You will meet your fellow cyclists and tour guide in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital where you can bond over tonight’s welcome dinner.
Swap the buzzing and atmospheric streets of Hanoi to quiet country lanes. You’ll get a true feel for Vietnamese life cycling though vibrant rice paddies and small villages. Spend the night in a house on stilts in Mai Chau Valley.
Today’s ride takes you though the sensational valley of the Song Ma River. A historic route, it was used during the war to transport weapons. You’ll catch a glimpse of mountains as the road links to the main area of the Ho Chi Minh Highway. The closer you get to Ngoc Lac, the better the views get.
Today’s cycling will take place on the newly built part of the Ho Chi Minh highway. The wide lanes and smooth tarmac make it ideal for a faster pace, but don’t forget to take in the luscious scenery. Look out for the coffee, rubber and tea plantations.
It’s another cycle along the Ho Chi Minh Highway today. The diverse scenery may make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy-tale land, with mystifying jungle leading into stunning villages surrounded by the majestic Truong Son mountain range.
Cycle the highway to Phong Nha National Park and see some of the most mesmerising caves Vietnam has to offer. The 65km’s of caves still shows evidence of the damage from the war, when it was bombed. This stunning area has rivers that flow through them that are dated to 250 million years ago.
Today you’ll hop on a boat to explore Phong Nha Cave. As you paddle through the enchanted cave, you will become immersed in the alternate world. Those who wish can climb the 330 steps up to Tien Son Cave, a dry cave bombed during the war whilst it was used as a hospital. This afternoon’s cycle will lead you to Dong Hoi where you can relax on the stunning white sand beach.
The Vietnam War was a dark time in history and the effects still lie engraved in everyday life. It was the war which created the need for the Ho Chi Minh Highway and today you’ll see the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) otherwise known as ‘The 17th Parallel’ en route to Ca Lo. The DMZ served as the border diving North and South Vietnam.
After a trip to the Khe Sanh combat base formally used to transport troops and supplies, it will be time to cycle though more stunning scenery, in the direction of Laos. Make the most of the traffic free road and contrasting views.
For the last day’s riding you’ll cycle along Hue, Vietnam’s Imperial City and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll cycle along quiet lanes back to the hotel to enjoy a final dinner.
Today it’s time to say goodbye after an incredible 10 days.
Exploring the length of Vietnam gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in different and varying regions. From century old Hanoi, you will visit Hue, Vietnam’s old capital city, the ancient town of Hoi An and roads and passes that will take your breath away. From the battle scarred landscapes of central Vietnam to the glistening beaches of the south, this is a trip that showcases all Vietnam has to offer.
