The Renaissance of Sport Cycling in Vietnam

Over the past few years, Vietnam has experienced a true renaissance of the bicycle. But forget the image of rusty bikes carrying goods through narrow alleys: today it’s all about sleek carbon frames, brightly colored lycra groups, and early morning training rides in the big cities.

Every morning, in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, calm boulevards turn into training grounds for passionate cyclists, riding in pelotons as if on the Tour de France. The brand Giant, deeply rooted locally and investing heavily in production, perfectly symbolizes this growing enthusiasm. Behind this boom stand dynamic clubs, an active national federation, and popular competitions such as the HTV Cup, which captivates cycling fans.

This phenomenon, amplified after the pandemic, is no longer just a trend: it marks Vietnam’s entry into the global family of sport cycling, blending passion, performance, and community.

From Daily Tool to Passion Sport

The bicycle has always been part of Vietnam’s landscape. For decades, it was used mainly by street vendors, students, or modest families as an affordable means of transportation. A symbol of daily life, it was above all utilitarian.

Yet in recent years, a radical change has taken place: the bicycle is no longer just a tool for mobility, but a sport in its own right. In major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it’s now common, early in the morning, to see groups of cyclists in technical gear, riding in formation and exchanging turns at the front just like in Europe. The contrast between the old, overloaded bicycles and today’s aerodynamic carbon frames illustrates the rebirth of Vietnamese cycling.

Post-Covid and the Desire for Outdoors

The pandemic acted as a trigger. During lockdowns, many Vietnamese became aware of the importance of sport for health and the need to spend time outdoors. Cycling quickly emerged as the ideal response: an activity done alone or in small groups, allowing for distancing, while rediscovering urban and rural landscapes.

Since then, the habit has stuck. At dawn, the roads leading out of the big cities fill with cyclists seeking performance. Some train for local competitions, others simply for the pleasure of sharing collective effort. This morning effervescence has now become a familiar image of post-Covid Vietnam.

Giant: Symbol of a Booming Market

Strong Presence in the Cities

If there’s one brand that embodies this transformation, it’s Giant. In the modern neighborhoods of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, its stores attract more and more customers. Road bikes, mountain bikes, and even gravel bikes are enjoying growing success among an emerging middle class ready to invest in quality equipment.

Massive Investments in Local Production

But Giant’s presence is not limited to storefronts. The Taiwanese giant has chosen Vietnam as a strategic production base, with investments exceeding 100 million USD in its Bình Dương factories. This decision demonstrates the potential of the local market and Vietnam’s increasing importance in the global cycling supply chain.

Growing Accessibility of High-End Bikes

As a result, high-end road bikes—once reserved for an elite—are becoming increasingly accessible. The local market benefits directly from this production, and sleek carbon models with modern drivetrains are now in the hands of Vietnamese enthusiasts. Giant has thus become the catalyst of Vietnam’s new cycling wave.

International Brands in Vietnam

Giant Manufacturing Vietnam
The Taiwanese giant has heavily invested in a large factory in Bình Dương province. This facility mainly produces high-end MTBs, road bikes, and e-bikes, much of which is exported to the U.S. and Europe. With investments exceeding 100 million USD, Giant plans further expansion, making Vietnam a major manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

Peugeot Cycles Vietnam
The century-old French brand assembles bicycles locally for the Vietnamese market. Its range includes city bikes and folding models, adapted to local conditions. Local assembly helps reduce costs and makes the brand more competitive.

Polygon (United Bike Vietnam)
Originally from Indonesia, Polygon has consolidated its presence with local production. Specializing in MTBs and road bikes, it benefits from skilled labor and local facilities to boost capacity and meet demand.

Decathlon
Better known worldwide for its distribution network, Decathlon also invests in production in Vietnam. Local workshops produce e-bikes and general-purpose bikes, strengthening its supply chain and meeting the needs of a growing market.

