Cycle Saigon to Hanoi
Cycle Saigon to Hanoi
Cycle Saigon to Hanoi
14 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Cái Bè, Bảo Lộc, Dalat, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Hội An, Hue, Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CVIE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
On this adventurous and active trip we experience Vietnam on two wheels. Along the way we discover Saigon, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi and the majestic beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. What better way to fuel your ride than with the delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Cycle the Central Highlands - Explore Vietnam's lush hill country and cycle over the Hon Giao Pass
Saigon - Cycle out to the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore the Mekong Delta
Hoi An - Visit the beautiful World Heritage town.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip Saigon; Afternoon Orientation Tour
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel, Huong Sen Annex
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Annex Hotel
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Still unofficially referred to as Saigon, the city is the largest in Vietnam. You will find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit.
Our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting followed by a walking tour. The tour will take in some of the highlights including the Opera House (formerly South Vietnam National Assembly), Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French style edifice that is the GPO building.
If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 30 minutes from the hotel.
Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself 30 minutes to an hour to clear the airport. Therefore the latest your flight can arrive is about 2pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk.
If arriving earlier we suggest exploring at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Presidential Palace, or the War Crimes Museum, or even just take a walk around this bustling city. In the evening you have the option to see a water puppet show.
Day 2: Cycle To Cu Chi Tunnels
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel, Huong Sen Annex
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Annex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving for 1.5 hours away from Saigon's remarkable rush hour traffic to reach the quieter suburbs this morning, we collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base (25th infantry division) and start our ride for about 30 kilometres/18.6 miles to Ben Duoc, the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. We will explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. After lunch we continue cycling for about 20 kilometres/12.4 miles towards Ben Nay to further explore the area. We drive 2 hours back to Saigon arriving in the early evening. It is possible to spend a free day in Saigon if you prefer to see more of the city. For the cycle ride today, and on subsequent rides, water is provided and you can top up your water bottle from the support truck.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles (total accumulated ascent 50 meters/164 feet, total accumulated descent 40 metres/131 feet).
Day 3: Drive To Mekong Delta Then Cycle Backroads To Cai Be
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Cái Bè
Accommodation: Hotel, Huong Sen Annex
Accommodation Name: Huong Sen Annex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today gives us an opportunity to journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the fertile hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon, a 2 hours drive takes us into the Mekong Delta to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through an interesting landscape of waterways, markets, orchards and riverside villages. The first 30 kilometres/18.6 miles of today's ride are on roads with moderate traffic and the remaining 20kilometres/12.4 miles are on narrow pathways and routes that our support bus cannot follow. Here we can see local cottage industries making rice paper or coconut sweets as they have been for generations. After a tasty lunch of local produce we cycle on through Tan Phong and visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet, before finishing our ride at Cai Be's famous market. From here we drive for about 2 or 3 hours, depending on traffic, back into the centre of Saigon arriving in the early evening.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres/31.7 miles, flat cycling.
Day 4: Exploring Vietnam’S Central Highlands
Location: Bảo Lộc, Dalat
Accommodation: Hotel, Dalat Plaza
Accommodation Name: Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Saigon this morning we head north into the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (set at 1500 metres/4922 feet elevation). After an initial 2 hours drive we commence today's cycling with a picturesque 30 kilometres/18.6 miles ride through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along reasonably quiet, gently undulating back roads to the town of Gia Kiem and then Bao Loc. After a relaxing lunch in Bao Loc we board our bus again for a very scenic 2 - 3 hours drive right across the mountains, giving us stunning views over the forested hills and tea and coffee plantations, to finally reach the bustling mountain town of Dalat in the late afternoon. The city has a European feel in its architecture and a cooler climate due to the higher altitude.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles (total accumulated ascent 210 metres/689 feet, total accumulated descent 150 metres/492 feet).
Day 5: Cycle Over Hon Giao Pass Then Drive To Nha Trang
Location: Dalat, Nha Trang
Accommodation: Hotel, Tran Vien Dong
Accommodation Name: Tran Vien Dong Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Dalat this morning by bus and drive for about half an hour to the start of today's ride. The beginning of the ride is on relatively quiet mountain roads with plenty of ascent and descent for the first 20 kilometres/12.4 miles before we stop for a break. From here the next 30 kilometres/18.6 miles culminates with an ascent of the Hon Giao Pass (1,700 metres/5578 feet), a challenging ride that takes us up through forests of pine and across a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery. After celebrating reaching the pass and a chance to rest at the top, the remainder of today's ride is a superb 30kilometres/18.6 miles of virtually uninterrupted descent towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we plan to stop for lunch. We finish the rest of the journey to Nha Trang by bus and it should take us around 1.5 hours.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 1140 metres/3740 feet, total accumulated descent 2962 metres/9718 feet).
