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TRAVEL TOOL

Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport our guide who will accompany you to your hotel will welcome you, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits  we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L, D)
Sightseeing Hanoi (full day)
Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings and less traffic than other cities in Asia.
ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom.
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment.
HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star.
HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: in the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. (Closed Mondays and Fridays).
OPERA HOUSE: a magnificent 900-seat opera house built in 1911. (May be viewed from the outside only).
ST JOSEPH CATHEDRAL: a neo-Gothic cathedral finished in 1886, it is noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows.
BAO TANG LICH: once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, is a building constructed of reinforced concrete completed in 1930. Exhibits include artefacts from Vietnam's turbulent history including some from prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. (Closed on Monday's). evening we join water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)
Heading out of town we make our way towards Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam 's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival in Halong we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. Along the trip we learn some kayak orientation and instruction in paddling technique. We begin our first kayaking experience to discover the limestone karst formations which are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves, and visit one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. At the end of afternoon we return to our escorted boat for relaxation and dinner. The night paddle is available for kayaking fervor. O/N on board

Day 4: Ha Long Bay -  Hanoi (B, L, D)
The views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. After breakfast on board we continue cruising and make stop for second paddle. We circumnavigate the island, observing some secluded lagoons and enjoying last swimming opportunity. In late morning we regroup at our escorted boat for two hour cruise to Halong Pier. Here we meet up with out waiting for vehicle for return journey. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi - Mai Chau (80km cycling) (B,L,D)
After breakfast, check out and drive by air-conditioned vehicle to visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (A must-see for any visitor to Vietnam). Spend an hour touring the mausoleum complex and one pillar pagoda. From the mausoleum, board the bus and drive 3.5 hours south east to Hoa Binh province. Stop for refreshments at Hoa Binh before continuing to the wonderful Mai Chau Valley. Lunch in a local Thai family home (house on stilts) before riding in the afternoon on a great single tack trail following a mountain stream to the Thai village of Sam Khue (or Cun Pheo a little further on ) nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rocky limestone outcrops. The bike ride is approx 16km and involves short sections of village single track motorbike/cycle trails. The trail is fun, passing through villages untouched by tourists, across rice paddy fields. The route is pretty much flat, the trail hard pack clay and is not technical. Though on one or two sections there are a couple of sections where the cycling is technical (easy to walk with bikes.) Cycle past hot springs, across clacking suspension bridges; stop to visit a small school, through villages and countryside. The trail is never more than a couple of hundred metres from the main support vehicle, so the jeep will always be within contactable distance. 55% village tracks, 45% tarmac. No support on single-track sections.

The local people in Mai Chau have been welcoming tourism for some time but still keep to their traditions and customs. They are friendly and hospitable. Normally clients will be invited to drink clay pot fermented rice wine through a bamboo pipe. It tastes very sweet, but is delicious and can be very ''moreish'' !. Sleep in the Thai long house dormitory style under mosquito net, on bamboo floor (remarkably soft) Clients will be provided with a bed roll and silk sheet sleeping bags. Toilets are basic French style but clean. The shower is a ''sluicing'' affair. Overnight in local minority village.

Day 6: Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve (48km cycling) (B,L,D)
After breakfast ride along a rough jeep track out of the valley. Cycle a spectacular country lane - once an old army feeder supply line to the Ho Chi Minh Trail - following the stunningly turquoise Ma River. The route is satisfyingly undulating, with some short steep ups and downs. There is still virtually no traffic on this section of road and contrasts to the valley ride. The views down to the river are lovely.

After approx 30km reach the gateway to the reserve and once more head off-road along vehicle width track s and single-track trails. There are two stream crossings to negotiate, and hidden villages to contour around. After 8km into the reserve, stop for noon lunch at Hang Village. (Total 38km) (Photo is hang Village ' lunch stop) The Pu Luong '' Cuc Phuong limestone landscape is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau in the North West to Cuc Phuong National Park in the south east. It is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. Experience the everyday life and culture of Thai and Muong people and stay in scenic villages and in traditional home stay accommodation.

