When I arrived in Vietnam, I made sure to finally tick one item off my Vietnam bucket list: “cycle through Vietnam’s rice paddies,” So on my second day, also a sunny morning in Hoi An, I immediately rented a bicycle (VND 50,000 per day) from my hotel and took the opportunity to explore the countryside.
With my hotel (Smart Garden Homestay) as my jump-off point, I started cycling toward Nghe Rice Paddy Cafe in Le Than Thong. I discovered this café on TikTok while looking for a restaurant with a view of Hoi An’s golden rice fields.
After an hour of cycling, admiring Hoi An’s rural landscapes, and making seemingly endless attempts to find the right route under the scorching sun, I finally reached my destination.
Farmers typically begin harvesting rice from April to early May, so most of the fields were already being cleared for the next batch of crops. Luckily, one of the last remaining golden fields was still intact when I arrived at the café. I took a seat in front of the rice field and had my well-deserved breakfast.
While the ride was definitely worth it, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand. Here are some tips if you're planning to cycle through the countryside yourself:
5 TIPS FOR EXPLORING HOI AN, VIETNAM BY BICYCLE
1. FOLLOW THE 'WALKING' ROUTE
Google Maps is the best way to navigate in most parts of Vietnam. However, when I tried using it for my route, I noticed that bicycle navigation wasn’t available yet, at least around Hoi An. At first, I followed the motorcycle route, which showed an estimated travel time of just 15 minutes (rookie mistake: I somehow thought a bicycle could move as fast as a motorbike lol). So the route led me onto several major roads, and since I prefer to take it slow and safe, it ended up taking me about an hour to reach my destination.
On my way back, I realized that the walking route was a much better option. It took me through quieter side streets with less traffic and gave a more realistic estimate of how long the ride would take.
That said, if you're following a walking route on a bicycle, always use your judgment and make sure the roads or pathways are safe to pass through.
2. CHECK BIKE BELL
Vietnamese people often use their horns to communicate on the road. Before cycling, make sure your bike bell is working so you can alert others when needed, especially in residential areas with more pedestrians. This can help prevent accidents and keep your ride safe.
3. GET A PHONE HOLDER
Vietnamese people often use their horns to communicate on the road. Before cycling, make sure your bike bell is working so you can alert others when needed, especially in residential areas with more pedestrians. This can help prevent accidents and keep your ride safe.
4. WATCH FOR CROPS DRYING ON THE ROAD
Farmers often lay out their harvests on the road to dry, especially during harvest season (April to May and August to September). Be careful of crops along the way and avoid riding through them, even if you see locals doing so. Every grain counts, and it’s best to avoid out of respect for their work.
5. CHECK HOTEL FOR FREE BIKE RENTAL
If you’re planning to cycle for several days and are on a budget, look for accommodations that offer free bike rental. Bicycle rentals usually cost around VND 50,000 (PHP 115) per day, so you can save quite a bit if you’re renting for multiple days.
BONUS TIP: WEAR SUNSCREEN
The sun and heatware in Vietnam can be quite harsh, especially during summer. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring enough water when you go out.
Despite my obvious rookie mistakes, I really enjoyed exploring Hoi An by bicycle. It reminded me to slow down and appreciate the simplest things in life. It turned out to be one of my best travel experiences in Vietnam so far, and I would definitely do it again.
Want to see how my ride went? Here’s a video!
DISCLAIMER: All information in this post is based on my personal experience, and research at the time of writing. However, some details, laws, and rules may have changed over time. Always double-check current info before you travel!