Since 2010, Vietnam Backroads has been pioneering cycling trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands. Over the years, our team has successfully organized numerous memorable journeys for international travelers. We continuously refine our routes, seeking out more authentic rural experiences and uncovering the hidden charms of the Mekong Delta to enrich every itinerary.
Traveling with us on a cycling adventure from Saigon to Phu Quoc Island offers a unique way to explore the true essence of the Mekong Delta, combined with relaxing beach escapes.
Ha Tien, a small coastal town in southwestern Vietnam, lies within the Mekong Delta just 8 km from the Xa Xia international border crossing to Cambodia. This quiet town features a ferry terminal with high-quality speedboats connecting travelers to Phu Quoc Islands.
Many visitors journey through the Mekong Delta by bicycle or bus, crossing into Cambodia via the Xa Xia border gate, or heading to Phu Quoc by speedboat from Ha Tien. Some choose to spend a few days unwinding on Phu Quoc before returning to Ha Tien and continuing onward to Cambodia.
Cycling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island is truly an unforgettable way to experience Vietnam’s landscapes, culture, and coastal beauty.
Giant Fathom E+ 1 Pro. Range: up to 140km per charge on flat terrain, and up to 80 km on mountain roads
Long trip: Mekong Delta to central provices
Good quality Suntour XCR fork, 120mm travel
Shimano Alivio groupset 1 x 9s,
Yamaha E-Bike Mid-Drive Motor
Topeak handlebar bags
Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes
Ego Movement Swiss hybrid E-bikes. Range: up to 140km per charge on flat terrain, and up to 80 km on mountain roads.
Long trip: Mekong Delta to central provices
Range: up to 140km on flat terrain, & 80 km on mountain roads for a single charge
Bafang M500 mid drive motor
Shimano Deore M6000 groupset 1 x 10s
Soft spring post
Handlebar bags
Front Suntour XCR suspension 100mm travel
MTB large platform pedals- sealed bearings
Sealed bearing boost hubset
Support Vehicles
A 16-seater van fits 4 passengers, luggage, and bikes
All bikes are loaded at the rear of the van
All luggage is stored in the 3rd row of seats
2- 4 people are sitting in the front two rows
A 18-seat van carries 6 people, luggage, and bikes
All bikes are loaded at the rear of the van
All luggage is stored in the 4rd row of seats
05 to 06 people are sitting in the front three rows
A 29-seat minibus, and 1 truck to support a group of 13–18 cyclists
Takes up a group of 08 to 12 pax
All luggage goes underneath
Truck to carry all bikes, helmets, toolkits
A 29-seat minibus, plus a van and a truck, to support a group of 13–18 cyclists
A 29-seat minibus shares passengers with the van
A 16-seat van shares passengers with the minibus
Truck to carry all bikes, helmets, and toolkits
Full Itinerary
Day
1:
Saigon- CaiBe- CanTho
25 - 35 km
Escape the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you journey to Tien Giang, the gateway to Vietnam’s enchanting Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Cai Lay, we begin a leisurely two-hour cycling adventure along narrow, shaded country lanes lined with lush tropical fruit orchards. Pedal through peaceful hamlets, cross small waterways, and visit a beautifully preserved ancient house in Cai Be.
After lunch, the ride continues as we explore the authentic rhythms of local life on An Binh Island. The island is vibrant with Mekong Delta activity: sampans piled high with fresh fruit glide toward bustling riverside markets, wooden cargo boats cruise along the Dong Phu Canal, and public ferries shuttle residents between the island and the mainland. We then board a local ferry to Vinh Long, where our support vehicle awaits for the onward transfer to Can Tho.
Charmant Suites Can Tho
Lunch
Water
Snacks
Fruits
3 hrs
25 - 35 km
Flat - rural paths
Day
2:
Can Tho- Floating Market- Chau Doc
25 - 35 km
This morning, we rise early for an authentic glimpse into life on the Mekong Delta as we board a local boat to explore the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market. Here, countless small boats display their goods by tying produce and merchandise to tall poles, allowing buyers to spot what’s for sale from afar — a fascinating tradition unique to the region.
We then hop back on our bikes and continue along narrow countryside lanes, discovering the hidden backwaters and peaceful villages of Phong Dien and Thoi Lai. After a delicious local lunch, we transfer by vehicle for approximately three hours to Chau Doc. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and unwind with a relaxing evening by the pool.
