Trip valid: 01 Nov 2011 to 31 Oct 2013

Duration: 16 Days

Main Activity: Bicycling and culture

Trip Type: Small Group Holidays

Suitability: All Levels 

Location: Vietnam ( From the North to the South)

Best time to travel: September to May

Supported: by Minivan/Truck

Product Code: IDT-VNCLT016

Guaranteed to depart: From 2 pax

TRIP INCLUSIVE:

• Experienced English speaking biking guide throughout.
• 01 Air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and back up as per itinerary.
• 2 days/1 night cruise by shared Paloma Cruise.
• Internal air tickets Hanoi- Hue & Da Lat- Saigon on coach class.
• Bicycle rental, spares and helmet. ( TREK 4300/4500)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch & D= Dinner)
• Healthy snack, fresh local fruits and soft drink for cycling days.
• Bottled drinking water, refresh towel for sightseeing and cycling days.
• All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
• Water puppet tickets.
• Accommodation in hotel (Twin /Double shared room). Please see our choices at     the selected hotel portion.
• Simple First Aid Kit.
• International flight reconfirmation.

TRIP EXCLUSIVE:

• International flight to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax.
• Vietnamese Visa. Please assure that you have visa before departure.
• Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home.
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
• Tips for guide, driver, porters. We recommend 5 USD/person/day for guide, 3 USD/person/day for driver and 2 USD/person/hotel when you check in/out.
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
• Any other services not clearly mentioned on the itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

Day 1  Arrive in Hanoi

You arrive at Noi Bai airport and we will bring you to the hotel for check in. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a historical orientation walk through the Old Quarter, delving into the nooks and crannies of the city. Coffee will be served at an art café that has a great sunset view over Hoan Kiem Lake. The walk will bring us through a restored original Old Quarter homes as well as a visit to Bach Ma Pagoda (White Horse temple). In the evening there will be a pre-departure briefing before we enjoy a delectable welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s best restaurants. We spend the evening in Hanoi.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Hotel- Deluxe Room

www.quochoahotel.com

Day 2  Hanoi sightseeing

The full day is spent sightseeing in this unique city, with its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology. We will also visit the macabre Hoa Lo Prison (it’s various American nicknames include Hanoi Hilton, Camp One, Camp Unity, Heartbreak, Little Vegas, New Guy Village and West Court). The French built this prison near the turn of the century, with construction completed in 1901. The name Hoa Lo, means "portable earthen stove," and originates from the families who used to live on the land before the French built on it. The families manufactured earthen-ware hibachis, called "hoa lo". One rather odd fact about the prison is that it’s the only street in all of Hanoi with just one address. In the afternoon we will embark on another tour of the bustling Old Quarter and the Dong Xuan market. This large three-story market offers a cornucopia of goods. Hundreds of stalls, with thousands of workers, trading fresh produce, dried foods, household goods, appliances and more. In the evening, we’ll be treated to the delightful water puppet show. We spend the night in Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Hotel- Deluxe Room

www.quochoahotel.com

Day 3  Hanoi – Halong Bay

Depart to Halong Bay. The drive there brings us past the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta where rice fields and water buffalo are aplenty. Halong bay is one of the natural wonders of the world and is one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It lays 160km to the east of Hanoi and contains over 3000 jagged limestone islands emerging from the emerald green waters. Sound amazing? It is – there are few places like it in the rest of the world. While some islands are no more than large rocks, others are much more substantial and contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are cloaked in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming. We will get to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay in the best fashion: onboard a wooden junk. On the junk, we’ll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while the captain heads out into the sublime seascape. We stop at Dinh Huog Island and admire the impressive Sun Sot Cave, famed for its remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. Our cruise will eventually land us at Titov beach where we’ll anchor for the night. Kayaking is available and Luon cave (tunnel cave) is close by to go see. Dinner and overnight will be aboard the Paloma Junk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Paloma Cruise- Superior Cabin

www.palomacruise.com

Day 4  Halong - Hanoi

The sounds of the sea wake us up for breakfast and you have the opportunity to enjoy an early morning swim. We’ll continue the cruise past some of the more famous rock formations named after their shape: Tortoise, Man's head and Virgin cave (Trinh Nu Cave) are just some of examples of the formations we’ll see.  Our course will head into Bai Tu Long Bay and around Bai Tho Mountain before heading back to dry land. A light brunch will be served on board the boat. After brunch, we take a private van back to our hotel in Hanoi. We spend the night in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Hotel- Deluxe Room

www.quochoahotel.com

Day 5 Hanoi -  Hue

We fly to Hue and arrive in the mid-morning. You have the rest of the morning to spend however you see fit. Hueserved as Vietnam's political capital from 1802 to 1945 under the rule of the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Traditionally, the city has been one of Vietnam's cultural, religious and educational centers and recently it was listed as a World Heritage Site. The afternoon is spent exploring the back-roads that loop out of Hue by bicycle. We are expelled into a lush countryside along footpaths and quiet country lanes. We will stop at the Imperial Citadel as well as the Thien Mu pagoda, located by the banks of the Perfume River. We finish our day’s ride by visiting the Ming Manh and the Khai Dinh mausoleums.  We spend the night in in Hue.

