cycling the length of vietnam in 21 days

My first solo bikepacking journey was in Vietnam. I flew into Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), bought a bike and started to ride north. I ventured inland first toward Da Lat, then took the coastal route the rest of the way to Hanoi. Local food markets, home stays, hot days, and getting used to pushing the pedals for hours at a time would lead to a deep affinity for bicycle travel after this trip. At the speed of the bike I was able to experience much more of the Vietnamese daily life than bus or train travel would allow. The seed for a larger cycle quest was planted on this inaugural journey.

This was my route:

post ride rambles

It’s been a journey interweaving mountains and oceans.
Busy towns and off-the-tourist-track wonders.
Ancient towers and sacred hidden temples.
Spicy concoctions of Pho and elaborate Banh Mi’s.
And all the unexpected turns in between.

But most of all, this trip has interwoven myself, a novice bikepacker, and the Vietnamese. ⁣
Some of the friendliest, most hospitable and welcoming people I’ve come across on this planet. ⁣ Without question I was invited to meals. I was looked after. I was given free ice cold drinks to help my journey in the hot sun. ⁣

Yes, there were always curious views as I would roll up to a cafe in my goofy bike shorts and foreign blond hair. ⁣ But time and time again these people took me in. ⁣And that is why I’m so fascinated with bicycle travel. ⁣

In those 22 days, I saw places, met people, and experienced things that require getting off of the tourist track. ⁣ And I felt a grounding and connective nostalgia with the past when motorbikes, busses, and cars weren’t as common in countries like these. ⁣

My favorite flashes of my trip would be crossing paths with another bicyclist, usually a Vietnamese female on her way to the morning market, and exchanging proud smiles with one another. ⁣

What a journey, what a country. ⁣Thank you, Vietnam.⁣
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