5 Must-Ride Cycling Routes in Vietnam

Vietnam offers some of Asia’s best cycling tours — from coastal rides to highland adventures. With 3,444 kilometres of coastline, smooth roads, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a true paradise for cyclists. From the flat Mekong Delta to the misty mountains of the north, every route offers a unique glimpse of the country’s beauty and culture. Add in warm hospitality, strong coffee, and delicious street food, and you have the perfect destination for your next cycling holiday. Here are five rides we think you’ll love.

The Hai Van Pass – Vietnam’s Most Scenic Coastal Cycling Route

Stretching along Vietnam’s central coast, the ride from Hoi An to Hue offers a stunning mix of ocean views, fishing villages, and quiet backroads that hug the shoreline. The highlight of this route is the Hai Van Pass, a 21-kilometer mountain road made famous for its sweeping curves, panoramic sea views, and the satisfying challenge it presents to cyclists. The gradual climb rewards riders with one of the most breathtaking vistas in Vietnam before descending into the coastal plains of Hue.

Cycling the central coastline provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion — from sampling fresh seafood in local markets to watching the sunrise over the East Sea. We highly recommend this ride for cyclists looking to experience both the adventure of a mountain climb and the serenity of Vietnam’s coastal landscapes.

Check out the classic routes to Hai Van Pass

Cyclist climbing the winding Hai Van Pass with sweeping views of the ocean and green mountains in Central Vietnam.

The Hai Van Pass

Ultimate Saigon to Hoi An Cycling Adventure: 10 Days Tour

Vietnam, Central Vietnam

Duration 10 Days - 9 Nights

From $1,996 $1,696 You save $300

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Vietnam E – Bike Tour: Saigon to Hue Cycling Adventure

Vietnam, Central Vietnam

Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights

$2,243

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Cycle Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi – 17 Days of Adventure and Discovery

Vietnam, Northern Vietnam

Duration 17 Days - 16 Nights

From $3,499 $2,886 You save $613

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Cycling the Mai Chau Valley Loop – Vietnam’s Hidden Countryside Gem

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.

Bicyclist riding past rice paddies and traditional stilt houses in the peaceful Mai Chau Valley of Northern Vietnam.

A random backyard in Mai Chau Valley

Mekong Delta Back Roads – A Classic Vietnam Cycling Adventure

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.

Best tour to sample Mekong

Cyclist pedaling along narrow village roads surrounded by coconut palms and waterways in the Mekong Delta.

A Typical Mekong Delta Trail

Cycling Indochina: Vietnam to Cambodia Adventure

Vietnam, Cambodia, Southern Vietnam / Mekong

Duration 12 Days - 11 Nights

$2,258

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Mekong Delta 4 Days Cycling Tour

Vietnam, Southern Vietnam / Mekong

Duration 4 Days - 3 Nights

$710

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Mekong Delta Self-Guided Tour

Vietnam, Southern Vietnam / Mekong 2 People

Duration 6 Days - 5 Nights

$577

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Cycling the Bao Loc Highland Loop – Vietnam’s Coffee Country Adventure

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.

Explore this hidden gem right here

Cyclist riding through rolling hills and coffee plantations in the cool, misty highlands near Bao Loc, Vietnam.

Off-Road Adventures in Bao Loc

Cycling the Ha Giang Loop – Conquer Northern Vietnam’s Epic Mountain Roads

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.

Check out Ha Giang off the beaten path loop

Cyclist on a mountain road overlooking dramatic limestone peaks and terraced fields on the Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam.

A Mountain Pass in Ha Giang

Expert Corner

Best Time of Year to Cycle

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa)

Optimal: September to November, March to May
Temperature: 15-28°C
Conditions: Clear skies, minimal rain, excellent visibility
Avoid: December – February (cold, occasional frost in mountains), June-August (hot, humid, heavy rain)

Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)

Optimal: February to May
Temperature: 20 – 30°C
Conditions: Dry season, calm seas, perfect for coastal routes
Avoid: September – December (typhoon season, heavy rainfall)

Southern Vietnam (Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City)

Optimal: November to March
Temperature: 25-32°C
Conditions: Dry season, comfortable humidity levels
Avoid: May – October (monsoon season, though still rideable with proper gear)

Practical Tips for Riders

Bike Options and Rentals

Quality mountain bikes and touring bikes available in major cities ($15-20/day)
Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City offer best selection and maintenance
Consider shipping your own bike for extended tours (approximately $200-300 international)
E-bikes are increasingly available in tourist areas ($25-25/day)

Safety Considerations

Vietnamese traffic is chaotic but predictable—maintain steady speed and clear signals
Wear bright colors and use front/rear lights, even during daytime
Helmets mandatory; bring your own for proper fit
Download offline maps (Maps.me, OsmAnd) as cellular coverage can be spotty
Carry basic first aid kit and know location of nearest clinics

Essential Gear