The 5 Best Hue Cycling Tours to Take in 2024

Ready to pedal your way through some unforgettable adventures? This is exactly what these top 5 Hue cycling tours are – your ticket to explore the coolest spots around while having fun.

Hue was one of the highlights on my trip to Vietnam, and you’ll see ancient temples, cruise the Perfume River, and catch incredible sunset views, all from the seat of your bike.

Want to know more? Here’s the ultimate guide to the cycling tours in Hue, Vietnam, from group tours to private ones to make the most of it.

The Best Hue Cycling Tours

Let’s get right into the main topic, the Hue cycling tour options! I’ll go through each tour, the details, what they include, and I’ll conclude this post with some travel tips if that’s your first time in Hue.

But before starting, I understand you may not have the time to go through the whole guide, so here’s the best tour of the list below. If you do have time, however, make sure to read until the end for other excellent choices!

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1. Cycling Tour to Hue’s Countryside

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 20+
🕗 Duration: 4 Hours
🚲 Where to Book: Viator

Embark on a journey that takes you away from the Ancient Capital and into the heart of its stunning, lush countryside.

This private cycling tour is an invitation to explore the rural areas of Vietnam, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of local farmers and the natural beauty all around.

Pedal through the country roads, visit a village market bustling with local life, and explore an agricultural museum that tells the story of Vietnam’s farming heritage.

With every turn of the pedal, you’ll discover new sights, from lush fields to traditional homes, all while enjoying the open air and staying fit while traveling in Vietnam.

Sturdy mountain bikes, helmets, a comprehensive safety briefing, as well as food and water are provided. That’s right – After working up an appetite, indulge in a delicious lunch featuring a variety of local cuisine, a perfect way to refuel and reflect on your adventure.

What to say, it’s simply one of the best cycling tours in Hue, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

That said, it’s the best tour you can book, and it’s therefore popular, so make sure to book now to secure your spot.

2. Cycling Day to Hue Tombs With Boat Cruise

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 7 Hours
🚲 Where to Book: Viator

If you have limited time in town or taking a day trip to Hue, then this is the perfect experience for you.

This trip combines the cycling part with a nice Dragon Boat cruise on the river, offering an immersive way to explore Hue City and its fascinating history.

This tour is not just about sightseeing; it’s an educational adventure into the lives of Emperors, their families, and their final resting places, providing insights into Vietnamese royalty and culture.

You’ll start by pedaling from your hotel towards the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue and a site steeped in historical significance.

The journey continues with the boat cruise to Emperor Minh Mang’s final resting place and then to Khai Dinh’s Mausoleum, which presents an unique blend of Vietnamese and Western architecture.

This Hue cycling tour lasts about 7 hours, and it’s the best way to stay fit on the road, discover the best spots in town, and learn a lot with an experienced guide.

The catch? They always sell out, so make sure to book now. Yes, the cycling distance is greater than any other trips, but it’s definitely worth it.

3. Hue City Tour by Rickshaw

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 4 Hours
🚲 Where to Book: GetYourGuide

Experience the charm of Hue like never before on this half-day private tour aboard a cycle rickshaw, Hue’s emblematic pedal-powered vehicle.

This 4-hour journey offers a leisurely and intimate glimpse into the heart of the former imperial capital of Vietnam, showcasing its historic sights and stunning beauty spots in a way that’s both eco-friendly and super fun.

The trip starts at your hotel, as pick-up is included and you’ll then settle into the comfort of your cycle rickshaw, with a local driver at the helm.

Your first stop: the Tinh Tam Lake, once a tributary of the iconic river in Hue and a favored retreat among Nguyen emperors seeking peace and solitude.

The tour then takes you through the majestic Imperial Citadel, the popular tourist spot in Hue, where history comes alive among the pavilions, temples, and museums.

Marvel at the imposing Flag Tower and the Ngo Mon Gate, where emperors once addressed their subjects. The journey continues to the Nine Dynastic Urns and Nine Holy Cannons, symbols of the Nguyen Dynasty’s power and artistry, located near the Mieu Temple and the Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors.

This cycle rickshaw tour not only transports you through Hue’s historic landscapes but also offers a closer look at the city’s cultural heartbeat, all from the comfort of Vietnam’s cherished cyclo.

Can you think of a more original bicycle tour?!

