The Hai Van Pass

Often called the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” this 21-kilometre route between Hue and Danang offers some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal views. The well-maintained road winds along the mountainside, presenting moderate climbs that are challenging yet manageable for seasoned cyclists. And if you’re not so seasoned, our state of the art Trek e-bikes will help get you over those climbs!

Depending on your fitness level, and how often you stop to take photographs of the views (which will be very often we reckon), the ride takes around four hours. As well as those sea views, there are also the ruins of French colonial hill stations and war-era bunkers to visit, as well as the occasional refreshment stop. We’d say if there’s one bucket list ride for any cyclist visiting Vietnam – a Mont Ventoux if you will – then it’s the Hai Van Pass.

Mai Chau Valley Loop

Located about 135 kilometers from Hanoi, the Mai Chau Valley offers a gentler cycling experience through traditional hill tribe villages and verdant rice paddies. The main loop spans approximately 40 kilometers of flat to gently rolling terrain. This is a great ride for those who want to experience the mountainous terrain of the north without the often brutal climbs of, say, the Ha Giang Loop (see below).

Mai Chau Valley offers a great insight into traditional Vietnamese agriculture, as well as the opportunity to experience hill tribe village life, ideally via an overnight homestay where you stay, eat, and drink with a local family. We highly recommend this ride for casual cyclists and also family groups who want to combine a cultural experience with their ride.

Mekong Delta Back Roads

This flat route through Ben Tre and Tra Vinh provinces showcases the Mekong Delta’s intricate network of waterways and rural life. It’s perfectly doable in a day but those who want to take it a bit easier and make lots of stops – and there’s so much to see you almost certainly will – the 60-kilometre route can be comfortably split over two days.

So much to see? Oh yes – the Mekong Delta often feels like the best of Southeast Asia all crammed into one relatively small region. Floating markets, coconut trees, fruit orchards, friendly local villages, hidden away pagodas and temples (including the bizarre local Cao Dai religion), and fascinating riverine life. The route is best done with an expert local guide as there are narrow paths/bridges and ferry crossings to negotiate. This is the least physically challenging of these five routes but possibly the most culturally fascinating.

Bao Loc Highland Loop

The hills around Dalat offer a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s heat, and the city has been a popular getaway for Saigon residents since French colonial times. It’s also the heart of Vietnam’s globally renowned coffee industry, and this 60-kilometre loop takes you through coffee plantations, flower farms, and pine forests.

Whilst this route is quite challenging in places with a lot of elevation gain, the high altitude (as high as 1500m) means cooler temperatures, making this the ideal ride for those who don’t like the heat. We also include regular coffee tastings, to give you an energy boost while also learning more about Vietnam’s coffee culture.

Ha Giang Loop

This is it – the big one. This spectacular 350-kilometre loop through Vietnam’s northernmost province offers what many consider the country’s most dramatic landscapes. While traditionally popular with motorcyclists, this route has gained recognition among serious cyclists seeking an epic adventure through limestone karsts, ethnic minority villages, and soaring mountain passes. We only recommend this ride for hardcore cyclists as it’s a challenging multi-day ride with some Giro d’Italia-level climbing which even e-bikes can’t soften!

Obviously you’re here for the climbs and the most spectacular views in Southeast Asia, but there’s a lot more to the Ha Giang Loop. You’ll pass through the Ma Pi Leng Pass, considered the most beautiful mountain pass in Vietnam, as well as the stunning Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. You’ll also get to visit Hmong, Dao and Tay hill tribe villages and experience their local markets and way of life. A truly monumental journey and one that will live with you for the rest of your life.