Day 6: Boat Trip To Tropical Islands
Location: Nha Trang
Accommodation: Hotel, Tran Vien Dong
Accommodation Name: Tran Vien Dong Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nha Trang's beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters have seen it quickly grow into a bustling town and popular tourist destination. Weather permitting, this morning we take a cruise out to explore the surrounding seas and islands. We aim to stop near one of the islands where you have the option to have a swim from the boat (possible to hire snorkelling equipment). We move on to another tiny island where we plan to spend a few hours to relax and swim. The island is privately owned and it is possible to rent a sun lounger and parasol. There will also be the option to enjoy drinks, a seafood lunch or snack on the island (at your own expense). Returning to Nha Trang later this afternoon the rest of the day is free.
No cycling today - rest day.
Day 7: Cycle And Drive From Nha Trang To Quy Nhon
Location: Quy Nhon
Accommodation: Hotel, Seagull
Accommodation Name: Seagull Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travelling by bus this morning we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. We drive north , over the scenic Ca Pass to Bai Tien Song Cau. From here we resume our journey by bike with a 60 kilometres/37.3 miles ride to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon and our hotel for the night.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37.3 miles (total accumulated ascent 640 metres/2100 feet, total accumulated descent 775 metres/2543 feet).
Day 8: Pedal Over The Thi Nai Sea Bridge; Drive To Hoi An
Accommodation: TTC Hotel Premium - Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Thanh Binh Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Quy Nhon this morning we cycle out across Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across, we continue by bike along the Quy Nyon lagoon towards Phu My some 50 kilometres/31.1 miles away. From Phu My we then travel by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre - one of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War. After visiting the site and visitor's centre, we complete the final leg to Hoi An by bus, a journey of some 2 to 3 hours.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 59 kilometres/36.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 395 metres/1296 feet, total accumulated descent 390 metres/1280 feet).
Day 9: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel, TTC Premium - Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Thanh Binh Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The historic, merchant town and safe harbour of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th and 18th centuries. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it still retains its charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. This morning we take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city's famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is then free to perhaps take a gentle river cruise, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking or pay a visit to one of Hoi An's renowned tailors' shops, or maybe explore further afield by bike.
No included cycling today - rest day.
Day 10: Cycle And Drive To Hue Via The Hai Van Pass
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel, Thanh Lich
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich 2 Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Hoi An after breakfast, we travel by bus up the coast to Danang followed by a twisting drive up to the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and, as we reach the summit of the pass, the panoramas before us are simply spectacular. Descending by bus we head next for Lang Co where today's ride starts. We cycle along scenic back roads as we wind our way alongside the Cau Hai Lagoon to end the ride finally at Phu Bai. Meeting our bus in Thuan An, we then drive for about an hour on to Hué on the shores of the Perfume River.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 100 metres/328 feet, total accumulated descent 100 metres/328 feet).
Day 11: Cycling Around Hue Then Overnight Train To Hanoi
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Overnight Train from Hue to Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train from Hue to Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is still a thriving and important city. First thing this morning we drive to the impressive Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel we commence our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th century Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang. After visiting the mausoleum we return to our hotel to freshen up before the mid- to late-afternoon departure of the overnight train to Hanoi. We plan to stay in 'soft-sleeper' four berth cabins, bunk bed style and bedding is provided. Both Western and Asian style toilets are at the end of each carriage as well as a basin. The Leader will allocate beds keeping people together as far as possible but it may be necessary to share with other travellers.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles (total accumulated ascent 130 metres/427 feet, total accumulated descent 115 metres/377 feet).
Day 12: Arrive In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay For Overnight Cruise
Location: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Halong Bay Junk
Accommodation Name: Halong Bay Junk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning we drive to the hotel in time for breakfast. Later this morning we then drive (2.5 hours) to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, spending this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Please note - the boat is not exclusive to us and we may be sharing with other tourists. You have the option to leave the majority of your luggage in the hotel in Hanoi and take only an overnight bag. If you prefer to take your main luggage it is fine but please note that the cabins are inevitably small.
No cycling, rest day.
Day 13: Morning Cruise Then Drive To Hanoi Then City Tour
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel, Anise Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hanoi Tokyo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (the optional cave visits can involve climbing some slippery steps). Returning to shore mid-morning we then drive back to Hanoi, a 2.5 hours journey that gets us into the capital in time to enjoy a short tour of the city. Our late afternoon walking tour includes a visit to the Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, as well as a chance to explore a little something of the city's fascinating Old Quarter.
No cycling, rest day.
Day 14: Trip Ends Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you will need to depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel.
What's Included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Accommodation
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Train Tickets
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Bike rental
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Meals
Breakfasts: 13
Lunches: 2
Dinners: 1
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.