Cycling Through a Wedding in Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of gorgeous vistas and vivid history, but when we cycle there, it’s the encounters with those we meet along the road that truly bring it to life, forming deep and unforgettable connections.For the Mekong Delta section of B&amp;R’s <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/cambodia-vietnam-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cambodia and Vietnam Biking</a> trip, we stay at the Azerai Can Tho, on a peaceful island in a tributary of the Mekong near the city of Can Tho. After breakfast, we take a scenic morning boat ride to get to reunite with our trusty bikes. We pass through floating markets where enthusiastic vendors tempt us with a huge variety of fruits and vegetables, and there are even little beverage boats selling water, juice, and beer (yes, it’s still morning, but you never know when the mood will strike).

Our captain steers us towards the shore with its shantytowns and rickety wharves among flotsam and water hyacinths, and we just manage to fit into a narrow canal, practically in the living rooms of the people who live on the banks. They don’t mind though; there are friendly smiles from every direction as our boat passes under low bridges with school children peddaling their bikes across. We soon see our own beautiful B&amp;R bikes parked in a neat row on the laneway above.We disembark from the boat and pedal along a concrete path just wide enough for bikes, scooters and pedestrians to safely pass one another. We pass through households that straddle this tiny roadway, gardens bursting with limes, oranges, pomelos, jackfruit, durian and many more of the fruits that thrive in the fertile soil of the Mekong DeltaNow it’s our turn to cross over the little bridges, which offer great viewspoints up and down the canals, where boats bear the heavy loads of fruit and other goods throughout this aquatic network.

As we round a bend, flanked by rows of coconut and banana trees, we can hear music and laughter through the vegetation ahead. Suddenly, an obstruction presents itself directly on the road ahead: a large, white, festive tent. We draw nearer, and beside the tent, we see a large photo of a happy young couple. It’s clear now: we are about to pass through a wedding!That’s right: in Vietnam, wedding receptions take place in these huge tents placed over the entire width of the road. You have two options: go directly through the event if space permits, or take a detour.Here, though, we are welcomed warmly to momentarily join in the celebrations! The bride herself greets us at the entrance. We congratulate her on her nuptials and pose for photos; it’s a moment to cherish. Our guide, Dinh, grabs the MC’s mic and sings, “Happy wedding to you! Happy wedding to you!”

Within the tent, the attendees sit at rows of tables laden with beer and ice, cheering the interlopers in helmets and bike gear and inviting us to join in a toast as we wheel through. It’s impossible to keep from dancing to the energetic beat emanating from the sound system that we pass on our way out of the tent. We ride out into the sunlight and birdsong once more, warmed and uplifted by this serendipitous encounter. The music recedes in the distance, but we still feel the rhythm for days to come.&nbsp;It’s the moments like this that make a bike trip through Vietnam so worthwhile. Part of their beauty is that we can’t predict their exact nature. We just know that they will happen, and that they will be the indelible impression of a place and a people that we will look back on with joy for years to come, spurring us to get in the saddle once more.

Vietnam is a land of gorgeous vistas and vivid history, but when we cycle there, it’s the encounters with those we meet along the road that truly brings it to life, forming deep and unforgettable connections

Vietnam

From north to south, Vietnam is a contrast of distinctly local cultures. Welcome to a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and unwavering graciousness of our local friends. Even with its vibrant economic growth, the country is as beautiful and enchanting as it was ten years ago.

Explore breathtaking bays and lush rice terraces

Discover Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay and explore Hoi An on a luxury Vietnam tour. Extraordinary cuisine, rice terraces and expert guides since 1970.

Luxury Biking & Private Tours in Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson

If there’s anything better than luxurious hotels, beautiful landscapes and delectable dishes, it’s the ability to appreciate it all at your own pace. We’ve plotted out the quintessential Vietnamese experience, preloaded the routes onto your GPS, and lined up local friends from Hue to Danang to take you in deep. Prefer to go deep into the pool? Take the plunge – it’s your vacation.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane&nbsp;was named Vietnam’s Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Authentic Food

From rice paddies to pagodas, Vietnam dazzles at every turn—and this self-guided spin lets you savour it your way. Pedal peaceful backroads, feast with a local family, and coast along sandy trails from Hue to Hoi An. Feeling bold? Conquer the legendary Hai Van Pass. This journey’s got it all—except a fixed pace. That’s up to you.

Uncover Vietnam's hidden charms

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

Explore Hué's imperial citadels and Hoi An's ancient town on a tailor-made itinerary. Two of Southeast Asia's most culturally significant cities, privately

Central Vietnam Private Tours: Hué Citadels, Hoi An & Cultural Access

Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Active Adventure

Cultural Immersion

Luxurious Stays

Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.

A cultural journey through ancient lands

Experience Designer 

In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.

Spend 5 nights biking, hiking and kayaking around Luang Prabang in a small group. Sacred temples, jungle waterfalls and Southeast Asia's most photogenic city.