Sam Mountain Resort
Breakfast
Lunch
Water
Snacks
Fruits
3 hrs
1 hour
25 - 35 km
Flat - rural paths
Day
3:
Tra Su forest- Ba Chuc Killing Field- Ha Tien
25 - 55 km
After a hearty breakfast, a short transfer brings you to a rural hamlet near Sam Mountain. From there, begin a scenic ride to Tra Su Forest, a renowned bird sanctuary. The route winds through palm groves, Khmer villages, and vibrant Buddhist pagodas, then stretches across rice paddies and lotus fields—making for a truly delightful journey.
At Tra Su, enjoy a peaceful motorboat ride through the flooded forest while learning about its rich wetland ecosystem. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including storks, egrets, cormorants, peafowl, and water cocks. You’ll also take a traditional sampan deeper into quieter areas where birds nest. During the breeding season, you may spot many chicks in their nests. (Motorboats can be noisy and may startle birds, which is why the sampan offers a calmer experience.)
Continue cycling along gentle, rolling country roads to Ba Chuc, where your guide will share the history of the tragic events that took place there in 1978. After lunch, visit a local memorial before transferring to a rural market near the Cambodia border.
In the afternoon, resume cycling along peaceful border paths toward Ha Tien, concluding a day rich in scenery, culture, and history.
Ha Tien Xua Hotel & Resort
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Water
Snacks
Fruits
1 hour
1 hour
25 - 55 km
Flat - rural paths
Day
4:
A speed boat to Phu Quoc Islands
After breakfast at your hotel, a well-organized transfer by Vietnam Backroads will take you to Supdong boat station. Boarding begins at 9:30 AM for a high-speed boat journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to Bai Vong Dock on Phu Quoc Islands.
There are three daily departures to Phu Quoc: two in the morning at 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM, and one in the afternoon at 1:30 PM. You may choose the departure time that best suits your schedule. This marks the end of our services. The Vietnam Backroads team will return to Saigon with the vehicle.
Note: If you have arranged your own accommodation in Phu Quoc, please contact your hotel or resort in advance to organize a pick-up from Bai Vong Dock. Alternatively, taxis are available at the dock for your transfer. This service is not included in the package.
Hello Mr. Phuc, Sorry for the delay in replying. The entire bike trip was fantastic. We all agreed that Mr. T did an unbelievable job. Everything was very well organized and all the lunch and coffee stops were perfect. The scenery was amazing as were the E bikes. If we had any negative comment it would be that the food at the last Victoria hotel could have been better however, all in all, we all thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. Thank you very much for all your patience and assistance. 16 - 19 January 2026.
I am back at my office desk now - sadly my holiday in Vietnam is over. I enjoyed it very much, though - and also enjoyed the bike trip through the Mekong Delta very much. Hung was a very good replacement for you - at least I can say we had lots of fun with him and he really showed us around the back roads. Everything was perfectly arranged, we were felt well, the hotels were all right - we loved the trip. 05 Dec 2011
This was a fantastic trip professional organized accommodating and fun. We strongly recommend this to anyone considering a bike trip. Thank you for the amazing time! 07 - 08 - 09 - 10 Feb 2012
The restaurants were fantastic! Great food and refreshment. The guides were so nice and funny, they make everything very easy. We will recommend your tour to friends. The routes were amazing. Everything was fascinating. I love my ride. 07 - 08 - 09 - 10 Feb 2012
We took a private tour taking us from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc island. The first day took us from HCMC to Can Tho with +/- 45km of biking between Cai Lay and Vinh Long, along small roads through countryside villages and including two ferries. Basic lunch in a homestay. Luxurious but soulless overnight at Muong Thanh hotel. The second day started with a visit of Can Tho Cai Rong Floating Market by boat, followed by +/- 30 km of biking along small channels and rice fields to Thoi Lai (+/- 10°05'16.0"N 105°35'23.4"E). Basic lunch in a homestay. We continued by car to Chau Doc, visiting Bang Lang Stork Farm along the way. Very luxurious overnight at Victoria Nui Sam Lodge, on a hill overlooking the rice fields. Following day started with a boat tour past the Chau Doc fish farms and to the Cham muslim village (Đa Phước, 10°43'28.9"N 105°07'28.1"E). Then biking past lots of rice fields to the Tra Su nature reserve which we visited by boat. Lunch in a basic restaurant. Then by car to the Ba Chuc memorial, passing through Khmer-villages. Finally, further by car to Ha Tien with overnight at the River Hotel. The following morning, Vietnam Backroads agency arranged our taxi to the port as well as the hydrofoil tickets to Phu Quoc. Reasons for giving four stars : - The excellent way in which Kieu Lam from the agency communicated with us before the tour ; she was helpful, patient and flexible with our requests and planned this tour according to what we thought was important to see along the way. - Our excellent guide Cong. He took us along very nice paths, was always concerned about our safety and gave his explanations in good English. He never pushed us into buying things in souvenir stalls etc. (he rather bought some small stuff for us :-)) - Our excellent driver Loc who was always helpful with loading and unloading bikes, luggage,... driving in a really safe way (compared to most other Vietnamese drivers) and remaining remarkably calm even when chased by big honking buses driven by madmen. - The good quality of the hotels and dinners. - The beautiful landscapes and friendly people of Mekongdelta. Upon passing through small villages, everyone would shout "hello" at us, sometimes children would even run along for a bit. - The good quality of the bikes (helmet provided) So why not giving five stars ? - Price of this tour was really very high compared to the usual cost of travel in Vietnam. - Lunch locations/settings were rather basic. Unless you are on a tight budget, I can 200% recommend this agency. 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 Nov 2018