Note: Cycling distance: approx 25-30km.  There may be time to visit only one mausoleum. SUPPORT: 100% - 60% vehicle support 40% motorbike support (on footpath sections.)

Difficulty: Easy/Modrate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Romance hotel- Deluxe Stadium View Room

www.romancehotel.com.vn

Day 6  Hue - Hoi An

The day starts with an 18km drive out to the coast. Here, our cycling begins off-the-beaten track as we travel 40km on a picturesque, narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. We head over a bridge across the river and join the main highway. Now the fun begins, as we face one of today’s three (!) hill climbs. After the first two moderate climbs of 2-3km apiece, we’ll cruise downhill to the stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day – the Hai Van (Pass of Ocean Clouds). Due to the completion of a tunnel through the mountain, the 11km uphill trek is now free of traffic. The ascent is manageable and the views are breathtaking! Afterwards, we will take a van the rest of theway to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note : Cycling distance 50-80km or more. Support: 100% (60% motorbike, on narrow peninsular road)

Difficulty: Easy/Modrate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hoian Ancient House Resort- Superior Room

www.ancienthouseresort.com

Day 7 Hoi An

After an unhurried breakfast we’ll take the bikes for a ride into Hoi An and the surrounding area. A short distance away is the lovely town of Thuan Tinh, set among rice fields and coconut groves.  We will visit a strawberry garden, meeting the local villagers, and will have the chance to sample strawberry tea and perhaps buy some homemade strawberry wine.  If you don’t mind creepy crawlers, we can also witness live silkworms in various stages of maturity. Next we’ll check out Thanh Ha ceramic village and then we’ll take a one hour boat journey back to Hoi An and have lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to do with as you wish – beach, shopping, exploring – whatever!. 

Note: Cycling distance: approx 20 km (more is possible)

Difficulty: Easy/Modrate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hoian Ancient House Resort- Superior Room

www.ancienthouseresort.com

Day 8: Hoi An- Phuoc Son

After breakfast, shuttle outside the busier traffic around Hoi An. From the junction to Ho Chi Minh Trail, pick up our bike and enjoy a full day on saddle. We first ascending on quiet, country road into the mountains of the central highlands, passing through green hills, jungle forest and sparse villages. Challenging climbs until picnic lunch. After lunch, rolling hills and lush scenery all the way to small, picturesque town of Phuoc Son, set in a mountain valley near a cascading river. The area is also home to many hilltribes. Overnight at local guesthouse.

Cycling distance: 80-100Km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Guest House

Day 9: Phuoc Son- Kon Tum

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day riding on undulating hills and some of the nicest scenery in Vietnam, passing mountain valleys and thick forests adjacent to national parkland. The route also covers sections of the famed Ho Chi Trail. Hilltribe villages dot the landscape and we'll stop for lunch in one. After lunch, continued riding until sunset and transfer to Kontum City, a small highlands town also well known from the war period. Overnight in Kon Tum.

Cycling distance: 80-100Km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Indochine Hotel- Superior Room

www.indchinehotel.vn

Day 10: Kon Tum- Pleiku- Buon Me Thuot

Our shuttle will bring us out the HW 14 to Pleiku (approx 1 hour drive) Pleiku is a large scenic central highlands city. From Pleiku, get off bus and pick up our bikes to ride  over the Ham Rong Pass passing through many nearby former military bases, including Plei Me and the Ia Drang Valley. After rolling hills, the route settles down to mostly flat road, passing pine forests, tea and coffee plantations, and Montagnard "hilltribe" villages. Late arrival in Ban Me Thout. Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Cycling distance: 80-100Km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Darucko Hotel- Superior Room

