Bike to Cuc Phuong & Mai Chau - 'Pedal into the Northwest mountains and forests'.
Routes: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Duration: 4 days
Feature: If you look on the map of Vietnam you can easily find Mai Chau – home of the Thai and Cuc Phuong – the oldest forest in Vietnam, they are very attractive to visit but a few ever knows that it is really worth doing it from Hanoi to those places on the bicycles. Since the ride on bus can easily miss lots of chances to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, typical Vietnamese villages along the routes. And here it is your own pedals so you can stop at your interest to take pictures, talk to the locals and lots more of this trip have to offer you, simply an unforgettable experience when you are in Vietnam. Distance: Maximum 30 km to ride, with a van and a truck driving behind the group. Upon tiredness, one can stop riding and go on the van. Difficulty: (3/5).
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi-Mai Chau. At 7:00 depart from Hanoi to be far away from the busy city. At 8:30 arrive in Luong Son town, begin to ride from Luong Son over Ninh Binh to Muong Khen. After a long riding, we stop for lunch in Muong Khen. Leaving Muong Khen to Mai Chau. At 17:00 arrive in Mai Chau. Check in the local house. Time to hanging around the village to watch the peasants coming back from work or take photo shot when the sun goes down in the valley. Dinner in Mai Chau. Overnight at house on stilts. Optional: you can join a folk dance singing and dancing of Thai people. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Mai Chau–Cuc Phuong National Park. Breakfast in the Thai local house on stilts then follow by a ride trip around Mai Chau’s villages up and down hills. At around 12:00, we have lunch in the village. At 13:30 bus ride back to Muong Khen, 14:45 arrive in Muong Khen, begin to ride to Cuc Phuong. Arrive in Cuc Phuong, check in the brick built house at the gate of national park. Dinner in Cuc Phuong. Fire party by the lake (optional). Overnight in Cuc Phuong. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Cuc Phuong-Ninh Binh. At 8:00 have breakfast in Cuc Phuong then start our fantastic riding under the shadow of trees to visit Ancient trees and the cave of Prehistoric men. At noon, we ride back to have lunch. A short break and continue our visit to the Endangered Species Center – managed by a German. At 14:45 depart from Cuc Phuong, bike trip to Ninh Binh via pine – apple farm and villages like off the beaten track. Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon, check in hotel in the town. With our guide to have dinner. Free time at your own to walk around the peaceful town to have a real filter coffee or a cool ice glass of sugar cane juice. Overnight in Thanh Binh hotel in Ninh Binh town. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Ninh Binh–Hanoi. Breakfast at the hotel and begin our trip with the bike trip to Tam Coc (3 caves). Boat trip in Tam Coc along the paddy fields through the caves then lunch served by in the “River side Restaurant”. At 14:00 depart from Tam Coc to Hanoi. At 16:30 arrive in Hanoi. Tour finishes at your hotel. Includes: (B), (L).
Trip Reminder
Mekong Delta Extension. Why not add a visit to the beautiful Mekong Delta to the start of your Vietnam holiday? Experience the lively markets and delightful scenery of the delta on this two-night tour extension.
Kayaking on Halong Bay. At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
The M19288 Community Trust, a division of M19288 Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by M19288, our staff and our travelers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by M19288 Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travelers right now, and for the future. Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period, please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland). The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January. This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
Local Tour Leaders. By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Your tour leader’s friendship, humor, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success. Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
Please be aware that flight times, trains, hotels and other services are subject to availability. Where flights/trains are canceled or delayed M19288 will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value. Hotels, flights, train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation). This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing. Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon. Early check in if it is subject to availability. Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for farther.
What to Bring: Passport, Change of clothes, Sun-glasses & hat, Towels, lot of Film, Toiletries, Sun-block, Insect repellent, Flashlight, Proper footwear, Sleeping bag, Camera, Raincoat or Umbrella, Cable locks for luggage, Personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks. Car/Van Quality: Using new AC car or van depending on your group size.
Where: Trip starts & end in Hanoi. When the trip could do: All year round. Accommodation offering in this trip (O/N-Overnight). Ninh Binh: Home stay. Mai Chau: Home stay. Upgrade tour to 4 stars Hotels is N/A. Contact us for your arrivals dates. Trip price valid until Dec. 2009.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Land around trip transport AC van
- Hotels in Home stay
- Meals as As indicated;(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Local English/French speaking guides/leader
- All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program.
Price Excludes:
- International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
- Hotel early check-ins and late check-outs
- All drinks & other meals not mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Visa to Vietnam (We can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping, etc.)
- Others not mentioned in details. Tipping and Gratuities are welcome!
Rate in USD Per person:
- If 2 to 4 persons: Cost in USD390.00/Pax (3 stars hotel)
- If 5 to 7 persons: Cost in USD275.00/Pax
- Single Sup + N/A.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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