Why go cycling in Hoi An?
Hoi An is one of the most bike-friendly places in Vietnam, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore at a relaxed pace. Here’s why it’s worth hopping on a bicycle:
- Flat terrain – The landscape around Hoi An is almost completely flat, so you don’t need to be very fit or experienced to enjoy a ride.
- Low traffic roads – Just outside the old town, you’ll find quiet countryside roads with very little traffic — great for beginners and casual cyclists.
- Easy access to the countryside – Unlike some places where you need to travel far to see rice paddies or local life, Hoi An’s rural areas start just a few minutes outside the center.
- Flexible and slow travel – Cycling lets you stop anywhere, take photos, chat with locals, or have a coffee with a view — no need to rush.
- Affordable and accessible – Most accommodations offer free bikes, and bike rentals are cheap and easy to arrange if you need something better.
- Great for short trips – Even a short 1- or 2-hour ride is enough to see beautiful rice fields, rivers, and small villages.
- Plenty of photo opportunities – From water buffalo in the fields to golden rice at harvest time, cycling routes around Hoi An offer some of the most scenic views in central Vietnam.
Organized bicycle tours in Hoi An
Joining a Hoi An bike tour is a great option if you prefer a more immersive, guided experience. A local guide can take you beyond the typical sights, share insights about daily life, and lead you along scenic backroads that are easy to miss on your own. Whether you want a half-day countryside ride or a full day of cycling combined with cooking or farming, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Why choose a guided cycling tour?
- No need to navigate – Your guide takes care of the route, letting you focus on the experience.
- Local knowledge – Learn about farming, fishing, village life, or local crafts from someone who lives in the area.
- Extra experiences – Many tours include ferry crossings, buffalo riding, fishing, cooking classes, or visiting local homes.
- Better equipment – Some tours offer high-quality bicycles, better suited for longer distances or rougher terrain.
Different tour options
Depending on your interests, there are various Hoi An cycling tours available:
- Half-day countryside tours – The most popular option, usually covering Cam Kim or Cam Thanh with stops at local homes or markets.
- Full-day adventures – For those who want to explore further afield, sometimes including ferry crossings and multiple villages.
- Farming and cooking tours – Combine light cycling with hands-on activities like planting vegetables, learning traditional farming methods, and preparing Vietnamese dishes.
- Photography or sunrise rides – Great for early risers or photography lovers, focusing on the best light and scenic spots.
- Family-friendly bike tours – Shorter routes with extra stops and activities for kids.
Tips for choosing the right tour
- Decide how long you want to go
Half-day tours are perfect for casual travelers. Full-day tours can be more rewarding but also more tiring, especially in the heat. - Check the bike quality
Not all tours provide the same level of equipment. If you plan to ride longer distances, make sure the bikes are comfortable and in good condition. - Choose just cycling or added activities
Some tours focus only on cycling and local scenery. Others include farming, cooking, or craft-making. Pick what fits your interest.
Self-guided biking around Hoi An
You don’t need a guide to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Hoi An. If you prefer flexibility, short rides, or just want to go at your own pace, cycling on your own is a great option — and very doable.
Can you do cycling in Hoi An yourself?
Yes, absolutely. Self-guided cycling is easy, especially if you’re planning a short 1–2 hour ride through nearby countryside areas like Cam Chau, Cam Thanh, or even out to the beach. The terrain is flat, traffic is light on countryside roads, and apps like Google Maps work well in the area.
Just don’t expect hidden routes or deep countryside villages — if you stay close to town, it’s simple and enjoyable.
Bike rental in Hoi An
Most accommodations in Hoi An offer free bicycles. These bikes are usually basic but fine for casual rides around the rice fields or a trip to the beach. If your hotel doesn’t have bikes, you’ll find local rental shops in town where a standard bike costs around 30,000 VND (just over 1 USD) per day.
If you’re planning a longer ride and want a better-quality bicycle, your best option is to contact one of the bike tour companies — some rent out spare bikes that are better maintained and more comfortable.
Tips for cycling yourself
- Prepare navigation – Hoi An is small, but it’s still smart to use Google Maps or a similar app. We recommend having a Vietnamese SIM card with mobile data. Alternatively, download offline maps in advance.
- Check your bike first – Make sure the brakes work, tires are inflated, and the seat is adjusted. Also, get a contact number for your accommodation or rental shop in case of any issues during your ride.
- Follow our free route – Don’t miss our Free Self-Guided Cycling Route in Hoi An below — perfect if you want a scenic loop with rice fields, quiet roads, and a few nice stops.
For more general advice, scroll down to the section: “Tips for Cycling in Hoi An.”
Guided or self-guided – What should you choose?
