Saigon to Hanoi
Saigon to Hanoi
Saigon to Hanoi
17 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tours, Dalat, Nha Trang, Tuy Hòa, Quy Nhon, Quảng Ngãi, Hội An, Sơn Mỹ Memorial, My Son Sanctuary, Hue, Ninh Bình, Cuc Phuong National Park, Haiphong, Cát Bà Island, Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VNM-VSH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Min age:18
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Join us on a 17-day adventure in Vietnam bicycle touring from the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, up to Hanoi. This epic southeast Asian bicycle tour showcases all aspects of Vietnam; from the poignant aspects of its war-torn history to its fragrant and unforgettable cuisine! Cycle through beautiful wetlands, backed by jagged peaks. Travel vast stretches of stunning beaches and sample the freshest seafood available, straight from ocean to table.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Northern Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival we meet at Northern Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. After bike fitting you are free to explore the city before returning for a welcome dinner and trip briefing at one of the best restaurants in town!
Day 2 : Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tours
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Northern Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we transfer a short distance out of bustling Saigon and start riding to the haunting Cu Chi Tunnels, which the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used during the Indochina War as their stronghold and torture site of foreign POWs for decades. After witnessing the war's devastating consequences, we return to Saigon by bus just in time for a visit to the notorious War Remnants Museum. Dinner is your choice.
Ride: 18km
Elevation: +47m
Descent: -44m
Day 3 : Saigon - Dalat
Location: Dalat, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dalat Hotel Du Parc
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We rise very early this morning and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Dalat, once a favorite summer retreat among the French and Vietnamese royal families. Dubbed “Le Petit Paris”, the city is now a popular honeymoon destination for Vietnamese newlyweds. Upon arrival, we'll hop on our bikes, start off with a relatively easy ride around Dalat past Xuan Huong Lake, colorful flower plantations, the Old French Railway station and cycle out of town on picturesque and nearly traffic-free country lanes and back roads. After cycling in the shadow of Mount Langbian, we return to Dalat for dinner and you are free to take a walk to explore this lovely city.
Ride: 35km
Elevation: +443m
Descent: -420m
Day 4 : Dalat - Nha Trang
Location: Dalat, Nha Trang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Light Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we head towards Nha Trang, a famous seaside getaway, we’ll tackle some challenging hills before being rewarded by smooth descents with lush mountains as our backdrop. Our first break will be at the community house of highland hill tribe people, then we muscle up again to conquer Hon Giao pass (1,650 m) before a 30 km downhill to have lunch at the local restaurant by the river. In the afternoon it is back on the bikes for 28 km on a flat road. A short transfer takes us to the resort for a lively evening.
Ride: 103km
Elevation: +1669m
Descent: -3099m
Day 5 : Nha Trang Rest Day
Location: Nha Trang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Light Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
For a rest day off the saddle we take a boat trip to stunning coral islands for swimming and snorkeling. On the way back we'll have a cultural stop at Pa Na Gar Cham towers. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, four of the original eight towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Alternatively, those who would like to take it easy can lie down and soak up the sun by the beach.
Day 6 : Nha Trang - Tuy Hoa
Location: Nha Trang, Tuy Hòa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast, we cycle out of Nha Trang and then take a short transfer to avoid busy Highway 1. Back on the bikes we cycle on to Dai Lanh Beach where we'll have a beach side lunch with time for a swim in the blue waters. To avoid another busy section of road a 20 minute transfer takes us to the start of our afternoon ride on a coastal road snaking along the base of Da Bia Mountain. There will be some gentle climbs before we drop to the flats and finish our day on quiet countryside lanes that are a mix of tarmac and dirt, passing soothing rice paddies and peaceful villages.
Ride: 80km
Elevation: +954m
Descent: -947m
Day 7 : Tuy Hoa - Quy Nhon
Location: Tuy Hòa, Quy Nhon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Seagull Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After transferring out of town to avoid the main highway we start biking along a remote, but well-surfaced road running parallel with the railway. The terrain rolls gently with breathtaking views of the highland hills. As we cycle through tribal and Viet villages we'll also spot potbellied pigs and barefooted children trotting across the trail. We then return to the highway and transfer a short distance to Quy Nhon.
