Guided Mekong to Central Vietnam Bike Tour

This eight day cycling journey takes you from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the imperial calm of Hue, blending culture, cuisine, and scenic riding. Pedal through forested lanes near Cu Chi, glide past coconut groves and canals in the Mekong Delta, and experience daily life in riverside villages. A boat visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market adds a classic delta highlight before a short flight north.

In central Vietnam, relaxed countryside rides reveal the charms of Hoi An, followed by an unforgettable climb over the Hai Van Pass with sweeping sea views. The journey concludes with gentle cycling around Hue’s historic landmarks and a tranquil dragon boat ride on the Perfume River. With varied landscapes, supportive logistics, and a moderate pace, this tour offers an engaging and well balanced way to explore Vietnam from south to center.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Saigon

Finish

Hue

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

50 km / 31 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Tan Son Nhat Int. Airport (SGN)

Fly-Out

Phu Bai Int. Airport (HUI)

Highlights

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Mekong Delta Cycling Immersion

Ride through coconut groves, rice paddies, and canal lined paths in the heart of the Mekong Delta, discovering rural life, local crafts, and welcoming village communities along mostly flat and scenic routes.

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Cu Chi Forest Ride and Tunnels

Cycle beneath rubber trees near Cu Chi before visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where a local guide brings Vietnam’s wartime history vividly to life.

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Hai Van Pass Coastal Ascent

Take on the legendary Hai Van Pass, a rewarding climb with dramatic views of the coastline, mountain curves, and the East Sea below.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Saigon

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, and settle into the lively rhythm of Vietnam’s southern hub. After checking in, there is time to relax or take a short stroll nearby to get a first feel of the city’s energy, street life, and café culture.

In the afternoon, your bike fitting takes place to ensure comfort and confidence for the days ahead. As evening arrives, gather for a welcome dinner where you can meet fellow travelers, enjoy local flavors, and look forward to the cycling adventure that begins tomorrow.

Meals: Dinner
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Day 2: Saigon

The adventure begins with a short transfer north of Ho Chi Minh City before setting off on a relaxed 40 km ride through the green outskirts of Cu Chi. Cycle beneath rows of rubber trees and along quiet forest roads that feel far removed from the city.

Along the way, stop to observe local life, small villages, and traditional rice paper making. The ride ends at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where a guided visit offers fascinating insight into Vietnam’s wartime history. After lunch, return to the city with time to unwind in the afternoon.

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
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Day 3: Tra Vinh

After a morning transfer into the heart of the Mekong Delta, today’s ride introduces a slower and greener pace of life. Begin cycling along flat roads and narrow paths that cross canals, coconut groves, and small village bridges. The landscape is filled with palm trees, riverside homes, and friendly local activity.

A visit to a coconut byproducts workshop offers insight into the region’s everyday economy. After lunch, continue riding through peaceful countryside as the scenery shifts from plantations to charming delta towns. The ride concludes in Tra Vinh, where the evening is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a locally inspired dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
Accommodation: Cuu Long Hotel
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Day 4: Can Tho

Leaving Tra Vinh, the ride continues through classic delta scenery shaped by rice paddies, canals, and quiet rural roads. A gentle morning spin leads to Ba Om Pond, an ancient Khmer site known for its peaceful atmosphere and seasonal lotus blooms.

The route stays mostly flat and relaxed, passing farmers at work and small riverside settlements that reflect everyday life in the Mekong region. After lunch, a short transfer brings you into Can Tho, the lively heart of the delta. The evening is free to explore riverside promenades, night markets, and rooftop views overlooking the water.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
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Day 5: Hoi An

The day begins early on the waterways of Can Tho with a boat journey to the lively Cai Rang Floating Market. Watch boats loaded with fruits and vegetables trade directly on the river, offering a wonderful glimpse into daily delta life.

After returning to the hotel and checking out, transfer to the airport for a short flight north. On arrival in Da Nang, continue by road to Hoi An. The rest of the day is free to relax, wander the lantern lit streets, or enjoy the town’s riverside cafés at your own pace.

