Day 1:
Arrival Hanoi and transfer to your hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi. Walk through the bustling streets and in the afternoon visit the famous water puppet theatre- a traditional Vietnamese form of art. Meet your fellow travellers at dinner
Day 2 Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba (28 km):
Transfer by bus past vast rice fields to the city of Hai Phong then by boat to Cat Ba. FromPhu Long we start our first bike ride along the coast, and into the interior of the island to reach the island’s capital to our hotel.
Day 3 Cát Bà Island – Viet Hai village (22km):
Go part way by boat then cycle to a secluded village of the Viet Hai minority. Tour on foot a nature reserve of primary forest with untouched flora and huge brilliantly coloured butterflies. Ride up one of the highest mountains of the island for a magnificent view of Ha Long Bay and the entire island. Cycle back to spend the rest of the afternoon at our hotel and its private beach.
Day 4 Cat Ba – Gia Luan – Ha Long Bay:
Morning free to relax on the beach or to visit the market in Cat Ba.After lunch board our junk and cruise to Ha Long Bay where we explore caves, lagoons and hidden coves by kayak. Spend the night on our junk close to the island of Soi Sim.
Day 5 Ha Long Bay and Quan Lan Island:
Cruise to the Lam Bo channel then kayak the little known but very beautiful Me Cung cave with its impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The nearby lagoon has a variety of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants. In the afternoon a longer trip into the direction of Quan Lan is scheduled.
Day 6 Quan Lan Island and Trà Bản Island (29 / 10 km):
Quan Lan is an island known for its pristine white beaches which we explore by bike. Then cruise to Trà Bản Island. Cycle through green rice fields dotted with water buffaloes on this island completely untouched by tourism. Return to our boat and cruise to Van Don Island.
Day 7 Van Don Island (33 km):
Farewell our junk and start a bicycle ride on Vân Đồn island along a coastal road then inland through forest. Transfer by bus back to Hanoi. Along the way we have lunch in Ha Long City. In the evening we take a stroll through the bustling streets and alleys of the Vietnamese capital. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 8 Hanoi – Hue (10 km):
Fly from Hanoi to Hue, ancient imperial city and the spiritual heart of Vietnam beats with more than 300 temples and pagodas. Discover the city by bike and on foot to see the expansive citadel with the “Forbidden Purple City” then cycle along rice fields and through villages to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most important monasteries in Vietnam. The day ends with a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River.
Day 9 Hue – Hoi An:
Transfer by bus takes to the tomb of a famous Vietnamese Emperor then continue to Hoi An. If weather allows enjoy a swim and lunch at Lang Co Beach. The port town of Hoi An has a delightful old centre inviting to stroll around in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 10 Hoi An (17 km):
Observe daily life of the local farmers on a cycle route to Tra Que- a small village in the suburban area of Hoi An where our host prepares a meal together with us and explains a special ingredient. Afternoon free to stroll through the picturesque old town or relax at the white beach of Cua Dai.
Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City:
Transfer to Da Nang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a guided tour we visit the town hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam War. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta 20 km:
Transfer to My Tho to board our luxurious river boat and cruise along the Mekong viewing the abundant growth of the delta as well as the river-related life of the inhabitants. At Ben Tre we take an easy cycle tour. After lunch explore the green island of Ngu Hiep where you can try exotic fruits and browse beautiful and different local handicrafts.
Day 13 Mekong Delta – Vingh Long and Traon Islands 30 km:
On Vingh Long Island cycle under palm-shaded paths around the island. Continue by boat to Traon Island to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on we can enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta.
Day 14 Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City:
During breakfast the ship takes us to Can Tho. Transfer to small boats to visit Cai Rong, the Delta’s most colourful and famous floating market and get caught up in the atmosphere of the merchants on their gaily painted boats. The following cruise through the small tributaries of the Delta completes our visit in the south. Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
Day 15 Departure:
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. (Extra night prices on request)
