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Code: |
VNBKHL001 |
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Routes: |
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Duration: |
15 Days |
Detail Itinerary
Day1: Arrival
in Hanoi
Arrival at Hanoi airport. There, a transfer bus
is waiting to take you to your hotel in the
heart of the old city centre. Despite its 3
million inhabitants, Hanoi appears provincial
and traditional. The historical Old Town quarter
is considered one of the best preserved in all
of Southeast Asia. On your first walk through
the lively colourful streets the Asian flair
will impress you. You meet your fellow
travellers during our first dinner together.
Overnight at the hotel. (D)
Day2: Hanoi - Island of Van Don (approx. 33
km /21 mi. by bike)
After breakfast the bus is ready to take you
along extensive rice plantations to Van Don
Island. After lunch you make your first biking
tour on Van Don. Along dirt paths you cross the
heavily wooded centre of the island and then
reach the coastal road which offers you a first
glimpse onto the bizarre rock world of Bai Tu
Long Bay. Later you check in on your junk and
enjoy the first crossing on the classic wooden
boat with the wooden carved dragon at the
prow. B, L, D
Day3: Islands of Tra Ban and Quan Lan
(approx. 10 + 29 km / 6 + 18 mi. by bike)
In the morning your boat takes you to the island
of Tra Ban where you bike on narrow paths
through the green rice fields, see the water
buffaloes so typical for Viet Nam and on the
other side meet up with the boat. During lunch
on board, a brief crossing takes you to Quan Lan
Island. On your second bike tour of the day you
explore this island famous for its brilliant
white sand and the extensive, totally untouched
beaches. B, L, D
Day4: Ha Long Bay (kayaking day)
You spend the morning on board and enjoy the
unique beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. During the
crossing you pass the famous "floating villages"
which give you a close insight into the
traditional life of the fishing families. In the
afternoon you explore this craggy fairytale
world by kayak - the best way to reach caves,
lagunes and quiet bays. The lookout at Titop
Island offers you in the evening the
unforgettable view onto the natural wonders of
Ha Long Bay. B, L, D
Day5: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (kayaking
day)
This day begins with a visit of the "Amazing
Cave", one of the largest and most beautiful
caves in Ha Long Bay - and it really does
deserve its name. Let the beautifully lightened
limestone formations work their magic on you
before the boat takes you across Lan Ha Bay.
From there starts another kayak excursion that
takes you to a picturebook beach for lunch.
After lunch you have plenty of time to swim in
the emerald-green sea. In the late afternoon you
cross on your boat back over to Ha Long Bay. B,
L, D
Day6: Island of Cat Ba (approx. 20 km/12.5
mi. by bike)
Early in the morning, the transfer bus takes you
back to the small landing, where you left the
ship the previous day. A one-hour crossing
brings you and your bikes to another small
landing place. From there you bicycle to a
remote village inhabited by the Viet Hai, an
ethnic minority. You leave your bikes there and
continue on foot on a fascinating guided walk
through this primary forest that will amaze you
with its wild pristine flora and giant colourful
butterflies. The destination is one of the
island's highest mountains which, on a clear
day, presents a grandiose view across Ha Long
Bay and the entire island. Then you bicycle back
to the boat and end the day quietly on the
private beach of the Sunrise resort. Overnight
at the hotel. B, L, D
Day7: Islands of Cat Ba and Cat Hai -
Hanoi(26 + 8
km /16 + 5 mi. by bike)
The morning bike tour takes you along the
panoramic coast of the island to the western end
of Cat Ba where a small ferry takes you across
to Cat Hai. You cross this completely level
island on a narrow asphalt road, passing
extensive salt flats. At the other end you come
to the ferry that takes you back to the
mainland. From there a bus drives you back to
Hanoi. In the afternoon you have the opportunity
to watch the traditional water puppet theatre in
the Vietnamese capital. B, L
Day8: Hanoi - Hue (approx. 10 km / 6 mi. by
bike)
In the morning you fly from Hanoi to Hue which
is prettily located between hills and rice
fields at a bend of the Perfume River. The
spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, in more
than 300 temples and pagodas. In the afternoon
you bicycle through this ancient imperial city
to visit the expansive citadel with the
"Forbidden Purple City" which was once
exclusively reserved for the Ngyen dynasty. B,
D
Day9: Hue - Perfume River - Hoi An
The day begins with a spectacular boat trip on
the Perfume River and along the way you visit
one of the large imperial grave monuments. After
lunch on board you will be transferred to Hoi
An. Along the way you make a swimming break at
Lang Co Beach and afterwards cross the Cloud
Pass. Hoi An, in the past the most important
harbour town of Southeast Asia, has a lovely old
centre inviting you for an evening stroll.
