HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM CYCLING TOUR

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Island of Van Don
Day 3: Islands of Tra Ban and Quan Lan
Day 4: Ha Long Bay (kayaking day)
Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (kayaking day)
Day 6: Island of Cat Ba
Day 7: Islands of Cat Ba and Cat Hai
Day 8: Hanoi – Hue
Day 9: Hue – Perfume River – Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – My Tho – Vinh Long
Day 13: Vinh Long – Can Tho
Day 14: Can Tho – Cai Rang – Phong Dien – Ho Chi Minh
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Departure

Day 1 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Arrival Hanoi (-/-/D)

Arrival at Hanoi airport. There, a transfer bus is waiting to take you to your hotel in the heart of the old city centre. Despite its 3 million inhabitants, Hanoi appears provincial and traditional. The historical Old Town quarter is considered one of the best preserved in all of Southeast Asia. On your first walk through the lively colorful streets the Asian flair will impress you. You meet your fellow travelers during our first dinner together.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Hanoi – Biking to Island of Van Don (approx. 33 km /21 mi. by bike) (B/L/D)

After breakfast the bus is ready to take you along extensive rice plantations to Van Don Island. After lunch you make your first biking tour on Van Don. Along dirt paths you cross the heavily wooded centre of the island and then reach the coastal road which offers you a first glimpse onto the bizarre rock world of Bai Tu Long Bay. Later your Boat waiting you in Cai Rong then check in on your junk and enjoy the first crossing on the classic wooden boat with the wooden carved dragon at the prow.

Overnight in Van Don.

Day 3 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Islands of Tra Ban and Quan Lan (approx. 10 + 29 km / 6 + 18 mi. by bike) (B/L/D)

In the morning your boat takes you to the island of Tra Ban where you bike on narrow paths through the green rice fields, see the water buffaloes so typical for Viet Nam and on the other side meet up with the boat. During lunch on board, a brief crossing takes you to Quan Lan Island. On your second bike tour of the day you explore this island famous for its brilliant white sand and the extensive, totally untouched beaches.

Overnight in Quan Lan Island.

Day 4 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Ha Long Bay Full-day Kayaking (B/L/D)

You spend the morning on board and enjoy the unique beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. During the crossing you pass the famous “floating villages” which give you a close insight into the traditional life of the fishing families. In the afternoon you explore this craggy fairytale world by kayak – the best way to reach caves, lagunes and quiet bays. The lookout at Titop Island offers you in the evening the unforgettable view onto the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay.

Overnight on boat.

Day 5 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay – Kayaking Full-day (B/L/D)

This day begins with a visit of the “Amazing Cave”, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay – and it really does deserve its name. Let the beautifully lightened limestone formations work their magic on you before the boat takes you across Lan Ha Bay. From there starts another kayak excursion that takes you to a picturebook beach for lunch. After lunch you have plenty of time to swim in the emerald-green sea. In the late afternoon you cross on your boat back over to Ha Long Bay.

Overnight on boat.

Day 6 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Beach tour to Island of Cat Ba (approx. 20 km/12.5 mi. by bike) (B/L/D)

Early in the morning, the transfer bus takes you back to the small landing, where you left the ship the previous day. A one-hour crossing brings you and your bikes to another small landing place. From there you bicycle to a remote village inhabited by the Viet Hai, an ethnic minority.

You leave your bikes there and continue on foot on a fascinating guided walk through this primary forest that will amaze you with its wild pristine flora and giant colourful butterflies. The destination is one of the island’s highest mountains which, on a clear day, presents a grandiose view across Ha Long Bay and the entire island. Then you bicycle back to the boat and end the day quietly on the private beach of the Sunrise resort.

Overnight in Cat ba Island.

Day 7 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Islands of Cat Ba and Cat Hai back to Hanoi(26 + 8 km /16 + 5 mi. by bike) (B/L/-)

The morning bike tour takes you along the panoramic coast of the island to the western end of Cat Ba where a small ferry takes you across to Cat Hai. You cross this completely level island on a narrow asphalt road, passing extensive salt flats. At the other end you come to the ferry that takes you back to the mainland. From there a bus drives you back to Hanoi. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to watch the traditional water puppet theatre in the Vietnamese capital.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Hanoi fly to Hue – Hue city tour  (approx. 10 km / 6 mi. by bike) (B/-/D)

