vietnam bike tour 22

Mekong Delta Luxury Bike Tour

Enjoy the best of Mekong on this spectacular winding ride through the rural landscape of the Mekong Delta. Life here is brimming with the fulness of fish farming, coconut plantations, lush paddy fields, and the tranquility of rural delta life.

The terrain is absolutely flat and we get to share interior narrow trails with local people either riding typical french bikes or 2-wheelers, criss-cross the rivers in local ferries, and ride over a multitude of bridges. The amazing stops along the way such as the coconut candy factory, and anecdotes shared by our local guide only complement the ride further. The region here is the epitome of slow life and the only way to experience this is on your bike!

Start

Saigon

Finish

Saigon | 16:00hrs

Lodging

premiere

Level

easy

Avg. dist. cycled

45km or 27mi

Cycling Days

3

Fly-In

SGN

Fly-Out

SGN

Highlights

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Mekong Delta

Ride through the interior trails of Mekong Delta and live the life around it.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacepremiere Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1SaigonHotel Des ArtsD
DAY 2Cai BeMekong Riverside Boutique ResortB,L,D 40km / 24micycling
DAY 3Can ThoVictoria Can ThoB,L50km / 30micycling
DAY 4 Can ThoB,L25km / 15micycling

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Saigon

The morning is free for you to explore the city. We recommend exploring on your own some of the most popular sites - Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Opera House, Continental Hotel, The Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Post Office, The War Remnants Museum, China Town (Cho Lon in Dist 5), Thien Hau Pagoda, Landmark 81 building and Jade Emperor Pagoda. It gives you an excellent introduction to the city’s history with plenty of opportunities to soak up the unique mix of chaos and tranquility that is modern-day Saigon.

Our guide meets you at your hotel at 17:00hrs for a bike fitting followed by dinner to celebrate the start of our journey on a bike.

If you intend to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City a day in advance, we recommend seizing the chance to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels—an elaborate network of underground passages that were extensively used during the Vietnam War.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Hotel Des Arts
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Day 2: Cai Be

Our guide meets you at your hotel in Saigon at 8 am.

We begin the day with a shuttle transfer of about 1 hour 20 minutes to arrive at Cai Lay, on the outskirts of Saigon. We ride for around 25 kms (15 mi) along a small creek to the Mekong estuary past gorgeous paddy fields and orchards of durian and dragon fruit. Seasonally, on the way to the Mekong Delta, we can enjoy the peaceful scenes of farmers seeding, ploughing, and harvesting the rice crop.

We arrive at Cai Be and take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong River and its tributaries to experience the daily lives of people who work and play on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. We also visit the floating market at Cai Be, and a family-run business producing rice paper – a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. We also get to see the locals make coconut candy and puffed rice.

We break for lunch on an island at a local house, set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees. There are both veg and non-veg options available at this delicious home-cooked lunch, including home-made noodles, rice pancake, sea food, and pork.

After lunch, we have another shuttle transfer of about 30 minutes. We then continue riding along the river, passing through several quiet villages, under a lush green canopy of trees. The surface is about 80% smooth and 10% gravel.

We end the day's biking after riding another 20 kms (12.5 mi) and hop on to a boat which takes us to our hotel in Cai Be. The boat ride to the hotel takes around 1 hour, but is well worth the wait, for a large swimming pool awaits us here.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
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Day 3: Can Tho

Today, we begin cycling from our hotel itself at 8 in the morning and ride into the heartland of the Mekong Delta. We bike along waterways and rice paddies, past pristine hamlets nestled in the orchards and coconut plantations for the initial cycling leg.

We then hop on to a ferry and through this leisurely boat ride of 30 minutes, we witness the diligent work of farmers tending to their jackfruit and mango trees in the nurseries along the route. A stop at a gasoline station along the way allows us to use washrooms to freshen up.

Along the way, we make a stop at Coco Home, a family-owned market located near Cai Be town on the Mekong River. This market specializes in crafting a variety of products from rice, which serves as the lifeblood of the region and a fundamental component of Vietnamese cuisine.

At Coco Home, we observe the production of rice paper, rice wine, puffed rice, and coconut candy. Rice paper finds its purpose as a wrap, noodle, or dumpling ingredient, among other uses. The area takes pride in rice wine, a beloved local beverage. Interestingly, the market proudly showcases bottles containing fruits, scorpions, and snakes immersed in rice wine.

We then continue biking through rice paddies and quiet villages before stopping for lunch at the home of a local family. We again have a choice of both veg and non-veg delicacies including morning glory with garlic, steamed rice, vegetable soup, red tilapia fish, and pork. Post lunch, we can relax for 20 minutes on a comfortable hammock to allow the flavors of the delicious lunch to soak in.

We again hit the road and bike for 15 kms (9 mi) before stopping to visit a Cambodian-style Khmer Buddhist pagoda. We then hop on to our shuttle and drive to our hotel, which is 30 minutes away.

Tonight, you are free to explore your own dinner options. The city center is only a 10 minutes walk from our resort, and there's a vibrant street food market in the town.

Set on the southern bank of the Hau River, Can Tho is known for its network of canals and nearby floating markets.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho
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Day 4: Can Tho

Experience early morning Cai Rang floating market on a boat ride and then cycle to Phong Dien floating market. Weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Absorb the sights of the endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconuts shredders, dock loading/unloading rice, and vibrant markets. Continue by bike on the narrow lane and loop back to the main road.

Later shuttle to Saigon for an extension here or your onward flight.

We aim to reach HCM (Saigon) by 16:00hrs and will drop you at your hotel in Saigon or the airport. It’s good to book your onward flight for 17:00hrs onwards.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 25km / 15mi
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Des Arts

Touch of artistic flair in unique and luxurious surroundings, Hôtel des Arts are the jewel of Saigon, a 5-star hotel that is simply beyond compare.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

$75/yearLearn more

Single Supplement

From US $300

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $60



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.

Bike Image

Trek Marlin 5 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Trek X-Caliber 7 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Trek EBike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Your tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Here's how to book a taxi from the airport:

Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport - SGN)

Booking Location: Taxi services are available at the airport's arrival area.

Reliable Operators: Mai Linh Taxi and Vinasun Taxi, Xanh SM are reputable companies operating in Ho Chi Minh City.

Estimated Fare: Fares from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center (District 1) typically range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND (approximately 7 to 14 USD).

Tips:

Ensure the taxi uses a meter or agree on a fixed price before departure.

Weather

South Vietnam – Saigon and Mekong Delta: South Vietnam is a year-round cycling destination because of its pleasant tropical climate. April and May can be hot, but for the rest of the year, the temperature hovers around 30°C. There is moderate rainfall from May to early November but it settles soon, leaving the weather cool and the countryside lush. November to February is the best time for cycling in South Vietnam with warm weather, clear blue skies, and a light ocean breeze blowing in from the Pacific.

January

Best

February

Best

March

Best

April

Best

May

Good

June

Good

July

Good

August

Good

September

Good

October

Good

November

Best

December

Best

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:

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.

Travel Insurance

It is a mandatory requirement 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 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.

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:

  1. CDC portal for travelers from the US
  2. NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
  3. 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.

  1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for Vietnam here.
  2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for Vietnam here.
  3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for Vietnam here.

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.

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