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 6: Hoi An

Today offers a relaxed countryside ride around Hoi An, perfect for soaking in the region’s gentle pace of life. Pedal along quiet lanes lined with rice fields, water palms, and small villages where daily routines unfold calmly.

Stop at local markets filled with fresh produce and visit the lush vegetable gardens of Tra Que, which supply herbs and greens to nearby kitchens. Along the way, there is time to sample regional specialties and enjoy light local dishes. The ride is easy and scenic, leaving the afternoon free to further explore Hoi An’s historic streets, riverside paths, and welcoming cafés.

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
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Day 7: Hue

Today is one of the most memorable riding days of the journey. Leaving Hoi An, the route gradually climbs toward the legendary Hai Van Pass. The ascent is steady and rewarding, with sweeping views of the coastline, mountains, and the blue East Sea below.

After reaching the top, enjoy a thrilling descent followed by a seafood lunch near Lap An Lagoon. The ride then continues along peaceful lagoon roads before arriving in Hue. The day ends with a farewell dinner and time to reflect on an incredible cycling journey across Vietnam.

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 60 km / 37 mi
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Day 8: Departure

The final morning is spent cycling through the historic landscapes of Hue, offering a gentle and cultural finish to the journey. Ride along quiet roads to Vong Canh Hill for panoramic views over the Perfume River, then continue to the ornate royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

A visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda adds a peaceful highlight. Later, enjoy a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the river, ending with lunch in a traditional garden setting. After the ride, the tour concludes in Hue, with options to continue traveling or depart from the city.

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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The Odys Boutique Hotel & Spa

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Cuu Long Hotel

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Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel

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Lavini Hoi An Boutique Villa

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Hue Century Riverside Hotel

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water during activity.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Trek Marlin 6 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

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Giant E+ Fathom or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport. From the airport, taxis are the easiest option to reach your hotel, with fares typically ranging from USD 8 to 12 depending on traffic and time of day. Ride hailing apps such as Grab are also widely used and similarly priced. Guests usually arrive in time to settle in, complete the bike fitting in the afternoon, and join the welcome dinner in the evening. Airport transfers are not included but are simple to arrange independently on arrival.

Departure

The tour ends in Hue. Departure flights operate from Phu Bai International Airport, located about 15 km from the city. A taxi transfer from your hotel to the airport takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately USD 8 to 10. Travelers may choose to fly onward to Hanoi or return to Ho Chi Minh City, with domestic flight fares generally starting from USD 50 to 80, depending on season and availability.

Weather

The best weather for cycling on the Saigon to Hue tour is during Vietnam’s dry season, typically from December to April. During these months the skies are clearer, rainfall is minimal, and the humidity is more manageable, creating comfortable conditions for long days on the bike. In the south around Saigon, morning temperatures are usually around 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), warming slightly during the day but staying pleasant.

As you move into the Central Highlands near Da Lat, the climate becomes cooler, with temperatures often between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F), perfect for climbing and longer rides. Along the coast from Nha Trang to Hue, daytime temperatures average 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 80°F), with refreshing sea breezes making the experience enjoyable. These months offer the best balance of warmth, low rainfall, and gentle winds, allowing you to focus on the scenery and adventure without weather interruptions.

January

Best

February

Best

March

Best

April

Best

May

Mixed

June

Mixed

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Mixed

October

Mixed

November

Good

December

Good

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.

Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.

Yes — we do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements. Vietnam and Cambodia are generally friendly to vegetarian diets, especially in larger cities where “quán chay” (vegetarian restaurants) and tofu-based dishes are common. However, vegan and gluten-free options can be more limited, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions.

We recommend carrying a few essential staples if you follow a strict vegan or gluten-free diet, as availability may vary from place to place.

Please inform your tour guide clearly at the start of the trip, and we will make every effort to arrange suitable meals and assist you in finding appropriate options along the way.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.

We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.

We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:

  1. CDC portal for travelers from the US
  2. NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
  3. Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.

In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.

  1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for Vietnam here.
  2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for Vietnam here.
  3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for Vietnam here.

While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.

Tips are not included in your tour price.

As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.

This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.

However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.

It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.

In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.

When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

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