Merida, Shimano and Other Suppliers
Vietnam’s growth is also attracting component suppliers. Shimano, the leader in drivetrains, invests in the supply chain, while Merida is cited as a key player in Vietnam’s high-end bike market. Together, they help anchor the country in a complete cycling ecosystem.

Trek
The U.S. brand is present through official distributors and specialized shops. Its road and gravel bikes appeal to performance-oriented riders. Trek also enjoys visibility in Hanoi, where its bikes are used in some rental fleets, introducing the brand to both tourists and locals.

Ideal Bike
Another Taiwanese company, Ideal Bike, has announced plans to build a factory in Vietnam capable of producing up to 200,000 bikes per year, reinforcing the country’s role as a global production hub.

Fuji-Ta and E-Bike Brands
The e-bike segment is growing rapidly in Vietnam. Chinese companies like Fuji-Ta and other Asian players invest in local production of e-bikes and hybrid models. Global brands such as Specialized, Scott, and Cervélo are also watching the market closely, often cited in industry analyses as active or emerging competitors.

Clubs and Communities: The Beating Heart of Cycling

Hanoi, Epicenter of Morning Rides

In Hanoi, cycling has become a daily ritual. At dawn, the roads around West Lake or heading toward the airport fill with colorful pelotons. Clubs such as the Hanoi Cycling Club or the T2 Cycling Open regularly organize rides ranging from 40 to 150 km.

Ho Chi Minh City, Energy of the South

In the South, Ho Chi Minh City is equally dynamic. Groups like the Thảo Điền Riders or local teams competing in the HTV Cup illustrate the city’s vibrant cycling community.

Social Groups and Online Networks

Social media plays a central role. On Facebook and Instagram, clubs share routes, organize events, and highlight achievements, turning cycling into a connected community experience.

Competitions and National Federations

The Vietnam Cycling Federation: An Official Framework

Founded in 1992, the Vietnam Cycling Federation is the governing body that structures and develops cycling in the country.

The HTV Cup: Vietnam’s Great Cycling Festival

Every April, the HTV Cup transforms Vietnam’s roads into a sporting stage. This multi-stage race is followed passionately, much like the Tour de France on a national scale.

The BIWASE Tour: A Women’s International Showcase

The BIWASE Cup, classified as a UCI 2.2 race, attracts teams from across Asia and beyond, giving new visibility to women’s cycling in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Cycling Experience

The Most Popular Routes

• The central coast between Huế and Đà Nẵng.

• The northern mountains around Sapa and Hà Giang.

• The Mekong Delta countryside, offering a softer, more relaxed ride.

The Challenges: Traffic, Safety, Infrastructure

Dense urban traffic and a lack of dedicated cycle lanes require caution. Many riders choose to cycle early in the morning for safer conditions.

The Morning Community: Cafés, Pelotons, Shared Culture

After the effort comes the reward: a stop at a Vietnamese café is a must. These moments extend the ride and strengthen the social bonds between cyclists.

A Passion Oriented Toward the Future

Following Major International Events

The Tour de France is broadcast in Vietnam via local partners and streaming platforms. On a regional scale, the SEA Games remain a major event for Vietnamese cyclists.

Youth and the Culture of Sport

More and more young people are investing in high-end bikes and taking part in local events. Cycling is becoming a way to express an active and modern lifestyle.

Perspectives: Toward a Sustainable Cycling Boom?

With industrial players like Giant and the arrival of international brands such as Trek, Polygon, and Decathlon, Vietnam is positioning itself as a true cycling hub in Asia.

Conclusion

Vietnam is undergoing a true cycling transformation. Once mainly utilitarian, the bicycle has become a symbol of modernity and sporting passion. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, morning pelotons illustrate this new wave of enthusiasm. Local clubs, national competitions like the HTV Cup, and international openings such as the BIWASE Tour show that the movement keeps growing.

Global brands like Giant, Polygon, Peugeot Cycles, and Decathlon reinforce this momentum with major investments, while local manufacturers assert their ambitions. Vietnam is now both a global industrial hub and a fertile ground for an emerging sports culture.

