For casual cycling, destinations like Dalat, Hoi An, Hue and Phu Quoc are easy to get around and fun to explore, and renting a bicycle for a day or two is a popular option.

For longer cycling trips or treks, some of the best destinations are:

Mai Chau – Less than a day trip from Hanoi, this is a popular area for cycling and trekking trips, which can include overnight home-stays in the stilt houses

Sapa – Requiring an overnight train from Hanoi, Sapa is a beautiful mountain destination with visits to colorful ethnic tribes and markets, as wells as treks to the highest peak in Vietnam, Mount Fansipan

Mekong Delta – While the initial road from HCMC is best done by car, there is beautiful trekking and cycling further into the delta area, which can be combined both with homestays, as well as short boat trips along the river

Dalat – With cooler weather and a mountainous location, Dalat is one of the most popular destinations in the south for several outdoor adventure activities, including trekking or cycling around the area or to visit the nearby ethic minorities

For all of these trips, while you can do it on your own, it is recommended to use a tour operator to ensure that you have top-quality equipment, as well as a guide to help you find your way, arrange meals and accommodation, and smooth over language issues in remote areas.

In addition, for those who really want to see the country and have more time, it is also possible to do cycling trips, either with a tour or independently, across much of the country, along the Ho Chi Minh trail from North to South or South to North.