Cycling Vietnam's Central Coast - 10 days
E-Bike hire - US $425 (limited availability)
Mountain bike hire - US $200
Single room surcharge - US $440
Overview
On this coastal Vietnam bike tour, capture an unforgettable snapshot of Vietnam’s central coast, challenge yourself with scenic climbs and explore regions unseen by many. Cycle alongside sandy-white beaches framed by coconut palms, where sails of junks and sampans can be seen floating on the emerald green horizon of the South China Sea. Tackle the twists and turns of Hai Van Pass and reward yourself with a view of the Marble Mountains. Bike past the paddy fields of Hoi An and observe Vietnamese rural life where farming techniques have been passed down through the generations. Follow remote and scenic backroads that snake through tribal and Viet villages before emerging onto the Hon Gom peninsular road. Here, the dazzling shoreline is broken up by wild sand dunes and beautiful rock formations that jut out into the water. At the end of your journey, rest and unwind in the seclusion of Whale Island.
This guided tour from Hue to Nha Trang by bus, boat and bike will keep you away from the main roads. The bicycle is still the most common form of transport in Vietnam, so you will often share the road with the local people. Cycling is on a mixture of good quality tarmac roads, wide dirt tracks, plus one day on a rougher off-road trail. An air-conditioned support bus travels behind the group but on occasions when the road is too narrow, one guide will follow on a motorbike. This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and participants can cycle as much or as little as preferred.
Highlights Include:
Culture: Explore layers of history from the Hindu Cham civilisation to the Nguyen dynasty and the war years.
Nature: Cycle tranquil routes through lush rice fields, past pristine beaches and over stunning mountain passes.
Activity: Cross the Perfume River to Forbidden City. Climb the iconic Hai Van Pass. Visit My Son San. Snorkle at Whale Island and explore its famed coral reefs
Culinary: Savor meals at the local food markets - be sure to try Bun bo Hue and Banh beo
Souvenir: Silk from Hoi An Silk Village
Tour Gallery
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Hue
The tour starts in Hue, the old capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is worth arriving in the morning, so you have time to explore this wonderful historic city. If you arrive early, a city tour by bike can be arranged. Note: there are direct flights to Hue from Hanoi or Saigon.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Hue to Lang Co
You'll leave Hue and follow the coast along roads shaded by coconut palms and pass dunes scattered with mini mausoleums, pagodas and war memorials. From Phuoc Tuong Hill there will be a 40 km transfer to today's destination, Lang Co Beach. After lunch the rest of the day is free to relax at the resort and beach.
Cycling Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Lang Co
Lang Co to Hoi An
A tough start to the day as you'll be riding over Hai Van Pass. It's a gradual 10 km climb (ascending 550m) with many switchbacks, but the views from the top are superb. Then it's a rewarding descent to Danang for lunch. Back on your bikes, it's just a short distance to the Marble Mountains, an outcrop of five rocks said to represent the five elements, (wood, water, metal, fire, and earth). You'll also visit Da Nang beach, formerly named China Beach, made famous by an American TV series of the same name. After a brief stop here we continue on a flat and scenic country road to Hoi An. The town was known as Faifo to early western traders and was one of Southeast Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an important point of call for Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese traders, with the architecture reflecting its cosmopolitan past. Hoi An retains the feel of its past with over 844 structures of historical significance, so there is a lot to see.
Cycling Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Hoi An to My Son to Hoi An
Today we cycle along small village roads to My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham civilisation. This is arguably one of the best rides of the trip, cycling on scenic country backroads past paddy fields and many secluded villages far off the tourist track. Eventually you'll arrive at My Son, once Champa’s greatest city. Although many of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, there is still enough of the archaeological site left to impress most visitors. After lunch you spend the afternoon visiting the site before transferring by bus back to Hoi An. Dinner tonight is not included so you may like to sample the delicious Vietnamese food in Hoi An's markets.
Cycling Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Hoi An to Quang Ngai
This morning it's a pleasant ride from Hoi An to Tam Thanh for some time at the beach and to have lunch. Then it's a transfer to My Lai for the afternoon, which includes a climb to an old temple to visit the memorial and museum. After a guided tour to learn about this site - one of the worst massacres of the American War, you'll transfer to the hotel.
Cycling Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Quang Ngai
Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon
It will be an early start for today's journey to Quy Nhon, the capital of Binh Dinh province and an American port and supply centre during the Vietnam War. It was also a refuge for thousands of Vietnamese fleeing the vicious bombing of the countryside. After a 2.5 hour transfer out of town, you'll hop on your bikes and cycle toward Quy Nhon. Today’s scenic ride is a real treat on rolling coastal roads through rice paddy fields, salt flats, fishing villages and mountainous areas. The day ends with a short transfer to the hotel.
Cycling Distance: 70km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon to Tuy Hoa
After transferring to Dieu Tri to avoid the main highway, you'll start cycling along a remote but well-surfaced road running alongside a railway line. The terrain is gently rolling and there are beautiful views of the highland foothills as you pass a mix of tribal and Viet villages. It's likely that potbellied pigs and barefoot children will trot across your trail. Soon, the route loops back to the main highway, finishing with a small climb and then a descent. The day ends with a one hour transfer to Tuy Hoa, one of the most rural regions in Vietnam.
Cycling Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Tuy Hoa
Tuy Hoa to Whale Island
Today is the last cycling day and perhaps the most memorable. The ride starts from the hotel and after 20 km the scenery becomes very beautiful, with looming mountains and a network of lush rice paddies across the valley. Prepare for a brutal hill as you cycle to scenic Vung Ro Bay and then up the challenging Ca Pass where the last 3 km has a 10% gradient. Then make your way to Dai Lanh Beach for a rest and maybe a swim before transferring to Dam Mon (or ride depending on the traffic). The scenery here is like a moonscape and unlike anything else seen on the tour. You'll then swap your bikes for boats and head to Whale Island for a well-deserved rest. Its only a 10 minute trip to the island where you'll stay in a secluded resort for two nights.
Cycling Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Whale Island Resort
Whale Island Rest Day
It's a free day on Whale Island where you can relax at the beach or perhaps go snorkeling or scuba diving. In the evening everyone will get together for a farewell dinner.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Whale Island Resort
Whale Island to Nha Trang
This morning you'll be transferred back to the mainland and then on to Nha Trang for those who have onward connections. Or maybe you would like to extend your stay on Whale Island or in Nha Trang?
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- Accommodation: 9 nights in mostly 3-4 star hotels (Single room surcharge)
- Meals as listed
- Support vehicle
- Experienced English speaking guide(s)
- Bottled water while riding
- Snacks & drinks while riding
- International & domestic flights
- Airport pick up
- Airport drop off
- Bike Hire
- Visa fees
- Drinks (except water while cycling)
- Tips for crew
This trip incorporates some challenging climbs (some with numerous switchbacks) and long distances. Riders will need cycling experience and technical expertise.
Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 2 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
OVERSEAS JURISDICTION AND TERMS
For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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