Cycle Vietnam

ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Hanoi:

Welcome to Hanoi and the start of your holiday! Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you and your family to explore the city, with its picturesque tree-lined avenues, scenic lakes, ancient pagodas and bustling old town, all which are easily accessible by foot.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2:

Hanoi – Halong Bay 

Take a moment to picture in your mind some two thousand rugged karst islands dappled with lush vegetation seeming to float on top of pristine emerald coloured waters and you have the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. This morning a scenic drive will take us to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site where we will enjoy a junk boat cruise.

Based on traditional designs, these wonderful vessels combine oriental style with modern luxury. Soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck as the boat gently plies its course, opt for a swim in the divine waters or hop in a row boat for a visit to ‘Dark & Bright Lagoon’. Tonight, there’s a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before an impressive seafood dinner is served – delicious for even the pickiest of eaters.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Day 3:

Halong Bay –Hanoi – Hue

Wake up to the peaceful serenity of Halong Bay this morning, followed by a calming Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional Vietnamese massage. After exploring a hidden grotto beneath towering cliffs, we will sail to the port for our journey back to Hanoi.

Arriving back in the capital we will enjoy a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the famous Old Quarter, made up of an complex maze of intertwining alleyways and backstreets lined with small houses, handicraft workshops and street food vendors, for a quintessential Vietnamese experience. Later its back to the hotel for some time to refresh and relax before heading to the trains station in the evening to board our overnight journey (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) to Hue on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line.

Overnight in Sleeper Train.

Day 4:

Hue 

Upon arrival to Hue we will make our way to the hotel for check-in and a hearty breakfast in preparation for the day ahead. Gearing up we will hop on our bikes for a cycle out to the old Imperial Citadel where we’ll discover the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin. We will then continue our bike ride 12 kilometres into the countryside to the eccentric Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings. Here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. If time permits we will also cycle to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Cycling details:
Distance: 30 kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: Easy
Transportation: Cycling (Mountain Bike)
Road: Flat dirt and paved roads

Day 5:

Hue – Hoi An

Setting out in the early morning we will take to the back roads on our bikes, cycling past rice fields, small villages, colourful markets and fish farms en route to Thuan An Beach. Here we will cycle along the coastal road, taking in Cemetery City and a village famous for its fish sauce. After three hours of cycling we will arrive at Phuoc Tuong Pass where transport will be waiting to take us to Lang Co beach for lunch and some well-earned relaxation. After lunch we will continue on to Hai Van Pass by transfer, taking in amazing views with time for a photo stop. If you’d like to continue cycling we can hop back on our bikes and follow a coastal road into Hoi An.

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here. Upon arrival we will enjoy a short walking tour through its streets and in the evening will enjoy the ambience of the town.

 Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycling details:
Distance: 30 kilometres (with an optional extra 40 kilometres)
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: Easy
Transportation: Cycling (Mountain Bike) and transfers
Road: Flat dirt and paved roads

Day 6:

Hoi An 

A bicycle ride into the countryside, will take us to a local farm in Tra Que village. Here, we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens by raking, sowing and watering greens. Later we will cook a lunch made up of local delicacies and will enjoy our culinary masterpiece while soaking up the clean air and country views. Cycling back to Hoi An in the afternoon we will make a stop at Nhat tomb and Ba Le well. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycling details
Distance: 8 kilometres
Duration: 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace with photo stops
Grade: Easy
Transportation: Cycling (Road Bike)
Road: Flat dirt and paved roads

Day 7:

Hoi An 

Today we will venture off the beaten track on our bikes to discover the day-to-day life of the local people here. Passing through fishing villages, shrimp farms and rice paddy fields we will make our way to Bach Dang river pier, where we’ll board a cruise of the stunning Thu Bon River. Disembarking at Duyen Hai we will continue our journey by bike on back roads through Binh Minh, Binh Dao and Binh Trieu to Tam ky town where we will stop for lunch.

