There’s no better way to get closer to the charms of Vietnam than on two wheels. Vietnam offers many great places to cycle. You can find suitable places for easy walks in the countryside or in the mountains. Let’s discover some tips for having a great time exploring Vietnam aboard this two-wheeled vehicle and suggest some fantastic bike tours for you.
Cycling is a well-established leisure activity and is a great way to experience a destination like Vietnam. It’s not just the budget, but also the way you experience Vietnam. Thus, cycling is one of the most popular Vietnamese outdoor activities among travelers. Not only is it good for the environment, cycling – like any other form of exercise – releases endorphins that make you feel good. It’s easy for you to find the cycle path that suits your needs.
Why cycle or cycle in Vietnam?
THE cycling in Vietnam is an ideal activity for tourists to discover every nook and cranny. Anywhere in the country you can rent a bike and just explore. Some people like to cycle in bustling cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh.
Others like to go further into the countryside or off the beaten track, such as the beautiful coastlines of Hue, Hoi An or Nha Trang, the majestic mountains of Sapa, Mai Chau and much more. It can be a bit difficult for the first time as you have to get used to the chaotic traffic.
While cycling in Vietnam, you can see beautiful landscapes, chat with friendly locals and taste the delicious local cuisine. This type of activity is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
It is difficult to say when is the best time to do cycling tours in Vietnam, because Vietnam is a country with more than 3,600 km of coastline with different climatic characteristics depending on the region. In general, spring and autumn are the best times for cycling in Vietnam. There are certain months around March and September when the weather is cool or hot.
Best places to do in Vietnam by bike
If you are interested in easy and fun bike rides, here are some destinations we recommend:
1. Hanoi
Traffic in Hanoi is famous around the world for its order in chaos, and the secret to safe driving for all Hanoians is very simple: understanding each other. Exploring Hanoi by bike is an incredible way to see its small streets and narrow houses or get acquainted with this unique traffic culture.
A Hanoi bike tour around Hanoi Old Quarter, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge or some tourist attractions in Hanoi City will allow you to get a closer look at the elegant beauty of the thousand-year-old capital and better understand the way of life of the inhabitants.
For a longer trip, you can consider cycling to the ceramic village of Bat Trang or the ancient village of Duong Lam, enjoying the tranquility of the peaceful countryside near Hanoi.
2. Ninh Binh – Tam Coc
Ninh Binh is a true oasis for cycling enthusiasts. This region invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of the Vietnamese countryside, exploring its picturesque landscapes by bike. Imagine pedaling through a living tableau, where each pedal stroke offers you a new perspective on authentic rural life.
In this open-air museum, you will have the chance to capture magical moments: local farmers working in the rice fields, children flying kites, against the backdrop of the bright green rice fields.
Every turn reveals a scene of simple and moving beauty, a window into the Vietnamese traditions and way of life that persist in the face of modernity. Ninh Binh is not just a cyclist’s paradise, it is an anthem to the quiet beauty and cultural richness of rural Vietnam.
For my part, it is one of the most beautiful regions for cycling in Vietnam alongside Hoi An.
3. Hue
Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam where you can visit many historical sites and experience a slower pace of life. If you love cycling holidays in Vietnam, taking a bike tour in Hue is one of the best things you can do to explore this peaceful city.
By bike, you can visit the Perfume River, the Imperial City, the pagodas and the tombs. You can also cycle on the green and rustic paths of the villages, beaches or lagoon of Tam Giang, the covered bridge of Hue, etc…
So why not travel to the rhythm of the locals to truly immerse yourself in the local way of life?
4. Hoi An
Speaking of the best places to enjoy a cycling vacation in Vietnam, we definitely have to mention the ancient town of Hoi An. A bike tour in Hoi An is definitely a highlight of your stay in this beautiful, historic city. Hoi An is closed to motorized vehicles, but cycling is accepted.
The city is flat and small, so cycling around the city is the best way to get around. You can cycle around the old town, go further into the countryside to see the rice fields, Tra Que village or down to the beaches for sightseeing or swimming. For lovers of peace or beginners, Hoi An seems to be the best place for cycling in Vietnam.
5. Mekong Delta
With immense walking trail systems, single tracks that crisscross the plains, rice fields, fruit orchards, forest and enormous river transport, the Mekong Delta is a fantastic place for a family or group friends enjoy free time.
The Mekong Delta is, as they say, “as flat as a pancake”, so cyclists of different levels can join the Mekong Delta cycling tours without worries.
In fact, the area should be one of the most bike-friendly places you can imagine. Travelers can arrange cycling tours in the Mekong Delta from Saigon or Siem Reap, Phnom Penh in Cambodia. With a bike, you will have a great day discovering the region and local life.
6. Ha Giang
Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northernmost province, stands out as a top destination for adventure-seeking mountain bikers. Despite roads that sometimes leave something to be desired – with their share of mud and irregularities – the challenge is equal to the reward. Indeed, access to such a preserved and authentic region is not without effort.
The driving, although difficult, promises spectacular rewards, making Ha Giang one of the most captivating experiences in all of Southeast Asia. The landscape that unfolds along the routes is a delight for the eyes, and the warm welcome from the locals is an additional source of motivation. Those who take up the challenge discover much more than just a mountain bike circuit; they experience total immersion in the unique splendor and culture of Vietnam.
7. Sapa
Falling under the spell of Sapa and its region is child’s play. This green setting invites you to tame the “roof of Indochina”, Mount Fansipan, or to wander, on a hike, through the hamlets of the mountain ethnic groups. The varied terrain of Sapa is a paradise for mountain bike enthusiasts and offers an exceptional setting for a range of outdoor activities.
Certainly, certain portions of your route will prove demanding, especially when you venture off the beaten track. However, the striking beauty of the landscapes and the generosity of the inhabitants justify every pedal stroke.
Embark on a cycling adventure in Sapa and be amazed by its captivating charm. Your return will be marked by an indelible smile, testimony to an authentic and unforgettable experience.
If you are looking for ideas, I did an article on best villages in Sapa.
8. Mai Chau
Nestled in an idyllic valley northwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau is far from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Lush rice fields surround picturesque farming villages, providing spectacular scenes of rural life.
With minimal traffic, it is an ideal area for cycling. Take a guided tour to explore the trails around Mai Chau. This is not only a great way to exercise, but also a great way to sightsee.
