Cycling Vietnam
Cycling Vietnam
Cycling Vietnam
14 Days Starting in Saigon and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Vietnam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 18
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
We ride from vibrant Saigon in the south to the thrilling capital of Hanoi in the north on this two week cycling tour, travelling on tarmac roads through colourful fishing villages, folding rice terraces and mountains cloaked in jungle. The vast shoreline of white sandy beaches is ours to discover along the way, with time to swim in the sea on a tropical island retreat. Stopping off at the ancient trading port of Hoi An, home to temples and wooden merchant houses, we delve into the peacefulness of rural Vietnam before ascending the Hai Van Pass, riding along twisting coastal roads that lead to remarkable views of the misty forest below.
Highlights
Itinerary
Depart London
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is an exciting and
absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand defiantly
alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Saigon is now a
bustling free market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market and Notre
Dame Cathedral are within easy walking distance from our hotel and are highly
recommended.
This evening there will be a welcome briefing with you leader followed by an
optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
*Huong sen Hotel or similar*
Day 3
This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to
fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the
guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes. The network covers 3 levels
and approximately 240km of tunnels. Some parts have been widened for
tourists, but the tunnels were originally very narrow and it is still
necessary to crawl on hands and knees. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay
outside in the sunshine!
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.Â
* Huong sen Hotel or similar*
Day 4
After an early breakfast we head out of Saigon by bus and then start cycling
towards the coast. We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and
rubber plantations also passing some small fishing villages as we make our
way closer to the coast finishing our ride in time for lunch. We then
transfer approx. 3 hours to Mui Ne, a tranquil white sand beach where we can
witness our first sunset over the Eastern Sea. We spend approx. 4-5 hours on
the bus today.Â
*Sea Links Beach Hotel or similar*
Day 5
We cycle towards Dalat; 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 altitude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs
steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. We spend approx 3.5 hours on the bus
today.
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.Â
*La Sapinette Hotel or similar*
Day 6
Today's ride is predominantly undulating and approximately 30km downhill
through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 1,500m travelling
through the Bidoup Ba National Park. 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 (approx. 1.5
hours) to the coast near Nha Trang before boarding a boat to our tropical
island retreat of Whale Island for the next two nights. Today you can cycle
up to 90km according to preference.
*Whale Island Resort or similar*
Day 7
Having a rest from the bikes today we get the opportunity to really relax and
unwind. We will join a boat trip in the morning for a spot of snorkelling and
swimming in the turquoise sea before a seafood lunch is served. In the
afternoon there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the Whale
temple or walk around the island to the viewpoint for a 360 degree view of
the stunning mountainous coastline and the surrounding coves and white sand
beaches.
*Whale Island Resort or similar*
Day 8
We set off early in the morning and first take a short transfer from Whale
Island through Dai Lanh & Ca Pass before setting off on our bikes at Vung Ro
Bay where we ride along the coast to Tuy Hoa and O Loan Lagoon to Chi Thanh.
In Chi Thanh, we stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing to ride to
La Hai where we complete 100km of cycling today, the longest ride of the
trip. From La Hai, we then transfer 1 hour to our hotel in Quy Nhon.Â
(Approx. 2 hours in the bus today).
*Seagull Quy Nhon Hotel or similar*
Day 9
Leaving Quy Nhon we travel through a new economic zone over the Thi Nai
Peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam. Getting off
our bikes we will visit a market, where its not unusual to be pulled aside
for a photo as this part of the country does not see many western tourists.
The coast line features secluded bays, sand dunes and beaches with colourful
fishing boats bobbing on the Eastern Sea. We will cycle until we arrive at
Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 12km
once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An.
Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the
mid-sixteenth Century is now a living museum, with attractive wooden
merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese
and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to
wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We spend two nights in
Hoi An which is also a fantastic place to buy local art or have some clothes
tailor-made for you. Its best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want
made. Approx. 6 hours in the bus today. Cycle approx. 50km.
*Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
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, which
are 19km from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many
caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Viet Cong) sanctuaries.
Also nearby is My Khe beach, a famous US R & R spot in the war, and Da Nang,
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 where Cham kings were buried as early as the
fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site,
there are a number of interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.
*Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
Day 11
Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route traverses
over the spectacular Hai Van Pass - the '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. Approx 2.5 hours in the bus today. Cycle approx. 80km.
*Park View Hotel or similar*
Day 12
Hue is often claimed 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 site 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. We then take a boat along the Perfume River to the
elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc's
Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens. Along the way we will
visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government
protests in the early 1960s and it houses the Austin car that transported a
monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself in protest
against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in
newspapers all around the world. In the afternoon we will board the
Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 688km to the north.Â
*Overnight Train*
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
approximate 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 kayak in the sea allowing us to get to places
inaccessible by boat (weather permitting) and enjoy a seafood lunch on
board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with en suite facilities.
* Overnight Boat*
Day 14
Visit Me Cung cave and enjoy further time to cruise the many islands of
Halong Bay. We then return to Hanoi late afternoon. 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. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a performance of Hanoi's
famous water puppets.
*Lenid Hotel or similar*
Day 15
Fly to London
Day 16
Arrive London
What's Included
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Arrival & departure transfers
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Local bike hire
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All accommodation
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All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 1 dinner
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 1 dinner
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request - hotel nights only)
Accommodation
The accommodation on this trip is wonderfully varied. We stay in comfortable hotels (mostly three/four-star) for nine nights and a laid-back tropical island resort for two nights. We also spend one night on a junk-style boat cruising Ha Long Bay and, finally, have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hue to Hanoi.
Below are a few of the standout accommodations on this trip:
Whale Island Resort
Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many, though it is relatively basic. We stay in thatched bamboo bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. The simplicity of island life and a secluded spot makes it idyllic, but be prepared for it to be a bit different to the hotels used for the rest of the trip.
Ha Long Bay cruise
Board a traditional junk-style boat to cruise among the magnificent limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Each of the twin-share cabins has air conditioning and a window out to sea, while the boat has a rooftop deck with chairs – this is where most of our travellers tend to gather for views over the bay. There’s also a dining room with glass windows so we can continue to admire this extraordinary landscape during lunch and dinner. Â
Reunification Express
Our sleeper train takes us from Hue to Hanoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! We stay in soft-bed berths, usually four passengers per berth. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.
Worth knowing
Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 11 nights of the trip (hotel
esort nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
Food
All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of
mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings
and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines
in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery
flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests.
Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or
non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary
items from home.
You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home
if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.
For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged - fresh fruit,
nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty
along with even homemade lemonade if the season is right!
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.