Cycling tour: Saigon to Nha Trang 4D/3N

Discover the incredible diversity of southern Vietnam on this 4-day mountain biking adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang with Vietnam Backroads Adventures. Leaving the bustling city behind, you'll ride quiet backroads through lush countryside to Nam Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam's most important lowland rainforest reserves, home to rare wildlife and rich biodiversity. Continue climbing into the cool Central Highlands, where endless coffee and tea plantations, rolling hills, and colorful farming communities create some of the country's most scenic cycling. Spend your third night in Da Lat, the charming "City of Eternal Spring," surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and fresh mountain air. On the final day, enjoy an unforgettable descent from the highlands to the sparkling coastline of Nha Trang, where golden sandy beaches and the warm South China Sea await. From tropical rainforest and fertile mountains to coastal paradise, this tour offers an unforgettable cycling journey through Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes.

Destination

Vietnam

Starts in

Ho Chi Minh

Ends in

Nha Trang

Tour code

VCT: 4D- HCM- NHA- 2

Levels

Difficult

Duration

4D/3N

Styles

Mountain Biking

Price

USD $895.00 895.00

No of cycling days

Group size

02 - 12

Average distance per day

50 km

Age to ride

16 - 75

Average climbing

Update soon

Bike hire

$56.00

Total cycling distance

227 km

E-bike hire

$140.00

Accommodation

3 - 4 star hotels

Single supplement

$165.00

Tour inclusions

Private A/C vehicle takes up all cyclists, luggage
Truck to carry all bikes, helmets
All entrance fees and ferry tickets in countryside
3 nights, double/ twin room
B= Daily breakfast, L= 4 Lunches, D= 2 Dinner
Daily snack, cold water, soft drinks, facial tissues
Pick up at/ drop off at hotels
English speaking guide throughout the tour

Tour exclusions

Bike & E-bike hire
Personal travel insurance
Other personal expenses
Single supplement
Drinks are not included with any meal

Full Itinerary

We begin early at 7:00 AM for the smoothest journey and to avoid the morning traffic as we leave Ho Chi Minh City behind. After a scenic two-hour shuttle transfer to La Nga Bridge on the banks of the Dong Nai River, we unload our bikes and set off on today's ride. Quiet back roads lead us through lush farmland, peaceful villages, fruit orchards, avocado farms, and endless rubber plantations. Along the way, we pass a small waterfall and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside while experiencing the slower pace of rural southern Vietnam. Our ride continues along the Dong Nai River, where the landscape becomes increasingly green and tranquil as we approach the edge of Nam Cat Tien National Park.

We stop for a relaxing lunch in Ta Lai Village, a peaceful community known for its rich cultural heritage. We visit local ethnic minority communities, where you'll gain insight into the history, culture, and daily lives of the Ma, Stieng, and Tay people, who have lived in this region for generations. After lunch in the village, we the route follows quiet dirt tracks, and village trails through Ta Lai's rice paddy fields, jungle paths and riverside tracks, offering excellent opportunities to spot colorful birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. As the afternoon light filters through the towering tropical forest, we arrive at the park headquarters, check in the hotel, unwind by the pools.

Cat Tien Jungle Lodge

Lunch

Dinner

Water

Snacks

Fruits

2.5 hrs

25 - 45 km

Climb:

17 km

| Descent:

4 km

+326m

-381m

+6.80%

-5.50%

Paved - rural paths

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll transfer for about an hour to the outskirts of Madagui for today’s adventurous cycling journey to Bao Loc. Today's ride is really challenging, taking us to the cool highlands covering approximately 47km across a fascinating mix of terrain. We follow winding country roads and quiet paved lanes that gradually climb toward Vietnam’s Central Highlands, offering ever-changing scenery along the Da Oai River.

The route takes us through lush farmland, coffee and tea plantations, and peaceful countryside dotted with tiny villages. passing scenic valleys, tropical forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of the tea and coffee region. As we continue climbing, the cool highland air and rolling scenery make every effort worthwhile.

