After a leisurely breakfast, we leave the urban hum of Hanoi and head toward the Gulf of Tonkin. The journey through the Red River Delta is a moving canvas of rural life: vast, patchworked emerald rice paddies where farmers in conical hats work alongside water buffalo, and small villages where life has remained unchanged for generations.

Upon reaching Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the true magic begins. You will board a luxury wooden junk, your floating home for the night. As the sails catch the breeze, the vessel glides silently through thousands of towering limestone monoliths draped in thick jungle, rising like the spines of a sleeping dragon from the jade waters. We will venture into hidden grottoes adorned with prehistoric stalactites and take to the water in kayaks to touch the ancient karst walls. As the sun dips below the jagged horizon, enjoy a gourmet seafood feast on deck under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the ethereal silence of the bay.

• Summary:

  • Route: Hanoi – Tuan Chau Marina – Halong Bay.

  • Cycling Distance: 0 km (Cruise day).

  • Road Condition: Modern highway via bus.

  • Activity: Luxury cruise, cave exploration, kayaking, sunset cocktails on deck.

  • Accommodation: Luxury Cruise Ship.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

There is no experience quite like waking up in the heart of Halong Bay. As the morning mist clings to the limestone peaks, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. The slow, meditative movements against the backdrop of the rising sun create a profound sense of peace. After a hearty breakfast, we explore the "Surprising Cave" (Sung Sot), a subterranean cathedral of light and stone that truly lives up to its name.

We enjoy a final brunch cruise back to the harbor, navigating through the labyrinth of islets one last time. Our driver will be waiting to transport you back to the vibrant energy of Hanoi. The afternoon is yours to wander—perhaps sit by the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the ancient Temple of Literature, or find a hidden "Hẻm" (alley) for a world-famous Hanoi Egg Coffee. This is your final night to soak in the capital's charm before we mount our bikes for the great southern push.

• Summary:

  • Route: Halong Bay – Hanoi.

  • Cycling Distance: 0 km.

  • Road Condition: Smooth asphalt highway.

  • Activity: Morning Tai Chi, cave visiting, transfer back to Hanoi.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Hanoi.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

  • Transfer: 180 Km.

Today, the rubber meets the road. We depart the city westward to Luong Son, where the horizon begins to ripple with the first jagged limestone mountains of the northwest. Here, we mount our bikes and feel the first rush of the Vietnamese breeze.

The ride is a spectacular introduction to the countryside, taking you through undulating terrain where the air smells of sun-warmed sugarcane. The true highlight is the legendary Thung Khe Pass. As you climb, the air grows crisp and the views expand into a vast, green velvet tapestry. From the summit, you’ll look down upon the Mai Chau Valley, a patchwork of brilliant green rice fields dotted with traditional stilt houses. We descend into this peaceful enclave, the home of the White Thai people. Tonight, we immerse ourselves in local culture with a traditional meal of sticky rice and grilled meats, followed by a folk dance performance under the stars.

• Summary:

  • Route: Luong Son – Thung Khe Pass – Mai Chau.

  • Cycling Distance: ~75 Km.

  • Road Condition: Winding asphalt mountain roads with moderate climbs.

  • Activity: First cycling day, ethnic Thai dance performance, mountain pass conquest.

  • Accommodation: Traditional Stilt House Homestay or Mountain Resort.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Wake up to the symphony of the valley: the distant crow of a rooster and the gentle splash of water. After a breakfast of local delicacies, we cycle deep into the heart of the valley, passing bamboo workshops where the rhythmic sound of hand-tools echoes from open doorways.

Our path leads us into the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem that remains untouched by mass tourism. This segment is a cyclist’s dream—narrow, paved tracks that flank majestic tiered rice terraces cascading down the hillsides. You will see giant bamboo water wheels—ingenious local inventions that look like relics from a lost civilization—churning the river water into the fields. The scenery is raw, green, and hauntingly beautiful. Tonight, we stay in an eco-retreat where the only sound is the rustling of the forest and the distant call of the night birds.

