Where to sleep :
The government adopted a politics and obliged the tourism to use the service of hotels. A hotel for tourism will cost you about 8 to 9 dollars (150 000 dongs) per night, but if you bargain, you should be able to get it for 5 to 6 dollars (80 000 to 100 000 dongs). The temples don't have the right to welcome you for a night. We succeeded in it some times, but you should know than it’s against the law. People are always a little shy or afraid to welcome you at home and if they make it, you must have the police's permission and show them your passport. It is not easy to do Camping in this country but, it is easier in the Northern Province. Camping is illegal. Don’t worry, maybe it looks complicated, but it is always possible to pass over the law.

Qualities of the road :
The national roads are very well kept. You could use road tire without any problem. In the countryside and in the north of Vietnam, you should have larger tires.

Food :
It is very easy to obtain food in Vietnam. The only thing, don’t get exiting to fast. The Vietnamese are well recognize to be able to ripe your money. Always pay your meal before starting to eat it. A bowl of rice with meat or a soup in Vietnam costs 6 000 dong and never more. They will always ask you for 10 000 dong or 1 dollar. A bottle of water costs 5 000 dongs. Often too, they accept a price and when the time to pay come, they double the amount or they give you back the wrong change. If you are not satisfied of the situation, don't be afraid to demonstrate your disagreement and leave the place if it’s necessary. Please, never encourage this system.

Level of dificulties :
You can find different levels of difficulties in Vietnam and it’s very pleasant. If you wish to follow the national 1 on the seaside, except some area, the road is relatively flat. If you decide to visit the countryside and the north of Vietnam, you should be in relatively good shape because you will have to pass several good climb

The must :
You should appreciate riding thru the region of Dalat. You will ride thru the tea and coffee plantation at around 800 m in altitude. Dalat is situated to about 1 400 m in altitude. This region is perfect to keep you cool. To go to Hanoi, we borrowed the national 1. There are a few beautiful viewpoints, but if you want to feel the pulse of Vietnam, we suggest you more to borrow the road 14 in the countryside. However, you should be in good shape and should be conscious that you will be the only tourists. We greatly also suggest you to visit by bicycle the north of Vietnam. The road that joins Hanoi and Lao Cai is not easy, but is certainly easier than the road that borders Laos. The cultural through the mountains is immense and you will be seduced by the beauty of the landscapes and the local communities. Finally, we didn't have the time to visit the Ha Long Bay region, but several mentioned us that it could be pleasant to reserve one night on a boat trip and visit the region. The Lonely planet, was recommending to visit the Delta Mekong, but we have been disappointed indeed of the region. It wasn’t the representation of what they were taking about. Cambodia was much more reflecting of what they suggest.

Security:
Vietnam is an extremely safe country, even sometimes too much. The police do a lot of pressure on the local and the tourism. You should give your passport each night to the guest house. In Vietnam, the port of the weapon is illegal and if someone attacks you with a weapon or a knife, if this person gets cut, she will get the capital punishment. It mean, this situation happen extremely rarely. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular the district of Saigon, has the highest rate of thieves. Be careful of the motorbike riders.

Bicycle shop:
Two cyclists referred us to visit a man in Saigon. He stores in his house almost everything you need.
Mr Thanh
285 Vos Van Tan St. District 3
0903707091
Otherwise, you should be able to find some bicycles shop on the road D Vo Thi Sau in Saigon too. In Hanoi, you can find some shop on the street Pho Ba Trieu, but don't wish anything special.

Visa:
20 U.S. = 1 month

Exchange rate (approximate):
1 U.S. dollar = 4 000 riel’s

Guidebook :
Lonely planet: Cycling around Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos