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Travel enthusiasts are always seeking new experiences on every trip. When you’re tired of relaxing vacations where you just sleep all day in a hotel, it’s time to try cycling tours. Cycling around can be the best way to see how beautiful nature is up close truly. Leisurely breathing in the fresh air on tree-lined roads or along the rivers of peaceful countryside leaves tourists feeling refreshed.
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Cycling brings you closer to nature than any other means of transportation. Photo: TripAdvisor
When talking about nature, Vietnam cannot be left out. Foreign tourists also come here partly because they are so fascinated by the country's beauty. Then the Vietnam cycling tour is the perfect combination of the two above. If you want to start challenging yourself with a bike tour, check out some useful tips and advice from Asia King Travel.
Cycling is a form of exercise that helps improve cardiovascular function. When you ride, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your muscles, which helps strengthen your heart and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also helps tone your muscles, improving your strength and endurance.
Cycling not only improves physical health but also benefits mental health. The feeling of freedom when cycling through new roads and exploring different lands can make you feel happy and confident. All your worries seem to disappear with the wind.
Compared to motorcycles or cars, bicycles are much cheaper. Maintenance costs are also negligible. Of course, you don't have to spend much on transportation tickets or tolls. You can use the saved money for the trip.
Bikes also are the most affordable vehicle. Photo: Delfi
Cycling for travel will give you a greater sense of independence while moving. You can go wherever you like and stop to capture your memories if you see beautiful scenery along the way. Bicycles allow you to access small, less-known roads. You can freely explore places that a bulky car cannot reach.
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Only you, the bike, and the nature. Photo: Asia King Travel
Cycling can present unexpected challenges like bad weather. Overcoming these obstacles independently fosters a sense of resilience and accomplishment.
A Vietnam bike tour is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals. Every tour mate has valuable experiences in cycling tourism. You'll create lasting friendships and memories by sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow cyclists.
Bonded with a new travel companion on a cycling adventure in Vietnam. Photo: Backroads
Like other adventure tourism, safety should always come first. A helmet is indispensable when you're behind the wheel. A quality helmet will prevent any serious injury if an accident happens.
Although the travel agency will provide helmets if you join a cycling tour, prefer to bring your helmet. Your helmet will fit your head better than a shared helmet, and there won't be any damage issues. Wearing a good helmet will give you the confidence to conquer any road on the journey.
A private helmet prevents you from hygiene and safety issues. Photo: BBB Cycling
Vietnamese roads can be busy and chaotic, especially in urban areas. Stay on the right side of the road according to the law and always give way to other vehicles. Don’t ride on expressways or large bridges. Use hand signals to indicate turns. Roads might be poorly maintained in rural areas, so be prepared for potholes and uneven surfaces. If you’re cycling in a group, stay together and keep a steady pace.
If you have experience traveling in Vietnam and have thoroughly researched your itinerary, you can completely decide on a self-guided trip. The freedom to choose your destination, schedule, and time is a well-deserved reward for your bravery.
On the contrary, choosing a guided tour would be better if you are unfamiliar with the local area or are worried about yourself in a completely different place. A guide will make sure your cycling trip is safe and full of interesting stops.
Suggested for you: Vietnam Cycling Tour 4 days: Sapa to Dien Bien Phu
Because cycling is an effective way to burn calories, when you travel by bike, it will be a long journey of energy consumption. Bring an adequate amount of water and food based on the cycling route. Avoid being hungry/thirsty, as cycling will not make you healthier but also affect your health.
You can open small party after the ride to dispel fatigue. Photo: World Expedition
Bring some easily digestible snacks like bread, fruit or energy bars to avoid stomach aches from continuous activity and to help your body focus more energy on cycling rather than digestion. Buy electrolyte-rich water to replenish the minerals you lose. Don't drink too much plain water because this will further dilute the remaining minerals in your body.
You need to consider the weather conditions of the places you are going to visit and bring appropriate clothing. Unlike cars, when cycling, the weather will directly affect the quality of your trip and your health.
Despite the cold weather, it's best to wear light clothing for ease of movement. Photo: Cyclingabout
You should usually wear loose-fitting clothes to help your body dissipate heat and sweat better. If you plan to travel in cold weather, wear a few layers of warm clothes but not too thick. Also, remember to bring a raincoat or sunglasses in case of extreme weather. Check the weather forecast before touring Central Vietnam in the summer or the Northwest region in the rainy season.
Well-planning your route is good, but be open to changes in your itinerary. Vietnam has a lot of hidden gems, from small villages to unexpected scenic spots. If locals invite you into their homes or suggest a different route, note it and don’t hesitate to try beyond your planned path. Maybe you will find a route even better than the frequently recommended ones!
Locals will help you a lot on the journey. Photo: BikeHike Adventures
Vietnamese people welcome all visitors. They even show more love to anyone like their culture. Chatting with locals is a great way to learn about their lives and culture. Show genuine interest and try to learn a few basic phrases. They will greet you with natural bright smiles and sometimes give you a local treat.
An electric-assist bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist the rider's pedaling power, increasing the bicycle's speed. The bike is often designed to be compact and lightweight despite the added motor. Riders will expend less effort to climb hills and travel long distances. Electric-assist bicycles are suitable for female tourists or people with less physical strength.
It can run as fast as a motorbike. Photo: ADO
Mountain bikes are specially designed for traversing rugged terrain. With this type of bike, travelers can more easily navigate rough roads. The bike must be made of strong materials to withstand impacts. Therefore, the bike is relatively heavy and has large wheels. So it is suitable for experienced customers with good physical fitness.
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A bike allows you to pass through rough terrains. Photo: Vietnam Mountain Bike Marathon
Road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on paved roads. They are lightweight to achieve high speeds on straight roads. However, they are not suitable for rough terrain. The thin and small tires make them prone to slipping and falling.
A speed optimized vehicle, but safety measures are necessary. Photo: VeloVietnam
You should notice and remember these tips for a safe and unforgettable cycling tour in Vietnam. We hope this article will inspire you to get on a bike for a long ride. Asia King Travel is here to help you plan the perfect cycling trip.
Suggested for you: Vietnam Cycling Tour 4 days: Hoian & Hue