With its connected youth, hungry for challenges and well-being, Vietnam seems destined for a sustainable boom in sport cycling. Time will tell whether this passion can take root as deeply as in countries where cycling is already a tradition. But one thing is certain: Vietnam has mounted the saddle, and it has no intention of getting off anytime soon.

Why This Subject?

At first glance, sport cycling may seem a little off-topic compared to the other articles on this blog, often focused on travel, culture, and practical information. But in reality, it perfectly illustrates what has fascinated me since living in Vietnam: the speed at which this country evolves.

Having discovered Vietnam more than fifteen years ago and now living here for several years, I remain constantly impressed by the energy and dynamism driving its society. Everything changes here: infrastructure, lifestyles, sporting habits… Every year brings something new, and the rise of cycling is one striking example. Once just a modest means of transport, the bicycle has become a modern sport, embraced by an urban youth eager for health, well-being, and performance.

As a Frenchman, I can’t help but compare. My home country sometimes seems to stagnate—or even regress—while in Vietnam, new initiatives keep appearing and society advances at an astonishing pace. This difference fuels both my admiration and my curiosity.

Writing about cycling in Vietnam is not simply about sport. It’s about sharing a perspective on a country in transformation, on a population embracing new practices and enthusiastically adopting modern lifestyles. It’s also a way of showing how Vietnam is alive, surprising, and inspiring, far beyond clichés.

The bicycle is just one example among many: in Vietnam, movement is everywhere.

🚴 Practical Guide to Cycling in Vietnam: Between Roads, Lanes, and New Practices

Vietnam is undergoing a genuine cycling transformation. In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in the countryside and mountains, the practice of cycling is booming. Whether for sport, daily commutes, cycle touring, or the rise of the electric-assist bicycle (e-bike/VAE), Vietnamese riders are discovering new ways to pedal and new equipment to match.

From Roads to Cycle Lanes: A Varied Playground

The country offers countless rides and circuits, from northern mountain passes to coastal routes in central Vietnam. While some cycle lanes are beginning to appear in urban areas, many cyclists still share the roads with pedestrians and scooters. Yet this doesn’t stop road cyclists and racers from heading out in pelotons every morning.

Bicycles for Every Practice

Today in Vietnam, you can find every type of modern bicycle:

• Road and racing bikes, favored by city pelotons.

• MTBs and all-terrain bikes, for exploring mountains, cross-country, or even cyclo-cross.

• City bikes and VTCs (all-road bikes), perfect for urban commutes.

• Folding bikes, popular with urban dwellers looking to save space.

• E-bikes (VAE), increasingly popular for long rides or replacing scooters.

• Hybrid and trekking bikes, ideal for long-distance travel and cycle touring.

Equipment: From Handlebars to Cranksets

Cyclists in Vietnam are now investing in modern, performance-oriented bikes. Every detail matters:

• A suitable handlebar for road, city, or off-road use.

• Lightweight, robust wheels for better efficiency.

• Pedals (clipless or flat) depending on rider level.

• An efficient crankset to optimize pedaling.

• A well-adjusted derailleur, smooth gears, and a reliable freewheel.

• Powerful brakes, essential on mountain descents or crowded streets.

Each ride becomes an opportunity to understand one’s bike better and enjoy the pleasure of pedaling through varied landscapes.

From Leisure to Competition

While many choose cycling for leisure rides or daily commutes, others aim for sport. Triathlon is gaining popularity, and local clubs organize races where riders can test their limits. Cycle touring also attracts many foreign visitors, drawn by Vietnam’s landscapes and its people’s warm hospitality.

A Promising Future

With the spread of modern bikes, the multiplication of cycle lanes, and the rapid rise of the electric-assist bike, Vietnam is becoming a country where cycling is truly part of daily life. Whether you ride a folding bike, a VTC, a VAE, or a racing bike, cycling here adapts to every lifestyle.

In Vietnam, the bicycle is no longer just transportation: it has become a way of life, a sport, and a shared passion.

FAQ – Cycling in Vietnam: Tips and Practical Advice

What is the difference between a classic bicycle and a modern bike?

