Situated between magnificent white sandy beaches and the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is the ideal place to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the villages as well as the nostalgic charm of an ancient city. Visiting Hoi An by bike is an incomparable experience that immerses you in the unique atmosphere of this ancient city. The well-maintained roads, combined with moderate traffic, make Hoi An a paradise for cyclists of all levels. Each pedal stroke transports you between the nostalgic charm of the old town and the invigorating freshness of the surrounding countryside.

Cycling offers unrivaled flexibility for exploring the hidden corners of Hoi An. You can easily move from the narrow streets of the historic centre to the vast expanses of rice paddies, or thread your way through the nearby craft villages. This mobility allows you to experience Hoi An at your own pace, stopping as you please to admire an architectural detail, taste a local specialty, or simply soak up the serene atmosphere that reigns in the city.

If a Hoi An cycling tour sounds like your thing, here are the top 7 best Hoi An Cycling Tours and Routes to make the most of your trip.

How many days in Hoi An is ideal?

To truly capture the essence of Hoi An and fully experience its charms, staying at least two days and one night is recommended. However, for cycling enthusiasts looking for a more complete experience, a three-day Hoi An cycling tour is ideal.

The first day could be spent immersing yourself in the ancient town. Get on your bike and lose yourself in the maze of historic alleyways, admire the unique architecture of the old houses, and soak up the magical atmosphere at sunset when the lanterns light up.

The second day would be perfect for a wider exploration by bike. Venture into the surrounding countryside, pedal along lush green rice paddies, visit craft villages such as Thanh Ha or Kim Bong, and end your day with a relaxing ride through the coconut forest of Cam Thanh.

If you have a third day, take the opportunity to combine cycling and cultural activities. Start with a morning cycling tour of the local market, followed by a Vietnamese cooking class. In the afternoon, cycle to An Bang beach for a well-deserved relaxing break, before taking part in a lantern-making workshop in the evening.

Bike rental in Hoi An

Bike rental in Hoi An is not only affordable but also extremely easy, ranging from VND25,000 to VND50,000, or $1–2 USD a day. Many hotels offer bicycles free of charge to their guests, a practical option for those wishing to go for short rides.

For those who prefer more flexibility or a better quality bike, the ancient town is full of bike rental shops. Here are some of the most common addresses known for their reliable service and well-maintained bikes:

Mme Yen: 617 Hai Ba Trung - Tel: 0905 397138

Ms Anh: 80 Tran Hung Dao - Tel: 01695 102268

Ms Linh: 201-203 Ly Thuong Kiet - Tel: 0903 164707

Ms Loan: 129 Tran Hung Dao - Tel: 0905 710907

Mr Cuoc: 79 Thai Phien - Tel: 0914 080912

Mr Trung: 15/1 Tran Hung Dao - Tel: 0905 892315

These rental shops generally offer a variety of bikes to suit all tastes and needs, from classic models to electric bikes. Don't hesitate to test the bike before hiring it and check its general condition.

Top 7 Best Hoi An cycling Tours and routes

Bay Mau coconut forest

Get on your bike and head for the Cam Thanh coconut forest, also known as the Bay Mau forest. One of the top Hoi An cycling routes, this 200-year-old spot is a haven of peace. Pedal along the shady paths, surrounded by tall coconut palms reflected in the calm waters of the canals.

This is also where you can have one of the most unique experiences – take a bamboo basket boat ride. Don't forget that this tourist site closes at 6:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this enchanting interlude.

Tra Que Village

This little green paradise, easily accessible on two wheels, is renowned for its vegetables and aromatic herbs of exceptional quality. More than 20 varieties are grown here using traditional, environmentally friendly methods. Take a break from all the crowds by taking a Hoi An cycling tour to this village, where you'll wander through the narrow roads lined with neatly lined plants, and learn about the way of life of the local farmers.

For an even more immersive experience, take part in an on-site cooking class using freshly picked vegetables. With the help of a local chef, you will get hands-on experience preparing certain Vietnamese dishes. After the course, you will get to taste what you have cooked. The course is not difficult to follow so don’t be intimidated. Some ingredients are pre-portioned by the local chef to make assembly easier. Signature dishes from the Tra Que vegetable village that you can make are spring rolls, Hoi An pancakes, or calamari pancakes.