Pu Luong is a globally important example of a lowland limestone forest ecosystem and recognized as a global centre for plant diversity. The forests support many unique species, including the Delacour's langur, one of the most threatened primate species in the world, found only in this area. Many other threatened species inhabit the forests including bear, clouded leopard, Owstons civet, Loris and many orchid species. These are threatened because of illegal hunting or collecting for the wildlife trade. The forests of Pu Luong are of immense wealth to local communities, for retaining water resources for farming, providing forest products and for cultural value. However, these forests are threatened due to illegal hunting, logging and fire. A community-based ecotourism initiative recently set up by Flora and Fauna International provides income for the local communities, leading to improved livelihoods, and helping encourage support for forest conservation. Initially, seven pilot villages are participating in the ecotourism project. Please note that a portion of the accommodation fee comprises a community levy for the village fund, it is hoped to extend scheme this to other areas in the Reserve. After lunch cycle on the main jeep trail- a mix of hard pack gravel and clay to Kho Muong village nestled at the base of limestone hills. There are some steepish climbs and the riding becomes more remote yet one is never far from a villager tending fields or walking back from early morning market. On arrival at the village, settle into the home stay. Time permitting, trek on paddy fields to an incredible cave, only recently discovered and now protected by the Forest rangers, due to its unique species of bats living inside.

Overnight accommodation is an ecotourism home stay type. The house is on stilts and bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Sleep dormitory style, as is the tradition of these villages. Facilities include 2 western style toilets. Shower facilities are simple, (a private area to sluice water) dinner is cooked by the local hosts and our cook in a small kitchen attached to the main sleeping quarters.

Day 7: Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Cuc Phuong National Park (20km cycling) (B,L,D)
Today there are two options for riding available. Cycle a challenging but glorious downhill single track trail to the Nature Reserve's only market. (12km) (some technical sections '' namely a 3km steep downhill and some short sharp ascents, and stream crossings) Or take the jeep trail to the nature reserveâ's only market. (Market day is Thursday and Sunday only) Stop at a local cafĂ© for noodle soup before riding to the end of the reserve at la Han. Cross the Ma River by local ferry and cycle to the Vietnamese small town of Canh Nang for lunch. After lunch drive 2-3 hours to Cuc Phuong National Park, some sections will be along the newly built Ho Chi Minh Highway which makes for a fascinating transfer (no traffic there yet!). Cuc Phuong National Park lies at the South Eastern end of the limestone range that runs north-west to Son La province. The limestone is a marine in origin and dates back 2000 million years. The vegetation of the park is dominated by primary and secondary limestone forest. There are 1.980 plant species recorded as well as 248 species of bird. It is home to the endangered Delacour’s Langur. Tigers and the White Cheeked Gibbon are believed to have become recently extinct. Arrive at Cuc Phuong in time to visit the Primate Rescue Centre where a German conservation agency has been working for several years to protect and breed some of the most endangered primates such as the Cat Ba Langur, Gibbons, Delacour’s langur and many more.

After visiting the centre, check in to simple National Park guesthouse rooms for overnight. Overnight National Park Guesthouse. Dinner at National Park Restaurant.

Day 8: Cuc Phuong National Park - Hanoi - Hue (56km cycling) (B,L,D)
Spend the morning exploring the park at leisure (ride to the centre and back, or hike out to a 300 year old tree, or visit some of the many prehistoric caves or hike one of the forest trails. Return to the gateway of the park for lunch then hit the road. Cycle mainly downhill along a narrow country lane out of the mountains (with great views) and onto the plains towards Hoa Lu- the ancient capital of Hanoi, located in a setting known as the 'Halong Bay of Rice paddies'. The cycling is easier today '' great smooth tarmac, - note the contrast with the previous day rides ride. Now the scenery is a quintessentially Vietnamese experience, people are everywhere, a veritable working ''countryside'' type of landscape, gone are the forests and hills, replaced by buffalo, vast expanses of rice and small tons and villages. Transfer back to Hanoi at about 3.30pm. The afternoon is free to discover the nooks and crannies of this fascinating city. Meet for dinner in the early evening before taking the 7pm overnight train to Hue. Overnight on board the train in 4 berth cabins (air-conditioned and lockable). Overnight on board the train.