www.dakrucohotels.com

Day 11: Buon Me Thuat- Dalat

Another long day with several long passes through pretty valleys, countryside, and grueling passes. After breakfast, shuttle up the road for about an hour and a half to beautiful Lak Lake. From here, riding to Dalat over several passes, through forests and past hilltribe long houses. Late afternoon arrive in the jewel of the highlands. Dalat was established as a hill resort at the beginning of the last century by homesick French colonials who were attracted to its cool, spring-like weather, pine forests, waterfalls and lakes. Many reminders of Dalat’s colonial past can be seen in the hundreds of European style villas, chalets and other buildings still standing around town. One fine example is the cream-colored art deco villa that was once the summer home of Vietnam’s last emperor, Bao Dai. Another slightly grander example of Dalat’s colonial architecture is the superbly restored Dalat Palace Hotel overlooking the central Xuan Huong Lake. On the opposite side of Xuan Huong Lake is Vietnam’s first golf course, originally built for Emperor Bao Dai and recently restored, it is now one of the top courses in the region.

Apart from its colonial heritage Dalat is known in Vietnam for its market gardens growing `everything from carrots and cauliflowers to avocados and bananas as well as many varieties of flowers. For Vietnamese, Dalat means romance, and with attractions like the Valley of Love it is the destination of choice for local honeymooners. A few kilometers from Dalat, at the base of Mount Langbian is the village of the Lat ethnic minority from whom Dalat takes part of its name. Overnight in Dalat.

Cycling distance: 80-100Km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Ngoc Lan Hotel- Superior Room

www.ngoclanhotel.vn

Day 12: Dalat Mountain bike

Our morning ride takes us alongside the Xuan Huong Lake before it veers off into the shadow of Langbian Mountain. We journey beside flower farms and vegetable gardens, through small villages with picturesque churches, ornate cemeteries, old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. The terrain is undulating, and the road is mainly smooth with some broken sections and some gravel parts. Total riding distance is up to 40/50km; variable, as the group may want to stop to visit a flower farm en route or have the chance to explore coffee plantations. The trail leads out to an area where the founder of Dalat, Alexander Yersin, first wanted to build the city. It’s a beautiful spot overlooking a magnificent lake surrounded by pine trees. We spend the evening in Dalat.

Note: cycling distance: 40-50km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Ngoc Lan Hotel- Superior Room

www.ngoclanhotel.vn

Day 13: Dalat- Nha Trang

Today's ride is predominantly downhill through pine forests, villages and  tea plantations as we descend nearly 1,500m from Dalat  to the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, near the coastal town of Phan Rang (c.109km, ride as much as you like). These four brick towers are among some of the best-preserved in Vietnam; they were built in the 13th century, during the reign of the Cham monarch Jaya Simhavarman III, as Shiva (Hindu) temples. After visiting the temples we drive to Nha Trang in the afternoon. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Cycling distance: 70-80Km

Difficulty: Moderate

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hon Tam Sea & Sun hotel- Deluxe Room

www.bestwesternseasun.com

Day 14: Nha Trang at leisure

Time for a boat cruise! The first stop is at the aquarium and then we head out to Hon Mun Island where we have the chance for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. From here, we continue to Hon Tam Island where you have the choice of relaxing on the beach, or for the more energetic, there is a selection of water sports. A seafood lunch will be served at the fishing village of Lang Chai and there is time to explore before boarding the boat back to Nha Trang harbor.  Afternoon is at your leisure to relax by the festive beach of Nha Trang. We spend night in Nha Trang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hon Tam Sea & Sun hotel- Deluxe Room

www.bestwesternseasun.com

 Day 15: Nha Trang- Saigon

We take morning flight to Saigon. Transfer to hotel for leaving your belonging ( hotel check in is after 12p.m, early check in is subject to availability). We then head to outskirt of Saigon to visit famous  Cu Chi tunnels, which were more than 250 km long and three levels deep, were important for the Viet Cong victory over the Americans as they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area around Sai Gon. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience of what underground life in the American war was like. The district of Cu Chi was the most bombed shelled, gassed, defoliated, and generally devastated area in the history of warfare. It was declared a "free fire zone" which meant that artillery fire fell on it at night, and that bomber pilots were encouraged to drop unused explosives and napalm on the area before returning to base. In essence, anything that moved was considered a target and blown away.  While U.S. forces relied on artillery support from fixed "Fire Bases," the Vietnamese used their tunnel system to move their artillery around, making it difficult for the U.S. troops to locate them. In one tunnel complex in Cu Chi the U.S. found two 105 field pieces in perfect working condition. They would be stripped down outside, taken into the tunnels and assembled during the day for maintenance, stripped again, and then taken back through the tunnels to be reassembled in a new location outside and used the next night. We spend the night in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Northern- Deluxe

www.northernhotel.com.vn

Day 16: Departure.

At your leisure until transfer to airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast