Explore Vietnam by Bike and Boat: A Journey from North to South

There are some holidays that go beyond travel, they feel like a story unfolding day by day. Cycling through Vietnam while travelling by boat is one of those rare journeys. From misty rice fields in the north to bustling floating markets in the south, this adventure blends activity, culture, and relaxation in a way that feels truly magical.

The Explore Vietnam: Bike and Boat from North to South holiday with Pedal Ventures is a 15-day experience that takes you through the heart of Vietnam. By day, you’ll pedal quiet backroads and winding paths through landscapes that feel unchanged for centuries. By night, you’ll rest in comfortable hotels or drift off to sleep aboard a stylish riverboat.

Here’s what makes this journey so unforgettable.

A Story That Begins in the North

Your adventure starts in Hanoi, Vietnam’s atmospheric capital. Narrow streets buzz with scooters, markets spill out onto pavements, and the scent of street food lingers in the air. It’s here you’ll experience your first taste of Vietnamese culture, from water-puppet theatre to traditional cuisine.

But the real magic begins when you leave the city behind. In Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” you’ll cycle through rice paddies, limestone karsts, and ancient temples. Imagine pedalling past water buffalo while farmers work the fields, then gliding through Tam Coc’s caves on a traditional rowboat at sunset.

Then comes one of the highlights of the trip: cruising through the world-famous Ha Long Bay. Here, emerald waters are dotted with towering limestone islands. You’ll kayak into hidden lagoons, cycle on Cát Bà Island, and feel the thrill of discovering remote fishing villages and forested trails before returning to your floating hotel.

Cycling Through Central Vietnam’s Cultural Heart

The middle of the journey takes you to Hội An, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its lantern-lit streets and riverside charm. Days here are spent cycling to vegetable villages, learning to cook Vietnamese dishes, or simply strolling along golden beaches. Evenings bring colourful markets and the romance of lanterns reflecting in the water.

From Hội An, you’ll face one of Vietnam’s most famous cycling challenges—the Hải Vân Pass. Known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” it offers dramatic coastal views that will stay etched in your memory. Don’t worry if the climb feels daunting, there’s always the option to ride partway and continue by bus. The reward at the top is breathtaking.

In Huế, the former imperial capital, you’ll explore the historic citadel and cycle through peaceful countryside filled with temples, shrines, and rice paddies. It’s a journey that blends history, culture, and nature in perfect harmony.

The Magic of the Mekong Delta

Flying south, the adventure continues in the lush, tropical maze of the Mekong Delta. This is a world of waterways, coconut palms, and fertile islands where life flows with the river. Cycling here is pure joy, flat, scenic routes lined with fruit orchards and fishing villages.

Each day brings new discoveries: vibrant markets, temples hidden among rice fields, and the chance to taste exotic fruits straight from the tree. By night, you’ll return to your boat, where dinner is served as the river drifts by.

The highlight? Visiting Cần Thơ’s floating market, where traders in wooden boats sell their goods directly on the water. It’s a living snapshot of Vietnam’s river culture, bursting with colour, sound, and energy.

A Journey’s End in Ho Chi Minh City

Your final days are spent in Ho Chi Minh City, a place where old and new collide. French colonial architecture stands beside glass skyscrapers, while food stalls and modern cafes line the busy streets. A guided city tour reveals its layered history—from the Reunification Palace to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the bustling Bến Thành Market.

It’s the perfect conclusion to a journey that’s taken you from tranquil northern valleys to the lively energy of the south.

Why Bike and Boat in Vietnam?

This isn’t just a cycling holiday. It’s a way to experience Vietnam at eye level, moving slowly enough to see the details—a farmer tending rice, children waving from a doorway, the glow of lanterns on water at night.

The combination of cycling and cruising means you cover more ground without sacrificing comfort. You unpack just once on the boat, enjoy fresh meals prepared on board, and let the landscapes come to you. Each day blends activity, culture, and relaxation, making it accessible to riders of all levels.

The Pedal Ventures Touch

With Pedal Ventures, everything is taken care of: your bike, your luggage transfers, your hotels, and your guides. All you need to do is turn the pedals, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride.

This trip is rated as leisurely, ideal if you want to explore without worrying about steep climbs or long days in the saddle. And with e-bikes available, it’s even easier to enjoy Vietnam’s landscapes at your own pace.

Final Thoughts: Vietnam, From North to South

Few holidays can match the richness of this journey. From Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers to the lanterns of Hội An, from the Hải Vân Pass’s panoramic views to the floating markets of the Mekong, every day feels like a new chapter in Vietnam’s story.

A bike and boat holiday through Vietnam isn’t just about cycling—it’s about slowing down, embracing the rhythm of the land and water, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Are you ready to explore Vietnam by bike and boat? With Pedal Ventures, the adventure of a lifetime awaits.