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

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.

Discover Vietnam

Experience Vietnam with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel.

Vietnam | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Starting in Vietnam, discover Hanoi's ancient temples and bustling markets, ride pedal-powered rickshaws and savour the best street food in the world. In Laos, explore a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding. Switch gears and explore Cambodia's ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Three countries; endless possibilities

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.

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.

These are places where rich history, fascinating culture and astonishing varieties of cuisine perfectly blend. Soak up the highlights, from tangled jungles to miles of scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, spectacular temples and the ever-changing history of the enormous Angkor Wat will leave you awestruck. Travel to Vietnam and experience UNESCO-listed Hoi An, through its carefully preserved history—a mix of Chinese-style temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornamented Japanese covered bridge and the town’s eclectic restaurants. Wrap up your incredible week in the Imperial City of Hue, where bullfrogs and crickets sing, and the relatives of the Nguyen Dynasty spin stories of grand history while you dine on royal cuisine.

Enchanting Cambodia & Dynamic Vietnam

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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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.)

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

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.

Charming towns & rural beauty

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

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.

Vietnam

Cycling Through a Wedding in Vietnam

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