Vietnam is a country synonymous with breathtaking beauty and astonishing diversity. There are stunning beaches, rugged mountains, endless rice fields, and the infamous waterways of the Mekong Delta just waiting to be discovered on two wheels.

For history lovers, the country's devastating past is on display throughout the country, while the world-famous coastal archipelago of Halong Bay is a must-see. End each day with a delicious dish of your choice and chat with the friendly locals – an authentic highlight of any trip to Vietnam. The ideal time for cycling is spring and autumn, but any visit between March and September will ensure wonderful weather with warm weather. During this time, there are several festivals to revel in, with the National Day celebration (September 2) as a particular highlight; wild street parties are held throughout the country.

With so much to dip your wheel and helmet into first, this beautiful country is truly a cyclist's paradise, but where are the best places to cycle in Vietnam?

1. Sapa
2. Moc Chau
3. Hanoi
4. Cat Tien National Park
5. Cham Island
6. Hue
7. Danang
8. Hoi An
9. Dalat
10. Vung Tau
11. Cat Ba Park
12. Mekong Delta

1. Sapa

You should hit the hills of Vietnam's mountainous northwest for a glorious mountain bike ride that mixes endless green valleys, magnificent views, and splashes of brightly coloured traditional clothing worn by local tribes. You can also take time to learn about the interesting culture and history of these beautiful and welcoming indigenous people before grabbing your bike and tackling the challenging terrain varieties. Sapa is a must-see and a must-visit in Vietnam.

>> Read more: What to do in Sapa in 2 or 3 days?

2. Moc Chau

Moc Chau is a small, quiet town in Son La province in northern Vietnam. Some of the best tea in Vietnam comes from this place. Moc Chau is slowly transforming into a popular destination for travel enthusiasts thanks to its huge plateaus of lush green tea, which stretches from hill to hill. In spring, wildflowers of exquisite beauty bloom everywhere amidst the drifting fog. Take a tour of the area to enjoy the splendour of the tea plants and the exciting colours of the flowers.

>> Read more: What to visit in Moc Chau, Son La?

3. Hanoi

Hanoi traffic is famous all over the world with its order in chaos, and the secret to safe driving of all Hanoians is very simple: understanding each other. Exploring Hanoi by bike is an incredible way to see its small streets and narrow houses or get to know this unique traffic culture.

A Hanoi bike tour around Hanoi Old Quarter, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge, or some tourist attractions in Hanoi will allow you to get a closer look at the elegant beauty of the thousand-year-old capital and better understand the local way of life. For a longer trip, you can consider cycling to the ceramic village of Bat Trang or Duong Lam ancient village, enjoying the tranquillity of Hanoi's peaceful rural countryside.

>> Read more: 7 things to do during a family trip to Hanoi

4. Cat Tien National Park

The addition of the route to Cat Tien National Park adds a new dimension to any cycling tour of Vietnam. Located in southern Vietnam, about 150 kilometres north of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park takes intrepid cyclists past lava tubes, rubber and coffee plantations, and wisps of the teak forest, before winding through the territory of wild elephants in the middle of its rich plain.

The park is an ideal setting for mountain biking and wildlife observation thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity. Here, the elusive Javan rhino keeps company with animals like tigers, gaurs and exotic birds. The mountain bike trail itself features challenging steep sections of volcanic rock.

>> Read more: Top 7 destinations to visit in Southern Vietnam

5. Cham Island

Cham Island is a pristine island located approximately 18 km off the coast of Hoi An. The island has incredibly rich biodiversity and is recognized by Unesco as the World Biosphere Reserve. There are many ways to cycle on the island: you can either cycle around the beautiful coastal lines, mindlessly circling the whole thing to admire the surrounding seascape and greenery, or go deeper into the woods, on the island for an exciting experience. There are also some fishing villages to visit.

>> Read more: What to do in Hoi An in 1, 2 or 3 days?

6. Hue

Glide leisurely and soak up the fascinating history of Vietnam's former imperial capital. Situated on the Perfume River, Hue is full of historic sites such as the Forbidden City and the Tomb of Tu Duc and it will come as no surprise that it is a city left in ruins by the war with America. Two-wheelers are perfect for exploring the years of interesting history found around every corner while heading along the peninsula brings more fascinating stories and sights to see.