• Summary:

  • Route: Mai Chau – Bamboo Forests – Ma River – Pu Luong.

  • Cycling Distance: ~76 Km.

  • Road Condition: Mix of small paved roads and some gentle off-road trails.

  • Activity: Cycling through nature reserves, visiting bamboo workshops.

  • Accommodation: Eco-Retreat/Homestay in Pu Luong.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We bid a reluctant farewell to the terraces of Pu Luong and descend toward the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway. This is where the journey takes on its historical gravitas. Today is about finding your rhythm as we navigate a challenging but rewarding mix of terrain.

We veer onto single tracks that slice through remote hamlets, where the appearance of a cyclist is still an event of great curiosity and joy. You will be greeted by the enthusiastic waves of children and the gentle smiles of elders. As we pedal through the lush valleys of the Ma River, the landscape opens up into vast horizons. We stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing, breathing in the purest air in Vietnam before reaching the quiet, authentic town of Yen Cat.

• Summary:

  • Route: Pu Luong – Ho Chi Minh Highway – Yen Cat.

  • Cycling Distance: ~125.8 Km.

  • Road Condition: Challenging mix of paved roads and rural single tracks.

  • Activity: Long-distance cycling, rural immersion.

  • Accommodation: Local Hotel in Yen Cat.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Today’s ride is a poetic transition through Ben En National Park, a region characterized by its sparkling lakes and rolling hills. The road is a velvet ribbon of asphalt winding through endless tea plantations and emerald sugarcane fields. The sight of the vibrant green hills against the bright blue sky is truly therapeutic.

Our destination is Tan Ky, a town of immense historical pride. Here stands the official KM 0 of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. During the "War of Resistance," this was the beating heart of the supply network, the starting point for thousands of trucks and soldiers heading south. Standing at this milestone, you feel the weight of history under your tires. The road here is beautifully maintained, allowing for a fast, exhilarating ride into town as the afternoon sun casts long, golden shadows over the landscape.

• Summary:

  • Route: Ben En National Park – Tan Ky.

  • Cycling Distance: ~110 Km.

  • Road Condition: Smooth, undulating tarmac with stunning panoramic views.

  • Activity: Tea plantation visit, historical briefing at KM 0.

  • Accommodation: Local Hotel in Tan Ky.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We begin our day cycling alongside the serene Hieu River, where the morning light glints off the water and local fishermen cast their nets in timeless motions. The road leads us deeper into the rural heartland, where the scenery is a peaceful blend of limestone outcrops and fertile valleys.

A significant stop today is the Dong Loc T-junction. Once the most heavily bombed crossroads in Vietnam, it is now a place of profound peace and a memorial to the young volunteers who sacrificed everything to keep the supply lines open. As you pedal away from the monument through vibrant rice paddies and past friendly villages, you’ll be struck by the incredible resilience of the land and its people. The contrast between the region's turbulent past and its tranquil present is the defining theme of today’s journey.

• Summary:

  • Route: Tan Ky – Dong Loc Junction – Huong Khe.

  • Cycling Distance: ~155 Km.

  • Road Condition: Excellent asphalt, mostly flat to rolling terrain.

  • Activity: River-side cycling, historical site visit.

  • Accommodation: Local Hotel in Huong Khe.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Prepare yourself for what many consider the most spectacular day of the entire odyssey. The Ho Chi Minh Highway here is a marvel of engineering, twisting and turning along the spine of the Annamite Range. To your left and right, the mountains rise like ancient green giants, their peaks often lost in the clouds.

The road is remarkably quiet, allowing you to hear the sounds of the jungle as you ride. The asphalt is pristine, making the long, sweeping climbs and descents feel almost effortless. We enter the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a kingdom of over 300 caves. The air becomes cooler and denser as we penetrate the primeval forest. Arriving in Phong Nha as the limestone cliffs are lit by the setting sun is a sight that will stay with you forever.