Karen - Very interesting. A good mix of biking and visiting interesting places. Cong was evry flexible when my daughter got sick and changed our plans. Love trying new food, fruits, and the tours like floating market + stork pall. I would be good to know the day plan a bit more. like how for to ride, what will lunch be, how long in the bus. But everything else is wonderful. Grant Dempsey - Great way to see feel and taste rural Vietnam. Having a guide to explain various points of interest, communicate with locals and another food make the trip enjoyable and stress free. The various stop at tourist attractions are a great value and very informative. 02 - 03 - 04 - 05 Mar 2019
George - All very well done. Dat was great. Although the English of the questionare could be improved. We will repeatedly late and still eotred for and not met at all with a negative attitude. Thoroughly enjoyable. Finnian - Our Tour guide Mr Dat was a fantastic guide, who know his English, history and knowledge every well. Very nice man and he was and very generous and hospitable. Love Vietnam and cycling is the best way to see it. 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 Feb 2019
This was a great trip. We had a private booking for us - Mum and Dad and our kids 20yr and 16 yrs. We cycled 3 days. Day 1 was a slow start due a mix up with hotel pick up (my fault) so we did about 30 easy km. We drove out of HCM for about 2 hours before beginning. The cycling was mostly on concrete paths beside rivers and canals with small houses backing onto it. Although outside the main city it did not feel rural as we were beside houses the whole way - but it was interesting.Lots of stops on day 1 for drinks, to sample fruits and sugar cane drinks etc. We were delivered to a better than anticipated 5 star hotel on day 1. Our guide not only cycled with us but also collected us for dinner. We were keen to eat local so he sourced the restaurants and order for us - which really added to the experience. Day 2: it became clear that Cong our guide would really taylor the mix of cycling - sight seeing- pace to whatever we wanted. On day 2 we decided to cycle 50km in the morning and finish up by lunch as the forecast was for a hot afternoon. We started the morning with sightseeing at the floating markets - really good and a visit to local textile weavers. Cycled through lots of countryside and beautiful surprises like arriving at a school just on pick up time to watch the throng of motorbike pick ups for the school children and a hundred "hellos" form the kids who rarely have westerners in that area. A really special treat was a watermelon stop at Cong's grandparents home for a break. Day 3 my daughter was sick and again the flexibility of our guide was great. He re- arranged the day to have us taken to the Crane wetlands while the boys cycled there to meet us. We still enjoyed the boat ride through the wetlands and then opted for the van transfer to the final hotel. Similar to the review below there were many outstanding factors - great organisation and communication pre trip - flexible schedule and pace and length of cycling to suit. - nice bikes - good support vehicles. - good or very decent hotels - local food with a local guide to order and help us enjoy it. - great arrangements for sightseeing -our boats were aways waiting for us, everything was paid for and great commentary as we went. What could be better The daily plan was sometimes a little hard to elicit from Cong. This might be a language barrier. It would have been good to have a rough idea like "we are starting here, taking a break here, stopping to see this and then aiming for lunch at 1pm....." Even when we asked information was a little vague - but perhaps that's because things are flexible. The cycling was good. It was just right for us and I would label this as a sight seeing experience on bikes - not hard core cycling. But that was just what we wanted. It provided a unique way to get a glimpse beyond the standard tourist areas and we liked that. However it was not very rural. I had thought it would be more out in the countryside - but really we were mostly on canal paths with rural housing beside us and orcahrds fields behind the houses. That was OK 0 but different to what I had expected. However the attractions to sightsee were more that I expected - so I guess that balances. Sight seeing included the floating markets, textile weavers, fish farms, temples, rice factory, coconut candy, Crane wetlands and Memorials. There was more time in the Van than we expected as each day we drove out of the city to start and into the city to finish. The price. Similar to the comment below - it was a little pricey for Vietnam - but in the end I have to say I was happy to pay the price as it was a very good tour in a country where a lot of tourism is still emerging. So in this aspect it was very high level of service which is not easy to get outside resorts etc in Vietnam. I would definitely recommend the tour if you are looking for something like this. I also note that Vietnam Backroads also have some great full-on cycle tours if that is what you are after too. This one worked for us. We finished the tour and took a ferry to Phu Quoc for more of a resort break to finish off our holiday. A great mix. 02 - 03 - 04 - 05 Mar 2019 Hope this helps.
