Cycle Vietnam’s Back Roads

Cycle through Hue and to landmarks like the Citadel and Tu Duc's tomb.

Travel out of Hue and ride south along the coast past small bays on this first full day on the bikes. Cycle alongside the famous Reunification Express and enjoy a ride that is mostly flat and easy, although there are a couple of short climbs late in day. Spend the night in the beachside town of Lang Co. Relax on the beach, and enjoy a pleasant seaside afternoon.

Cycling grading - moderate
Terrain - mostly paved roads

Begin the morning with a challenging 10km (6.2 mi) uphill ride to the top of Hai Van Pass, the geographic divider of the north and south. Tackle a test of endurance on this scenic pass – the road sits ominously overlooking the ocean and the scenery is great motivation to keep going up the climb. Arrive at the top before a thrilling downhill stretch. Ride through busy Danang and on to the beautiful town of Hoi An. Hoi An was once a major trading port, and now the World Heritage-protected old town is a wonderfully preserved area.

Cycling grading - challenging
Terrain - many ascents and descents, paved roads, good downhill riding

Start the day with a boat trip to cross the Thi Bon River. Continue cycling along a lovely quiet road with the coast on one side, fish farms on the other, and a sparse sandy landscape in the middle. Overnight in Tam Ky, a town that gets few visitors, but is great for getting away from the tourist regions of Vietnam.

Cycling grading - easy/moderate
Terrain - mostly paved roads, flat, easy cycling

Return to the coastal route and travel along mostly paved, coastal roads. Follow a back road that goes to the site of one of the many dark moments of the Vietnam War; arrive at the My Lai Massacre Memorial. The monument stands as a great anti-war statement. Then travel to Quang Ngai, another town well off the tourist route, so expect something of an oddity.

Cycling grading - moderate
Terrain - mostly paved, coastal roads

Cycle small back roads, passing rice fields, villages, sites for salt farming, and a set of beautiful deserted beaches. Enjoy lunch at a small local restaurant before continuing on to Quy Nhon. Cycling grading: Easy.
Terrain: Back roads, country paths.

Get ready for the longest day of the ride. Time to test those legs! (Don’t worry – the support vehicle will always be on hand for those who want to take a break.) Follow the stunning coastline on undulating roads that sometimes turns into a real climb. The biggest uphill of the day is at 3.5km (2 mi), but it comes early in the day. The cycle route is close to the beach – so if there is time, enjoy a swim in the afternoon.

Cycling grading - challenging
Terrain - mostly ascents and descents on paved roads – some tough climbs

Enjoy a last final stretch with a beautiful day of undulating coastline riding. Take in the surrounding mountain scenery, while climbing a couple of hills – the longest being a 3.5km (2 mi) slog. Be rewarded for all the hard work with a visit to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Boasting beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and lots of fun activities, it is the perfect place for a well-earned rest and a celebration of the end of the cycling component of the trip.

Cycling grading - moderate
Terrain - mostly flat, paved roads – some tough climbing