Ride: 71km
Elevation: +248m
Descent: -250m
Day 8 : Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai
Location: Quy Nhon, Quảng Ngãi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we follow the coastal road to Tra O Lagoon, the largest wetland in Binh Dinh Province and also a principal food source for the locals. While rolling we also take in the sea breeze and spot tranquil fishing villages lined along the coastline. After lunch at a local restaurant, the ride continues to Highway 1, where we transfer to Quang Ngai for the night.
Ride: 72km
Elevation: +329m
Descent: -296m
Day 9 : Quang Ngai - My Lai - Hoi An
Location: Hội An, Quảng Ngãi, Sơn Mỹ Memorial
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pho Hoi Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we start cycling from the hotel to have the first stop at My Lai, the site of one of the deadliest massacres during the Indochina War. After a guided tour we continue cycling along the coast, passing many picturesque fishing villages with their colourful boats. We stop riding at lunch and transfer on to Hoi An so we can have the afternoon free to explore this historic town. A major trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries there are 844 structures of historical significance and many vibrant shopping streets, the city is a must for you to wander around and absorb the atmosphere.
Ride: 50km
Elevation: +137m
Descent: -138m
Day 10 : Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An
Location: Hội An, My Son Sanctuary, Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pho Hoi Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we have a short transfer to avoid the highway and start riding to My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham Civilization dating back to the 4th century. We then cycle along scenic country back roads flanked by rice paddies, eucalyptus plantations and relaxing villages. Later the road stretches away from the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean as we head to My Son, once Champa’s most important city. After lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the site, and although many of the temples were destroyed from heavy bombing, enough have survived the war to impress most visitors. After the historical tour, we take the bus back to Hoi An. Dinner is your choice.
Ride: 47km
Elevation: +133m
Descent: -106m
Day 11 : Hoi An - Hue
Location: Hue, Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Emm Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is probably the toughest ride of the tour, yet it is also one of the most rewarding. A short transfer out of Hoi An brings us to the start of our ride along the beach to Danang, known to some as Danang Beach, an R&R destination for American troops during the Vietnam War. It will be quickly time to change your gears and start the climb up Hai Van Pass, a steady and moderately challenging uphill with exhilarating views of the coast. From sea level we climb up to 480 m before flying down a long and smooth descent After lunch we venture away from the main highway and cruise on a coastal road for 44 km to Hue, the old capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Ride: 100km
Elevation: +658m
Descent: -635m
Day 12 : Hue - Ninh Binh
Location: Hue, Ninh Bình
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore by bicycle and boat the rich history left behind by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. We start by cycling directly from our hotel along the An Cuu (Perfume) River and head up to the tombs of Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen dynasty, which were built from 1920-1931. After our visit, we continue to bike on a quiet route to Vong Canh hill, which is just 43 m high, but is the best place to catch a panoramic view of the Perfume River. We finish the ride today at the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious building in Vietnam. Built in 1601, it has become the symbol of the city, and be sure to get a photo with the marble turtle! We then walk to the boat pier nearby the pagoda to take a cruise on the Perfume River back to Hue. After refreshing ourselves and packing up we have a dinner at a local restaurant before boarding an overnight train to Ninh Binh.
Ride: 28km
Elevation: +123m
Descent: -103m
Day 13 : Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park
Location: Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Bình
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cuc Phuong National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We arrive in Ninh Binh around 10 am (arrival time may vary). Following a short transfer to the local restaurant for washing up, bike fitting (we have new fleet of bikes in the north) and an early lunch, we start cycling through spectacular karst mountains towering over a blanket of rice paddies to the ancient city of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. After touring the temples we continue to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's first and largest natural reserve to check into our accommodation at the park.
Ride: 56km
Elevation: +243m
Descent: -82m
Day 14 : Cuc Phuong National Park - Hai Phong
Location: Haiphong, Cuc Phuong National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Huu Nghi Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We enjoy another ride to appreciate the park's beauty, visit the primate rescue centre and head east on serene back roads through a sea of pineapple plantations. Today while riding you’ll notice the differences between North and South Vietnam ranging from crops, villages, to clothing as we pass through countless lush greenery, lovely villages and friendly locals. Today's ride finishes just before we reach Highway 1 and our transfer to Hai Phong, one of Vietnam’s major ports.
