Enjoy a Bicycle Tour of Vietnam
by Dwight H. Zimpel
Why take a bicycle tour in Vietnam? A bicycle tour of Vietnam
will allow you to see the fantastic country side at your own
pace. Even if you're with a group most days are planned so that
you have an adequate amount of time to sight see. Single
travelers on bicycles are not that unusual. Self guided tours
planned by small groups are a great way to travel and a real
bargain. Take your pick - travel in with a group or solo /
organized or self guided, a well planned trip will be well worth
your time.
Bicycling in big cities can be a bit hectic, but once you get to
the rural areas you'll be glad you decided to take a bicycle
tour of Vietnam. The scenic mountains of northwest Vietnam and
the Central Highlands will give you a great sense of
satisfaction after a tough day of pedaling. A leisurely ride
(more or less) along the coast from Hue, south to Nha Trang or
even further, will expose you to some great historical and
cultural centers of Vietnam. What ever you plan calls for you'll
experience unique cultures and friendly faces though out
Vietnam. Riding a bicycle is a way of life in Vietnam. Everyone
does it. Foreigners on bicycles attract a lot of attention.
You'll meet friendly and curious Vietnamese, especially if
you're on an upscale mountain or touring bike. Caution: Some
roads in Vietnam will tear up a fancy road bike.
There's a style for every type of bicycle tourist. Organized
tours attract a lot of participants. Many of these tours are
fairly expensive. They provide support vehicles, meals, hotels,
domestic transportation, mountain or touring bike (if needed)
and other amenities for those on tour. Historic and cultural
sightseeing excursions may be included. These tours start at
about $1500 for 14 or 15 days. Airfare included from the west
coast US start about $3000. Shop carefully!
A self guided bicycle tour including international airfare from
the west coast of the US can be had for the same price as a
group land tour. $1000 for airfare and $25 to $30 a day for a
self guided tour can be easily worked out. Planning a trip like
this is half the fun. Find a good guide book and you're on your
way!
It is recommended that, even though inconvenient and costly, you
bring your own bike. Bike rentals for adequate equipment is $10
+ per day. Or you could buy one when you arrive. A 3 speed will
be top of the line gear wise. Locally made bikes and Chinese
imports will not hold up to the rigors ahead. Give renting or
buying a bike careful research before committing. Once you leave
home it's too late.
The support vehicle is usually a major concern for touring
bicyclists. Because there are so many bicycle riders in Vietnam
this is easily overcome. You wait by the side of the road, with
your crippled ride, for a bus or truck to the next town.
Basic equipment repairs are easy to find. Local bicycle
repairmen are very ingenious.
Your next concern will be the security of your bike - especially
if it's your own. Insist on keeping the bike in your hotel room
- Even if you have to hump in up a few flights of stairs. Things
that you think are attached to the bike will disappear. And the
hotel staff may be even tempted to take it for a spin. Locking
the bike in the hotel lobby may be deemed insulting by locals.
Additional advice:
* Ride in the cooler parts of the day and drink plenty of water.
* Bring tools and any specialized spare parts.
* Don't ride at night!
* Wear a helmet.
* Get proper insurance for your trip. Medical and evacuation
coverage is highly recommended.
* Reconfirm accuracy of maps daily with locals before you depart.
* Plan your next hotel stop. Have the phone number available and
have someone call ahead for you. The few cents you'll spend may
save some aggravation. Phone service in some remote areas may be
questionable.
* Consider the train for the Hue/Hanoi, or air for the
Danang/Hanoi, portion of your trip.
Once the operational and security concerns for your bicycle are
satisfied you're just another traveler in Vietnam.
Start planning your trip!
See you on the road.
About the author:
Dwight Zimpel, Your Vietnam Tour Guide, is a Vietnam Veteran and
has made 5 recent trips to Vietnam. I have lived in the Middle
East and traveled the world for the past 20 years. If you're
interested in taking a small-group self-guided tour of Vietnam
contact me @ http://www.yourvietnamtourguide.com