Best Places For Cycling In Vietnam
By Custom Vietnam Travel | Updated 1/5/2019
Vietnam is well-known for its diverse nature, ranging from vast rice paddies to long coastline of mesmerizing beaches and enormous mountains after mountains. But what makes biking adventure in this country possible and interesting is the dense network of roads that can get tourists anywhere they wish, be it remote or central. Cycling’s more sedate pace brings you up close and personal with the locals allowing you to glimpse their culture in a way that simply isn't possible with more impatient means of transportation.
Vietnam is a country synonymous with jaw-dropping beauty and stunning diversity. There are glorious beaches, rugged mountains, never-ending rice paddies and the infamous Mekong River Delta waterways just waiting to be discovered on two-wheels. For history buffs, the country’s devastating past is on display throughout the country, while the world-famous coastal archipelago of Halong Bay is must-see. Round each day off with the friendly locals – an authentic highlight of any trip to Vietnam
Prime cycling time is in the spring and autumn months but any visit between March and September will ensure a wonderful time with warm weather. During this time there are a number of festivals to revel in, with the celebration of National day (September 2) a particular highlight; this commemorates the declaration of independence from France and wild street parties are held countrywide. With so much to dive wheel and helmet first into, this gorgeous country really is heaven for cyclists, but where are the best places to cycle in Vietnam? Let’s follow us, to explore all of the best destinations for cycling today.
1. Mekong Delta
A stupendous maze of rivers with floating markets, pagodas, green luscious countryside, and cute little streets make this a dream to ride. Known as the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, foodies will lick their lips as they pedal along with fertile lands that produce stunning tasty fruits, vegetables and, of course, rice. A true feast for the eyes and the belly, it is little wonder this glorious region of Vietnam is considered of the most bike-friendly locations in the world.
2. Hoi An
A beautiful and historic city befitting of its UNESCO World Heritage Status that is superb for a casual ride around, but pedal a little further out to uncover the wonderful countryside and a real slice of Vietnam. Wake up early to bask in the city’s charms then pedal out into the sweeping countryside to meet the locals who make this place tick. Witness their traditional customs such as weaving, boat building and rice wine making continuing to ride past gorgeous bamboo houses and never-ending rice paddies.
3. Cuc Phuong National Park
Get out to some crowded places to explore the most beautiful nature in Vietnam, you can not miss this place, it is located in the north of Vietnam, just 40km away from Ninh Binh city. It is Vietnam’s largest national park and one of the most important biodiversity sites in the country, also home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The park can be visited from Hanoi as a day trip or visitors can stay at the park’s lodgings for a longer stay. Visiting the park is a terrific opportunity to get a close look at Vietnam’s nature. Furthermore, as far as I know, that the best way to explore the park is by bicycle that it is a great deal of fun to cycle through the hilly road.
4. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in Northern Vietnam. This nature reserve is situated in Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc districts of Thanh Hoa Province, North Central Coast region of Vietnam. Moreover, it is located along two parallel mountain ridges, that run from north-west to south-east and are divided by a central valley, which contains several human settlements and a large agricultural land area, therefore, is not included within the nature reserve. One interesting thing that Pu Luong is endowed with great biodiversity, its flora and fauna are closely associated with the Cuc Phuong National Park 25 km South-east and 160 km away from Hanoi, nearly around 4 hours driving by car from Hanoi.
5. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a rural & peaceful province in the south of Hanoi. It is quite easy to reach Ninh Binh in 2-hour transfer by roads or by rails. Ninh Binh is naturally bestowed with beautiful landscapes of Limestone Mountains, mysteriously-hidden caves & tropical rain forests. Trips to Ninh Binh are great to explore those natural landscapes, historical sites and religious worshipping places with scenic boat rides, beautiful trekking routes & healthy biking adventures.