Self-guided cycling is perfect if you’re planning short rides (up to 1–2 hours), just want to explore the nearby countryside, or use the bike to get around town — for example, between your hotel, the old town, and the beach.
Guided bike tours are better if you want to go further, visit more local or hidden areas, or combine cycling with hands-on activities like cooking, farming, or boat rides. It’s also a good option if you want someone else to handle the route and logistics.
Free self guided cycling route in Hoi An
Hoi An is full of scenic backroads and countryside lanes — and this self-guided cycling route is a great way to experience them. While bike tour companies and some hotels offer their own routes (shorter or longer), this free route is ideal if you want a mix of rice fields, local life, the beach, and peaceful village roads.
- Total distance: 19.3 km
- Duration:
- Full day (with stops for sightseeing, beach, food, and activities)
- Half day (when you only follow the cycling route)
- Highlights: Rice fields, Tra Que vegetable village, An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, coconut forest, river views
You start this loop from Hoi An Old Town. If your hotel is closer to the beach or countryside, feel free to jump into the loop from wherever you are.
Part 1: Into the Rice Fields
- Head east through Cam Chau, following one of the main roads out of town.
- After about 2 km (just past a gas station on your right), turn left into a smaller road.
- After 400 meters, you’ll spot beautiful rice fields on your left — this is where you leave the road and start cycling along the quiet rice field paths.
- Follow these paths for about 2 km until you reach Hai Ba Trung Road. Turn right toward An Bang Beach (keep to the right-hand side — this road has a bit more traffic).
Part 2: Tra Que Vegetable Village
- After 1 km, you’ll cross a small bridge and enter Tra Que vegetable village.
- This is a great place for a short stop — you can visit farms or even take part in a farming and cooking activity (check availability in advance).
Part 3: An Bang Beach Break
- Continue to An Bang Beach for a relaxing break. Park your bike, go for a swim, or enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Part 4: Coconut Forest and Backroads
- From An Bang, continue south along the coastal road toward Cua Dai Beach (about 3 km).
- At the end of the road, turn right (not left to the beach) and follow the road inland for about 600 meters until you reach a small crossroads. Go straight over the bridge here.
- This takes you into a quieter road network — follow these roads for about 2 km.
- Look for side paths on the left; you’ll pass through a small village surrounded by coconut palms and forest.
- Here you’ll find places offering basket boat rides through the coconut forest — a popular Hoi An experience.
Part 5: Follow the River Home
- After your boat trip, continue cycling west toward the Thu Bon River.
- Once you reach the riverbank, turn left and follow the riverside road all the way back into Hoi An Old Town.
Tips for cycling in Hoi An
Cycling in Hoi An is easy and fun — but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some essential tips to make the most of your ride:
- Check your bike first
Most bikes from hotels are basic. Test the brakes, tires, and seat height before heading out, especially for longer rides. - Use a local SIM card
A Vietnam SIM makes it easier to use maps, contact your hotel, or translate if you run into issues. - Bring offline maps as backup
Even with a SIM, coverage in remote areas isn’t perfect. Download offline maps before your ride. - Watch the sun
The countryside is very open — wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A light long-sleeve shirt helps too. - Pack for sudden rain
Rain can come quickly, especially in the afternoon. Bring a lightweight raincoat or poncho just in case. - Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days. You’ll find coffee shops along the way to refill and take a break. - Carry small cash
Many small countryside shops or farmers don’t accept cards — it’s handy if you want to buy drinks or pay for small services like buffalo rides or boat trips. - Follow local traffic rules
Stick to the right side of the road, give way at intersections, and ride calmly — even on quiet countryside roads.
Scooter: A convenient alternative to cycling in Hoi An
Not into cycling or worried about the heat? Renting a scooter is a great alternative to explore the rice fields and countryside of Hoi An — especially if you want to go further or spend more time discovering off-the-beaten-path areas.
You can rent scooters all over town, including directly from hotels, homestays, and rental shops.
Rental prices are usually around 120,000 to 150,000 VND per day (about 5–6 USD), depending on the type and duration.
A scooter lets you:
- Cover more distance easily — great if you want to combine beaches, villages, and rice fields in one trip.
- Explore quieter, less touristy areas.
- Move around on your own schedule without getting tired.
The countryside roads around Hoi An are generally quiet and safe, but it’s still recommended to have some riding experience, especially if you’re not used to two-wheelers.
Important note:
Officially, you need a valid motorbike license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive anything over 50cc in Vietnam — and almost all rental scooters are above 50cc.
In practice, rental shops don’t ask for it, and police rarely stop foreigners on countryside roads. Still, keep in mind that you might not be fully insured in case of an accident.
If you’re confident and experienced, it’s an enjoyable way to see more of Hoi An’s peaceful countryside — with a bit more comfort and flexibility than a bicycle.