Later we will take a short bus ride to the Dung Quat Oil Refinery Area, travelling over dirt tracks and paved roads through the countryside passing through charming villages en route. We will continue on to Sa Ky Fishing Port My Khe Beach and My Lai, where we’ll pay our respects at a memorial dedicated to the villagers who lost their lives here during the Vietnam War. After visiting the memorial and a museum we will head back to Hoi An by bus.

 Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycling details
Distance: 30-60 kilometres (can be customised)
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: Moderate
Transportation: Cycling (Mountain Bike) and transfers
Road: Flat dirt and paved roads

Day 8:

Hoi An –Saigon  

An early morning flight will take us to Saigon today, where we will then continue on to the Mekong Delta by road. Known as the ‘Rice bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta is brimming with rice paddy fields, colourful fruit orchards, enchanting villages and bustling floating markets. Travelling by sampan from Vinh Long, we will cruise downstream through a maze of waterways, witnessing the activity of everyday life along the way. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children playing in the water, we will stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Later we will enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

 Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 9:

Can Tho –Saigon

This morning we will pay a visit to the colourful floating market of Cai Rang. Here vendors have their boats piled high with goods, from melons, pineapples and fresh greens, to sacks of rice and children’s toys. Browse, barter and admire the hundreds of brightly coloured boats lining the banks here before continuing back to Saigon by road.

Once called the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, old and new collide in this modern city as gleaming sky scrapers, glamorous restaurants and designer shops stand side-by-side with colonial era landmarks and post-war remnants. Here we will enjoy a walking tour of the city taking in some of Saigon’s most famous landmarks, including the impressive red-brick Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the central Post Office and the sobering War Remnants Museum. Spend the remainder of the evening at your own leisure – Saigon has plenty of fun to offer all ages!

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 10:

Saigon

This morning is free for you to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Why not opt for a relaxing foot massage, bargain for goods at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace.

Alternatively, those with a bit more time to spare can extend their stay and opt to join us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels  , where there will be the chance to explore a vast network of underground tunnels and hideouts that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn about booby traps, climb through trap doors, or even test your skills with an AK 47 at the firing range!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Hanoi – Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ancient Quarter

Hue – ancient citadel, Imperial Purple City, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda and monastery

Saigon – ‘Pearl of the Orient!. Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office and War Remnants Museum

Cai Be waterways, cottage industries, mansion home and Dong Hoa Hiep Island

Halong Bay – UNESCO Listed region with thousands of beautiful limestone peaks and islets

Hoi An – UNESCO Listed ancient town, famed for its beautifully preserved old city, tailors, handicrafts markets and nearby beaches

Mekong Delta – a maze of waterways, fertile farm land and floating villages

Can Tho – lively market town in the Mekong Delta and nearby Cai Rang floating market

INCLUDED:

9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner

Economy class flight Danang – Saigon

Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration

Guided sightseeing – Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Saigon

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 10

Visa approval letter (excl. stamping fee required upon arrival)

Tour guide riding with you, Support vehicle and driver/mechanic accompanying all rides

Snacks, fruits, 2 mineral waters and towels per person on cycling days

7 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night deluxe junk boat and 1 overnight sleeper train (Junk boat: private cabin, Sleeper train: basic, 4 berth cabin)

Halong Bay Junk boat cruise – opt to swim, kayak or explore caves

Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta

Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Mountain bikes for days 4, 5 and 7. See image on day 7 of the itinerary. Locally made road bike for leisurely riding on day 6

Bicycle Helmet, though you may wish to bring your own

Spare bikes – 1-2 for use if required

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights and visa. Vietnam visa letter included – stamping fee required upon arrival

Entrance Fees: USD$40-50, paid in USD

Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3 – 6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

Tipping Kitty: USD$40-50, paid in USD 

TOUR DETAILS:

STARTS

Hanoi

ENDS

Saigon

DEPARTS

Saturdays

HOTEL RATING

4 star

LOCAL PAYMENT

None

TOUR GUIDE

Yes – escorted by a tour guide

MEALS

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 6, Dinner: 1