Vietnam Self Guided Cycle: Mekong to Central Highlands

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel. If you are arriving on the official Day 1, this transfer is included in your trip. Your hotel is conveniently positioned for easy access to many of the city's key cultural and historical sites. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to explore the local neighbourhood on foot or visit nearby landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum or Notre-Dame Cathedral. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis where French colonial architecture, lively street life and modern development blend to create a dynamic first impression of Vietnam. At 4:00pm, a trip briefing and bike fitting will take place at the designated bike shop. Here, you’ll meet your local support team, receive your bicycle and trip materials, and be guided through essential information to help prepare for your self-guided journey. This session is an important part of your trip. If you’re unable to arrive by early afternoon on Day 1, we recommend arriving the day prior to ensure you don’t miss it. Overnight: The Odys Boutique or similar

Meals:  Nil

After an early breakfast, your journey begins with a road transfer out of the city. You’ll be collected from your hotel around 7:30am by your support driver for the approximate 90-minute drive to the edge of Long An Province, the northern gateway to the Mekong Delta. En route, you’ll stop at a local café for a short break and a traditional Vietnamese coffee, while your bike is prepared for the day ahead. Your luggage is transferred separately, allowing you to ride unencumbered. Once on the bike, the scenery quickly changes. Leaving the urban bustle behind, you’ll cycle through a patchwork of rice paddies and rural backroads flanked by expansive dragon fruit farms—some of the largest in the country. The quiet roads offer a relaxed introduction to the rhythms of rural Vietnam. In the afternoon, the route leads into Ben Tre Province, widely known as the “Coconut Kingdom” for its abundant coconut palms. You’ll follow a mix of sealed and hard-packed local roads, cross narrow bridges, and take short ferry rides across the Mekong’s network of channels and islands. In the final stretch, the ride winds along slender paths between waterways—where you may find water shimmering on both sides of your wheels. Driving: 50km / 31mi (± 1.5hrs) Cycling: Approx. 65km/40mi, +256m/840ft, -240m/787ft Overnight: Maison du Pays de Ben Tre or similar

Meals:  B

Today’s ride begins with a relaxed departure from Ben Tre, following a quiet route through lush countryside and alongside narrow canals that wind through the delta landscape. The scenery remains serene, with minimal traffic and regular glimpses of daily life in the delta—locals tending to fields, children cycling to school, and shaded roadside stalls selling fresh fruit. As you cross into Tra Vinh Province, a distinct cultural shift becomes apparent. This region is home to one of Vietnam’s largest Khmer communities, and the influence is seen in the ornate Buddhist temples, bright pagodas and detailed sculptures that dot the route. You’ll pass several traditional monasteries, often surrounded by serene palm groves and rice paddies. Tonight’s accommodation is in the heart of Tra Vinh, a tranquil town known for its strong Khmer heritage and welcoming atmosphere. After checking in, you may wish to explore the nearby streets or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy the chance to try local specialties—many of which blend Vietnamese and Khmer culinary traditions unique to this part of the Mekong. Cycling: Approx. 42km/26mi, +197m/646ft, -200m/656ft Overnight: Cuu Long Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

Today’s ride offers a deeper exploration of the Khmer cultural landscape that defines much of Tra Vinh Province. Your self-guided route leads along quiet backroads through rural villages, peaceful rice paddies and shaded lanes dotted with ornate temples and colourful monasteries. A key highlight is your visit to Ang Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered Khmer temples in the region. Believed to be over 800 years old, the pagoda is beautifully situated beside Ba Om Pond—a tranquil, lotus-filled basin surrounded by centuries-old trees. The site remains an active centre of Khmer Buddhist worship and reflects the distinct spiritual traditions and architecture of the local Khmer community. You’ll have time to explore the temple grounds, observe daily monastic life, and take in the calm atmosphere before continuing your ride through the surrounding countryside. Cycling: Approx. 59km/37mi, +147m/482ft, -140m/459ft Overnight: Suonsia Homestay or similar

Meals:  B

Today’s route leads you from the quiet rural landscapes of Tra Vinh into the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta. As you approach Can Tho—the region’s largest city and economic hub—you’ll notice the scenery gradually shift from peaceful farmland to the urban buzz of riverfront commerce, scooters, and lively street scenes. After checking in to your centrally located hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. A stroll along Ninh Kieu Quay is highly recommended. This riverside promenade is especially atmospheric in the early evening, when local families gather, food vendors set up along the boardwalk, and the adjacent night market springs to life. It’s a fitting contrast to the stillness of the delta roads and a rewarding way to round out the day. Cycling: Approx. 56km/34mi, +255m/837ft, -250m/820ft Overnight: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

After an early breakfast, you'll board a local boat for a visit to the Cai Rang floating market—one of the Mekong Delta’s most iconic and enduring trading hubs. As you cruise through the busy waterways, you'll see vendors selling fresh produce and household goods directly from their boats, continuing a way of life shaped by the region’s rivers. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the daily rhythm of commerce on the water and a memorable cultural highlight. After returning from the market, your self-guided cycling journey through the delta concludes. A private van transfer takes you back to Saigon, covering approximately 160km (100mi) over three hours. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Driving: Approx. 160km/100mi (± 3hrs) Overnight: The Odys Boutique or similar

