While many of the world’s predicted travel trends are likely to change after the Covid-19 pandemic, there is one which is likely to become even more important: embracing slower modes of transport.
In a global survey published late in 2019, 48% of respondents prioritized slower travel in order to reduce their environmental impact, while nearly two thirds favored the opportunities it provides to truly soak up the atmosphere of a place.
As Vietnam prepares to welcome back tourists, it is ideally placed for those travelers who are in search of environmentally friendly adventures and love the access to stunning scenery which two wheels can often provide. So, what do you need to know before exploring Vietnam by bicycle?
Before you get in the saddle
Studies have shown that today’s millennials prefer cheaper, more eco-friendly modes of transport, such as electric scooters or bicycles. But with the desire to spend less on your wheels comes the competing need to be able to take care of it, especially if you’re planning to go off the beaten track. Vietnam’s humid conditions can cause your bike’s mechanical components to rust more quickly, and if you’re riding in seaside areas, the salt water can also cause damage to your bike chain if left to settle for too long.
To make sure things always run smoothly, ensure that you keep your bike chain clean and lubricated, as well as regularly check your brakes. A simple old toothbrush, dry cloth and some lubricant can work wonders. If you don’t have your own bike, many of the local bike tours will happily lend you one, and in Ho Chi Minh City plans are well underway for public bicycle rental, but being able to check it’s in good working condition before you set off is always a wise move.
Head for the beaches
Since most of the cities are buzzing with motorbikes (they account for 93% of motorized vehicles in Vietnam), you may feel more confident exploring beach side towns and quieter areas first. The Mekong Delta and Central Vietnam areas are home to many brilliant bicycle tours if you prefer a guide and a mapped out route, or you can go it alone. Towns such as Hoi An with its French colonial buildings, Japanese Covered Bridge and Vietnamese tube houses are welcoming to cyclists, as is Hue with its impressive 19th century citadel, Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City.
Beat the heat
One thing to be particularly mindful of when cycling in Vietnam is the temperatures you may experience. The country is vast and varies from region to region, but in the Central Vietnamese areas mentioned above, temperatures can reach the mid-30℃s between mid-January and late August, so if you are planning to cycle during this kind of weather, be sure to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and stop regularly for breaks. Ideally, start your journeys early in the morning so that you can rest for the hotter parts of the day. Despite the heat, it’s also important to wear a helmet and keep a charged phone with you in case of emergency.
Exploring Vietnam by bicycle is a beautiful way to get close to stunning scenery, friendly locals and delicious food. You can be assured that you’re playing your part in reducing the environmental impact on the country, whilst making memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re booking a dedicated tour or finding your own path, a breathtaking adventure awaits.
By Cassie Steele, a contributor of Vietnam Insider