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Cycling Vietnam
19 days/18 nights - Gateway: Hanoi
Standard Tou fromr: £1365pp
Price valid to 31 Dec 2008
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| A firm favourite on our Vietnam calendar, it’s not hard to understand why Cycling Vietnam holds special appeal. The ancient alleyways, shady colonial avenues and cluttered highways provide a perfect window on the lives and landscapes of this dynamic country. With so many of Vietnam’s daily rituals carried out along the country’s roadsides – from market shopping to rice harvesting, coffee drinking to colourful funeral processions – cycling the country’s roads gets you right amongst the fascinating rhythms and charming people of Vietnam. |
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. This evening get to know your tour leader during your tour briefing and welcome drinks.
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Day 2-4: Hanoi, Halong Bay & The Reunification Express
Let your senses adjust to the ways of this historic capital before taking to the roads. We explore Hanoi’s most famous sights, including the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the nearby Temple of Literature, the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison and the endlessly fascinating Old Quarter of traditional trading streets. An early morning ride through the atmospheric streets of Hanoi during the daily Tai Chi ritual sets the scene for our cycling exploration of Vietnam. Cruise spectacular Halong Bay, dine on a delicious seafood lunch and swim from our boat surrounded by limestone peaks. From Hanoi travel south on the famous Reunification Express to Hue.
3 nights in Hanoi at the Hoa Binh Hotel
1 night on the Reunification Express |
Day 5-8: Hue & Hoi An
Hue is the historic centre of Vietnam’s last feudal rulers, the Nguyen Dynasty. We visit the ancient Citadel then continue along the banks of the Perfume River to the celebrated Thien Mu Pagoda, before cruising back to town by river boat. Our Hue visit also takes in the many impressive remnants of Vietnam’s former ruling dynasty as we cycle through the picturesque countryside to the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Crossing the Hai Van Pass, we climb to the temples of Marble Mountain. After a stop at China Beach, continue on to historic Hoi An and explore its enchanting, picturesque lanes and sleepy back roads as the locals do – on two wheels.
2 nights in Hue at the Pligimage Village
2 nights in Hoi An at the Hoi An Hotel |
Day 9-13: The Central Coast, Nha Trang & Dalat
Some of Vietnam’s most impressive and unexplored coastal scenery is to be found along this stretch of Highway One. Cycle off the main roads for a lunch stop on the beach in Quang Ngai, and continue on to Nha Trang. Here we relax by the beach, cruise to the outlying islands and indulge in fresh seafood. If you’re tired of doing your own cycling, take a cyclo ride through this friendly town, stopping at the town’s ancient Po Nagar Cham temple or the Giant Buddha. The adventurous may wish to try the town’s mudbaths, sure to refresh you for the next ride. We travel by bus up the Ngoan Muc Pass to the Central Highlands hill station of Dalat. Mountain air, colonial villas, flower gardens and fruit farms all make for an enjoyable break from the tropical lowlands. Cycle around the town’s lake and the road out to Mount Lang Bian, sample local candied fruits and coffee, meet an artist monk and enjoy the town’s unique character.
1 night in Quy Nhon at the Saigon Quy Nhon Hotel
2 nights in Nha Trang at the Que Huong Hotel
2 nights in Dalat at the Novotel Hotel, |
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Day 14-19: Saigon, Cu Chi & Mekong Delta
Descending to Vietnam’s liveliest city, Saigon, we visit the city’s many attractions: the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum and bustling Cholon (Chinatown) among them. Then, leaving the city behind, we venture into the lush Mekong Delta, a green land of rice fields, orchards and thriving riverside markets. Travelling by country road and boat, we enjoy an overnight homestay with a local family, sampling local fruits and other treats and mixing with the region’s welcoming people. Returning to Saigon, we take a fascinating trip to the tunnel complex at Cu Chi. Cycling through rice fields and quiet hamlets to the tunnels, head underground for an insight into the resilience and ingenuity of the former local guerrillas. Back in Saigon, take the opportunity for a final cycle or enjoy some of the country’s best shopping opportunities, before a farewell celebration. On day 19, your journey ends with your airport transfer.
4 nights in Saigon at the Palace Hotel
1 night in Vinh Long at the Homestay |
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19 day tour includes breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, tour leader, English speaking guide, overnight sleeper train, use of mountain bikes, and transfers if you arrive and depart on day of tour. Prices are per person based on twin share (excluding flights& entrance fees). Above average levels of fitness and mobility and a keen sense of adventure are required.
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