Vietnam - Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Guided  Cycle Tour - 15 Days / 14 Nights

Riding a mountain bike along the byways of Vietnam is a most rewarding way to experience the beautiful scenery of coast, plains and highlands, plus interact with the local people.

Begin your journey from historic Hanoi in the north, travelling by the same mode as the local people. Visit the beautiful cities of Hue and Hoi An rich in history and architecture; relax in the blue waters of idyllic Nha Trang, then leave the coast for the mountain retreat of Dalat.
The trip ends in modern Ho Chi Minh City. The warmth and hospitality of the many, many Vietnamese people we meet along the way will add to a rich and diverse experience.

 

 

Your Journey

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi and transfer to your hotel near the old quarter of the city. Trip briefing at 6 pm.  Enjoy an a evening stroll through the Hanoi's charming boulevards and Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi (25km)

This morning explore the Vietnamese capital by bike on a guided ride through the city (approx. 25kms). Ride down tree-lined boulevards exploring the likes of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Old Quarter with its amazing selection of shops.  Free time in he afternoon.

Day 3: Hanoi  - Mai Chau (40km + 20 km)

Travel by bus to Hoa Binh (approximately 2 hours). Cycle 40 kilometres to Cao Phong, through small ethnic Thai villages, enjoying the tranquility of the paddy fields.  See the spectacular karst cliffs along the Da River Reservoir and the lush Mai Chau valley where you will overnight in a local village homestay.

Day 4: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh (50 km + 35 km)

Today cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai, and then on to Co Luong (approx 50kms). You’ll ride via more paddy fields, towering limestone mountains, tranquil water ways and charming historic sites. Your support bus then takes you along the Ho Chi Minh Road with a lunch stop before Ninh Binh. Time in the afternoon to explore everyday rural life in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Hue (50 km)

This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, when you’ll really have the opportunity to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – limestone karst peaks  and the river which winds through the fields with paddle boats parading up and down its length. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Enjoy an early dinner before catching the overnight train to Hue - sleeper berth.

Day 6: Hue (20 km)

Arrive in Hue and begin your exploration of the former imperial capital of Vietnam and its many remarkable sites.  Todays ride is flexible so there is ample time to stop off along the way.

Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (80 km)

Today conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the tropical south and the laidback town of Hoi An. The pass winds through the Truong Son mountain range for about 20 kilometres  with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. Arrive in the  recently declared  World Heritage site of Hoi An which is  beautifully restored and preserved.

Day 8: Hoi An

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An.  Afternoon free for further exploring or shopping.

Day 9: Hoi An - Quy Nhon (45 km)

Transfer to Phu and continue by bike to the coastal city of Quy Nhon (approx. 45kms),  filled with long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards.

Day 10: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (75 km + 20 km)

Today’s cycle is approximately 95 kilometres, but it is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’ll ride. Following parts of the Reunification railway, you’ll enjoy scenery of islands, lagoons and sand dunes. Arrive in the idyllic coastal town of Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient'.

Day 11: Nha Trang

Today  explore the nearby islands by boat. Visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet for lunch. 

Day 12: Nha Trang - Dalat (60 km)

Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climes of the South Central Highlands (approximately 65 kilometres). There is the option of getting a lift! Descend to Dalat, one of Vietnam's most delightful cities, and a perfect base to explore this pleasant region. 

Day 13: Dalat - Phan Thiet (60 km)

This morning  take a city tour of Dalat and Emperor Bao Dai's regal summer palace.  After lunch,cycle down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass to Phan Thiet and its beautiful beaches.

Day 14: Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City (60 km)

This morning take in the views along the beach on your ride to Lang Long and on to Cu Bi from where you take the support bus the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City.  Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or a few glasses of street-side beer hoi with your new friends.

Day 15:

Tour ends after breakfast. 

Terrain

Some long distances of up to 90 kms per day on varied terrain, so you are required to be reasonably fit.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 dinners, 11 lunches

Trip Notes / Prices / Dates

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Booking Form

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Optional Pre and Post Tour Extensions

Halong Bay - 3 Days / 2 Nights ex Hanoi
A World Heritage site covering an area of 1,500 square km. More than a thousand limestone peaks rise up from its crystalline emerald waters and its’ tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes.
 
Mekong Waterways - 3 Days / 2 Nights ex Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta is  often referred to as the rice bowl of the country. Traditional transportation is by boat along a vast network of canals and past colourful floating markets.
 
Angor Wat - 3 Days / 2 Nights ex Siem Reap
With its five majestic towers, is the largest temple in the world and one of the richest archaeological sites.  An astonishing 232 square km (60 square miles) is scattered with temples, pagodas, walls, moats, causeways, royal roads and reservoirs, built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
 
Please contact us for costs on the above.

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