Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam’s Central Coast, where the Annamite Mountains meet the South China Sea. Cycle through tranquil rice paddies, past pristine beaches and crashing waves, conquer challenging mountain passes, and discover hidden seaside havens. Uncover layers of history, from the Hindu Cham civilization to the Nguyen Dynasty and the Vietnam War. Witness the country’s modern dynamism while enjoying comfortable accommodations and authentic local cuisine.
Our journey begins in Hue, the former imperial capital, where we’ll explore its exquisite palaces, tombs, and gardens. Cycling south, we’ll be amazed by the scale of Vietnam’s fisheries and aquaculture, set against a backdrop of dramatic, jungle-clad mountains and turquoise lagoons. The iconic Hai Van Pass offers a thrilling descent into Da Nang and the captivating atmosphere of Hoi An, a city still shaped by its history as a spice and silk trading hub. We’ll cycle to My Son, the ancient Cham capital, and then along the rugged coastline, discovering rustic villages and inspiring landscapes. A visit to the My Lai memorial site provides a poignant reminder of the region’s recent history. Finally, we’ll unwind on Whale Island, a pristine ocean paradise, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the unspoiled beauty after our cycling adventure.
Join us for an unforgettable bike trip through Central Vietnam – a journey that will nourish your body, mind, and spirit!
Tour Meets: Hue
Fly in to: Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
Tour Ends: Nha Trang
Fly Out of: Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Our eight-day cycling tour covers approximately 470km, averaging 52km and 397m of elevation gain per day. To optimize our cycling experience and access prime locations, most days include short transfers (15-60 minutes), with one longer transfer of 2.5 hours on Day 6. We typically cycle in the mornings, leaving afternoons for lighter rides, sightseeing, relaxation by the beach or pool, or spa treatments.
The tour begins with a gentle, flat ride around Hue, a perfect warm-up. Day 2 introduces some moderate hills (up to 100m climbs) as a prelude to Day 3’s challenging 420m ascent of the Hai Van Pass. Days 4 and 5 offer easier, flatter riding around Hoi An and southwards. The terrain from Days 6 to 8 is more varied, featuring gentle climbs, rolling hills, and several series of hills ranging from 50m to 150m, some with steep (5-10%) gradients, particularly towards the end of each ride. Day 9 is a rest day on Whale Island, where you can swap your cycling gear for snorkels, kayaks, or a beach chair!
Throughout the trip, you’ll benefit from full support, including a knowledgeable guide who will keep you informed about upcoming distances and difficulty levels. This, combined with a constant supply of water and refreshments, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable cycling experience.
Your Central Vietnam cycling adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Hue hotel. Meet your guide and your bicycle for the week! We’ll explore the city and its surroundings, discovering the magnificent tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors nestled amongst tree-lined lanes and rice paddies. Our ride includes a visit to a grand imperial tomb, a ferry crossing of the Perfume River, exploration of the 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda, and a tour of the moated Forbidden City. After lunch, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore Hue’s riverfront, parks, and gardens.
After checking out of our Hue hotel, a short transfer takes us to the outskirts of the city. We’ll cycle along canals and rivers, entering the Perfume River estuary and discovering the unique “Ghost City” with its elaborate mausoleums. The ride continues through serene countryside to Vietnam’s largest lagoon, a hub for local oyster and fish farming. From there, a transfer takes us to Lang Co Beach Resort, where you can relax, enjoy the spa, or unwind on the beach.
We start our day with a ride around a peaceful lagoon before tackling the highlight of the day: the Hai Van Pass. The 10km climb to 480m above sea level rewards us with stunning views of Da Nang Bay. A thrilling descent leads us to Da Nang for lunch. The afternoon brings a relaxed and scenic ride to Hoi An, passing the Marble Mountains and winding along the Thu Bon River. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 844 historic structures reflecting its past as a bustling trading port. We’ll spend two nights here.
We cycle from Hoi An through villages and along the Thu Bon River, experiencing the region’s ecosystem and agrarian life. Our destination is My Son, the ancient Cham capital. Explore the remaining temples, remnants of the once-powerful Cham civilization. After lunch, a van transfer returns us to Hoi An. Enjoy a free evening to explore Hoi An’s culinary scene.
We leave Hoi An, crossing the Cua Dai Bridge with views of the ocean and Cham Islands. A pleasant ride along rural riverside roads leads to Tam Thanh village for a seafood lunch and beach relaxation. A transfer takes us to My Lai, the site of a tragic massacre during the Vietnam War. We’ll visit the memorial and museum, gaining insight into the Vietnamese perspective of this period. A short transfer then brings us to our hotel near Quang Ngai.
A 2.5-hour transfer brings us to ideal cycling roads further south. Our ride takes us through diverse landscapes: coastline, rice paddies, salt flats, fishing villages, and small passes leading to secluded beaches. We arrive in Quy Nhon, a city with a rich history. Our ride ends at a river estuary, followed by a short transfer to our hotel. Explore Quy Nhon’s lively streets and waterfront.
A 45-minute transfer takes us to a panoramic road along the Ky Lo River valley. We’ll cycle through a mix of tribal and Vietnamese villages, enjoying views of the highland foothills. After about 50km, we wind along trails through a lagoon and market villages, finishing with a scenic coastal ride into Tuy Hoa. Our hotel is within walking distance of the sea and city center. (90km ride, +530m, -563m)
Our final cycling day begins with a ride through beautiful scenery, including looming mountains and rice paddies. We’ll tackle a challenging hill to Vung Ro Bay, rewarded with jungle and bay views. After a stop at Dai Lanh Beach for refreshments and a swim, we transfer to Dam Mon. From there, a short boat ride takes us to Whale Island for two nights of relaxation.
Enjoy a day of relaxation and exploration on Whale Island. Snorkel, kayak, explore the island’s trails, or simply relax and soak in the views. We’ll gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating our journey.