At Vietnamcycling we can tailor-make your adventure exactly how you want it. Whether it is tweaking an existing itinerary, booking a standard tour on a different date, or creating your own unique one! With over a decade of experience in developing tours you can be assured that every element of your tour will be carefully personalized to your wishes, needs and budgets.
The entire bike trip was fantastic!
Hello Mr. Phuc, Sorry for the delay in replying. The entire bike trip was fantastic. We all agreed that Mr. T did an unbelievable job. Everything was very well organized and all the lunch and coffee stops were perfect. The scenery was amazing as were the E bikes. If we had any negative comment it would be that the food at the last Victoria hotel could have been better however, all in all, we all thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. Thank you very much for all your patience and assistance. 16 - 19 January 2026.
Best regards
Mike
I am back at my office desk now - sadly my holiday in Vietnam
I am back at my office desk now - sadly my holiday in Vietnam is over. I enjoyed it very much, though - and also enjoyed the bike trip through the Mekong Delta very much. Hung was a very good replacement for you - at least I can say we had lots of fun with him and he really showed us around the back roads. Everything was perfectly arranged, we were felt well, the hotels were all right - we loved the trip. 05 Dec 2011
Best wishes from Germany.
Well organised!
This was a fantastic trip professional organized accommodating and fun. We strongly recommend this to anyone considering a bike trip. Thank you for the amazing time! 07 - 08 - 09 - 10 Feb 2012
We will recommend your tour to friends
The restaurants were fantastic! Great food and refreshment. The guides were so nice and funny, they make everything very easy. We will recommend your tour to friends. The routes were amazing. Everything was fascinating. I love my ride. 07 - 08 - 09 - 10 Feb 2012
Ho Chi Minh city to Ha Tien to Phu Quoc Island
We took a private tour taking us from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc island. The first day took us from HCMC to Can Tho with +/- 45km of biking between Cai Lay and Vinh Long, along small roads through countryside villages and including two ferries. Basic lunch in a homestay. Luxurious but soulless overnight at Muong Thanh hotel. The second day started with a visit of Can Tho Cai Rong Floating Market by boat, followed by +/- 30 km of biking along small channels and rice fields to Thoi Lai (+/- 10°05'16.0"N 105°35'23.4"E). Basic lunch in a homestay. We continued by car to Chau Doc, visiting Bang Lang Stork Farm along the way. Very luxurious overnight at Victoria Nui Sam Lodge, on a hill overlooking the rice fields. Following day started with a boat tour past the Chau Doc fish farms and to the Cham muslim village (Đa Phước, 10°43'28.9"N 105°07'28.1"E). Then biking past lots of rice fields to the Tra Su nature reserve which we visited by boat. Lunch in a basic restaurant. Then by car to the Ba Chuc memorial, passing through Khmer-villages. Finally, further by car to Ha Tien with overnight at the River Hotel. The following morning, Vietnam Backroads agency arranged our taxi to the port as well as the hydrofoil tickets to Phu Quoc. Reasons for giving four stars : - The excellent way in which Kieu Lam from the agency communicated with us before the tour ; she was helpful, patient and flexible with our requests and planned this tour according to what we thought was important to see along the way. - Our excellent guide Cong. He took us along very nice paths, was always concerned about our safety and gave his explanations in good English. He never pushed us into buying things in souvenir stalls etc. (he rather bought some small stuff for us :-)) - Our excellent driver Loc who was always helpful with loading and unloading bikes, luggage,... driving in a really safe way (compared to most other Vietnamese drivers) and remaining remarkably calm even when chased by big honking buses driven by madmen. - The good quality of the hotels and dinners. - The beautiful landscapes and friendly people of Mekongdelta. Upon passing through small villages, everyone would shout "hello" at us, sometimes children would even run along for a bit. - The good quality of the bikes (helmet provided) So why not giving five stars ? - Price of this tour was really very high compared to the usual cost of travel in Vietnam. - Lunch locations/settings were rather basic. Unless you are on a tight budget, I can 200% recommend this agency. 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 Nov 2018
The great way to taste rural Vietnam
Karen - Very interesting. A good mix of biking and visiting interesting places. Cong was evry flexible when my daughter got sick and changed our plans. Love trying new food, fruits, and the tours like floating market + stork pall. I would be good to know the day plan a bit more. like how for to ride, what will lunch be, how long in the bus. But everything else is wonderful. Grant Dempsey - Great way to see feel and taste rural Vietnam. Having a guide to explain various points of interest, communicate with locals and another food make the trip enjoyable and stress free. The various stop at tourist attractions are a great value and very informative. 02 - 03 - 04 - 05 Mar 2019