Meals:  B

After breakfast, you'll be transferred by private vehicle from Ho Chi Minh City to the starting point of today’s ride. The drive takes approximately three hours, with your luggage transported separately to your next hotel. The day begins at Tri An Lake—a peaceful setting where calm waters and surrounding greenery provide a gentle introduction to Vietnam’s rural interior. From here, your ride follows quiet backroads through a landscape shaped by agriculture and village life. You'll pass through rubber plantations, cassava fields and small farming communities, with glimpses of daily life along the way—locals tending crops, children calling out from roadside homes, and buffalo grazing in the shade. As the ride continues, the terrain gradually begins to rise, marking the approach to the southern highlands. The final stretch includes gentle climbs through tropical forest as you reach the town of Madagui, nestled in a green valley and known for its clean air and relaxed pace. It’s a rewarding day of transition—from the flat delta lowlands to the cooler foothills of the Central Highlands. Driving: Approx. 111km/70mi (± 3hrs) Cycling: Approx. 75km/47mi, +479m/1572ft, -493m/1617ft Overnight: Madagui Forest Resort or similar

Meals:  B

Leaving behind the tropical greenery of Madagui, today’s ride takes you further into the Central Highlands as you climb gradually toward the cool hill town of Bao Loc. The elevation steadily increases, and with it, the climate shifts—replaced by crisp, refreshing mountain air and wide, sweeping views of the highland terrain. The route follows quiet country roads lined with tea bushes, fruit orchards and coffee plantations, where the rich greens of the foliage contrast beautifully with the mist-draped slopes of the highlands. The riding is peaceful, with little traffic and a steady rhythm as you wind through rural villages where locals often greet cyclists with a smile or wave. Arriving in Bao Loc, you’ll find a laid-back town known for its tea production and relaxed atmosphere. After checking in, there’s time to explore the area on foot, browse local markets, or simply enjoy a freshly brewed cup of locally grown tea as the sun sets over the hills. Cycling: Approx. 45km/28mi, +988m/3,241ft, -311m/1,020ft Overnight: Sandal Vista Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

Today’s ride unfolds at a gentler pace as you continue through the tranquil highlands of Vietnam. The route meanders past low hills blanketed with tea bushes, coffee plantations and patches of tropical vegetation, where banana trees and mist-shrouded slopes create a distinctly local landscape. Riding along quiet rural roads, you’ll share the way with farmers on their morning commute and children cycling to school, often offering a cheerful wave as you pass. With less elevation gain than previous days, there’s time to pause, take in the scenery, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of life in the highlands. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your homestay in Lam Ha—a welcoming and peaceful setting surrounded by gardens. This evening offers more than just a comfortable place to rest: you’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal and the chance to chat with your hosts, offering insight into the region’s culture and a more personal connection to the journey. Cycling: Approx. 66km/41mi, +1,239m/4,065ft, -1,116m/3,661ft Overnight: Trang Nguyên Garden House or similar

Meals:  B

Today marks the final stage of your highland journey as you ride toward Da Lat, perched at over 1,500 metres (4,900ft) in the Central Highlands. The route features a mix of steady climbs and rolling hills, offering a satisfying challenge balanced by spectacular scenery throughout. As you gain altitude, the landscape transforms once more—tropical vegetation gives way to pine forests, flower farms brighten the hillsides with bursts of colour, and expansive views stretch across the valleys below. The cooler mountain air and sweeping panoramas provide a refreshing contrast to the warmer, flatter terrain of the Mekong. Arriving into Da Lat, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” you’ll be welcomed by its temperate climate, serene lakes, colonial architecture and bustling markets. With the most demanding climbs behind you, there’s time to enjoy a sense of achievement and indulge in the local atmosphere—perhaps with a cup of highland coffee or a punnet of Da Lat’s famous strawberries. Cycling: Approx. 60km/37mi, +1,107m/3,632ft, -576m/1,890ft Overnight: TTC Da Lat or similar

Meals:  B

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day with time to explore Da Lat at your own pace. You might stroll the city’s tree-lined streets, browse the lively central market, or take in the tranquil setting of Xuan Huong Lake. If you’re in the mood for a treat, don’t miss two of Da Lat’s local favourites: fresh strawberries and creamy avocado ice cream—both regional specialties thanks to the city’s cool highland climate. Hotel check-out is at 11:30am, after which you’ll begin your transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. The drive covers approximately 330km (205mi) and takes around six hours, with an expected arrival in the early evening. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and farewell your driver—marking the end of a memorable self-guided ride through Vietnam’s contrasting landscapes, from delta lowlands to highland peaks. Driving: Approx. 330km/205mi (± 6hrs) Overnight: The Odys Boutique or similar

Meals:  B