A classic bicycle is simple and sturdy, ideal for short urban trips. A modern bike, on the other hand, may feature motorization, suspension forks, or high-end components like Sram or Mavic, depending on the type of bike chosen.

How to choose a bike in Vietnam?

To choose a bike wisely, first define the intended use: city bike, e-MTB, road bike, hybrid, or women’s bike adapted to body shape. Vietnam’s terrain, with its climbs and varied roads, also influences the choice.

Where to buy a bike in Vietnam?

There are many bike shops in major cities, offering both local and international brands like Lapierre. You can also consider the purchase of a second-hand bike or opt for bike rentals for short stays.

What assisted bicycles are available?

Electric-assist bikes (e-bikes/VAE) are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam. They make pedaling uphill easier and appeal to those who want to replace their scooter with a more eco-friendly option. These motorized bikes come in rigid, trekking, or electric MTB versions.

What accessories are essential for my bike?

Whether for my road bike or an MTB, key accessories include: good tires suited to the terrain, a sturdy lock, a suitable fork, reliable pedals, and effective brakes.

Are all bikes suitable for cycle touring?

Not all bikes are suitable for cycle touring. For long cycle paths or extended trips, a hybrid bike or trekking bike with strong wheels, appropriate gears, and good load capacity is recommended.

Are there alternatives to bicycles in Vietnam?

Yes, mobility is diverse: alongside electric scooters and kick-scooters, there are classic bikes, BMX, and e-bikes, offering a wide range of choices depending on use. Urban mobility is evolving rapidly, with a strong trend toward eco-friendly solutions.

Can you buy a road bike in Vietnam?

Yes, you can buy a road bike new or second-hand in Vietnam. Major stores offer models adapted to mountain passes and long distances, and it’s possible to find premium components like Mavic wheels or Sram groupsets.

How to get started with your first bike?

For a first bike, simplicity is best: a sturdy aluminum or steel frame, reliable disc brakes, and a comfortable handlebar. The key is finding a model suited to your size (measured in inches) and intended practice.

What is the difference between a classic bike and a Dutch bike?

A classic bike is usually lightweight and versatile, designed for quick cyclable trips. A Dutch bike, meanwhile, is heavier but very comfortable, with an upright riding position, solid rims, and a steel frame. Perfect for elegant city riding, but less suited to long distances.

What types of bikes are best for road and performance?

Racing bikes prioritize aerodynamics, lightness, and rigidity. They are built for endurance on the road, with appropriate chainrings (plateaux), well-graded cogs (pignons), and aerodynamic front and rear wheels. Choosing the right stem and handlebar is also crucial for comfort and performance.

What is a VTC or “all-road” bike?

A VTC (vélo tout chemin / all-road bike) is a versatile model: it combines the lightness of a road bike with the sturdiness of an MTB. Add panniers and it becomes perfect for cycle touring or as an entry-level bike for sport cycling. An aluminum or steel frame absorbs shocks well, making it ideal on cycle paths as well as dirt roads.

Which bikes are best for off-road and rough terrain?

For thrill-seekers, enduro and cyclocross offer two different worlds:

• Enduro focuses on downhill riding and resistance to impacts, with reinforced suspension.

• Cyclocross is lighter, designed for alternating road, mud, and fast tracks.
  In both cases, disc brakes and strong hubs (moyeux) ensure safety and efficiency.

What should you know about e-bikes?

Electric-assist bikes (VAE) use a battery, often lithium-ion, to make pedaling easier. They are perfect for climbs and long distances, and can even replace a scooter in the city. Depending on the motorization, an e-bike can be better suited for the road, trekking, or off-road use.

Which accessories improve the cycling experience?

Beyond a good braking system, key accessories include: panniers for city bikes or VTCs, reliable pedals, a suitable handlebar, and a strong lock. Long-distance riders should also consider the quality of their rims (jantes), maintenance of the cogs (pignon) and hub (moyeu), and smooth transmission for better endurance.