Overnight at the hotel. B, L
Day10: Hoi An (approx. 17 km / 11 mi. by
bike)
The sightseeing tour of Hoi An, which is a World
Heritage site, is the highpoint of this morning.
Your tour-guide shows you this picturesque
little town with its historical buildings, many
dating back to the 16th century and having
survived changing fortunes virtually unscathed.
In no case should you miss the old market at the
banks of the Tu Bon River. In the afternoon you
bicycle to the old pottery village of Thanh Ha
where you can admire the artistic dexterity of
the Vietnamese potters and try your own hand at
pottery making. Overnight at the hotel. B, D
Day11: Ho Chi Mihn City
Early in the morning you transfer to Da Nang and
fly to Ho Chi Ming City, formerly Saigon. The
city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a
guided tour through the rapidly growing
metropolis you visit the town hall, the Notre
Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the
War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam
War. Overnight at the hotel. B, D
Day12:
Ho Chi Minh -
My Tho - Vinh Long (55 ~ 60 km Biking)
Transfer to Tan An by support van with your
cycling tour guide. Start your day by cycling
through the peaceful villages, rice fields and
orchards. See how the water buffalos and ducks
live harmoniously together,in the same rivers.
Lunch en route. Keep cycling to Cai Be and take
a boat ride across the Mekong River to
experience the charms of Binh Hoa Phuoc village.
Restore your energy levels with a splendid
dinner full of delectable local dishes.. B, L,
D
Day13: Vinh
Long - Can Tho (40 ~ 45 km Biking)
After breakfast, start your day with an early
morning bike ride on the island, giving you a
great opportunity to meet the local villagers
and farmers. Then head for Cantho, stopping on
the way to experience the daily life of the
Mekong Delta inhabitants. Overnight at your
chosen hotel in Cantho. B, L, D
Day14: Can
Tho - Cai Rang - Phong Dien - Ho Chi Minh (30 ~
35 km Biking)
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a two-hour boat
trip to visit the Cai Rang and Phong Dien
floating markets. Wander into the villages to
visit the rice paper mill and the rice noodle
making factory. Learn how to cross the "Monkey
Bridge'' which is made from a single bamboo.
Continue cycling through the villages to enjoy
the beautiful rural scenery. After lunch, take
the support van back to Ho Chi Minh City. O/N in
Ho Chi Minh. B, L
Day15: Ho Chi Minh – Departure
At leisure
until transfer to Airport for onward flight.
Package Tour Price in: US$/1,889 per person (Group
Minimum 04people and Price Valid until 31DEC2009)
JOIN GROUP TOUR
(Click to see detail)
Included
*
English Speaking tour leader (other languages
upon requests)
* All accommodations base on twin-share
at Standard hotel, guesthouse and Home
stay.etc...
* Meals detailed in the itinerary (B =
Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
* A/C transfers and transportation.
* Boat trip mention in itinerary
* Mountain bicycle 24 or 27Speed (LA bike
or Trek bike. etc...)
* Sightseeing excursions as outlined in
itinerary
* Speed Boat Cat Ba Island - Hai Phong
* Boat Trip Cruise in Ha Long Bay
* Pump, bike tools, spares tubes.
* Spare bike
* Cold water box, small fresh towel.
* Mineral water drinking.
* Seasonal fruits.
* Snacks
Excluded:
* International airfares
* Travel insurance and bike helmet
(compulsory)
* Items of a personal nature
* Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
* Mineral water beyond that supplied
* Optional excursions
* Additional transport required due to
any emergency situation
* Personal expenses such as telephone and
laundry bills
* Visa (Vietnam & Laos)
* Departure taxes
* Tipping for guiding
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