15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
There is a special kind of freedom that comes from exploring a country on two wheels — the feeling of wind brushing your face, the sound of rice fields swaying gently in the breeze, the scent of mountain forests flowing through the air. In Vietnam, this freedom becomes something deeper, something powerful. When you ride through its landscapes, you don’t just visit Vietnam — you feel Vietnam.
With towering limestone mountains in the north, sunlit coastal roads in the central region, peaceful countryside paths in the south, and ethnic villages scattered across valleys, Vietnam cycling tours offer one of the most diverse and emotionally rich cycling experiences in Asia.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist seeking tough climbs, a cultural traveler wanting slow-paced rides through rural life, or a family looking for a safe and scenic journey, Vietnam has a cycling tour designed for you — and every route promises moments that stay with you forever.
This guide will take you deep into everything you need to know:
The best cycling routes in Vietnam
Multi-day itineraries
Cultural experiences
What to expect on the road
Safety, seasons, and packing tips
Reviews from real cyclists
And how Golden Trail Travel & DMC brings these tours to life with their expert-guided packages
👉 https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Prepare to feel inspired.
Prepare to fall in love with Vietnam’s landscapes.
Prepare to discover the country through the purest form of travel — cycling.
Vietnam’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, and cycling allows you to experience this diversity more intimately than any other mode of travel.
Every region of Vietnam brings something unique:
Northern Vietnam: jagged limestone mountains, high passes, rice terraces
Central Vietnam: coastal roads, ancient towns, lush countryside
Southern Vietnam: tropical river deltas, floating markets, flat rural cycling paths
Cyclists can go from cool mountain air to warm seaside breezes within the same trip.
Cycling allows slower travel — giving you deeper insight into Vietnamese culture.
Along the way, you’ll meet:
Hmong and Dao villagers weaving hemp cloth
Tay families rowing bamboo boats
Market vendors selling sticky rice and fresh fruits
Children waving and running beside your bike
Farmers guiding water buffalo through the fields
These interactions create emotional memories that last a lifetime.
Vietnam’s cycling tours offer:
Gentle, flat countryside routes
Curvy mountain passes
Light off-road trails
Smooth coastal roads
Long-distance endurance routes
No matter your skill level, there is a perfect cycling experience waiting for you.
From rural homestays to traditional meals cooked over wood fires, the warmth of Vietnamese people is often the highlight of cycling tours.
You’ll feel welcomed everywhere you go.
Compared to Europe or Japan, Vietnam offers:
Excellent food
Budget to premium accommodations
Affordable guided tours
High-quality bicycles
Local knowledge from passionate guides
This makes Vietnam one of the world’s best-value cycling destinations.
Vietnam’s cycling routes differ dramatically from region to region. Below is the complete overview of the best areas for Vietnam cycling tours, starting with the famous northern mountains.
Northern Vietnam is the heart of adventure cycling.
It’s dramatic. It’s powerful.
It’s emotional.
From the iconic Ha Giang Loop to the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, this region offers scenery that rivals the Himalayas — but with Vietnam’s irresistible charm.
The Ha Giang Loop is widely considered one of the most beautiful cycling routes not just in Vietnam, but in all of Asia.
It features:
Jaw-dropping limestone peaks
Deep jade-colored valleys
Cliffside roads that stretch endlessly
Ethnic villages untouched by tourism
The majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass
The stunning Nho Que River canyon
Ha Giang is challenging, but unforgettable.
Heaven Gate Pass (Quan Ba)
Dong Van Karst Plateau (UNESCO)
Hmong King’s Palace
Sky Path trail above Ma Pi Leng
Du Gia waterfalls and rice terraces
Golden Trail Travel offers professionally guided Ha Giang cycling tours, complete with support vehicles and cultural activities.
👉 https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Sapa is world-famous for its rice terraces carved like golden ladders on the mountain slopes.
Cycling here feels like pedaling through a dream:
Mist drifting through Muong Hoa Valley
Water buffalo crossing quiet paths
Locals in colorful brocade outfits
The sweet fragrance of rice fields
Lao Chai & Ta Van villages
Tram Ton Pass (Vietnam’s highest road pass)
O Quy Ho mountain road
Mu Cang Chai is often called “the most beautiful rice terrace region in Vietnam.”
Cycling here during harvest season will take your breath away.
Khau Pha Pass (one of Vietnam’s four great passes)
La Pan Tan circular terraces
Tu Le Valley
Che Cu Nha rice fields
This region offers some of the most dramatic landscapes for Vietnam cycling tours.
Cao Bang is peaceful, pristine, and perfect for cyclists who enjoy quiet mountain roads.
Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam’s most beautiful waterfall)
Phong Nam Valley
Nguom Ngao Cave
Ethnic Nung villages
Cao Bang is ideal for travelers seeking untouched nature without steep climbs.
