Vietnam Cycling Adventure

We arrive in Saigon today and, after a chance to freshen up, take an orientation tour of the city this afternoon. The tour includes the prominent sights of the Hotel de Ville (home of the city’s People’s Committee), Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French style architecture of the GPO building. Following the tour we then have some free time, with options available to pay a visit to the Reunification Palace or the emotive War Crimes Museum. Alternatively you might like to explore the bustling stalls of the Binh Tay Market, the largest wholesale market in southern Vietnam.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Driving to Tan Phu Junction this morning we collect our bikes and ride out to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels on the outskirts of Saigon. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. We’ll explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. Driving back to Saigon after lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free.
Total cycling distance approximately 50 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today gives us an opportunity to journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the fer-tile hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon, we drive first to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through a rich landscape of bustling markets, orchards and riverside villages. Here we can watch rice paper and coconut sweets being made as they have been for generations. After lunch we visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet, before ending at Cai Be’s famous market. From here we drive back to Saigon.
Total cycling distance approximately 60 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Departing Saigon this morning we drive into the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (1,500 metres). We commence our cycle approx 30km from Trang Bom through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along quiet back roads towards the town of Gia Kiem. From here we board our bus again and drive on to Bao Loc Pass, with an option to get back on your bike at the bottom of the hill and cycle up to the Bao Loc Pass (10km, 600 metres ascent). From the pass we continuing our journey by bike for about 40km on to Di Linh (1,010m). From Di Linh we then continue to Dalat by bus.
Total cycling distance approximately 70 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Driving out of Dalat City this morning we then begin cycling up to the Hon Giao Pass (1,700m), a challenging ride that takes us up through forests of pine and across a land-scape of dramatic mountain scenery. After a chance to rest at the top and take in the views, we then descend towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we meet our bus and finish the rest of the journey to Nha Trang by road.
Total cycling distance approximately 80 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Long considered one of the most beautiful bays in South East Asia, Nha Trang is re-nowned for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. Weather permitting, this morning we take a cruise out to explore some of the surrounding islands. We aim to include Mien, Tam and Mut Islands, affording plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. There will also be an option to enjoy a seafood lunch on board (at your own expense). Returning to Nha Trang late this afternoon the rest of the day is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this lovely coastal town.  
No cycling today - rest day.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Using a combination of bus and bicycle this morning we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. Cycling out of Nha Trang we head out along the Pham Van Dong road and continue on to Ninh Hoa (a journey of some 50 kilometres). From here we then take the bus to Dai Lanh, where we have a chance to swim and relax, before continuing up to the Ca Pass. From here we resume our journey by bike, cycling down towards Tuy Hoa, where the bus meets us to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon.
Total cycling distance approximately 75 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Departing Quy Nhon this morning we cycle out across the Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across, we continue along the Quy Nyon lagoon towards Phu Cat some 50 kilometres away. From Phu Cat we then drive by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre. One of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War, we cycle the short distance to the site of its emotive memorial, before completing the final leg of our journey to Hoi An by bus.
Total cycling distance approximately 62 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

First colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Hoi An went on to become one of the busiest trading outposts in South East Asia.  This morning we take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city’s famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is then free to perhaps take a gentle river cruise or pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors’ shops, or maybe explore further afield by bike.

No cycling today - rest day.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Hoi An after breakfast, this morning we drive up to the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and, as we reach the summit of the pass, the panoramas before us are simply spectacular. Descending by bicycle we head next for Lang Co, taking to the scenic back roads as we wind our way on to Bang An and Thuan An. Meeting our bus in Thuan An, we then drive on to Hué on the shores of the Perfume River.
Total cycling distance approximately 70 km.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hué’s tranquil villages and picturesque countryside make it an ideal place to explore by bike. Today we spend some time cycling through bamboo groves and rural villages to the historic tile-roofed bridge at Thanh Toan. We also visit the 19th century Nguyen Tomb of Tu Duc and the Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. Returning to the hotel to freshen up we then drive to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Ha-noi.
Total cycling distance approximately 50 km.

Overnight Basic Train Included meals: Breakfast

Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning we drive to the hotel in time for breakfast. Later this morning we then drive to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, spending this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Be aware the boat is not exclusive to Explore and we may be sharing with other tourists.

No cycling, rest day.

Overnight Standard Junk Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (the optional cave vis-its can involve climbing some slippery steps). Returning to the shore we then drive back to Hanoi, a four hour journey that gets us into the capital in time to enjoy a short tour of the city. Our afternoon tour includes a visit to the Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, as well as a chance to explore a little something of the city’s fascinating Old Quarter.

No cycling, rest day.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Hanoi this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast