Vietnam Essential Cycling Adventure

This morning we transfer south from Saigon to the bustling river town of Cai Be. Today’s cycling takes us past endless green rice fields, farms and villages, connected by the gentle pathways of the Mekong Delta. We’ll visit a traditional Cao Dai temple, sample locally grown dragon fruit and Durian, and by late afternoon arrive in the bustling port city of Can Tho for the first of two nights.

Relax this evening onboard a boutique sampan, enjoying dinner and drinks as we cruise at sunset.

Our day starts from the hotel, we’ll pedal off to the nearby ferry that crosses the Mekong for our last day of cycling and Delta adventures. This region features many sites constructed during Khmer rule of the Delta and today nearly 1.5 million people of Cambodian descent still call this area home.
We’ll pedal the lush Delta area and hop on some islands before another delicious lunch at the local home. Once we’ve eaten, it’s time to board the boat for a 1h15 min transfer back to Can Tho. Arriving in the afternoon to enjoy your hotel.

We’ll be up early to visit one of the last authentic floating markets in Vietnam, here in Can Tho. The time between breakfast and lunch is free to explore at your leisure to allow time to wander or relax before our flight to Da Nang and transfer to Hue where we will be spending two nights.

This evening enjoy the comfort and serenity of our leafy resort on the outskirts of Hue.

Our cycling route today reveals ancient, historic Hue. We’ll bike Hue’s Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient kingdoms held sway. The scale of the complex is stunning, even allowing that large sections were destroyed during the American war. Hue was perfectly situated to be the cultural and political heart of Vietnam and reveals both traditional and French colonial influences. Onward to Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story structure overlooking the Perfume River. From here we’ll journey by boat along the river, continuing our cycling after lunch. We will then pedal on to nearby sacred tombs of former emperors, geographically in the center of this long narrow country, the nearby countryside affords scenic routes past perfectly tended small farms and rice fields. 

Tonight a local family welcomes us for dinner to learn secrets of Hue’s cuisine and share stories with hosts. 

Get a good stretch this morning! We transfer out of Hue to the starting point of our ride, up and over Vietnam’s iconic Hai Van Pass. This 21 kilometer stretch of road features 10 kilometers of steady, achievable climbing as it traverses the Truong Son mountain range, providing spectacular views of the coast down below. 

Safely over the pass we cycle towards DaNang for a fresh seafood lunch before transferring to Hoi An. On arrival in Hoi An we’ll check in to our hotel then take to the streets for a walking tour of the Old Town including some hidden spots as well as some delicious local snacks followed by a delicious dinner with specialties of Hoi An. Tonight is the first of 3 nights in the historic center of Hoi An. 

Cycling from the hotel across the river, you will be passing traditional villages, farms and rice fields on the way to the ruins of My Son, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by the Cham people, a kingdom eventually conquered by the Vietnamese and Khmer, the ruins remain in decent shape, though covered in moss.

Returning to Hoi An by van transfer, we’ll meet students and artisans from Reaching Out Vietnam, a social enterprise that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

This evening you’re free to enjoy dinner on your own in Hoi An where the restaurant offerings are endless and your guides can happily help with suggestions.

It’s a short walk from the hotel to the dock where our kayaks are tied up. We’ll paddle downstream along the Tu Bon River towards the sea, passing Hoi An’s waterfront and the edge of a mangrove forest. It’s 1.5 hours to the Red Bridge Cooking School where we will leave our kayaks to join one of their award winning cooking classes, which includes lunch, before transferring back to the hotel.

Late afternoon we have a short transfer to Tra Que, the town’s highly rated organic vegetable farm village. Our local hosts show us their farming techniques and prepare a signature dish for our group. A farewell dinner awaits to conclude your Vietnam adventure to a delicious meal.

An early breakfast allows time to walk to our favorite Vietnamese coffee emporium, owned by one of Vietnam’s most decorated coffee roasters. Our private coffee tasting offers a sample of both traditional and contemporary styles. You will have the chance to experience making Vietnamese egg & filter coffee.

We will get back to the hotel in plenty of time for final packing or strolling the Old Quarter.
Transfers to DaNang airport are available throughout the day.