In the morning you fly from Hanoi to Hue which is prettily located between hills and rice fields at a bend of the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, in more than 300 temples and pagodas. In the afternoon you bicycle through this ancient imperial city to visit the expansive citadel with the “Forbidden Purple City” which was once exclusively reserved for the Ngyen dynasty.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Hue – Boat trip on Perfume River, then Biking Tour to Hoi An (B/L/-)

The day begins with a spectacular boat trip on the Perfume River and along the way you visit one of the large imperial grave monuments. After lunch on board you will be transferred to Hoi An. Along the way you make a swimming break at Lang Co Beach and afterwards cross the Cloud Pass. Hoi An, in the past the most important harbour town of Southeast Asia, has a lovely old centre inviting you for an evening stroll.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 10 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Hoi An Sightseeing Tour  (approx. 17 km / 11 mi. by bike) (B/-/D)

The sightseeing tour of Hoi An, which is a World Heritage site, is the highpoint of this morning. Your tour-guide shows you this picturesque little town with its historical buildings, many dating back to the 16th century and having survived changing fortunes virtually unscathed. In no case should you miss the old market at the banks of the Tu Bon River. In the afternoon you bicycle to the old pottery village of Thanh Ha where you can admire the artistic dexterity of the Vietnamese potters and try your own hand at pottery making.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 11 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Ho Chi Minh Daily Tour  (B/-/D)

Early in the morning you transfer tố Đa Năng and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a guided tour through the rapidly growing metropolis you visit the town hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam War.

Overnight in Hochiminh City.

Day 12 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Ho Chi Minh Cycling to My Tho and then Vinh Long (55 ~ 60 km Biking) (B/L/D)

Transfer to Tan An by support van with your cycling tour guide. Start your day by cycling through the peaceful villages, rice fields and orchards. See how the water buffalos and ducks live harmoniously together,in the same rivers. Lunch en route. Keep cycling to Cai Be and take a boat ride across the Mekong River to experience the charms of Binh Hoa Phuoc village. Restore your energy levels with a splendid dinner full of delectable local dishes.

Overnight in Vinh Long.

Day 13 – Vietnam Cycling Tour from Hanoi to Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Vinh Long Biking tour to Can Tho – Floating Market Tour (40 ~ 45 km Biking) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, start your day with an early morning bike ride on the island, giving you a great opportunity to meet the local villagers and farmers. Then head for Cantho, stopping on the way to experience the daily life of the Mekong Delta inhabitants.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 14 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Can Tho Cycling Trips to Cai Rang and then Phong Dien – Ho Chi Minh (30 ~ 35 km Biking)(B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a two-hour boat trip to visit the Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. Wander into the villages to visit the rice paper mill and the rice noodle making factory. Learn how to cross the “Monkey Bridge” which is made from a single bamboo. Continue cycling through the villages to enjoy the beautiful rural scenery. After lunch, take the support van back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Hochiminh City.

Day 15 – Vietnam Cycling Tour Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, Mekong Delta : Ho Chi Minh – Departure (-/-/-)

INCLUDE:

• English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
• All accommodations base on twin-share at Standard hotel, guesthouse and Home stay.etc…
• Meals detailed in the itinerary (B = Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
• A/C transfers and transportation. * Boat trip mention in itinerary
• Mountain bicycle 24 or 27Speed (LA
• bike or Trek bike. etc…)
• Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
• Speed Boat Cat Ba Island – Hai Phong
• Boat Trip Cruise in Ha Long Bay
• Pump, bike tools, spares tubes.
• Spare bike
• Cold water box, small fresh towel.
• Mineral water drinking.
• Seasonal fruits.
• Snacks.

EXCLUDE:

• International airfares
• Travel insurance and bike helmet (compulsory)
• Items of a personal nature
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Optional excursions
• Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• Visa (Vietnam & Laos)
• Departure taxes
• Tipping for guiding

* Note
This itinerary allows for 11 field days on the trekking & cycling section. You will be able to decide for yourself at any time during each of these days how far you want to cycle. Average daily cycling distances are approximately 15 -50 km. These distances may vary according to weather, road conditions and group fitness and preferences. This is a sightseeing cycle tour, not a marathon or time trial.

* What to bring:
1. Bike Helmet
2. Small backpack
3. Shoes and shorts for cycling
4. Sunglasses 5. Gloves
6. Professional Pedal
7. Sun block
8. Camera + Film
9. Insect repellent
10. Original Passport
11. Wide brim hat
12. Bike water bottle (if you don’t want to use Our bottle)