Cycling Vietnam - 15 days

  

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa – Vinh – Dong Hoi - Dong Ha – Hue

This is a fantastic 15 day itinerary – combining sightseeing, cycling, driving and train. You don't need to be an Olympic athlete; the cycling is flat and suitable for all fitness levels. Plus, there is a support vehicle the whole way! This itinerary takes you from north to south and covers several major attractions along the way, including the picturesque fishing town of Hoi An , the former Imperial capital of Hue and the vibrant metropolis of Saigon . The scenery is particularly breath taking and by traveling by bicycle you'll have the chance to meet a multitude of people.

 

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

You will be met on arrival and transfer to your Hotel. Group meeting and welcome dinner. (D)

 

Day 2: Depart Hanoi to Hue

Today we have the entire day to relax and see Hanoi 's fine sights. In the evening we catch the Reunification Express train to Hue . (B, D)

 

Day 3: Hue

Arriving into Hue , we are introduced to our bicycles, each designated bike being then adjusted and fitted with our own equipment as required. A short ride to Tu Duc's tomb may be possible during the afternoon. (B, L)

 

Day 4: Hue - Hoi An

The morning is spent sightseeing on our bikes around Hue . Time depending we hope to visit the Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. We then get on a bus to Danang before cycling on to the World Heritage town of Hoi An. (B, L, D)

 

Day 5: Hoi An

A free day to explore the fascinating riverside town. Hoi An is a charming, quaint fishing town that can easily be explored on foot (or bicycle!). Some of its many attractions include the Chinese Assembly Halls, the ancient ancestral homes, and tailors' shops. There is also the pleasant Cua Dai beach 4 km from town. (B)

 

Day 6: Hoi An - Quy Nhon

We travel by bus to Quang Ngai where we cycle 10 km into the district of Song My, to the better known hamlet of My Lai . After visiting the simple memorial and museum we ride back to our buses and then travel to Qui Nhon (B, L, and D)

 

Day 7: Quy Nhon to Pleiku (via An Khe)

Today is one more challenging day as we head inland off Highway 1 and tackle the uphill road on Highway 19. We will only expect to part-cycle this, a gain of 750 meters over a distance of 186 km before reaching Pleiku (alt. 785m). 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 hill tribe minority groups. (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot

Today's part-cycle is on an excellent road, Highway 14, taking in 197 km of undulating and scenic uplands. We'll 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 . (B, L, D)

 

Day 9: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang

Today's part-cycle covers 194 km on Highway 28 and whilst undulating is mostly downhill towards the coast and Nha Trang. The accommodation for the next 2 nights is situated high on the headland overlooking the islands and equipped with its own private beach. (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Nha Trang

We'll have a cycle-free day to enjoy the clear blue waters and relaxed ambience of Nha Trang. The way you wish to spend the rest of the day is up to you; a relaxing massage, a cooling swim in the pristine waters, a pedicure or cool beer by the sea. We can plan to return via one of the local fishing towns for the freshest seafood lunch available. (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Nha Trang - Dalat

We begin today on with 95 km to Phan Rang. The cycling is excellent, made easier by the often-present strong tail wind. After lunch we then start the bus ride to Dalat. Dalat is situated at a height of 1500 meters and thus attracts a cooler climate. (B, L, D)

 

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. We also visit a most unusual guest house (the Crazy House needs to be seen to be believed). 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. (B)

Day 13: Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City by support vehicle

After breakfast, we'll drive south east for 7 hours (approx 350 km) to Ho Chi Minh City . On the way, we'll pass small hamlets as well as tea, coffee cashew nut. (B, L, D)

 

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning, we travel to the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels. In the afternoon, we'll walk through the heart of the city past some of Ho Chi Minh 's famous sites. Tonight we'll join our Vietnamese guides for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

 

Day 15: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Trip will conclude after breakfast. (B)

 

 

Trip inclusive:

•  All transportation and transfers

•  America trek bike ( professional bike with water box and helmit)

•  Support vehicle for bicycles ( will be arranged base on group size)

•  English speaking guide cum cycling guide

•  All accommodation

•  Meals as indicated in the itinerary

•  Admission fees and permits where applicable

•  Drinking water during the trip

 

Trip exclusive:

•  Pre & Post trip accommodation in Hanoi

•  Travel insurance

•  Food & drink not mentioned in the itinerary

•  Personal expenses

•  Tips and Gratuities