Vietnam By Bike
Since running our first cycle ride through Vietnam over a decade ago our trip reports have always exceeded our expectations. Without a doubt cycling is one of the finest ways to discover a country where hospitality comes as second nature.
Our complete service includes comfortable geared cycles, a support crew and backup vehicle, and nights spent in simply appointed hotels where the local cuisine will be sure to delight.
Pedalling at a steady pace we explore an ever-changing landscape of tranquil highlands, palm fringed beaches and country roads that lead through mango and coconut groves.
Stopping at wayside tea stalls the villagers curiosity often translates into invitations to visit their homes. Before and after our cycling we visit the museums and markets of Hanoi, savour the French styled town of Dalat and the bustling, cosmopolitan cafe culture of Ho Chi Minh City on this classic adventure.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(CC-5055-P) |
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14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 8 Dinners |
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21 Speed steel framed Mountain Bikes |
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Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 15 |
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Expert bilingual guide |
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internal flights |
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Accomodation |
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Private air conditioned transportation |
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Comfortable train travel in 4 berth sleeper carriages |
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Sightseeing as listed in itinerary |
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National park & site entry fees |
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Price Excludes |
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International Flights, travel insurance |
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Suitability / Level |
Moderate |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN HANOI
Today is our arrival day in Hanoi. On arrival you will receive a transfer to the group hotel. Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel where a trip briefing will be held around 5.00pm. In the evening we have tickets for a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppet theatre, a series of 17 stories presented by 11 puppeteers whom traditionally performed during the monsoonal period when rice farming in the Red River Delta was not possible. The stories reflect their way of life and dreams as well as providing respite from their demanding work schedule. Prior to this we will have dinner in a local restaurant and an opportunity to sample speciality dishes of the north.
DAY 2 - IN HANOI, TRAIN TO HUE
This morning we visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam (sometimes closed in Oct and Nov when Ho Chi Minh is taken to Moscow for a touch-up). We walk through the grounds of the magnificent Presidential Palace, visiting the humble wooden cottage of Ho Chi Minh and a museum dedicated to the life of Vietnam's first President plus the One Pillar Pagoda. This is followed by a visit to the impressive Temple of Literature. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the many interesting streets of the Old Quarter, an area that is little changed over the centuries. Each is named (in Vietnamese of course!) after the goods that they trade in eg Silk St, Iron St, Biscuit St, Shoe St etc. and it is interesting to make your own discoveries. After a late check out from our hotel and an early dinner, we transfer to the train station for our overnight train journey on the Reunification Express southwards to Hue. The overnight accommodation aboard the train is four person cabins where we sleep in comfortable berths swaying to the timeless rhythm of the railroad.
DAY 3 - IN HUE
We will arrive early morning into Hue and transfer to our centrally located hotel. After a shower and some breakfast we will gear up for our first day of riding. We will meet our additional crew who will be driving the support vehicles. One vehicle is our bus, which will act as a support vehicle and carry our luggage the other is a truck for carrying the bikes. We are also introduced to our bicycles, each designated bike being then adjusted and fitted with our own equipment as required. We will receive a briefing on how to ride the bikes and how to handle the traffic in Vietnam.
We will then set out for our first ride in Vietnam through the ancient capital of Hue. Hue is known for the magnificent architecture of its Royal Tombs, pagodas and temples built by the Nguyen Dynasty along the picturesque setting of the Perfume River. The royal relics of the Nguyen Emperors on the outskirts of the city are an easy ride from our hotel. In the morning we will visit the old Imperial Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Imperial Museum before lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit some ancient tombs of emperors past. We cycle approximately 12 km to the eccentric Tu Ducs tomb located in a serene setting on the outskirts of town. Time permitting we will then cycle to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered the unofficial symbol of Hue, before returning to the hotel for overnight accommodation.
DAY 4 - RIDE TO HOI AN
We will set out early from out hotel and drive about 30 km out of town before getting on the bikes. Today will be our first experience of cycling on a highway outside of the towns. Traffic can be heavy in some parts but it is a fantastic way to see the surrounding countryside, past endless rice paddy fields and children screaming out "hello". The support vehicles will travel at the back of the group and we will stop every 15 km to regroup and share experiences. This morning we will cycle approximately 30 km before lunch through gently undulating countryside.
After lunch we then bus through Da Nang, stopping briefly at see the marble statues near the mountain of the same name before cycling on to the World Heritage town of Hoi An. In the evening we will take a short walking tour through the old streets of Hoi An. The streets are charming at night with lanterns hanging from shop fronts and patrons spilling onto the streets. Amongst other things, Hoi An is famous for a particular noodle dish (Kau Lau) which we endeavour to sample during our time here.
DAY 5 - HOI AN
Hoi An, probably the most delightful town in Vietnam, was a major sea port in the Middle Ages. Untouched in any of the wars, Hoi An retains influences from Chinese, Japanese, French and even Portuguese and British traders who stopped here between China and India. Adding to Hoi An's beauty is the Thu Bon River which winds its way through the city and out to the South China Sea. A boat ride can be taken to nearby islands for exploring. The high quality silk found in Hoi An can be made into clothes by local tailors within a couple of hours. You may even like to try your hand at a local cooking class to learn some of the sumptuous Vietnamese dishes. Plenty of distractions to keep you busy for a full day in Hoi An.