• Summary:

  • Route: Ho Chi Minh Highway – Phong Nha.

  • Cycling Distance: ~134 Km.

  • Road Condition: Pristine asphalt with dramatic mountain backdrops.

  • Activity: Deep jungle cycling, National Park entry.

  • Accommodation: Riverside Hotel/Resort in Phong Nha.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Today, we trade our bikes for a different kind of adventure—at least for a while. We start with a gentle ride along the turquoise Son River, where the water is so clear you can see the river grass swaying below. We board a traditional Dragon Boat and drift slowly into the yawning mouth of the Phong Nha Cave. Silent and majestic, the cave reveals a subterranean world of underground rivers and massive chambers filled with glittering stalactites.

After a lunch of local river fish, we mount our bikes for a backroad journey to Paradise Cave (Thien Duong). Known as the "Underground Palace," its scale is staggering—some chambers are over 100 meters high. The walk through the cave is a cool, awe-inspiring contrast to the tropical warmth outside. We finish the day cycling back through the surrounding villages, watching the smoke from kitchen fires rise over the karst peaks.

• Summary:

  • Route: Phong Nha Town – Son River – Paradise Cave.

  • Cycling Distance: ~47 Km.

  • Road Condition: Flat paved roads and charming village paths.

  • Activity: Dragon boat trip, cave exploration, village cycling.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Phong Nha.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We head south, leaving the karst towers of Phong Nha behind as the landscape flattens into the coastal plains of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Today is a ride of deep reflection. We pedal through vast rubber plantations where the trees stand in perfect, haunting rows, casting long shadows across the red earth.

The emotional heart of the day is our visit to the Truong Son National Cemetery. Here, tens of thousands of white headstones stretch across the hillsides, a silent and powerful testament to the generations lost in the conflict. Cycling through this region allows you to absorb the gravity of the history at a human pace. The warmth of the local people you meet along the way serves as a beautiful reminder of the peace that now reigns over these once-contested lands.

• Summary:

  • Route: Phong Nha – Truong Son Cemetery – Dong Ha.

  • Cycling Distance: ~86 Km.

  • Road Condition: Paved roads through rubber forests and rice terraces.

  • Activity: Visit Truong Son Cemetery, cycle through rubber plantations.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Ha.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We start the day by heading toward the coast to visit the incredible Vinh Moc Tunnels. Unlike the tactical tunnels of the south, these were built to shelter an entire village. Walking through the three levels of this underground complex, you’ll see family rooms, a hospital, and even a theater—all carved by hand from the red clay. It is a staggering monument to human endurance.

After paying our respects at the Hien Luong Bridge, which once marked the 17th Parallel dividing the nation, we begin our climb westward. The road ascends toward the clouds as we head to Khe Sanh. We explore the site of the infamous 1968 siege at the Khe Sanh Combat Base, where abandoned American tanks and cargo planes sit amidst the mist. The quiet, cool air of the highlands provides a stark contrast to the intensity of the history we've witnessed today.

• Summary:

  • Route: Dong Ha – Vinh Moc – Hien Luong Bridge – Khe Sanh.

  • Cycling Distance: ~85 Km.

  • Road Condition: Coastal roads followed by a steady climb to the Highlands.

  • Activity: Tunnel tour, 17th Parallel visit, Khe Sanh base exploration.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Khe Sanh.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Get ready for the most rugged and remote segment of the journey. Rời Khe Sanh, we descend to the spectacular Dakrong Bridge, the gateway to the Western Ho Chi Minh Trail. This is a land of sheer cliffs, roaring rivers, and deep, ancient jungles. This is the "Wild West" of Vietnam.

