CYCLING VIETNAM

16 days from GBP1,699 to GBP2,249 including flights

Tripcode: MOV

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London.
Day 2: Arrive Saigon. The rest of the day is free to prepare bikes, recuperate from the flight or begin exploring this fascinating city.
Day 3: This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi Tunnels (65km out of town). This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Vietcong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for tourists, but even so it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees (visit to tunnels is optional). If you prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in Saigon. Places of interest include: the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 4: After an early breakfast we head out of Saigon by bus and start our cycling towards Mui Ne on the coast (50km). We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and rubber plantations, also passing by some small fishing villages as we make our way closer to the coast. We finish the ride in Mui Ne, a tranquil white sand beach where we can enjoy a swim after the day's riding and witness our first sunset over the South China sea.
Day 5: We cycle towards Dalat (60 km); the route is undulating with occasional climbs. Along the way we pass coffee and tea plantations, as well as flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher alititude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. Dalat is a pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Paris, and has been described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It was favoured by the French for its climate, and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese.
Day 6: Today's ride is predominantly downhill through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 1,500m travelling through the new Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (90km). This area is home to rare pine forests as well as small villages inhabited by the ethnic minority people of the central highlands. Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus to Nha Trang. This beachside town is idyllic, with swaying palms, golden sands and the beautiful deep blue water of the South China Sea.
Day 7: Having a rest from the bikes today we take a boat trip around the islands offering a chance to swim and snorkel around the many reefs. This is a wonderful experience with stunning views of the mountainous coastline that lies to the north of Nha Trang and an opportunity to eat some of the freshest seafood available. Those not fancying the boat trip can relax on the beach, have a massage, go scuba diving (in season, approx $50 for 2 dives and lunch) or ride off to other nearby beaches such as Hon Chong, a fishing village lined with coconut palms, mango and banana plantations.
Day 8: We set off early in the morning for the ride to the beautiful fishing village of Dai Lanh. A short transfer out of town past the Po Nagar Cham towers brings us to a high point and from here today's ride (up to 80 km according to preference) is predominantly flat. The beautiful beach at Dai Lanh is a perfect place to stop for a swim and lunch before continuing by bus around the spectacular coastal cliff road towards the town of Tuy Hoa and on to Quy Nhon.
Day 9: Another early start by bus until we get to Quang Ngai where we cycle to My Lai and the site of the infamous 1968 massacre. After a guided tour around the site and museum we return via bicycle to Quang Ngai. (c. 30km unsupported). On return we transfer (2.5 hours) to Dien Bang. If time permits, we will cycle the last 12 kms once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An. We spend two nights in Hoi An, a living museum, with fascinating houses and temples in the Chinese pagoda style, as well as a thriving riverside market. Hoi An is also a fantastic place to buy local art or have some silk clothes tailor-made for you at unbelievable prices! Its best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want made.
Day 10: This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridges, temples, wells and houses. Those less interested in architecture can cycle the 5km to the lovely Cua Dai beach or cycle to the Marble Mountains (entry approx. 50p), which are 19km from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Vietcong) sanctuaries. Also nearby is China beach, a famous US R+R spot in the war, and Danang where there is a Cham Museum, which despite being in poor condition, is very interesting. It is also possible to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam; a taxi ride here will cost about $30
Day 11: Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue (c.80km). The route passes over the spectacular Hai Van Pass ('Pass of the Ocean Clouds'); the views are stunning though those who prefer to avoid the 580m climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. Once at the top it will all seem worth it as you plummet back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our city centre hotel.
Day 12: Hue claims to be the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs. The most memorable sight is the citadel, with walls six miles in length: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. Then we take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. The boat trip itself is very pleasant and we will have lunch on board. Tu Duc's Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens, and along the way we will visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda.

In the afternoon we will board the Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 600km to the north; a ride on this train is an essential experience when visiting Vietnam. We will have 4 soft-bed berths for the journey. NB: train timetables are subject to change and the departure time affects the arrival time in Hanoi.
Day 13: We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast and a stretch of the legs, before we are met by our bus for an approximately 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery, stopping to swim and kayak in the sea (weather permitting) and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with en suite facilities.
Day 14: We continue to cruise while enjoying breakfast, then return to port. We then drive back to Hanoi. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings, and the atmosphere is completely different from that in Saigon in the south, mainly due to the much more conservative nature of the North Vietnamese. Also, unlike its industrial counterpart, the centre of Hanoi has a faded charm with broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period as well as some attractive lakes and pagodas. This afternoon we undertake a sightseeing tour of the city which will include visits to the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and the Old Quarter of the city.
Day 15: Free morning in Hanoi; depart afternoon.
Day 16: Arrive London.