Trip Profile:
This Cycling Tour 13 Days / 12 Nights is the short tour taken from our long tour 17 Days / 16 Nights as so far, we have got some people requested for shorter tour due to their limited holiday for 2 weeks. During this cycling trip, we include the same cycling distances and tours. We only take out the city tour in Hoi Chi Minh City at the begining plus 1 day cycling to Cu Chi tunnel and the city tour in Hanoi at the end. If times permits, people can always do this on their own during their pre and post tour.
This cycling tour starts in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and finishes in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We cycle over 640km on the most paved road. We do not cycle on Highway 1. Our routes are scenic to enjoy the views of the central highland, the sea, the long graves to Hue. We have 3 relax days to enjoy the beach in Nha Trang, Hoi An and Halong Bay which are all the highlight must see places along the routes.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Dalat (B,L,D) (40km cycling)
Morning transfer to Dalat. Stop for lunch in Baoloc – a town of tea and coffee in the central region. Ride through plantations and back roads of Dalat. Overnight in Dalat.
Day 2: Dalat - Nha Trang (B,L,D) (100km cycling)
Cycle downhill to Cham temples called Poklong Giarai in Phan Rang. This can be called the highlight of this trip, in which you will get an epic road biking experience: long hill climbs and descents/ winding forest roads/ wild scenery/ coastal plains/ pine forest vegetation/ rugged countryside. Transfer the rest way to Nhatrang. Ovenight in Nhatrang.
Day 3: Nha Trang (B,L) (no cycling)
A day with boat trip to islands. Experience the co ast of Nha Trang aboard a boat as we set out in the morning, for our first stop at the aquarium. We then head out to Hon Mun Island where we have the chance for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. From here we continue to Hon Tam Island where you have the choice of relaxing on the beach or for the energetic – there is a choice of water sports. Our lunch stop is at the fishing village of Lang Chai where we have time to explore before boarding our boat back to Nha Trang harbor. Overnight in Nhatrang beach city.
Day 4: Tuy Hoa – Phu Yen (B,L,D) (120km cycling)
Morning with a drive from Nhatrang about 50km. Ride on a well surfaced road that runs alongside the reunification express railroad. You will find the terrain gently rolling with beautiful views of the foothills of the highlands, tribal and rural Viet villages. Downhill en route stop at Dai Linh Beach for lunch. Afternoon ride the rest way to the hotel in Tuy Hoa town, Phu Yen province. Overnight in the local hotel.
Day 5: Quang Ngai (B,L,D) (70km cycling)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer about 30km, Cycle through back roads Qui Nhon where we have lunch at a local restaurant; transfer the rest way to Quang Ngai. Overnight in Quang Ngam city.
Day 6: Hoi An (B,L,D) (50km cycling)
Ride to My Lai, the site of one of the worst massacres of the War, and take a guided tour of the site and museum. Continue cycling into Vietnamese countryside and visit pagoda. Loop back through quiet, rural roads to the main highway. Transfer to Hoi An. The afternoon is free to explore Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An (B) (50km cycling or free)
Visit My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. Transfer out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along country back roads along the Song Tranh River to Mai Son. Take lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the site. Transfer back to Hoi An in the afternoon. Or a day free in Hoi An town.
Day 8: Hue (B,L,D) (100km cycling)
Transfer beyond Danang to take on Hai Van Pass and climb 500 metres over 10 kms. After lunch, turn off the main highway and take a coastal side road for 44 km almost all the way to our destination. Energetic riders will make it all the way into Hue. Climb the Hai Van Pass, ride along the peninsular to Hue. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Train to Nam Dinh (B,L,D) (25km cycling)
Explore Hue and visit the citadel. Take a boat ride along the Perfume River and visit tombs of the Nguyen emperors. Transfer to the train station. Take the overnight on the Reunification Express Train to Nam Dinh. Dinner box on train.
Day 10: Cuc Phuong national park (B,L,D) (40km cycling)
Ride through karst scenery of Ninh Binh to Cuc Phuong National Park. Cuc Phuong National Park is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and important protected areas; The ancient forest contains almost 2000 species of trees and amongst them lives some amazing and rare animals including the Clouded leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet, Otters and Asian Black Bear! Check in the Cuc Phuong National Park guest house. It is simple and comfort. Guest House Cuc Phuong.
Day 11: Haiphong (B,L,D) (40km cycling)
Visit center & endangered primate rescue center / Ride backroads , have lunch in Tam Coc and transfer to Haiphong. Overnight in Haiphong.
Day 12: Haiphong - Halong Bay (B,L,D) (30km cycling)
Break fast at the hotel, ride to Bieu Nghi town and a short transfer to Halong Bay. At Halong Port, our cruise crew welcome you on Board Huong Hai Junk, check-in registration
12h45 : Start cruise
13h00 : Have lunch on board
13h30 : A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach.
17h30 : Drinking Vietnamese wine and enjoy sunset
19h30 : Enjoy dinner on board and free. Accommodation: On best Deluxe Huong Hai cruise in Halong Ba.
Day 13: Hanoi (B,L,D) (no cycling)
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes. Sitting on ther upper deck we can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.The quiet is almost eerie, we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air & gentle breez, Breakfast at 7h00: Have breakfast
7h30 : A morning cruise to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, visit Luon cave by small bamboo boat, Bai Tu Long bay
10h00: Arrange luggage and check-out
10h30: Have lunch on board
11h45: Arrive Halong wharf for transferring to Hanoi. TOUR ENDS.