Central Vietnam Culture, Cuisine & Countryside Ride, 5 days

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and timeless beauty of Central Vietnam on this cycling trip. Glide through history on two wheels as you cycle the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An’s ancient town, a UNESCO gem where golden-hued shophouses whisper tales of silk traders and spice merchants. Venture beyond into the emerald-green countryside, where water buffalo wade through rice paddies and farmers wave from coconut-shaded paths.

Continue your journey to the regal past in Hue’s Imperial City, where crumbling citadel walls and opulent tombs echo the grandeur of Vietnam’s dynastic era. Pedal through the serene Thuy Bieu Eco-village, a hidden oasis of fragrant pomelo gardens and century-old garden houses, before drifting along the tranquil waters of Chuon Lagoon by boat. Here, the rhythm of local life unfolds as fishermen cast their nets and the sun paints the Tam Giang Lagoon system in hues of gold and violet.

This trip is a sensory voyage through culture, nature, and the warm hospitality of Vietnam’s heart.

Duration: 5 days

Interested in this trip? < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialist will reach out to you.

Itinerary

Highlights

~ Savour a Vietnamese culinary street food experience in Hoi An
~ Cycle around the well-preserved ancient town of Hoi An and the neighboring villages
~ Cycle through the central Vietnamese countryside
~ Visit the ancient historical Imperial City of Hue
~ Explore Thuy Bieu Eco-village – filled with beautiful garden houses on two wheels
~ Boat cruise around Chuon Lagoon, belonging to the Tam Giang Lagoon system

Day 1 Arrive Danang – Hoi An

Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam, where an exciting cycling journey is about to unfold.

Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, meet up with your trip facilitator and guide before the transfer to Hoi An, an ancient town that UNESCO recognised as being a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoi An used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the afternoon, start your culinary adventure with a walking street food tour in Hoi An with delicious local foods. This food tour will give you a chance to discover street food which you would not get if you were just a tourist walking around by yourself.

List of specialty dishes in Hoi An that you will taste: The best Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich, White Rose Dumplings, Fried Wonton, Bánh Bèo – Vietnamese Waterfern cake, Bánh khọt – Savoury Coconut pancake, grilled meat skewers, Mi Quang – Local Noodles, Vietnamese coffee. If you are still feeling hungry, a light dinner awaits.

Meals: Street Food Dinner

Stay: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa or similar

Day 2 Cycling around Hoi An Countryside

Cycle along the hidden passageways and the local village roads to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village. Ride in a basket boat along the water coconut river. Learn how to catch crabs and cast nets from the local fishermen and enjoy an entertaining casting net show by a fisherman.

Continue cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Villagers in this village use seaweed to fertilise the herbs, so they are organic. Visit Tra Que village with your bike, enjoying an easy ride through the beautiful rice fields and vegetable gardens. You will have a chance to interact with the locals when visiting their gardens. Lunch is hosted by a local family, where you will get a chance to try many delicacies such as “tam huu” spring roll, banh xeo, and other dishes.

Cycle back to Hoi An Ancient Town afterward for a walking tour. Hoi An served as an active trade port with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries. The streets, houses and architecture remained ‘untouched’ despite the city’s turbulent history. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Temple, and Tan Ky ancient house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Hoi An Delicacy Hotel & Spa or similar

Cycling Distance: approx. 20 – 25 KM

Day 3 Hoi An – Hue

Take the van from the hotel to Lang Co through Hai Van Pass. On top of Ocean Cloud Pass, enjoy the panoramic view of Da Nang and its surroundings.

Cycle from the beachside town of Lang Co, along Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co beachside road until An Bang fishing village, visiting An Bang Cemetery, which is called the City of Ghosts and considered to be the most luxurious and magnificent in Vietnam.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Eldora Hotel or similar

Cycling Distance: approx. 45 – 50 KM

Day 4 Cycling around Hue

Cycle from the hotel to Tu Duc Tomb, considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque and largest works of architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs. On the way, visit an incense and conical-making family to discover the daily life of local people while they are working strenuously with joy and enthusiasm.

Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Eco Village along verdant paths. The village is well-known for its immense grapefruit gardens, where its grapefruit differs from other species throughout Vietnam. Have a nice bike ride around the quiet village, and take short stops in schools, communal houses, ancient temples, and especially the garden house. Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty, with small cottages hidden in large, luxuriant gardens and long gates and fences carved from ornamental trees.

In the afternoon, cycle to the Dam Chuon (Chuon Lagoon). Chuon Lagoon belongs to a large part of the pure, peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon system. As the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, Dam Chuon covers an area of 3,000 ha. Fishermen fish with nets on small wooden sampans. You will have a chance to sit in traditional boats to get inside the daily life of local fishermen who live from generation to generation on the water, trying to pick crabs and shrimps.

Transfer back to the hotel by van.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Eldora Hotel or similar

Cycling Distance: approx. 35 – 40 KM

Day 5 Hue – Danang Airport

In the morning, visit the Imperial Citadel, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is one of the most important structures of the Nguyen Dynasty and holds memories of a powerful feudal era in Vietnam.

Stroll through the bustling Dong Ba Market – the biggest commercial center in Hue, known as the shopping paradise. You can find out everything here, as well as the perfect place to improve your bargaining skills.

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ return airport group transfer;

~ 4 nights in local 4-star accommodation;

~ 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ English-speaking cycling guide;

~ all sightseeing tours and entrance fees as per itinerary;

~ bicycle rental, helmet, repair tools and mechanic support;

~ support vehicle during cycling days 2, 3 & 4;

~ water and snacks on cycling days 2, 3 & 4.

Exclusions

~ flights to Danang, Vietnam;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ meals not mentioned within the itinerary;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip can be customised according to your preference and budget. Get in touch with us for a quote.

~ Only book your air ticket to Danang, Vietnam when you have been informed to do so.

~ Recommended Group Size: minimum 2 – 4 cyclists.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Vietnam, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Cycling
Country	Vietnam
Cycling Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	01 – January, 02 – February, 03 – March, 11 – November, 12 – December

Central Vietnam Culture, Cuisine & Countryside Ride, 5 days