9 days
From US $2,195
Enthralling Coastal Vietnam Bike Tour
One of the most popular cycling routes in Vietnam is interspersed with coastal and mountain trails. Here lush countrysides, forests, and pristine beaches go hand in hand with bustling wet markets, charming old towns, and trendy young cities.
Explore temples, pagodas, and imperial citadels, visit fine old merchant houses or seek out some of the world’s best warm water beaches. Welcome to Coastal Vietnam!
Hué | 13:00hrs
Nha Trang | 16:00hrs
casual hotels
moderate
50km or 30mi
8
Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
Highlights
coastal route
A classic coastal route combined with spectacular hinterland trails
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Hué – Hue Loop | Rosaleen Boutique Hotel | D | 25km / 15mi | cycling |
| DAY 2 | Lang Co Beach | Lang Co Beach Resort | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Hoi An | River Town Hoi An | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Hoi An | River Town Hoi An | B | ||
| DAY 5 | Tam Ky | Le Dung Hotel | B,L,D | 50km / 30mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Quang Ngai | Cocoland River Beach Resort | B,L,D | 65km / 45mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Qui Nhon | L'Amor Boutique Hotel | B,L,D | 65km / 39mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Tuy Hoa | Sala Beach | B,L,D | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
| DAY 9 | Nha Trang | B,L | 70km / 42mi | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hué – Hue Loop
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Hué is your gateway to Coastal Vietnam.
Our guide meets you at your hotel at about 13:00hrs. Today take your bicycle out for a leisurely loop around the imperial town of Hué. Ride past the Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Mausoleums, and the merchant’s houses along the banks of the Perfume River and through quiet lanes with lush gardens. This is your first tryst with the Vietnamese way of life.
Day 2: Lang Co Beach
After a hearty breakfast, we head out of Hue to the coast. Begin riding off the beaten track along a picturesque, narrow peninsular road. Cross the estuary of the Perfume River and from here, ride over some low hills to the Phuoc Tuong Pass offering panoramic views of tranquil lagoon and coastline. We break for lunch by the gorgeous lagoon and continue riding towards Lang Co Beach.
Enjoy some good leisure beach time here.
Day 3: Hoi An
Today get ready to conquer the highest pass of the ride. Cycle along the Lang Co Bay and through winding paths with spectacular views of wooden fishing boats, waterfalls, mountains, and pine forests. Conquer Hai Van pass for views of this splendid bay. This rugged pass is the final section of the Truong Son Range stretching to the sea. From the pass, enjoy the breathtaking descent to the base and ride through the commercial heartland of Central Vietnam, Danang, to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4: Hoi An
The architectural beauty of Hoi An will captivate you as this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a melange of Vietnamese, European, Chinese, Japanese monuments in an unhurried, timeless setting.
Today you can plan your own day, and enjoy the enchanting Hoi An town at leisure. A paradise for shoppers, a walk through the town gives a feel of an open-air museum.
Day 5: Tam Ky
An extremely rural ride today through small villages, rice fields, and narrow paths. After reaching Tam Ky, explore the nearby sights 1000 years old Chien Dan Cham Tower or a beautiful fishing village and stunning murals of Bich Hoa Tam Thanh Village.
Day 6: Quang Ngai
A shuttle transfer for about 1hr brings us to our starting point of cycling. Follow the village road and ride past rural, rice-farming villages. Along the way, visit My Lai Massacre Memorial along the way. During the Vietnam War, a company of American soldiers brutally killed the majority of the population of My Lai. From Quang Ngai, continue riding through the forests and mountains ending at Highway 1 and then shuttle to Sa Huynh Resort for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Qui Nhon
Today bike in the tropical countryside, past tree-canopied rice farms and lush green mountains. The ride is largely flat with mountains looming in the backdrop all throughout. Stop off at a Cham tower – built by the Champa civilization who ruled the southern Vietnamese area for over a millennium up until the early 1800s. Later take a short transfer to Qui Nhon.
Day 8: Tuy Hoa
Today is a beautiful rolling route. A short transfer takes us off the highway and to the remote area where we start biking with the view of gorgeous forests and hills. The biking is through undulating terrain past beautiful villages and mountain views. After lunch, continue riding towards the main highway and then transfer to Tuy Hoa.
Day 9: Nha Trang
Another good day at the saddle. Ride past network of lush rice fields which blanket the valley. Admire the ocean view around the Vung Ro bay before meeting the pass which is a natural border between the provinces. Descend down to stunning Dai Lanh beach and take a break for a swim and lunch.
After lunch, continue riding along the coast and then turn on to the Hon Gom peninsular road for the final leg. This is our last day of riding along the Vietnamese coast and it’s a long ride. Enjoy it to the fullest.
Before arriving at Nha Trang, visit the famous Po Ngar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries and still actively used for worship.
We aim to reach Nha Trang by 16:00hrs.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $350
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $180
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.
entrance
Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
Trek Marlin 5 or similar
Included in your trip price
Timewalker or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
This tour starts at Hue. Here's more information about the airport, and how to book a taxi from the airport:
Hue (Phu Bai International Airport - HUI):
Booking Location: Taxis are available directly outside the arrival terminal.
Reliable Operators: Thanh Cong or Xanh SM Taxi are reputable companies operating in Hue.
Estimated Fare: Typically range from 200,000 to 300,000 Dong (approx 9 to 14 USD).
Tips:
- Always confirm the fare before starting the journey.
- Pre-booking a taxi through reputable services can provide peace of mind and ensure availability.
- Ride-hailing service : Grab and Xanh SM are a popular and reliable ride-sharing app operating in Vietnam, offering services in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. You can download the app to book rides conveniently.
Safety Tips:
- Always use official taxi stands and avoid unsolicited offers from drivers inside the terminal.
- Ensure the taxi has a working meter or that a fare is agreed upon before the journey begins.
- It's advisable to have small denominations of the local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for payment.
- Guests are advised to always keep their belongings close and secure, especially in crowded areas, to avoid pickpockets. If you happen to experience any loss or encounter a scam, stay calm and promptly contact your travel agent, hotel, or guide for assistance and support.
Weather
Coastal Vietnam is a narrow crescent-like coastal strip that is at times only 60 km wide. As a result, it experiences coastal weather phenomena such as high rainfall and occasional typhoons during the wet season that runs from September to December. Travelers during this season should be prepared for last-minute changes to the itinerary. The Best season to visit this region is from January to September with the average temperature hovering around 30°C.
January
Mixed
February
Best
March
Best
April
Best
May
Good
June
Good
July
Good
August
Good
September
Mixed
October
Mixed
November
Mixed
December
Mixed
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.
Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.
The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.
We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.
We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:
- CDC portal for travelers from the US
- NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
- Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.
In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.
While your tour price covers most common expenses, a few meals are not included in the itinerary. This allows you the opportunity to dine independently and explore the local cuisine at your own pace. Your guides will be happy to provide recommendations if desired. As a general guideline, you can budget approximately US $100–200 per person for additional expenditures over the course of the trip.
Tips are not included in your tour price.
As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.
This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.
However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.
It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.
In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.
When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
