Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Ha Noi
Arrive into Hanoi and transfer to the hotel. Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel where a trip briefing will be held at 5.00pm. This will be followed by dinner in a local restaurant and an opportunity to sample specialty dishes of the north. Includes: (D).
Day 2: Ha Long Bay
Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do arts and crafts centre run by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will board our luxury junk boat, the Jewel of the Bay for a delicious seafood lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot for swimming and sun bathing before dinner. Enjoy another seafood feast for dinner and for the night owls - there is an option of night fishing. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Ha Noi/Overnight Train To Hue
Rising to the lapping waters of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use. All guests will be issued with water buoyancy vests and the junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel. At midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 4pm. We have a couple of day rooms at the hotel to freshen up dinner. In the evening we transfer to Hanoi train station for our overnight train journey on the Reunification Express southwards to Hue. The overnight accommodation aboard the train is four person cabins where we sleep in comfortable berths swaying to the timeless rhythm of the railroad. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Arrive In Hue
Upon arrival in Hue, Asiana Travel Mate crew will be waiting to introduce traveler to our bicycles, each designated bike being then adjusted and fitted to individuals as required. This afternoon, we will warm up our leg muscles with a short ride around the sights of the former Imperial citadel. From here we cycle along the narrow roads along the Perfume River to visit the famed Thien Mu Pagoda. Approx. cycling distance: 30 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Hoi An
After breakfast we enjoy a ride to one of the Royal tombs. It is excellent cycling down narrow paths and through small villages. We return to Hue for lunch. Then we take our bus to Da Nang before cycling on to the World heritage town of Hoi An. Approx. distance cycled: 50 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 6: Hoi An
Hoi An, probably the most delightful town in Vietnam, was a major sea port in the Middle Ages. Untouched in any of the wars, Hoi An retains influences from Chinese, Japanese, French and even Portuguese and British traders who stopped here between China and India. We spend the morning walking the narrow streets and admiring the architecture and history during a morning tour. In the afternoon, there will be free time to explore on your own. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Quang Ngai
We leave Hoi An early to start our day of cycling. The route will take us at times along the coastline and through rural areas, passing rice paddies, ancient Cham ruins dating back to the 7th century. We cycle the back roads to the village of My Lai. Approx. distance cycled: 110 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Kon Tum
Today is a more challenging day as we head inland and tackle the uphill road on Highway 24 into the Highlands. This cycling takes us up hill and down dale with stunning photo opportunities. We will ride past many remote villages, tropical forest, over bridges and along quiet, scenic roads. Overnight in Kon Tum. Approx. distance cycled: 85 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: Buon Me Thuot
We leave Kon Tum by bus to get out into the countryside and start another spectacular day of cycling. Today we have gentle rolling hills all day making the cycling easy. We have time to observe the simple daily life of local people as we pass numerous small villages and rubber plantations. The surroundings are a kaleidoscope of rich colours and beautiful mountains. Approx. distance cycled: 110 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 10: Da Lat
After a short drive we start the day cycling at the edge of a coffee plantation. It a bit of workout as we slowly climb up to Dalat, a mountain-top town, long favored as a destination of travelers. We leave the warmer temperature behind as we pedal into the cooler climates of Dalat. Approx. distance cycled: 100 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 11: Nha Trang
This morning we'll visit King Bao Dai's Summer Palace and try to imagine this period of opulence and extravagance. We also visit a most unusual guesthouse (the Crazy House needs to be seen to be believed!). We will visit some of the scenic vantage points and places around Dalat's hilly countryside. There are many fantastic small French style cafes, which boast the best coffee in Vietnam and are a good place to relax and watch the passing parade. After lunch we bid the Highlands farewell and take our bus for a drive to Xong Pha pass. From here we set off our bikes for some excellent 36 km winding descent through the forest. Approx. distance cycled: 70 km. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 12: Nha Trang
Nha Trang is Vietnam premier beach town. Today, we have a cycle-free day to enjoy the clear blue waters and relaxed ambiance of Nha Trang. There are many optional activities to pick up including a boat trip to one of the islands, a relaxing massage, a swim in the pristine waters, or a cool beer by the sea. Includes: (B).
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we transfer to Cam Ranh airport to take the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we walk through the heart of the city past some of Ho Chi Minh's famous sites; the French colonial Town Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former U.S. embassy, the President's Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace) and make an optional visit to the War Remnant Museum. Includes: (B).
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, we travel to the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels, home to 5,000 VC troops during the Vietnam/U.S. War. We then return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch and spend the remainder of the day free at leisure. Tonight we join our Vietnamese tour leader for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 15: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Our trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Breakfast
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All transportation and transfers, Bikes
- English speaking guide, local Park guide.
- Accommodation with 3 star hotels
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All admission fees and permits
- Reasonable supply of drinking water during the trip.
Price Excludes:
- Pre and Post trip accommodation in Ho Chi Minh
- Personal expenses
- Tips and Gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Bicycle Touring
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