limited number of e-bikes available for an additional cost
You will need about 4.6m-6.2m Vietnamese dong (US$195-US$260) for meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like beer/alcohol) and souvenirs. Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around 478,000- 750,000 dong (US$20-US$30) per person depending on the group size.

Optional excursions:

Hoi An

— Tu Bon River boat trip 170,000 dong (US$7)
— Marble Mountain entry approximately 24,000 dong (US$1)
— My Son excursion from 265,000 dong (US$11) depending upon numbers
Tipping is at your discretion, but is customary in Vietnam. To take the hassle out of tipping, the leader will suggest you contribute to a tipping kitty of approximately 2m dong (US$87) per person. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, hotel staff, on boats etc but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are, of course, free to do so.

In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of 140,000 dong (US$6) per day for your leader as a reasonable starting point.

The ‘tipping kitty’ explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to six hours). Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam, however traffic can slow progress in the main cities. The trains are normally on time, but you may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private, and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. The coach will accompany the riders all the time, allowing you substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage.

Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 9-15 February 2024 and 28 January to 3 February 2025, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road. For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Nine days of cycling (including one optional ride)
Average 43mi (70km) per day
90 percent vehicle support



Terrain and route: Road surfaces are mostly well paved. The route is generally flat with some undulation with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass. Vietnam can be very hot and humid, which can make cycling more demanding at times, but rests and water are readily available. You should be comfortable riding in traffic during parts of the itinerary.

This is a busy trip that involves early departures from hotels on cycling days; anyone not wanting to cycle all day can use the support vehicle.

Please be advised, that on any of the cycling days, if your leader feels the itinerary is running behind schedule and has concerns about arriving at the hotel at an appropriate time, they may ask some or all members of the group to finish their riding for the day and transfer to the support vehicle. This will ensure the group still arrives on schedule around the approximate expected arrival times communicated to the group in your daily briefings with your leader.
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night. There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with drizzly rain).

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

Please be aware that the boat trip on Ha Long Bay can be subject to short-notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip. These could occur all year round, but especially in monsoon season (from October to April). Boat trips on Ha Long Bay are governed by the local authorities who are authorised to make appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Ha Long Bay for your group, or less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather will be hot and humid all year round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods.

The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.
About Exodus Adventure Travels
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Improving life for People, Places & Planet

After 50-years of delivering world-class adventures, trips and tours, we know better than most how awe-inspiring, horizon-expanding, and life-enriching travel can be. And at Exodus Adventure Travels we firmly believe travel should improve life for the people and places we visit too.

Our People, Places & Planet plan lays out the ways in which we persistently and passionately seek to improve life through travel — for the places we visit, people we meet, and the planet we explore. This includes taking a nature positive approach which focuses on our adventures giving back more to our planet and its ecosystems than they take.

Read More

About Exodus Adventure Travels

Improving life for People, Places & Planet

After 50-years of delivering world-class adventures, trips and tours, we know better than most how awe-inspiring, horizon-expanding, and life-enriching travel can be. And at Exodus Adventure Travels we firmly believe travel should improve life for the people and places we visit too.

Our People, Places & Planet plan lays out the ways in which we persistently and passionately seek to improve life through travel — for the places we visit, people we meet, and the planet we explore. This includes taking a nature positive approach which focuses on our adventures giving back more to our planet and its ecosystems than they take.

Read More

Prices are per-person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted.