Cycling Vietnam: Saigon to Hoi An
Bike from the highlands to the coast, exploring ancient sites, war memorials, and traditional Vietnamese villages
The route between Saigon and Hoi An has long been a path for trade and travel. Once part of the Cham kingdoms and later influenced by French colonization and war, it still connects communities where daily life depends on the land, the sea, and long-held local traditions.
This guided bicycle tour takes you through Vietnam, starting in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and ending in the UNESCO riverside town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit nights and well-preserved Old Town. Over ten days, the route leads through tea-covered hills, coffee-growing highlands, rice paddies, shrimp and salt farms, waterfalls, fishing ports, and quiet coastal beaches.
You’ll sample Vietnamese street food, swim in the sea, visit war sites, and learn how the landscape, economy, and pace of life shift from one province to the next. By the time you arrive in Hoi An, you’ll have a clearer view of the country - not just where it’s been, but how it continues to move forward.
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon by locals. This city is known for its bustling streets, French colonial buildings, and mix of old and new. You’ll meet your cycling guides and support team in the afternoon, get fitted for your bike, and enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll learn more about the adventure ahead. (D)
Day 2: Saigon - Bao Loc
37 mi / 60 km
Start the day with a drive out of Saigon to avoid traffic, heading into the cooler Central Highlands. The ride begins in the late morning as you cycle through rolling hills and farmland toward the town of Bao Loc. This area is known for tea plantations, waterfalls, and a cooler climate. The cycling route features a mix of flat stretches and gradual climbs. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll finish the ride in Bao Loc and settle into the evening with dinner and time to relax. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Bao Loc - Da Lat
31 mi / 50 km
Today’s route climbs steadily into Vietnam’s Central Highlands. You’ll pass through coffee-growing regions and mountain farms as you head toward Da Lat, a city built by the French in the early 1900s as a retreat from the heat. The town still reflects its colonial past with villas, flower gardens, and a small lake in the center. Da Lat is known for its mild temperatures and is a popular destination for both Vietnamese and international visitors. After a picnic lunch, you’ll arrive in Da Lat in the afternoon and have time to explore before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Da Lat - Nha Trang
62 mi / 100 km
Leave Da Lat behind and begin a long descent from the highlands to the coastal plains. The ride includes winding downhill sections with scenic views, then flattens out as you approach Nha Trang. This city is one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations, known for its long sandy shoreline and clear water. After arriving in the afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy dinner by the sea. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Rest Day in Nha Trang
Today is a free day to rest and recharge. You can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or take a boat tour to nearby islands. For those interested in culture, there are options to visit local temples, the city’s markets, or even a spa. Meals are on your own today, so feel free to explore Nha Trang’s wide variety of restaurants. (B)
Day 6: Nha Trang - Phu Yen
50 mi / 80 km
Begin the day with a visit to the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an ancient temple complex built in the 8th century by the Cham civilization. Afterward, transfer out of the city and start cycling along quiet roads near the sea. You’ll ride past shrimp farms, small fishing villages, and some of the largest rice paddies in the central region. The day ends in Phu Yen, a lesser-known coastal province that offers a peaceful setting and scenic ocean views. (B, L)
Day 7: Phu Yen - Quy Nhon
40 mi / 65 km
Ride along a quiet stretch of coast where you’ll see traditional fishing life in action. Quy Nhon is a coastal city known for its long, curved beach and relaxed pace. On the way, you'll pass small villages and see the region’s unique round fishing boats made of bamboo, still used by local fishermen today. You’ll arrive in Quy Nhon in time to enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea. (B, L)
Day 8: Quy Nhon - Quang Ngai
50 mi / 80 km
After a short drive to escape city traffic, the cycling route continues through the countryside. Today you’ll see a different side of coastal Vietnam, including salt fields, shrimp farms, and small-scale agriculture. This area is less visited by tourists, so it’s a chance to see daily rural life up close. After lunch, transfer to Quang Ngai, a provincial city with a mix of urban bustle and historical significance. (B, L, D)
Day 9: Quang Ngai - My Lai - Hoi An
37 mi / 60 km
Begin with a visit to the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates the tragic massacre that occurred here during the Vietnam War. A local guide will provide context and history. Afterward, cycle through peaceful countryside, rice paddies, and fishing villages on your way north. You’ll end the ride with a transfer to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its lantern-lit streets, preserved architecture, and lively riverside market. The evening ends with a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Departure from Hoi An
Your journey ends today in Hoi An. Enjoy a quiet morning with time for coffee, souvenir shopping, or a last stroll through the Old Town. Airport transfers to Da Nang are available, or you can extend your stay and explore more of Vietnam. (B)
Routes may change due to local conditions. Itineraries are only adjusted for safety or to improve the overall experience.
Hotels
Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Prince Hotel
Bao Loc: Sandal Vista Hotel
Da Lat: Hotel Colline
Nha Trang: Sunrise Nha Trang Hotel
Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen): Sala Tuy Hoa Beach Hotel
Quy Nhon: Fleur de Lys Quy Nhon
Quang Ngai: NewCC Hotel & Serviced Apartment
Hoi An: Emerald Hoi An Riverside
Bikes

MTB- Trek Marlin 7, or similar
- Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum
- Saddle: Bontrager Verse Short, stainless steel rails
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm rotors (front and rear)
- Derailleurs: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed (rear only)
- Tires: Maxxis Ardent

MTB electric bike- Giant Fathom
- Frame: ALUXX Aluminium
- Motor: SyncDrive Sport, 70Nm, Powered by Yamaha
- Range per Power: 80 - 100km
- Controller: RideControl One ANT+
- Display: RideControl Dash, full color LCD screen
- Battery: EnergyPak Smart 500, 36V Integrated Lithium-Ion EnergyPak
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore, 10-speed, Shadow+
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M280, hydraulic disc, 180mm
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 29×2.4″, Foldable, TLR, EXO, 60 TPI
Surface and terrain
Routes are carefully planned to avoid highways, using quiet roads and rural paths whenever possible. Terrain varies from rolling hills to coastal flats, with some moderate climbs in the highlands. All routes are regularly tested and updated to ensure safety, ride quality, and access to local areas rarely seen from main roads. Riders who prefer extra support on longer days or steeper sections can choose an e-bike option, which makes climbs more comfortable without changing the group pace or experience.
How to get there
Tour start:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tour end:
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) - near Hoi An, Vietnam
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