DAY 6 - CYCLE TO KON TUM
Today is a more challenging day as we leave Highway 1 and head inland towards Quang Nam. We will cycle only part of today, along undulating roads with stunning photo opportunities. We will ride past many remote villages, tropical forests, over bridges and along quiet but scenic roads.
Approx cycling distance : 85km. Overnight in Kon Tum.
DAY 7 - CYCLE TO PLEIKU
This morning we take our bus out of Kon Tum before we start the cycle and spend a pleasant day on gentle rolling hills. We have time to observe the simple daily life of local people as we pass numerous small villages and rubber plantations. The surrounding area offers a kaleidoscope of rich colours and beautiful mountains. Pleiku is in an area of the Truong Son mountain range (running much of the length of the country), which is home to some of Vietnam's 54 hilltribe minority groups, known as Montagnards (French collective name for "mountain people"). It is now a town showing the architectural influence of Russian aid in reconstruction after the devastation of the War. Approx cycling distance 49 Km.
DAY 8 - CYCLE TO BUON MA THUOT
Today's part- cycle is on an excellent road, Highway 14, taking in 197kms of undulating and scenic uplands. We pass by coffee plantations and national parks on our way to the largest town in the Western Highlands, and the capital of Dac Lac Province.
DAY 9 - CYCLE TO NHA TRANG
Today's part-cycle covers 194kms on Highway 28 and whilst undulating is mostly downhill towards the coast and Nha Trang. We may see wild elephants as we pass through more minority hamlets on our way to the kilometres of untouched beaches, great climate and islands to explore which have made Nha Trang a popular Vietnamese resort. The accommodation for the next 2 nights is ideally situated right near the main beach in the centre of town.
DAY 10 - REST DAY IN NHA TRANG
Today is a cycle-free day to enjoy the clear blue waters and relaxed ambience of Nha Trang. We make an excursion by local boat on the harbour exploring nearby islands for a beach sojourn in the shade of coconut palms or snorkelling from the boat. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage, a cooling swim in the pristine waters, a pedicure or cool beer by the sea. A fresh seafood lunch is also available on the boat if you wish. On our return to Nha Trang we can plan to visit a local fishing village. Nha Trang also offers a number of sights of historical or spiritual significance, which can be explored at your leisure in the afternoon after our return.
DAY 11- CYCLE TO DALAT
We begin today on the bus for a short distance, before commence our cycle along the coastal route which offers wonderful ocean views with some rolling hills to climb. Crossing Highway 1 we head towards Ngoan Muc Pass through some remote Cham villages, cycling on quiet roads with some hills. After lunch The Ngoan Muc Pass offers our final challenge before arriving in Dalat. Dalat is situated at a high of 1500metres and thus attracts a cooler climate.
DAY 12 - DALAT
Dalat is set in the hills north of Ho Chi Minh City and is a renowned retreat for poets and artists. The atmosphere typifies this patronage with typical French provincial villas and lush undulating hills. This morning we'll visit King Bao Dai's Summer Palace and try to imagine this period of opulence and extravagance.
The markets of the town are fascinating - an amazing variety of fresh produce is brought here to sell: fruits of all kinds (the dried mulberries and strawberries are not to be missed) plus vegetables, meats, seafood, grains and fresh breads. Locally woven ethnic clothing and handcrafted goods are also readily available. Fresh cut flowers are in abundance and colour the streets and laneways.
Encounter some of the scenic vantage points and places around Dalat's hilly countryside. Close to our hotel there are a number of small French style cafes, which boast the best coffee in Vietnam and are a good place to relax and watch the passing parade. This afternoon can be spent relaxing, exploring the lake area or seeking out some of the impressive French architecture throughout the town. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and overnight at the group hotel.
DAY 13 - DRIVE TO HO CHI MINH
After breakfast we drive south-east for 7 hours (approx 250kms) to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way we pass small hamlets as well as tea, coffee cashew nut, rubber and tobacco plantations. We will also have the opportunity to visit one of the minorities, hilltribe villages. Overnight at the group hotel.
DAY 14 - IN HO CHI MINH (SAIGON) - CU CHI TUNNELS
This morning, we travel to the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels, home to 5,000 VC troops during the Vietnam/U.S. War. They are situated outside of the city; about a 2-hour drive one way. We will leave early this morning to be back in Ho Chi Minh in the early afternoon.
In the afternoon, we walk through the heart of the city past some of Ho Chi Minh's famous sites; the French colonial Town Hall, the Rex Hotel, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former U.S. embassy, the President's Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace) and make an optional visit to the War Crimes Museum. Tonight we join our Vietnamese guides for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the group hotel.
DAY 15 - DEPART HO CHI MINH
Trip will conclude after breakfast. If you are departing Vietnam today you will receive a transfer to the airport. |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Comfortable well located hotels. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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| Trip: |
Vietnam By Bike |
| Duration: |
15 Days |
| Company: |
World Expeditions
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| Location: |
Hanoi |
| Region: |
Vietnam,
Asia |
| Price: |
From
GBP995
p/p |
| Flights: |
Not Included 
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| Availability: |
January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, |
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| Related Searches |
 Cycling in Hanoi |
| Cycling in Vietnam |
 Accommodation
in Vietnam |
| Accommodation
in Hanoi |
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