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TRAVEL TOOL

Day1: 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.(D)

Day2: Hanoi - Ha Long  Bay (Kayaking Tour)
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.(B,L,D)

Day3: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (Kayaking Tour)
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.(B,L,D)

Day 4: Hanoi-Mai Chau
We leave for Mai Chau very early. Arriving at lunchtime, enjoy a cooked lunch at a local Tai village house before setting off along a spectacularly beautiful river valley towards Hoi Xuan along an undulating tarmac road. (Old highway 15A) The road follows the flow of River Song Ma. This is an old supply route of the HCM Trail that fed the main trail with ammunitions during the American War with Vietnam. Overnight at the edge of Pu Luong Nature Reserve in a traditional Thai village homestay, part of an ecotourist community project set up by Fauna and Flora International in 2003. Overnight village house on stilts. 25 km. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Pu Luong Nature Reserve-Ngoc Lac
An early morning start to beat the heat of the day. The route takes us away from the river and appears to contour through the same range of mountains that stretch from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong to Hoa Lu. The road gets more beautiful the closer you ride to Ngoc Lac with looming karst limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The route is tarmac all the way, but quite hard riding due to the undulating terrain. Overnight in local hotel Ngoc Lac. 70 km. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Ngoc Lac-Thai Hoa
Ride for the first time on the newly built two lane Ho Chi Minh Highway. It hardly warrants two lanes as there is no traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, and for those who prefer there is always the old highway dirt and gravel - that weaves around the new highway allowing for plenty of exploring possibilities along the way.
Ride to Muc Son, on the banks of River Song Chu. On the outskirts of this small town are the famous Kan Linh historical relics - a pagoda where the first king of the Ly dynasty, Le Thai To, ruled, in 1428. Continue riding on the trail to Yen Cat. The distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the back-up vehicle to rest weary legs.There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle. Picnic lunch en route. Overnight Thai Hoa guesthouse. 80+ km. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Thai Hoa-Nghe An
Continue riding the incredible Ho Chi Minh Trail. Have lunch in Lat town. In Kim Lean visit the famous museum and birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in 1890. This province has a reputation for producing charismatic revolutionary leaders; not only Ho Chi Minh but also Phan Boi Chau – another fervent anti colonialist -was born here. Overnight in Nghe An Town. 100 km. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Nghe An-Huong Khe
After a relaxing breakfast continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail is still a dream to ride on. Again there is virtually no traffic. Transfer if tired in the afternoon to Huong Khe for overnight in a local guesthouse. 80 km. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Huong Khe-Phong Nha National Park
From Huong Khe the mountains rise and the road winds up, down and along the hillsides. The scenery is spectacular, the road tranquil. Ride up to 80km then transfer the last few km to Phong Nha National Park. The park contains one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam, It is a true speleological wonder. Visit the cave by boat then wander through the cavern, past the foundations of ancient Cham ruins. Pause to admire the incredible formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Formed approximately 250 million years ago Phong Nha was used as a hospital and ammunition depot during the war, the entrance still showing evidence of fighter aircraft attacks. There are community projects underway with Flora and Fauna International and it may be possible to visit village initiatives and learn more about the forests of the National Park. Overnight at the National Park. 80 km. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Phong Nha National Park-Hue
Explore Phong Nha Cave in the early morning. Continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail across the DMZ  (better known as the 17^th Parallel,) to Cam Lo. The road is now quite flat and makes for good cruising! Stop en route to visit Truong Son Cemetary, a memorial to the tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who were killed in the Truong Son Mountains along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  Fourteen miles further on is the town of Cam Lo – the Trail here intersects a strategic feeder road (H9) from Dong Ha and at this junction part of  the Ho Chi Minh Trail heads across country into Laos. We finish our exploration of the Ho Chi Minh trail here. This is where we end the cycling section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Transfer to Hue visiting war relics en route. Overnight Hotel in Hue. 60 km. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Hue - Hoi An (135 km)
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. In the morning cycle to the elaborate mausoleums of Emperor Tu Duc and Khai Dinh along the banks of the Perfume River . Leave Hue in the afternoon for the ancient trading port of Hoi An 120km to the south via the spectacular Pass of Ocean Clouds . Arrive in Hoi An late afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.(B,L,D)

Day 12: Hoi An
Leave Hoi An after breakfast and cycle to the sacred Marble Mountains where caves contain dozens of Buddhist shrines. Stop off at Da Nang to visit the famous China Beach , once a 'rest and recreation' resort for American servicemen. Return to Hoi An for lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the delights of Hoi An's historic town centre or perhaps cycle to Cua Dai Beach 5km away. Overnight in Hoi An.(B,L,D)

Day 13: Hoi An - Qui Nhon (280 km)
It is just under 300km down Highway One to Qui Nhon. Travel by bus and bike as the scenic highway follows the coast southwards. Transfer to hotel on arrival in Qui Nhon. Overnight in Qui Nhon.

Day 14: Qui Nhon - Nha Trang (240 km)
Continue down Highway one by bus and bike to Vietnam 's premier beach destination, Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.(B,L,D)

Day 15: Nha Trang
In the morning take a cruise on Nha Trang Bay to visit some of the offshore islands with time for swimming and snorkeling. Return to shore after a seafood lunch. Afternoon cycling around Nha Trang to visit the 9th century Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda with its enormous Buddha statue and the interesting Dam Market. Overnight in Nha Trang.(B,L,D)

Day 16: Nha Trang - Phan Thiet (250 km)
Leave after breakfast by bus and bike for Phan Thiet breaking the 250km journey at Phan Rang to visit the spectacular Po Klong Garai Cham Temple. The landscape between Phan Rang and Phan Thiet changes to an arid semi-desert with sandy soil and prickly pear cactus. In Phan Thiet turn off to the Mui Ne Peninsula with its sandy white beaches and swaying coconut palms. Overnight in Phan Thiet.(B,L,D)

Day 17: Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City (200 km)
A morning free to relax at the beach or perhaps explore Mui Ne and its spectacular sand dunes. Leave after lunch for the final 200km passing through dense rubber plantations before reaching Bien Hoa and the outer suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City . Transfer to hotel on arrival. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City .(B,L,D)

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City (120 km)
A morning City tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquerware factory and Thien Hau Pagoda in the City's bustling Chinatown. In the afternoon visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City .(B,L,D)

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City departure
At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for onward flight.(B)

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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