This review is written in the context of being a regular cyclist and having cycled with Exodus “Coast to Coast India” and “Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama”.
This trip definitely ranks third in that list. Vietnam is a long, thin country, with 1000+ miles from HCM to Hanoi – it is unclear on what basis the 320 cycling miles on this trip were chosen. Many days the routes are long and featureless, the riding punctuated by aggressive air horns from passing lorries. Some days felt like cycling for cycling sake – starting at a random point out of town, and finishing somewhere equally random.
Long periods on the bus.
That said the segments of cycling along quiet backroads, through traditional fishing villages etc was delightful.
Days are full on – early breakfast and start and late arrivals into destinations leaving very limited chance to appreciate the towns and facilities.
The stops at Whale Island, Hoi An were a welcome relief. The trip to Ha Long Bay at the end was superb.
Cycling Holidays in South Africa
South Africa Cycling Holidays
Top 5 Experiences on Cycling Tours in South Africa
Cable Car Ride up Table Mountain: Looming over the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the most famous mountains in the world, known for its unusual flat top. The summit lies at just over 1,000 metres but the views over the city, coast and the surrounding landscapes are phenomenal. Riding the cable car to the plateau is a smooth journey that lets you soak up 360-degree panoramas incorporating the Lion’s head on one side and city skyscrapers on the other.
Cycling Along the Franschhoek Pass: Located between the Wemmershoek Mountains and the Franschhoek Valley, the Franschhoek Pass snakes along the north of the Franschhoek Mountains to almost 2,500ft. Also known as Lambrechts Road, the pass is a favourite with avid cyclists owing to the extraordinary mountain views that reach across valleys and gorges. There are also switchbacks and corners along the route that add to the thrill of the ride and returning along the Villiersdorp side introduces you to some of the most beautiful scenery when cycling South Africa.
Cape Peninsula Ride: Incorporating some of the most beautiful views in South Africa, the Cape Peninsula is a stunning route for cycling. Ride through the Cape Point Nature Reserve which lies at the tip of the peninsula and along the picturesque coastal road where vistas seem to stretch on forever. At Cape Point, you’ll have the opportunity to spot local wildlife and a wide variety of flora. Keep your eyes peeled for whales as they swim through the waters in search of fish.
Cycling the Drakensburg: There are few greater adventures than cycling through the spectacular mountain scenery of Drakensburg. The area is famous for both its hiking and cycling routes that steer you between dramatic rock formations where you can see ancient rock art created by the indigenous San people. The area is also home to abandoned gold mines, wildlife-rich forests and cascading waterfalls. At every twist and turn through the mountainous landscapes, a new and wildly beautiful vision unfolds.
Game Drive in Kruger National Park: As well as giving you a well-earned break from the saddle, a game drive through Kruger National Park is filled with thrilling wildlife experiences. Begin your adventure early in the morning to increase your chances of spotting some of the world’s most revered animals as you go in search of South Africa’s famous Big Five: the elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. Hiding in the mountains, forests and plains are hundreds more species of mammals and birds that live among the staggering 2 million hectares of national park.
Keith Sexton Cycling Vietnam
Tracy Meakin Petra & Wadi Rum by BikeThis was the most amazing trip. Well organised from the moment we landed in Amman. The wonderful sites we saw were enhanced by the fantastic cycle routes we took. The cycling was as described – so in the main downhill through beautiful rural countryside. The roads very very good and the support team exceptional. There were a couple of really steep climbs in parts which i struggled with especially in the heat so I took the support option and out my bike on the back of the truck and rejoined the tour at the top. The sights we saw en route would!not have been possible if we had been on a bus. The hotel s were good quality. We would thoroughly recommend the trip
Tracy Meakin Petra & Wadi Rum by BikeThis was the most amazing trip. Well organised from the moment we landed in Amman. The wonderful sites we saw were enhanced by the fantastic cycle routes we took. The cycling was as described – so in the main downhill through beautiful rural countryside. The roads very very good and the support team exceptional. There were a couple of really steep climbs in parts which i struggled with especially in the heat so I took the support option and out my bike on the back of the truck and rejoined the tour at the top. The sights we saw en route would!not have been possible if we had been on a bus. The hotel s were good quality. We would thoroughly recommend the trip
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