Day 9: Hue Cycling Backroad (30km cycling) (B,L,D)
Arrive at Hue at 8am. Drive to the hotel for breakfast. As it will not be possible to check in until 12 pm, so you will take a cyclo to explore the Imperial Citadel. Enjoy early lunch at a local restaurant near to the citadel. Try special Hue pancakes and more specialties. In the afternoon, cycle along the banks of the Perfume River to Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda (famous in Vietnam for the protests against the communists at the time of the American war. Continue on along the river side along country lanes accompanied only be light local traffic ''(mainly bicycles, buffaloes and Hondas!) Ride to the tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, with some sections of off road through lush countryside eventually looping back to the hotel. Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centres of Vietnam. Hue became the nation's capital under the Nguyen Dynasty when Emperor Gia Long, the first of the Nguyen emperors, chose the location for the imperial city in 1802. The city remained Vietnam's capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated. Many of Hue's attractions are found along the banks of the romantically named Perfume River that flows through the centre of town. On the north bank of the river is the Imperial Citadel, built along the lines of Peking's Forbidden City, enclosed by 10-metre thick walls and surrounded by a moat. A few kilometers further up the river is perhaps Hue's best known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. The elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, more like palaces than tombs, are scattered around the rural areas surrounding the city. The mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc, Khai Dinh are particularly impressive being extravagant complexes of pavilions, temples, courtyards and lakes. Hue is also famous for producing the best non la or conical hats in Vietnam and the place to buy these is at the enormous Dong Ba Market. Dinner is free to choose. Overnight in Standard Festival Hotel.

Day 10: Hue - Hoi An (80km cycling) (B,L,D)
A classic day cycling, ride as much or as little as desired. Drive by bus beyond the city limits of Hue 18km out to the coast. (20 minutes only) Begin riding off the beaten track for 40km along a picturesque, very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Cycle in the shade of coconut trees, stop to explore the hundreds of ancestral tombs scattered in the large sand dunes. At the end of the peninsular, hop on a local ferry to cross the estuary of the Perfume River and ride a further 11km along this spectacular trail to loop to Highway 1. From here there are no other options but to hit the highway. Transfer or cycle the start of today's three hill climbs! After the first two moderate climbs of 2-3km a piece, cruise down to stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/ swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day '' the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Now that the new tunnel through the mountain is completed the 11km of uphill will be on a very quiet section of highway. The gradient is manageable and the views breathtaking! Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening dine at a new restaurant 'Mangoâ' in Hoi An, the chef is a returned Viet Kieu who cooks fantastic seafood and vegetable dishes, the ambiance by the river is lovely. Overnight in the atmospheric Hoi An Ancient House. Located on the road to Cua Dai beach, the Ancient House resort has 42 guest rooms housed n a stylish complex of villas set amid a tropical lush garden with swimming pool.

Day 11: Hoi An Free Day or guided morning ride (B,L,D)
Free time or after leisurely breakfast take to the bikes to explore Hoi An ancient town stopping to visit the central market, Japanese bridge and a merchant's house. Ride into the villages in the surrounding countryside such as the lovely village of Thuan Tinh, set among rice fields and coconut groves. Stop to check out the strawberry garden and meet local villagers, have tea and perhaps buy some strawberry homemade wine. Cycle to Thanh Ha ceramic village. Return from Thanh Ha ceramic village on a relaxing cruise two hours by local wooden boat along the river all the way back to Hoi An. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax in town, or at the beach. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was one of the orient's major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. After the Thu Bon River linking Hoi An to the sea silted up, ocean going ships were no longer able to sail into town and trade moved 30km up the coast to Tourane, known nowadays as Danang. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Today there will also be the option to cycle a full day to My Son Cham Towers, the former capital of the Champa Kingdom dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries, or charter a local boat out to the beautiful Cham Island set in pristine seas or optional cookery class. (Not included in cost of tour) Overnight Hoi An Ancient House Resort.

Day 12: Hoi An - My Lai (47km cycling) (B,L,D) 
Depart by bus early for the busy drive south along H1 to Quy Nhon. Check into the My Tra hotel (the best one in this very poor province) and hit the road. Cycle once more, on quiet country lanes out towards the coast through fishing villages. Begin with a short steady 2km ascent to the top of Thien An Mountain where there are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and visit an ancient (c.1650) working Pagoda. (There are some interesting monks living in the pagoda and guests are always welcome. Have a small donation ready)! From here cruise downhill and on to the site of the My Lai massacre, now a shrine and memorial museum dedicated to the families who lost their lives. The memorial museum and gardens remember the 550 villagers mainly women and children who were massacred by the Americans in the late 1960's. After a guided tour around the site and museum we continue on quiet roads to the beach for a chance to swim and relax, with picnic lunch at the beach. Return to the hotel or continue looping round through fishing villages back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at My Tra hotel.

