Cycling Vietnam’s Central Coast

Day 1: Arrive Hue

We start this tour by meeting in Hue (you can fly to Hue from Saigon or Hanoi – SpiceRoads can arrange these internal flights). Hue is the old capital of the Ngu Yen Dynasty. It is worth arriving in the morning so you have time to explore this wonderfully historic city. If arriving in time we offer a city tour by bike. Alternatively you can fly into Danang and transfer up to Hue (transfer can be arranged at an additional cost).

Day 2: Hue – Lang Co

We leave Hue and follow the coast as we pass roads shaded by coconut palms, and dunes scattered with mini mausoleums, pagodas and war memorials. We ride to Phuoc Tuong Hill and then transfer the final 40 kms to Lang Co Beach. We have lunch and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the resort and beach.

Day 3: Lang Co - Hoi An

Today is a tough start as we have Hai Van Pass to climb today, which is a 10km climb and ascends 550m. It is a gradual climb with many switchbacks and once at the top you get superb views, well worth the ride to the top. The reward is a downhill to Danang, our destination for lunch. After lunch we have a flat and very scenic ride to Hoi An. It is just a short distance to the Marble Mountains, which are an outcrop of 5 rocks said to represent the 5 elements, (Wood, Water, Metal, Fire and Earth). We then visit China Beach which was made famous by an American TV series of the same name. After a brief stop at the beach we continue down this 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 and the architecture reflects its cosmopolitan past. More than anywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of the past. There are over 844 structures of historical significance and most people spend the day wandering around and enjoying the sights and atmosphere.

Day 4: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An

Staying another night in Hoi An, we ride to out on small village roads on our way to visit My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. The ride is worth the effort in itself and is arguably one of the best of the trip. We cycle along scenic country back roads past paddy fields passing many pretty villages. Eventually we arrive at My Son, which was once Champa’s greatest city. Although many of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, there is still enough of the archaeological site to impress most visitors. We take lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the site. In the afternoon we transfer by bus back to Hoi An or we can ride. Dinner is your choice.

Day 5: Hoi An - Quang Ngai

In the morning we transfer from Hoi An to Quang Ngai (approx 2.5 hours). After we check in we ride to My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres of the American War as it is known in Vietnam. En route we will have small climb up to an old temple before we will visit the memorial and have a guided tour of the site and museum. We then continue cycling out into the Vietnamese countryside. Passing through quiet, rural villages before eventually arriving back at Highway 1 where we transfer back to hotel.

Day 6: Quang Ngai – Qui Nhon

Today we leave early for the journey to Qui Nhon, the capital city of Binh Dinh Province, an American port and supply centre during the Vietnam War and refuge for thousands of Vietnamese fleeing the vicious bombing of the countryside. We transfer 30 km out of town past the busy and dusty section of Highway 1. We turn off the main road and cycle a loop to Ba To Town, heading southwest. The road is extremely quiet and people are unaccustomed to the sight of western cyclists. Looping back to Highway 1 at Duc Pho, we then transfer the rest of the way in the afternoon to Qui Nhon. Upon arrival there may be time to visit the Leper hospital where visitors are welcome to make a small donation.

Day 7: Dieu Tri – Tuy Hoa

We transfer out of town to avoid the main highway. We start riding at Dieu Tri along a remote but well surfaced road running alongside the railway. The terrain is gently rolling, with beautiful views of the foothills of the highlands. We pass a mix of tribal and Viet villages. Ubiquitous potbellied pigs and bare foot children trot across your trail. Eventually we loop back to the main highway with a small climb and descent to finish the ride. We then transfer approx 1 hour to Tuy Hoa, one of the poorest regions in Vietnam.

Day 8: Tuy Hoa – Whale Island

Today is the last cycling day and is perhaps the most memorable. We ride from our hotel and after 20 km the riding is very beautiful, with encroaching mountains on both sides and a network of lush rice fields in the valley. We ride 4 km up over a pass and down to the stunning Dai Lanh Beach where we stop for refreshments and a swim for those who don’t mind getting their bike shorts wet! We continue riding for 3 km before turning off on the Hon Gom peninsular road that extends outwards for 20 km. The scenery here is like a moonscape and unlike anything else seen on the tour. Here, we swap bikes for boats and head to Whale Island for some well deserved R&R. The boat journey will take about 10 minutes. We stay at the secluded Whale Island resort for two nights.

Day 9: Whale Island

Today is free on Whale Island. You can take the opportunity to relax by the beach, perhaps do some snorkeling or scuba diving. We will all meet in the evening for a farewell dinner.

Day 10: Whale Island – Nha Trang

We transfer back to the mainland and then onto Nha Trang for any onward connections. Anyone who would like to stay longer on Whale Island or if you would like more time on the beach by having a few days in Nha Trang you should contact us for hotel rates (we offer all our clients the best agent rates). Alternatively for those who want to bike more in Vietnam we have a 4-day mountain bike trip in Dalat or a 5-day trip to the Mekong Delta. Please ask for our itineraries.