4. Ancient Hue City Tour by Bike During Sunset

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 4 Hours
🚲 Where to Book: Viator

Take a magical 4-hour bike ride and boat trip in Hue as the sun starts to set. This special journey isn’t only about seeing the old city; it’s a chance to discover hidden spots like Bao Vinh village.

This place used to be popular with traders and craftsmen back in the day, making stuff like trunks and woven goods, and you’ll learn everything about it. Though some parts were destroyed a long time ago, you can still feel its old charm as you visit.

After exploring the handicraft villages, you’ll bike to Dieu De Pagoda, right by the water. It’s a peaceful spot that was really important back when kings ruled Hue.

Lastly, hop on a boat and glide down the Perfume River. As the sun dips and colors the sky, sip on some Vietnamese coffee or tea, soaking in the environment.

Doesn’t it sound like the perfect Hue cycling tour to add to your travel plan around Central Vietnam?!

5. Half-day Hue Cycling Trip

⭐ Rating: 5/5
✔️ Reviews: 10+
🕗 Duration: 3.5 Hours
🚲 Where to Book: Viator

Last but definitely not least cycling tour is a half-day trip to the Vietnamese countryside, where you’ll get a chance to pedal around picturesque landscapes and past ancient relics and temples.

This journey offers more than just beautiful scenery; it’s a chance to discover the historical and cultural essence of Hue, with visits to sites that tell stories of a past intertwined with the present.

And while you can see a lot when coming to Hue for 2 days, this tour takes things to the next level, with an expert guide that will take you to spots most tourists miss.

The tour includes a stop at Long Chau Temple, a trip around the Thủy Biều area in Hue, out of the city yet close enough to come back with ease, and a first aid kit as well, just to be prepared. Be ready to be wowed!

Travel Tips for Hue

Now that you know the best bike tours in Hue, let’s answer some frequent questions from first-timers that may be helpful to you too.

Is it Safe to Cycle in Hue?

Yes, cycling in Hue is generally considered safe and is a popular activity for both tourists and locals. The city’s relatively flat terrain, combined with its well-maintained roads and respectful driving culture, makes it an ideal place for cycling.

Hue is known for its slower pace of life compared to Vietnam’s larger cities, which contributes to safer cycling conditions, and that makes everything so much better!

Is Hue Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Hue is one of the hidden gems in Vietnam that often overlooked for other destinations like Da Nang or Hoi An, but you’ll love it, no matter if you’re into history or want to try different foods.

You can explore the Imperial Citadel, diving deep into Vietnam’s royal past, and then treat your taste buds to unique local delicacies like Bun Bo.

Plus, the beautiful Perfume River adds a peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, which I personally loved.

Best Time to Visit Hue

The best months to visit Hue is from January to August, when the weather is mild, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

February to April offers cooler temperatures and the vibrant Hue Festival, held every two years. Avoid September to December if possible, as this is the rainy season, which can lead to flooding and limit the things you can do on your trip.

Where to Eat in Hue

While your guide knows all the best places to eat in the city centre, here are some more places to have a meal in town that are sure to please:

• Nook Eatery: Charming cafe with a relaxed atmosphere, famous for its Vietnamese coffee and Western breakfast options.
• Madam Thu: Popular local restaurant, best known for its spicy Bun Bo and fresh spring rolls, in a cozy, authentic setting.
• Golden Rice Restaurant: Offers a memorable dining experience with standout dishes like Caramel Pork and Seafood Hot Pot in a comfortable, inviting ambiance.
• Les Jardins de la Carambole: Serves exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine, with highlights including Beef Bourguignon and Banh Khoai, set in a picturesque colonial garden.
• Cozy Restaurant Hue: Friendly spot offering a homey atmosphere with signature dishes like Grilled Lemongrass Pork and Hue Pancake, perfect for casual dining.

Where to Stay in Hue City

In case you choose to stay overnight, I recommend staying near the Imperial Citadel, in Hue city center, which isn’t far from the main attractions, the Hue nightlife, and bars and restaurants. Here are the best hotels in Hue to make the most of it.

Luxury: TTC Imperial Hotel

Mid-Range: White Lotus Hue Hotel

Budget: Hotel La Perle

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – the wrap-up of Hue’s 5 best cycling tours that are sure to leave you with stories, smiles, and a bit of a workout.

Whether you’ve explored the ancient city’s nooks and crannies, taken a peaceful ride in the countryside, or ended your day with a stunning sunset, these tours are sure to make your time in Hue one to remember.

Thanks for reading until the end and I hope this guide helped plan your trip!