We pedal beside the tranquil Ho Ngoc Lake and through endless tea fields, fruit orchards, and plantations, with plenty of opportunities to observe the daily life of local highland farmers. From the outskirts of Bao Loc, we’ll enjoy a short transfer to our hotel, where you can relax and reflect on an amazing day of cycling through some of southern Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.

Sandals Vista Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Water

Snacks

Fruits

1.5 hrs

25 - 47 km

Climb:

21 km

| Descent:

5 km

+1185m

-546m

+14.10%

-11.00%

Paved - rural paths

Today's ride covers approximately 50 km through the fertile Central Highlands, following a scenic route of peaceful back roads, vibrant farming communities, and beautiful mountain landscapes. Leaving Bao Loc behind, we cycle past endless tea and coffee plantations, rolling hills dotted with pepper farms, fruit orchards, tranquil lakes, and colorful vegetable fields.

The route follows a mix of quiet red dirt roads, concrete lanes, and smooth asphalt, with flexible riding distances that can be adjusted to suit your preference and energy level. The highest point of today's ride is 1,085 m above sea level in 10 km, with the rest of the route featuring gentle undulating terrain, small hills, rolling terrain and the cool highland climate make for a rewarding and enjoyable day in the saddle.

Along the way, we'll pass through small villages and hillside farms, offering plenty of opportunities to observe authentic rural life and meet friendly local people. As the scenery gradually changes, the road climbs gently through pine-covered hills toward the Lang Biang Plateau.

Our cycling concludes where the route joins National Highway 20 (QL20) near a small town. From here, we transfer by air-conditioned support vehicle for approximately 1.5 hours to Da Lat, arriving in Vietnam's charming highland city, famous for its cool climate, French colonial architecture, flower gardens, and peaceful atmosphere.

Muong Thanh Dalat

Breakfast

Lunch

Water

Snacks

Fruits

1.5 hour

25- 48 km

Climb:

17 km

| Descent:

10 km

+955m

-781m

+14.30%

-15.50%

Paved - rural paths

After breakfast, set out on a scenic shuttle drives through the charming highland city of Da Lat, passing iconic landmarks such as Xuan Huong Lake, Than Tho Lake, and endless stretches of flower and vegetable greenhouses before leaving the city behind for the countryside. Arriving at Lac Duong, begin cycling through rolling hills, fragrant pine forests, and peaceful valleys hidden deep within Vietnam’s Central Highlands. The road is smooth and rewarding, winding gently through cool mountain landscapes before gradually climbing higher into the clouds.

At the summit, pause to admire sweeping views from nearly 1,700 meters above sea level, where the highlands dramatically descend toward Vietnam’s sun-drenched coastline. Khanh Le Pass is one of the most breathtaking mountain routes of the journey, renowned for its spectacular panoramas of pine-covered ridges, misty tropical rainforest valleys, and untouched wilderness. From here, enjoy an exhilarating 29 km downhill ride to Suoi Loi, where a relaxing riverside lunch awaits.

Following lunch, resume cycling to Vien Khanh, where our final ride comes to an end. From here, enjoy a 1-hour transfer to the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang. The tour concludes upon arrival.

Optional: Transfer directly to the top of Khanh Le Pass and enjoy an extended downhill ride all the way to Nha Trang.

Breakfast

Lunch

Water

Snacks

Fruits

2 hrs

25 - 85 km

Climb:

18 km

| Descent:

38 km

+1111m

-2526m

+15.20%

-14.00%

Paved - rural paths

Bike info

Trek Bike sizes: S, M, L, XL

Giant Fathom E+ 1 Pro. Range: up to 140km per charge on flat terrain, and up to 80 km on mountain roads

Ego Movement Swiss hybrid E-bikes. Range: up to 140km per charge on flat terrain, and up to 80 km on mountain roads.

