You will meet your fellow cyclists and tour guide in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), where you can bond over dinner at the Temple Club Restaurant.
After a short transfer you’ll cycle to the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground tunnels and a core part of the Vietnam’s army military and operations base. These tunnels played a crucial in supporting the army’s communication network as well as being used to store food, weapons and medical equipment.
Today will start early so you can catch the short flight to Dalat, a former French summer resort and now popular honeymoon destination. After checking into your hotel, cycle along rural lanes, past Xuan Huong Laketo and bold flower fields to the Old French Railway Station. You’ll have views of the majestic Mount Langbian and even have time to explore Dalat in the evening.
Fill up at breakfast as a big day lies ahead. You’ll conquer some challenging climbs en route to the province of Nha Trang. The tranquil scenery of mountains make these climbs enjoyable, whilst a stop off at at a community house, home to a mountain tribe gives you insight into another life. Enjoy a lively evening in Nha Trang.
Take a break from cycling and enjoy a boat trip to beautiful islands, perfect swimming and snorkelling. Today’s culture will come in the form of the Pa Na Gar Cham towers, built between 7th – 12th century. Half of the original towers are still in use as places of worship. If you fancy a day off from exploring, you will have the option of staying on the beach.
Once out of Nha Trang, and after a transfer, you’ll be on the coastline passing though fishing villages to Dai Lanh Beach. After lunch and a swim on the beach it’s time to start the afternoon ride. Touching the base of Da Bia Mountain there will be a few soft climbs then flat land, ending on country lanes amongst rice paddies and local villages.
Today’s riding transports you to another land, with a route parallel to a railway, on an isolated area with spectacular views. You’ll ride through the hills and tribal villages with children playing and animals all the way to Quinhon.
Experience the ocean breeze and serene Vietnamese villages covering the coastline en route to Tra O Lagoon, the largest wetland in the province of Binh Dinh. You’ll ride along Highway 1 to finish the day in Quang Ngai, where you’ll stay for the evening.
The first point of call this morning is the Thien An pagoda before riding to My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres in the Vietnam War. This afternoon you’re free to explore historic Hoi An. Soak up the atmosphere and vibrant streets and make sure you stay out late enough to see the town light up with lanterns lining the river at night, a truly beautiful sight.
This mornings ride will take you to My Son, a 4th century centre of Cham civilisation. The journey to My Son will be scenic and although multiple temples were destroyed during the war the remaining ones are still sure to impress. You will take a transfer back to Hoi An.
Prepare yourself for the toughest day of the trip but we promise it will be worth it. Beginning with a steady climb up Hai Van Pass, the road Jeremy Clarkson called a ‘deserted ribbon of perfection’. The road offers spectacular views before a long and smooth descent. The 44km road to Hue, Vietnam’s former capital, is along the coast.
Starting with the tombs of Khai Dinh, you’ll then cycle onto the Thien Mu Pagoda. Built in 1601 it’s one of the tallest religious building in Vietnam with a famous marble turtle. Enjoy a cruise along the Perfume River then it’s time to cycle to the Ming Mang Mausoleum. You will sleep on an overnight train to Ninh Binh.
Leave Ninh Binh and head for an early lunch, then cycle through magnificent karst mountains, surrounded by rice paddies. After exploring temples you’ll move onto Cuc Phuong National Park where you’ll stay the night.
In the morning you’ll go on another cycle around the park to further appreciate its charm and tranquillity. Next you’ll cycle east crossing pineapple plantations, before heading to Haipong. Today you will see the contrast between north and south Vietnam.
To reach Fulong on Cat Ba island, you’ll take a ferry. Located within the famous Ha Long Bay this heavenly island prides itself on its luscious green hills green, crystal clear sea and soft sand. Once off the boat, you’ll immediately start today’s cycling. After lunch you’ll be free to explore this paradise island.
After a short ride it will be time for one of the trip’s highlights, a cruise around Ha Long Bay. Legend has it this majestic series of towering limestone islands, iced with mini rain forests and surrounded by turquoise ocean was created by a dragon who swept down to the sea from mountains. You will then get a transfer back to Hanoi where you will have your final dinner together.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for your homeward travel.
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 to 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.