Day 13: My Lai - Quy Nhon (73km cycling) (B,L)
Depart early from the hotel and drive to the start point of the ride (99km south of My Lai.) This section is a new route meandering along the coast from Binh Duong to Tung Giang and Ty Phuoc. The road is a small provincial road (632 and 640) passing through many villages, far from the maddening traffic of H1. Another incredible ride, take time to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. The cycling is on mixed quality surface, and some sections the bus may not be able to follow. Arriving at Tuy Phouc, cycle or transfer the last busy section of 9km to Quy Nhon. Overnight in a standard sea front hotel and dine at a local restaurant in town.

Day 14: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (67km cycling) (B,L,D)
Today’s ride is along on a great little road that follows the reunification express railroad. Again we transfer out of town to avoid the main highway. We start riding along a remote but well surfaced road running alongside the railway. The terrain is gently rolling, with beautiful views of the foothills of the highlands. We pass a mix of tribal and Viet villages. Ubiquitous potbellied pigs and barefooted children dash across your trail. This is the rural Vietnam that all those other tours miss on Highway One!

At the end of the ride settles down for a drive to Nha Trang. En route, stop at Dai Linh Beach for refreshments and a dip in the sea before continuing to Nha Trang and overnight. Dinner at a great open air BBQ DIY Vietnamese restaurant. Very busy!! Nha Trang does not have a good selection of character hotels. Overnight in the standard Green Hotel.

Day 15: Nha Trang - Dalat (80km cycling) (B,L,D)
Depart early, drive short leg south to Cam Ranh. (2 hours drive) From here pick up a remote mountain road and cycle up into the central highlands to Dalat. (route 27b) This ride is possibly the highlight of the trip with long hill climbs and descents, winding forest roads and wild scenery. Ascend from the coastal plains up to over 1000m where the vegetation gives way to pine forest and semi arid environment. The rugged countryside offers an epic on road biking experience and is a complete contrast to al the cycling completed so far. Dalat was established as a hill resort at the beginning of the last century by homesick French colonials who were attracted to its cool, spring-like weather, pine forests, waterfalls and lakes. Many reminders of Dalat's colonial past can be seen in the hundreds of European style villas, chalets and other buildings still standing around town. One fine example is the cream-colored art deco villa that was once the summer home of Vietnam's last emperor, Bao Dai. Another slightly grander example of Dalat's colonial architecture is the superbly restored Dalat Palace Hotel overlooking the central Xuan Huong Lake. Overnight in the 4 star Dalat Novotel Palace, a completely renovated former French colonial hotel. Dinner in town.

Day 16: Dalat - Phanthiet (90km cycling) (B,L,D) 
Today's ride is predominantly downhill through some dense jungle forests, villages and tea plantations from Dalat to Phanthiet. There are over 900 meters of descent on this 90+ km ride to Mui Ne as you wind through pine and jungle forested valleys into the tropical climate below.

Travel by vehicle (60 km) from Dalat to Di Linh where we bike down to Mui Ne through small minority villages and jungle forested valleys to the beautiful beaches below. Overnight in standard Blue Ocean Resort – bungalows and guest rooms, Irish pub and swimming pool with a bar friendly staff and well recommended.

Day 17: Phanthiet - Saigon (80km cycling) (B, L, D)
Drive to Ho Chi Minh City. (Approximately 4 hours) On arrival (time permitting), spend the rest of the afternoon on a fascinating tour of the historical sites of downtown Saigon. Not to be missed is the War Remnants museum, a gruesome reminder of the effects of the war with America. There are old helicopters, aircraft, replica French goals as well as a photographic display of the environmental and human consequences of Agent Orange. Visit the Presidential Palace, a fascinating building trapped in time - the architecture and décor is pure 60's kitsch. View the place where the last Americans departed Vietnam and explore below ground an air raid shelter where a sense of history still lingers in the air. Dine on the Saigon River on the deck of an old passenger boat. Enjoy the glittering lights of downtown Saigon. Overnight in the standard but comfortable Bong Sen Annex hotel. Enjoy a celebratory farewell meal at one of Saigon's top restaurants.

Day 18: Depart Saigon (B)
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for an onward flight.

Included
* English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
* All accommodations base on twin-share at 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
* 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 fees
* Departure taxes
* Tipping for guiding 
 

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