Ride: 63km
Elevation: +332m
Descent: -695m
Day 15 : Hai Phong - Cat Ba Island
Location: Cát Bà Island, Haiphong
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Princess Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We transfer to the pier to catch a ferry to Fulong on Cat Ba Island. Located at the southern end of picturesque Halong Bay, the island is home to one of Vietnam’s most exquisite natural treasures, Cat Ba National Park. Once we get off the boat we cycle 26 km on the island’s only road before enjoying lunch in town. In the afternoon you are free to explore the surroundings before spending the night on this heavenly island.
Ride: 27km
Elevation: +253m
Descent: -233m
Day 16 : Halong Bay - Hanoi
Location: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Church Boutique Hang Gai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We have a short ride in the morning and head for a memorable cruise through majestic Halong Bay. With its towering limestone karts protruding from the emerald sea, Halong Bay is truly one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Legend has it that it was formed by a great dragon that descended from the mountain into the sea. The boat trip is definitely rewarding after the long biking expedition. We then transfer to Hanoi and meet again in the evening for our farewell dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the city.
Ride: 24km
Day 17 : Onward Travel
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you are free to do last-minute shopping or take a short tour around the Vietnamese capital before catching your onward flight. If you would like to extend your stay in Hanoi, please contact us for best hotel deals and rates.
What's Included
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SpiceRoads jersey
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Water bottle
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Domestic flights
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Support vehicle
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Fully Guided
Experienced local English-speaking guide on this tour.
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Meals
As detailed in itinerary.
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Accommodation
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Snacks and drinks
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Tips service are not included.
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Insurance
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport pick up and drop off service are not included.
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Visa fees
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Alcohol
Bike Hire
Mountain Bike: US$ 300, E-Bike*: US$ 590
Single Supplement
US$ 590
Mode of Transport
Bikes
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.
You can also hire an electric bike (or an E-Bike) for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We have 2 sizes available: S = 155 cm - 170 cm and M = 171cm - 180 cm. The E-Bikes are GIANT brand with SHIMANO Alivio1,9 speed, disc brakes and adjustable suspension fork.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic flights are included. International flights to/from Vietnam are not included.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport pick up and drop off are not included.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Vietnam e-Visa is available to 80 nationalities. Please check this link to determine if your country is on the list. To apply for an e-visa please visit the official government website here and follow the required steps and make payment. You can apply for a single entry visa up to 30 days. Multiple entry e-visas are not currently available. For peace of mind, we suggest applying for your e-visa as early as possible, and no later than 2 weeks before your expected arrival in Vietnam. While processing time is generally no more than 1-3 working days (not including weekends and Vietnamese holidays), it is wise to give yourself some buffer time in case there are any issues.If your nationality is not on the list for e-visa eligibility, or you need options for longer stays or multiple entries, then you may consider Visa on Arrival. The process for this is more complicated than e-visa and requires the acquisition of a visa letter prior to arrival. Please see here for a detailed overview. If you are joining our "Saigon to Bangkok" or "Saigon to Siem Reap" tour, when you are applying for your e-visa, please select Song Tien Landport as the exit point. This refers to the river crossing at Chao Doc.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This tour is classed as ACTIVE. Cyclists looking for more of a physical experience will find it on our Active trips. Longer distances of over 75 kilometers on undulating terrain, or up to 1,000 meters climbing over shorter distances provide more of a challenge for fit cyclists. Active trips require cycling experience, but not technical expertise, as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.
Get out and ride three times a week, with a longer ride, up to 70km, on the weekends. Aim to feel comfortable spending several hours at a time in the saddle, and with cycling on back-to-back days. Try to ride in hillier areas to get used to climbing.
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What is the maximum group size?
The max group size is 16 peoples.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.
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Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.
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Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?
SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.
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Do you have E-Bikes?
Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.
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What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?
Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.
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Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?
In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.
At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.