The road undulates along the river valley, offering some of the most dramatic vistas in Southeast Asia. This region is home to the Van Kieu and Pa Co ethnic minorities; you will see them in their colorful traditional dress, tending to steep mountainside crops. The cycling is challenging, with several long climbs, but the reward is the absolute silence of the wilderness and the thrill of riding a road few travelers ever see. We end the day in the mountain outpost of A Luoi, surrounded by the peaks of the A Shau Valley.

• Summary:

  • Route: Khe Sanh – Dakrong Bridge – A Luoi.

  • Cycling Distance: ~102 Km.

  • Road Condition: Winding mountain roads with significant elevation changes.

  • Activity: Remote highland cycling, ethnic minority interaction.

  • Accommodation: Local Guest House in A Luoi.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We begin our day in the A Shau Valley, a place synonymous with the fiercest fighting of the war, including the battle for Hamburger Hill. Today, the valley is a place of serene beauty, though its history remains palpable.

The ride is a fantastic "rollercoaster" of mountain passes. After conquering the final ridges, we are rewarded with a long, sweeping descent toward the coast. The air grows warmer and the scenery shifts from jungle to the manicured landscapes of the Perfume River valley. As we pedal into Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam, the atmosphere changes to one of poetic elegance. The sight of the Citadel walls reflected in the river as we arrive is a perfect end to our highland crossing.

• Summary:

  • Route: A Luoi – A Shau Valley – Binh Dien – Hue.

  • Cycling Distance: ~79 Km.

  • Road Condition: Long descents and narrow asphalt mountain roads.

  • Activity: Descent to Hue, passing historic battlefields.

  • Accommodation: Riverside Hotel in Hue.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Today is a day for the soul. We trade the long highway for the quiet, shaded streets of Hue. We cycle to the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling complex of palaces and temples that once housed the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Exploring the "Forbidden Purple City" on two wheels allows you to truly appreciate its vast scale and intricate detail.

In the afternoon, we pedal alongside the Perfume River to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, an icon of Vietnamese Buddhism. We also visit the magnificent Royal Tombs, each a unique masterpiece of architecture designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. Hue is famous for its "Royal Cuisine," and tonight we will feast on dishes that were once reserved only for the Emperor's table.

• Summary:

  • Route: Hue City Sightseeing.

  • Cycling Distance: ~52 Km (Leisurely pace).

  • Road Condition: Flat, scenic city and suburban roads.

  • Activity: Citadel tour, royal tomb visit, sunset boat trip.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

This is the day every cyclist has marked in their calendar. After a visit to the ancient Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, we pedal along the coast, passing lagoons where oyster farmers work their rafts. After a seafood lunch on the shores of Lang Co Beach, we face the "Top Gear" challenge: the Hai Van Pass.

This 13km climb is a masterpiece of mountain engineering. As you pedal upward, the views of the South China Sea open up beneath you. Reaching the Hai Van Gate at the summit (500m) is a moment of pure triumph. The 13km descent into Da Nang is an adrenaline-fueled joy, with the city skyline and the Marble Mountains growing larger with every turn. We finish our day in Hoi An, a town that glows with the light of a thousand lanterns.

• Summary:

  • Route: Hue – Lang Co – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang – Hoi An.

  • Cycling Distance: ~87 Km.

  • Road Condition: Flat coastal roads followed by a steep (8-10%) mountain pass.

  • Activity: Hai Van Pass conquest, coastal cycling.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Hoi An.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Hoi An is a town frozen in time. This morning, we cycle through the surrounding countryside, where water buffalo graze in the paddies and coconut palms sway in the breeze. We visit the Tra Que Herb Village, where you can try your hand at traditional organic farming, and the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where artisans still use techniques passed down through generations.

The afternoon is yours to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Wander through the yellow-walled alleys, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, or have a bespoke suit made by the world-famous local tailors. As night falls, the town transforms into a fairytale of colorful lanterns and floating candles on the Thu Bon River. It is the perfect place to relax and reflect on how far you've come.

• Summary:

  • Route: Hoi An Ancient Town – Rural Villages – An Bang Beach.