Support Vehicles

A 16-seater van fits 4 passengers, luggage, and bikes

A 18-seat van carries 6 people, luggage, and bikes

A 29-seat minibus, and 1 truck to support a group of 13–18 cyclists

A 29-seat minibus, plus a van and a truck, to support a group of 13–18 cyclists

Cat Tien Jungle Lodge

Lunch

Dinner

Water

Snacks

Fruits

2.5 hrs

25 - 45 km

Climb:

17 km

| Descent:

4 km

+326m

-381m

+6.80%

-5.50%

Paved - rural paths

Sandals Vista Hotel

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Water

Snacks

Fruits

1.5 hrs

25 - 47 km

Climb:

21 km

| Descent:

5 km

+1185m

-546m

+14.10%

-11.00%

Paved - rural paths

Muong Thanh Dalat

Breakfast

Lunch

Water

Snacks

Fruits

1.5 hour

25- 48 km

Climb:

17 km

| Descent:

10 km

+955m

-781m

+14.30%

-15.50%

Paved - rural paths

Following lunch, resume cycling to Vien Khanh, where our final ride comes to an end. From here, enjoy a 1-hour transfer to the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang. The tour concludes upon arrival.

Optional: Transfer directly to the top of Khanh Le Pass and enjoy an extended downhill ride all the way to Nha Trang.

Breakfast

Lunch

Water

Snacks

Fruits

2 hrs

25 - 85 km

Climb:

18 km

| Descent:

38 km

+1111m

-2526m

+15.20%

-14.00%

Paved - rural paths

Dear Ms Hue

From Nha Trang we went to Hon Ong, where we spent three days before returning to Ho Chi Minh City and back home a week ago. In Sweden we have plenty of snow and a crisp -18 degrees celsius (see attached photos). I guess every country and climate has its own charm... Back to your question about the tour - We are very happy with our four day bicycle tour!! Phuc was a very good guide who made sure the biking and pace was up to our capacity. He made sure to stop to point out interesting things and enable us to take photos of views, coffee, tea, pepper and banana plantations. He made sure we had snacks and drink stops along the road. We got to stop and meet friendly people along the road. He took us to genuine and very good eating places and was all-over very friendly!! Hoang - our driver - was also very good. He was a skilled and very careful driver and we always felt safe with him behind the wheel. He was also very attentive and made sure we had water along the road, sheered us on and took care to wipe our eating sticks and plates when having meals. The trip was perfect for us - a mix of national park, jungle, farmland and back roads and with a one day stopover and sightseeing in Dalat. The fairly rough accommodation in Nam Cat Tien and the very good accommodation in Dalat was a good combination. We always felt very safe and we definitely had our share of adventure and sightseeing. I cannot enough express how happy we are with our biking with Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours. This was the best way to experience Vietnam!! We will sure recommend you to everyone who might be interested!! I can honestly not think of anything that could have been different - not even the rainy day we had between Dalat and Nha Trang. Kind regards..and please extend our praise to Phuc and Hoang as well! 2013

Thanks for the best 4 days we had in Vietnam!

Thanks for the best 4 days we had in Vietnam ! we loved our tour and the enthusiasm you showed whilst guiding us. There is no way we could of seen the things we seen or done the things we did if we'd been on 4 wheels or even on foot...thanks mate. P.S. can you make sure you sort the weather out in Dalat if we come back :-) Saigon to Nha Trang 4 days. 05 Sep 2011

We had such a wonderful holiday!

Just finished an amazing adventure with Vietnam Cycling Tours. Couldn’t recommend them enough for their organisation from beginning to end. We went on a 4 day tour from Saigon to Nha Trang via Dalat Our guide, Vien, was so warm and friendly and, even though the roads in Vietnam can be a bit frightening, Vien always made us feel safe. Will definitely do another tour with them! 20-23 December 2023