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Multi-Active Tour: Temples & Luang Prabang

Roll past friendly villagers, rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops. What more could you want? How about three nights at the riverside Anantara Hoi An Resort? Sleep on it.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $170 internal flights.)

Culturally and naturally diverse, the path less travelled through Northern Vietnam reveals new wonders at every turn. Starting in Hanoi, explore the city on a cyclo ride and indulge your inner foodie alongside expert chefs. Head north and meander through the back roads of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, where a natural labyrinth of soaring limestone mountains, crystal streams and hidden temples reveal the country's most authentic side. Along the way, our charming friends will open their doors for a glimpse into local life, from members of the Tay community to humble farmers replete with clever techniques.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

A Stroll For The Senses

Vietnam's beauty knows no bounds. B&amp;R was one of the first travel companies to explore the country on two wheels, and our experience on the ground goes a long way. Over two decades later, we've scoped out more luxurious hotels, curated biking routes and exclusive experiences with our local friends—from historic Hoi An to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. You'll roll past friendly villagers, cruise up the Perfume River, and even savour mind-blowing cuisine with relatives of the last Vietnamese dynasty.&nbsp;On this Expedition trip, the rich culture and serene bike routes are only trumped by the unwavering graciousness of our local friends.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

One-of-a-kind Hotels

After more than two decades in Vietnam, we’re still uncovering gems to share with you. Ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s electric buzz to timeless Hoi An, past rice paddies, rivers, and smiling locals. Dine with a renowned chef, cruise along the coast, and savour every quiet path and warm welcome. This isn’t just a ride—it’s an immersion in a land that never stops giving.

Charming towns & rural beauty

Spend 6 nights biking Vietnam's dramatic central coast in a small group. Fishing villages, empty beaches and mountain passes with guides who know every road.

Vietnam Bike Tour: Coastal Villages, Empty Beaches & Mountain Passes

Roll past rice paddies and cruise up the Perfume River. Feel the rush of our favourite city, Hoi An, and savour the mind-blowing Viet fusion cuisine made by our local friends. Our incredible guides have been working with us for decades and have real chops.&nbsp;Below are a few of our trip highlights in Vietnam to inspire your private, tailor-made journey.

Unique Gastronomy

Vietnam is a sensory adventure—rice paddies, river cruises, imperial tombs and street food that’ll ruin you for takeout forever (in the best possible way, of course). Bike to ancient villages, wander lantern-lit Hoi An and sip pho with our friends who know every shortcut and secret. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, this is history, flavour and soul—served B&amp;R-style.

as wondrous as the first time we ventured here more than a decade ago

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Vietnam

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Hoi An's tailor shops on a tailor-made Vietnam journey. Decades of insider access, privately guided and built around you.

Vietnam Private Tours: Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoi An & Insider Access

Pedal from floating markets to Imperial tombs along colourful country and coastal roads.

You will be picked up at the airport in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel, Sofitel Metropole

These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.

Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion 

Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the utterly magical Perfume River.&nbsp; Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, and spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An.&nbsp;

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

Venture off the beaten path and fall in love with Cambodia and Vietnam

Can't find your dates?

Go Bespoke

In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)

Spend 6 nights biking and hiking from Angkor to Hoi An in a small group. Jungle temple routes, imperial citadels and the best of Southeast Asia on two wheels.

Cambodia & Vietnam Bike Tour: Angkor Jungle to Hoi An's Ancient Streets

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam, where lush rice paddies, ancient forests and picturesque villages lie quietly. Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll head to a local cooking school and indulge in your authentic creations. Wander to the ancient capital of Dai Viet and visit centuries-old temples. Take a scenic boat ride into mountain caves in Ninh Binh, then venture to one of the world's most biodiverse regions in the Cuc Phuong National Park. Spend each day exploring at your own pace before unwinding at your stunning hotel for the night.

Great Walks

Northern Vietnam serves up misty peaks, rice paddies, and ancient temples—hold the crowds, add a dash of extra charm. Cook like a local in Hanoi, boat into secret caves in Ninh Binh, and wander through biodiverse wonderlands in Cuc Phuong. This one's self-guided, so stroll at your own pace, snack often, and let Vietnam work its quiet magic.

Wander through ancient forests and rice paddies

$5,700 based on 2 travellers. $4,795 based on 4 travellers. $4,595 based on 6 travellers.

Explore Vietnam's ancient forests and hill tribe villages on a custom itinerary. Beyond the guidebook, privately guided through landscapes most tours never

Northern Vietnam Self-Guided Tours

In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;

We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.

Wander from Siem Reap to Hue 

Featured stays

Journey 5 nights from Angkor's ancient temples to Hoi An in a small group. Guided hikes, cultural immersion and insider access throughout.

Cycling Through a Wedding in Vietnam

By Chris Litt

Vietnam

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