  • Cycling Distance: ~35 Km.

  • Road Condition: Flat village paths and paved small roads.

  • Activity: Cooking class/Herb village visit, pottery making, beach time.

  • Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Hoi An.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

We leave the coastal charm of Hoi An behind and begin our ascent back into the rugged interior of the Central Highlands. This is a long, immersive day of cycling. The road slowly climbs away from the coastal plains, entering a world of dense tropical canopy and hidden waterfalls.

This segment of the Ho Chi Minh Trail is particularly beautiful, with the road following the contours of the mountains through the Ngoc Linh range. You will pass remote ethnic hamlets where life is still deeply connected to the forest. We stay in the mountain town of Phuoc Son, a quiet outpost where the cool mountain air and the sounds of the jungle provide a peaceful backdrop for a well-earned rest.

• Summary:

  • Route: Hoi An – Kham Đức (Phuoc Son).

  • Cycling Distance: ~85 km / 130 km.

  • Road Condition: Steady incline through deep jungle terrain.

  • Activity: Transition to the deep highlands, jungle cycling.

  • Accommodation: Mountain Guest House in Phuoc Son.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Prepare for a legendary ride over the Lo Xo Pass. This winding road skirts the edge of the Ngoc Linh National Park, home to the highest peak in the Central Highlands. The climb is long and steady, offering sweeping views of primary forest that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is some of the most pristine wilderness remaining in Vietnam.

The air at the summit is fresh and invigorating. We are now in the heart of the Ba Na and Sedang ethnic territories; their unique architecture and traditional ways of life add a fascinating cultural dimension to our ride. We descend into Ngoc Hoi, a strategic town located near the "Indochina Tri-border" where Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia meet.

• Summary:

  • Route: Phuoc Son – Lo Xo Pass – Ngoc Hoi.

  • Cycling Distance: ~80 km / 120 km.

  • Road Condition: Steep mountain pass with perfect asphalt.

  • Activity: Lo Xo Pass conquest, ethnic minority encounters.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Ngoc Hoi.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Today we pedal through the quintessential landscape of the Central Highlands: rolling hills of vibrant red basalt soil. This is the heart of Vietnam’s coffee and rubber industry. The road takes us past vast, neatly planted estates where the scent of coffee blossoms fills the air in the spring.

We visit the historic Dak To Base Camp, a place of significant memory from the conflict. As we approach Pleiku, we stop at Sea Lake (Bien Ho). This stunning body of water is actually a flooded volcanic crater, often referred to as the "Eyes of Pleiku" because of its crystal-clear blue waters. The sunset over the lake, reflected against the surrounding pine forests, is the perfect final image of the Vietnamese highlands.

• Summary:

  • Route: Ngoc Hoi – Dak To – Pleiku.

  • Cycling Distance: ~86 km / 130 km.

  • Road Condition: Rolling hills through coffee and rubber estates.

  • Activity: Dak To historic site visit, Sea Lake sunset.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pleiku.

  • Meals: B/L/D.

Our final day in Vietnam is a celebratory ride through the sun-drenched plantations of Gia Lai province. The road is flat and fast, allowing you to reflect on the incredible 1,500km journey you have just completed. You have crossed mountains, explored caves, pedaled through history, and witnessed the soul of a nation.

At the Le Thanh Border Crossing, we enjoy a final lunch with our Vietnamese team. There will be smiles, stories shared, and perhaps a few bittersweet goodbyes as you complete the immigration formalities. You will be met on the other side by your Cambodian cycling crew, ready to begin the next chapter of your Southeast Asian adventure. You leave Vietnam not just as a traveler, but as a conqueror of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

• Summary:

  • Route: Pleiku – Le Thanh Border.

  • Cycling Distance: ~54 Km.

  • Road Condition: Flat and smooth asphalt through highland farms.

  • Activity: Final Vietnamese stage, border formalities, farewell ceremony.

  • Meals: B/L.