Lantern making class

After a morning of biking around the ancient town, take a break from your Hoi An cycling tour and join a workshop! A pretty silk lantern is undoubtedly the best souvenir gift you can take back home. Brought to the old town by foreign merchants over 700 years ago, the lanterns that now light up Hoi An with twinkling lights every night are handmade by local craftsmen. The lanterns hung in front of the house are dedicated to the gods, to pray for peace and happiness. The Vong Pho family has a long history of making lanterns going back three generations. Today they share their skills and knowledge of this unique craft with tourists in a cosy classroom located in a small alleyway near the old town. Come into the shop to admire lanterns of all sizes, shapes, and colors. You start by choosing the color and shape of your lantern, then you will be guided step by step to creating your perfect lantern.

Highlights during Hoi An Cycling Tours and Routes

• Customize your lantern with the help of the craftsmen
• Learn more about the history and culture of Hoi An
• Your lantern as a gift or souvenir to take back home
• An English-speaking instructor at your disposal
• Welcome drink
• One lantern/person
• All necessary materials and tools

Craft villages in Hoi An

Hoi An is dotted with plenty of craft villages that have been around for hundreds of years, each specializing in a unique profession. Not only will you learn about the culture and the craftsmanship, you’ll even get to take home a handmade souvenir! It would be a waste not to visit them during your trip to Hoi An, and what better way than on a cycling tour in Hoi An ?

For over 600 years, the village of Kim Bong has been perpetuating exceptional woodworking skills. As you wander through the streets, the sound of chisels and planes will guide you to the workshops. Admire the precision of the craftsmen as they carve intricate designs or assemble timelessly elegant pieces of furniture. From miniature boats to imposing statues and finely crafted everyday objects, each piece is a testament to consummate artistry. It's the perfect place to pick up an authentic souvenir and support local craftsmanship.

During your cycling tour in Hoi An, make sure to stop by the village of Thanh Ha, the cradle of Hoi An ceramics for over 500 years. The narrow streets lined with traditional houses will guide you to the craftsmen's workshops. Take the time to watch the potters at work and even try your hand at this ancestral art.

Food tour by electric bike

This is technically not a Hoi An cycling tour, but we thought we’d still include it in the list as an alternative for those who don’t want to ride a bike but still want an eco-tourism experience. You’ll get to explore the charming streets of Hoi An and discover some of the city's most delicious specialties on a comfortable electric scooter. The tour takes you to a restaurant funded by an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to train as hoteliers.

Enjoy a relaxing ride through the beautiful streets of Hoi An on our 100% electric, environmentally-friendly scooter: no engine noise, no exhaust fumes, no pollution! By taking part in one of these scooter tours, you are supporting the local community. They will receive generous compensation and support. At the same time, you actively support CHIA (Children Hope In Action).

Loc Yen ancient village and Ồ Ồ waterfall

This Hoi An cycling tour begins in the morning as we head to the ancient village of Loc Yen, Tien Phuoc. The village of Loc Yen is famous for its architecture, rice fields and mossy stone lanes. Visitors will experience peace and tranquillity as they cycle around the ancient village, between green roads and verdant terraced fields. You will have the opportunity to visit the Huynh Thuc Khang memorial house. There are still 8 old houses in Loc Yen, built between 80 and 150 years ago. These houses are typical of ‘Nha Ruong’, which were made of beams and pillars of solid jackfruit wood. You will visit a house and meet its occupants to learn about their lives and the history of the village and the house. 

Your Hoi An cycling route continues with a rustic lunch featuring ingredients freshly picked from the host's garden. A visit to the Ồ Ồ waterfall is the next stop on the journey. You can admire the magnificent surroundings and watch the water cascade down a 5-story waterfall, some 20 meters high. Admire the unspoiled natural landscape and the uniquely shaped rock formations dotted with crystalline, cold lakes. The pools and streams of the Ồ Ồ waterfall are ideal places to relax after all the biking.

Vietnamese cooking class

To round off your Hoi An cycling tour in style, treat yourself to a local cooking class. There are plenty of options, both in the old town and in the surrounding area. Some courses even start with a cycling tour of the market, a great way to discover local ingredients.

You can learn how to make iconic dishes such as spring rolls, phở, or even bánh xèo. Chefs will share their secrets for perfectly balancing the flavors so characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. From VND 200,000 per person, it's an affordable experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. 

Cycling is an environmentally friendly and flexible means of transport, allowing you to experience Hoi An at your own pace, stopping at a favorite spot, getting lost in a picturesque alleyway, or getting off the beaten track. If you’re interested in a cycling tour in Hoi An, or if you have any further questions, please go ahead and contact the experts at Vietnam Original Travel. We will be more than happy to answer them, as well as design a tailor-made tour that caters to your preferences! You can also check out some of the related articles:

=> Ideal 3 Day Tour in Hoi An 

=> Best Destinations In Vietnam For A Bike Tour