Mekong Delta 4 days
George - All very well done. Dat was great. Although the English of the questionare could be improved. We will repeatedly late and still eotred for and not met at all with a negative attitude. Thoroughly enjoyable. Finnian - Our Tour guide Mr Dat was a fantastic guide, who know his English, history and knowledge every well. Very nice man and he was and very generous and hospitable. Love Vietnam and cycling is the best way to see it. 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 Feb 2019
Cycling Mekong Delta 3N/4D Ho Chi Min to Phu Quoc
This was a great trip. We had a private booking for us - Mum and Dad and our kids 20yr and 16 yrs. We cycled 3 days. Day 1 was a slow start due a mix up with hotel pick up (my fault) so we did about 30 easy km. We drove out of HCM for about 2 hours before beginning. The cycling was mostly on concrete paths beside rivers and canals with small houses backing onto it. Although outside the main city it did not feel rural as we were beside houses the whole way - but it was interesting.Lots of stops on day 1 for drinks, to sample fruits and sugar cane drinks etc. We were delivered to a better than anticipated 5 star hotel on day 1. Our guide not only cycled with us but also collected us for dinner. We were keen to eat local so he sourced the restaurants and order for us - which really added to the experience. Day 2: it became clear that Cong our guide would really taylor the mix of cycling - sight seeing- pace to whatever we wanted. On day 2 we decided to cycle 50km in the morning and finish up by lunch as the forecast was for a hot afternoon. We started the morning with sightseeing at the floating markets - really good and a visit to local textile weavers. Cycled through lots of countryside and beautiful surprises like arriving at a school just on pick up time to watch the throng of motorbike pick ups for the school children and a hundred "hellos" form the kids who rarely have westerners in that area. A really special treat was a watermelon stop at Cong's grandparents home for a break. Day 3 my daughter was sick and again the flexibility of our guide was great. He re- arranged the day to have us taken to the Crane wetlands while the boys cycled there to meet us. We still enjoyed the boat ride through the wetlands and then opted for the van transfer to the final hotel. Similar to the review below there were many outstanding factors - great organisation and communication pre trip - flexible schedule and pace and length of cycling to suit. - nice bikes - good support vehicles. - good or very decent hotels - local food with a local guide to order and help us enjoy it. - great arrangements for sightseeing -our boats were aways waiting for us, everything was paid for and great commentary as we went. What could be better The daily plan was sometimes a little hard to elicit from Cong. This might be a language barrier. It would have been good to have a rough idea like "we are starting here, taking a break here, stopping to see this and then aiming for lunch at 1pm....." Even when we asked information was a little vague - but perhaps that's because things are flexible. The cycling was good. It was just right for us and I would label this as a sight seeing experience on bikes - not hard core cycling. But that was just what we wanted. It provided a unique way to get a glimpse beyond the standard tourist areas and we liked that. However it was not very rural. I had thought it would be more out in the countryside - but really we were mostly on canal paths with rural housing beside us and orcahrds fields behind the houses. That was OK 0 but different to what I had expected. However the attractions to sightsee were more that I expected - so I guess that balances. Sight seeing included the floating markets, textile weavers, fish farms, temples, rice factory, coconut candy, Crane wetlands and Memorials. There was more time in the Van than we expected as each day we drove out of the city to start and into the city to finish. The price. Similar to the comment below - it was a little pricey for Vietnam - but in the end I have to say I was happy to pay the price as it was a very good tour in a country where a lot of tourism is still emerging. So in this aspect it was very high level of service which is not easy to get outside resorts etc in Vietnam. I would definitely recommend the tour if you are looking for something like this. I also note that Vietnam Backroads also have some great full-on cycle tours if that is what you are after too. This one worked for us. We finished the tour and took a ferry to Phu Quoc for more of a resort break to finish off our holiday. A great mix. 02 - 03 - 04 - 05 Mar 2019 Hope this helps.
Tags
Inquiry