Cycle Saigon to Hanoi

This escorted cycling tour from Explore Worldwide begins in Ho Chi Minh City, known locally as Saigon, where colonial architecture stands alongside busy markets and street cafes. After cycling the Cu Chi Tunnels area, the route weaves north through the Mekong Delta’s waterway villages and the mountain passes of the Central Highlands, including the demanding Hon Giao Pass.

The journey continues along the coast past coastal towns like Quy Nhon and Hoi An, where lantern-lit streets and a historic merchant town invite a slow afternoon stroll. After climbing Hai Van Pass, a bus carries the group to Hue’s imperial sights and then the cycle route follows the Perfume River before boarding the overnight train to Hanoi.

Vietnam’s northern waters take the spotlight with a two-day junk boat cruise among the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay. Large picture windows in the cabins frame a peaceful bay often overlooked by visitors, where village life blends with calm scenery. The cycle distances vary and the route includes some challenging climbs, balanced by restful days at the coast and historic towns.

Halong Bay, and the dragon that explains nothing

3 min read

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.