Too often, Vietnam is treated as a quick stop on a whirlwind, multicountry Southeast Asia itinerary. But to truly appreciate this marvelously complex country—with its beguiling mix of ancient and cutting-edge, rural and urban—you need time to get in sync with all its varied rhythms. Touch down in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where the streets sing with sizzling seafood and Vespas weave expertly in and out of traffic. With its markets and museums, street food stalls and panoramic views, the city makes for an excellent push-off point for the rest of your journey. Six days of gently paced cycling follow, during which you’ll follow the magnificent Mekong Delta and its palm-fringed tributaries, pausing at floating markets, sinking your teeth into local dishes, and discovering time-honored traditions and crafts perfected over centuries. When you’re not on two wheels, you’ll be gliding through a submerged forest in a private boat, clocking birdlife in the wild at a wetland reserve with over 70 species, and encountering one of the country’s largest Cham communities.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and meet a war veteran to gain essential understanding of the country’s layered past
Encounter extraordinary architecture and vibrant markets in Ho Chi Minh City
Feast on local favorites including pho, fresh seafood, and bánh mì at beloved foodie spots
Spend six days cycling through less-visited regions of the Mekong Delta, with support from a specialized team the whole way
Learn about centuries-old traditions and crafts such as silk weaving
Take in the incredible bird life in the flooded forest of Tra Su Cajuput and the Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
Experience southern Vietnam’s captivating floating market
Glimpse the local of life in the largest Cham community in Vietnam (one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnicities, descended from the ancient Cham Kingdom)
Journey details
- Welcome briefing at 8 a.m. on Day 2
- Minimum age is 10 years old
- Farewell Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Day 10
- Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests
- Active elements include 18 – 25 mi (30 – 40 km) bike rides. Walking over uneven terrain is required when visiting some sites.