Introduction: This trip takes you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 14 days. Combining culture, history and cycling trips will offer you a very close view of the locals. Starting in the beautiful city of Hanoi we visit the Old Quarter on cyclo, enjoy traditional water puppet show. We will then visit the Cuc Phuong National Park by bike, enjoy a cruise among the awesome limestone cliffs and clear waters of Ha Long Bay. We catch the flight to the old Imperial capital of Hue to see the treasures of the old Nguyen dynasty, the Museum and Citadel, and take a boat trip on the Perfume River and cycle to visit the city. Then, driving via Da Nang, we visit the Beaches and Marble Mountain before reaching historic Hoi An. We also visit traditional handicraft village by bike . We relax in Nha Trang with cruise to Island for swimming and snorkeling. Our sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City includes the colonial buildings of Old Saigon and 1970's kitsch of the Reunification Hall, Chinatown and others if time permits. We finally visit Cat Tien National Park. Trekking and cycling to the park center and spending a night there would give you an unforgettable experience.
Tour type: private - hard
Class: Superior - Deluxe
Duration: 14 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or reverse.
Price: from 1244USD/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 8 person)
Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
Your trip starts today with the warm welcome at the airport from your arrival in Hanoi. We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda. We will then enjoy 1 hour on cyclo to visit the Old Quarter before the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Cuc Phuong (B, L)
Transfer out of Ha Noi to Hoa Lu (2.5 hrs). Visit the historic capital of Viet Nam and the famous ancient temples of Le and The Dinh Dynasties. Cycle for an hour on picturesque quiet roads through villages, rice fields, rivers and rocky outcrops to Tam Coc for lunch.
Cycling on a country road takes you to Sunny Wharf, a small dock, for a sampan boat journey in the heart of “Inland Ha Long Bay”. Take in the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into one of the many caves carved through the limestone. We will then transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park.
Overnight at the cottage in Cuc Phuong Park.
Day 3: Cuc Phuong - Hanoi (B, L)
Today we will cycle around the park to visit the “Cave of Early Man” and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Keep trekking in the jungle to discover the wild life and admire some rare trees reach 1,000 years of age before coming back to Hanoi.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
8:00: You are picked up at the hotel. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel in Hanoi and pack an overnight bag.
12.15 pm: Arrive in Halong city, board our junk boat for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then go kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay.
Overnight on Halong Bay Junk.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)
7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served. Enjoy Sunrise on the Bay. Continue to explore the Bay. Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi, on the way call on a ceramic village to see craftsmen do their works. Free time for your personal activities and dinner.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi - Hue city (B, L)
Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Hanoi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
We will take the flight to Hue in the morning for full day cycling tour. Our visiting sites includes Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Our exciting day ends with romantic cruise on the Perfume River with Royal music on boat.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.
Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B)
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.
We travel by private vehicle from Hue to Da Nang - Journey south along Highway 1 past the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co. On the way to Hoi An, we stop in Lang Co, the village of the fishermen and then have bath in the beach. Visit Cham Museum, Marble Mountain. After the lunch, we depart for Hoi An. Here we will walk along visit the tranquility and charm of Hoi An. Our visiting sites includes: Ong Pagoda, Hoi An Museum, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - cycling (B, L)
The 'Traditional Cam Nam & Hoi An's Scenery Tour' is the most popular bicycle tour for tourists who like biking during the time in Hoi An. It is a combination of two different tours: Traditional Cam Nam and Hoi An's Scenery. During this various tour, our guide will take you to the most beautiful places on Cam Nam Island and the rural area north of Hoi An. Brief information about the culture, traditions, the daily life and other interesting information of local people here.
On Cam Nam Island you can see small handicrafts, such as: steaming of rice paper, repairing of fishing nets, cooking of corn and more. We will take you to a local shipyard on An Hoi where wooden fishing boats are still being made in the traditional way by local craftsmen. After this we will visit the picturesque Long Tuyen Pagoda. The only pagoda in Vietnam with a nine-floor 'Lotus' tower on the roof.
This tour ends with a peaceful cycling-tour through the countryside of Hoi An. We are cycling along the bright green rice fields, shrimp farms and fishponds. You will see water buffalo's, endless prospects and colorful sceneries...
Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang - Nha Trang (Flight) (B, L)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
We will take the flight to Nha Trang. This afternoon we will visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom. After lunch, you are free to swim and relax on the beach or join many optional sea - sport activities available here.
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Flight) (B, L)
Today, you will take the flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
We take a short city tour to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). If time permits, we will visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Cat Tien National Park (B, L)
This park covers 74,000 Hectares of lowland forest and swamp approximately 100km (70miles) north east of Ho Chi Minh City and is home to numerous birds and mammals. One of Vietnams most important and largest National Parks. Supported by the WWF, projects include surveying the small population of Javan rhinoceros, that still exist in the area the last remaining population on main land. Other mammals include Elephant, Gaur and tiger. Many birds can be found, including such specialties as German's Peacock Pheasant, Bar-bellied Pitta and the rare endemic Orange-necked Partridge.
We will transfer out of the busy city by bus. We will then ride to a former volcanic crater, known as Lava tubes. We do a trekking to through the Reserved Core Area, See many kinds of hundreds of years old trees.
Overnight hotel/guest house in Cat Tien National Park.