Ba Be is a paradise for easy, scenic cycling.
Cycle around Ba Be Lake
Visit Tay ethnic stilt houses
Explore Puong Cave
Ride through dense forest and quiet riversides
Central Vietnam offers an entirely different landscape from the north:
Long coastlines
Historic towns
Smooth roads
Misty mountains
Lavender-like sunsets
It’s a perfect region for moderate cycling tours.
Hoi An is a UNESCO treasure, and cycling is the best way to explore it.
Ancient Town streets
Rice paddies around Tra Que village
Coconut forest waterways
Thanh Ha pottery village
Cam Kim Island’s peaceful countryside
Hue combines history, serenity, and beautiful rural landscapes.
Cycling routes include:
The Perfume River
Thien Mu Pagoda
Royal tombs of Minh Mang & Tu Duc
Thanh Toan countryside
Hai Van Pass is legendary among cyclists.
With its sweeping ocean views and curving mountain road, it’s one of the most scenic rides in Vietnam.
Marble Mountains
Ocean road
Hai Van viewpoint
Lang Co Bay
This is Vietnam’s answer to California’s Pacific Coast Highway — breathtaking and unforgettable.
Southern Vietnam is warmer, flatter, and ideal for relaxing cycling experiences.
Often called “Vietnam’s Little Paris,” Dalat is perfect for cyclists who enjoy temperate weather.
Xuan Huong Lake
Pine forest trails
Langbiang Mountain roads
Flower farms & coffee plantations
The Mekong Delta is a gentle cycling paradise.
Coconut groves
Fruit orchards
Local markets
Canal networks
Lotus fields
Vietnam’s landscapes are so diverse that cycling itineraries can combine mountains, rice fields, coastlines, and cultural villages — all in one epic journey. The itineraries below are curated with real guidance from Golden Trail Travel & DMC, ensuring safe routes, scenic roads, and authentic cultural experiences.
Difficulty: Intermediate → Advanced
Distance: 310–360 km
Best for: Adventure cyclists, nature lovers, photographers
This is one of the most iconic cycling tours in Asia.
Start with moderate climbs surrounded by pine forests and sweeping mountain views.
This first day introduces you to the rhythm of Northern Vietnam’s highlands.
Cycle through winding valleys, rural Hmong villages, and powerful mountain passes.
Tham Ma Slope is a highlight — its legendary switchbacks feel like art carved into stone.
You enter the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau, a rocky masterpiece of cliffs and rugged terrain.
Explore Dong Van’s ancient streets at sunset.
This is the crown jewel — Ma Pi Leng Pass, Vietnam’s most stunning road.
Cycling above the Nho Que River canyon feels like flying.
Gentle village roads lead you to Du Gia, a peaceful valley with waterfalls and warm homestays.
Conclude your loop with relaxing countryside roads and green scenery.
Golden Trail Travel offers fully supported Ha Giang cycling tours with support cars and professional guides:
👉 https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 260–310 km
Best for: Culture & landscape lovers
Ride through lush terraced valleys, bamboo forests, and ethnic villages (Ta Van, Lao Chai, Giang Ta Chai).
Conquer one of the highest paved roads in Vietnam.
Cycle through one of the world’s most beautiful rice terrace systems — La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, Tu Le.
A combination of mountain challenge and awe-inspiring views.
A relaxing ride through valleys and local villages.
Difficulty: Easy → Intermediate
Distance: 150–200 km
Best for: Relaxed riders, families, coastal lovers
Quiet roads along villages and rice fields.
Ride along coastal roads with ocean breezes.
One of the most scenic coastal rides in Asia.
Pagodas, ancient temples, perfume river paths.
A smooth, flat ride perfect for ending the tour.
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Slow travelers, families, nature lovers
Key highlights include:
Coconut groves
Floating markets
Fruit orchards
Lotus fields
Riverside village roads
A peaceful and relaxing cycling experience.
Vietnam cycling tours are not just about the roads — they are about how the roads make you feel.
There’s a moment when you cycle past rice terraces glowing with sunrise, or through a silent valley where mist moves like silk.
That moment feels like absolute freedom.
Cycling opens doors that cars never can.
Children wave from village paths, farmers smile as you pass, elders offer warm tea.
You don’t just see Vietnam — you belong in it.
Mountain passes like O Quy Ho or Ma Pi Leng are challenging, but the reward is overwhelming beauty that brings tears to your eyes.
Northern Vietnam’s roads wrap you in tranquility.
The only sounds:
birds
wind
wheels
your heartbeat
Cycling here becomes meditation.
Vietnamese hospitality brings warmth to every tour.
A family offering you corn wine, a grandmother preparing dinner, a child running beside your bike — these are the moments that stay with you forever.
