Cycling tours to the Mekong Delta become a favorite activity for foreign tourists

The best way to see the Mekong Delta is on two wheels and without a motor.

Through country paths, orchards, sinuous coastal roads and fertile fields farmed for generations, the bicycle is the perfect way to discover the pastoral scenery of the Mekong Delta.

The tours are filled with crystal clear rivers, peaceful pathways and large, rich rice fields, where tourists will have the chance to discover animated floating markets and local lifestyles.

There are many tour programs divided into several routes. Hundreds – if not thousands of kilometers of road and dirt paths can be covered on a bicycle in the Mekong region.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long, My Tho, Can Tho, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, Long Xuyen, and Dong Thap, the rewards of reaching some of Vietnam’s most remote areas include empty roads, incredible scenery and incomparable views.

Adventure seekers can take the scenic back roads through villages and swamps.

Many tour companies provide passenger vans that travel behind cyclists for support.

Most cycling groups are made up of more than 6 people, including an English speaking Vietnamese cycling guide, a driver/mechanic and assistants. For groups of ten or more an extra local bike guide is often included. Accommodation – whether it be home stays or hotels – depend on the tour and price.

Many larger package tours now offer cycling sections as part of longer two- and three-week trips.

Travel services in Ho Chi Minh City that provide Mekong Delta cycling tours include:

■ ASIA-PACIFIC TRAVEL IN HCMC
127 Ban Co Street, District 3
Tel: (08) 3 833 4083
Email: info@biketoursvietnam.com

■ ASIE LOINTAINE
144 Bui Vien Street, District 1
Tel: (08) 3 836 0163
Email : klanasie@hcm.vnn.vn
Website : www.asielointaine.com

Reported by Kim