Day 13: Cat Tien - Ho Chi Minh (B, L)
This morning, you are waken up by the nice songs of native birds. After having breakfast, we cycle and trek to see the Crocodiles swamp. We will then take bus ride back to HCM city.
Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
You are free on the last day. If time permits, we suggest you to head out of town to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this optional tour is not included).
You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam for your next destination. Tour ends.
Readmore: Vietnam Cycling Tour 14 days
Class: Superior - Deluxe
Duration: 14 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or reverse.
Price: from 1244USD/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 8 person)
Day 1: Hanoi arrival (D)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
Your trip starts today with the warm welcome at the airport from your arrival in Hanoi. We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda. We will then enjoy 1 hour on cyclo to visit the Old Quarter before the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Cuc Phuong (B, L)
Transfer out of Ha Noi to Hoa Lu (2.5 hrs). Visit the historic capital of Viet Nam and the famous ancient temples of Le and The Dinh Dynasties. Cycle for an hour on picturesque quiet roads through villages, rice fields, rivers and rocky outcrops to Tam Coc for lunch.
Cycling on a country road takes you to Sunny Wharf, a small dock, for a sampan boat journey in the heart of “Inland Ha Long Bay”. Take in the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into one of the many caves carved through the limestone. We will then transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park.
Overnight at the cottage in Cuc Phuong Park.
Day 3: Cuc Phuong - Hanoi (B, L)
Today we will cycle around the park to visit the “Cave of Early Man” and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Keep trekking in the jungle to discover the wild life and admire some rare trees reach 1,000 years of age before coming back to Hanoi.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
8:00: You are picked up at the hotel. You can leave your luggage behind at the hotel in Hanoi and pack an overnight bag.
12.15 pm: Arrive in Halong city, board our junk boat for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then go kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay.
Overnight on Halong Bay Junk.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)
7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served. Enjoy Sunrise on the Bay. Continue to explore the Bay. Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi, on the way call on a ceramic village to see craftsmen do their works. Free time for your personal activities and dinner.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi - Hue city (B, L)
Hue is located in Thua Thien prefecture and is in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Hanoi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
We will take the flight to Hue in the morning for full day cycling tour. Our visiting sites includes Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Our exciting day ends with romantic cruise on the Perfume River with Royal music on boat.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.
Day 7: Hue - Hoi An (B)
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.
We travel by private vehicle from Hue to Da Nang - Journey south along Highway 1 past the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co. On the way to Hoi An, we stop in Lang Co, the village of the fishermen and then have bath in the beach. Visit Cham Museum, Marble Mountain. After the lunch, we depart for Hoi An. Here we will walk along visit the tranquility and charm of Hoi An. Our visiting sites includes: Ong Pagoda, Hoi An Museum, Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation.
Overnight at hotel, Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - cycling (B, L)
The 'Traditional Cam Nam & Hoi An's Scenery Tour' is the most popular bicycle tour for tourists who like biking during the time in Hoi An. It is a combination of two different tours: Traditional Cam Nam and Hoi An's Scenery. During this various tour, our guide will take you to the most beautiful places on Cam Nam Island and the rural area north of Hoi An. Brief information about the culture, traditions, the daily life and other interesting information of local people here.
On Cam Nam Island you can see small handicrafts, such as: steaming of rice paper, repairing of fishing nets, cooking of corn and more. We will take you to a local shipyard on An Hoi where wooden fishing boats are still being made in the traditional way by local craftsmen. After this we will visit the picturesque Long Tuyen Pagoda. The only pagoda in Vietnam with a nine-floor 'Lotus' tower on the roof.
This tour ends with a peaceful cycling-tour through the countryside of Hoi An. We are cycling along the bright green rice fields, shrimp farms and fishponds. You will see water buffalo's, endless prospects and colorful sceneries...
Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang - Nha Trang (Flight) (B, L)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
We will take the flight to Nha Trang. This afternoon we will visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom. After lunch, you are free to swim and relax on the beach or join many optional sea - sport activities available here.
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest
Overnight at hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Flight) (B, L)
Today, you will take the flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
We take a short city tour to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings such as the main post office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall). If time permits, we will visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Cat Tien National Park (B, L)
This park covers 74,000 Hectares of lowland forest and swamp approximately 100km (70miles) north east of Ho Chi Minh City and is home to numerous birds and mammals. One of Vietnams most important and largest National Parks. Supported by the WWF, projects include surveying the small population of Javan rhinoceros, that still exist in the area the last remaining population on main land. Other mammals include Elephant, Gaur and tiger. Many birds can be found, including such specialties as German's Peacock Pheasant, Bar-bellied Pitta and the rare endemic Orange-necked Partridge.
We will transfer out of the busy city by bus. We will then ride to a former volcanic crater, known as Lava tubes. We do a trekking to through the Reserved Core Area, See many kinds of hundreds of years old trees.
Overnight hotel/guest house in Cat Tien National Park.
Day 13: Cat Tien - Ho Chi Minh (B, L)
This morning, you are waken up by the nice songs of native birds. After having breakfast, we cycle and trek to see the Crocodiles swamp. We will then take bus ride back to HCM city.
Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
You are free on the last day. If time permits, we suggest you to head out of town to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this optional tour is not included).
You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam for your next destination. Tour ends.
Readmore: Vietnam Cycling Tour 14 days
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