Vietnam has diverse climates, so the perfect time depends on your chosen region.
✔ Best: September–November & March–May
✔ Cool weather, clear skies, golden rice terraces
✖ Avoid heavy rain (June–August)
✖ Cold foggy days (Dec–Feb)
✔ Best: February–August
✔ Dry weather, blue skies, perfect coastal rides
✖ Rainy season (October–December)
✔ Best: November–April
✔ Dry season, sunny countryside
✖ Wet season (May–October)
Golden Trail Travel customizes your cycling itinerary based on weather patterns for maximum safety.
Lightweight jersey
Padded cycling shorts
Arm sleeves
Rain jacket
Sweat-wicking base layer
Gloves
Breathable socks
Helmet (provided by Golden Trail Travel if needed)
Water bottle or hydration pack
Repair kit
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Electrolytes
Quick-dry towel
Camera or GoPro
Cash for local villages
Warm layers (if doing Ha Giang or Sapa)
Waterproof bags (rainy season)
Golden Trail Travel provides bicycles, helmets, support cars, first aid kits, and water.
✔ Start early to avoid heat
✔ Ride slower on gravel & sharp curves
✔ Keep hydrated
✔ Check tires & brakes before every descent
✔ Wear reflective clothing
✔ Use helmets at all times
✔ Stop if conditions become foggy or wet
✔ Follow your guide’s instructions
✔ Avoid cycling at night in mountainous regions
✔ Keep distance from trucks & buses
Guided tours with Golden Trail Travel greatly improve safety, especially in mountainous areas.
✔ Safe navigation
✔ Local knowledge
✔ Support vehicle
✔ Mechanical assistance
✔ Cultural introductions
✔ Better viewpoints
✔ Meals & homestays arranged
✔ More freedom
✔ Lower cost
✖ Requires map & navigation skills
✖ Riskier in Ha Giang, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai
Golden Trail Travel provides both options depending on skill and preference.
“Vietnam cycling tours with Golden Trail Travel were far beyond what I expected. The Ha Giang scenery was unbelievable, the guides were professional, and the entire trip felt safe and well organized.”
— Michael P., Canada
“Cycling through Mu Cang Chai and Sapa gave me goosebumps. Everywhere we went, locals smiled and welcomed us. Golden Trail’s homestays were the highlight — warm, authentic, and filled with incredible food.”
— Maria S., Spain
“The climbs were tough but rewarding. Ma Pi Leng Pass on a bicycle is life-changing. I highly recommend going with Golden Trail Travel — their support vehicle saved me on a long climb!”
— Tom H., USA
“I saw villages, farms, rice fields, and mountain roads that I would never discover on a normal tour. Vietnam is stunning when seen from a bicycle.”
— Sophie M., France
Yes — regions like Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Ba Be, and the Mekong Delta are perfect for beginners.
Northern mountain routes (Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa) suit intermediate to advanced cyclists.
North: September–November & March–May
Central: February–August
South: November–April
Golden Trail Travel adjusts routes based on real-time weather.
Yes. High-quality mountain bikes and road bikes are available.
Golden Trail Travel provides gear for all tours.
Yes — cycling involves physical activity and mountainous terrain.
Insurance is highly recommended.
You can expect:
Traditional homestays
Boutique hotels
Mountain lodges
Riverside eco-resorts
Yes — Golden Trail Travel includes:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local snacks
Coffee & tea
Yes. Support cars follow your group with:
Water
First aid
Spare bikes
Tools
Luggage
Major cycling regions use quiet, scenic roads.
Guided tours ensure safe routes away from heavy traffic.
Yes — with easy-level tours such as Mai Chau, Mekong Delta, and Ninh Binh.
You can book directly with:
👉 Golden Trail Travel & DMC
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Cycling through Vietnam is more than a physical adventure — it’s a human one.
It’s the quiet sound of a river at sunrise, the breathtaking view of terraced mountains, the laughter of children running beside your bike, the warmth of families who welcome you into their homes, and the triumph of reaching mountain passes after long climbs.
Vietnam’s landscapes touch your senses.
Vietnam’s culture touches your heart.
Vietnam’s cycling routes touch your spirit.
From the wild highlands of Ha Giang to the peaceful rice fields of Hoi An, from the majestic Khau Pha Pass to the gentle Mekong Delta, every region offers a unique story waiting to be discovered on two wheels.
And with Golden Trail Travel & DMC, your journey becomes safe, meaningful, and deeply authentic. Their local expertise, caring guides, and carefully designed cycling routes ensure that every kilometer you ride brings you closer to understanding the soul of Vietnam.
👉 Start your unforgettable Vietnam cycling tour today with
Golden Trail Travel & DMC
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
The road is waiting.
The mountains are calling.
Your bicycle is ready.