>> Read more: Top 4 Most Beautiful Beaches in Hue

7. Danang

The road from Danang to Hue is well known for its spectacular scenery with beaches, mountains, rivers, lagoons, rice fields, farms, historical sites, and peaceful villages, featuring both long flat, and steep terrain. Once you have travelled from Hue to Danang and vice versa, it is advisable to take a bike or car ride to enjoy the beautiful scenery there. Possessing stunning white sand beaches with fresh ocean air and beautiful streets makes Danang an unforgettable option for a cycling trip in Vietnam. From Han River to My Khe Beach to Non Nuoc Mountain and more, you can all explore on your own. Fresh seafood and a chance to relax on Danang's stunning beaches await bikers during your trip.

>> Read more: What to do and see in 1 or 2 days in Da Nang?

8. Hoi An

A beautiful, historic town worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status that's superb for a relaxed stroll, but cycle a little further afield to experience the stunning countryside and a real slice of Vietnam. Wake up early to enjoy the charms of the city, then cycle through the vast countryside to meet the locals who make this place alive. Observe their traditional customs such as weaving, boat building, and rice wine making as you continue to pass beautiful bamboo houses and endless rice fields.

>> Read more: What to do in Hoi An in 1, 2 or 3 days?

9. Dalat

Fresh mountain air, breath-taking views, and stunning forest trails make this gem of the Central Highlands a mountain biker's paradise. The hilltop town of Dalat has always been favoured as a retreat during the French colonial period and is now for honeymooning couples, but cyclists will fall in love there too. A dazzling mix of climbs, descents, and single track leads riders through spectacular pine forests, fields, fragrant coffee plantations, and glorious mountains. Along the way, you may also meet local tribes who inhabit this beautiful place.

>> Read more: What to visit in Da Lat, city of eternal spring?

10. Vung Tau

Vung Tau fortunately has a very beautiful and romantic beachside avenue that surrounds the town. By renting a bike, you can be free to wander around the city enjoy the fresh ocean air, and gaze at the beach scenery along the coastal lines.

The list of must-do activities in Vung Tau includes walks to the beaches, sea bathing on beautiful beaches such as Bai Truoc, Bai Sau, Bai Duong…, visiting the Bao Dai Summer Palace or the Jesus Monument-Christ on the mountain... Finally, don't forget to relax in the shade of the frangipani flower branches and contemplate the sunset over the sea.

>> Read more: Adventure Vietnam: Top 7 most adventurous zip lines in Vietnam

11. Cat Ba Park

Get off the beaten path and discover the native wildlife and animals that make this exquisite island one of the best attractions in Vietnam's northern region. Cat Ba is easily accessible by a short boat ride, and although Ha Long Bay may get all the attention, none of its other islands have cycling routes like this. The national park is simply bursting with nature, so hop on your bike to explore secret beaches, beautiful valleys, mountains, caves, and much more.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Cat Ba Island in Vietnam

12. Mekong Delta

A beautiful maze of rivers with floating markets, pagodas, lush green countryside, and pretty little streets make it a dream to wander. Known as the “rice granary” of Vietnam, foodies will lick their lips as they pedal along fertile lands that produce superb fruits, vegetables, and, of course, rice. A true feast for the eyes and stomach, it's no wonder that this glorious region of Vietnam is considered one of the most bike-friendly places in the world.

>> Read more: Top 10 unmissable activities in the Mekong Delta

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN BIKING IN VIETNAM

Many tragedies can be avoided by good preparation before leaving and bringing the right equipment for a bike trip in Vietnam.

• Vietnam has a strong cycling culture; bikes and repair shops are everywhere. However, if you bring your own high-end frame, local mechanics may not be equipped to work on your setup.

• The best time of year for cycling is from October to February when the rainy season ends and the weather cools down.

• If you have a bike emergency, look for a “Honda”. They're often great with bikes and motorcycles, and they'll often pump your tires, apply brakes, and oil your gears for a small fee.

• Keep your eyes open when cycling in Vietnam, as traffic rules are more suggestions than hard and fast rules. Get used to the locals' liberal use of horns, as local custom requires them to be used often.

• In Vietnam, the right of way is decided by who has the biggest vehicle – which means it's rarely the cyclist!

• On paper, the Vietnamese drive on the right side of the road. However, this is not always the case. Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians tend to converge from all directions, often using both sides of the road depending on traffic density.

Vietnam is one of the most popular cycling destinations, and it's easy to see why. From the iconic Highway 1 that crosses Vietnam from North to South to the Ho Chi Minh Highway, there are fabulous landscapes to see, vibrant cultures to see, scenes of daily urban life, and lush rice fields and water buffaloes of rural life. The views you see from your bike will stay with you for a lifetime.

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