Vietnam might not be the first country that springs to mind when bicycle touring abroad is mentioned. In fact, the nation’s very name has unfortunate connotations for some of us.

Vietnam, however, can be a wonderful place for a bicycle tour. Of course there are some downsides, as is true of anywhere; but the people are said to be very friendly, and in general things aren’t very expensive. Vietnam also seems to have a reputation for being safe for tourists, which is more than can be said for many places.

What is there to see there? If beaches are your thing, perhaps you’ll want to head for Phu Quoc island. There are Buddhist temples. See the rice paddies.

Only about one-fifth of the country is flat. The rest of the country is densely forested highlands, or hills, or tropical lowlands. The climate is part temperate; part tropical; and the monsoons must be taken into account. The humidity tends to be high. Spring and Fall are said to be the best times to visit.

If you do go there during the rainy season, be sure to take along a poncho. In fact, if Vietnam is anything like New Orleans, it can rain at any time; so remember Gene Kelly!