Vietnam - Hanoi to Saigon - 14 Days

This morning, we will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer 2.5 hours out to the rural area south of the city.
Enter a surreal landscape of limestone mountains surrounded by rice fields and natural beauty. On the way, we will stop to explore winding caves and watch for wildlife in bamboo boats. Then we'll explore the site of Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu, founded more than 1000 years ago, before the capital was moved to Hanoi. We'll finish today's ride amid the striking rock formations and dazzling rice fields outside the town of Tam Coc.
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Cycling Distance: 50km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Tam Coc

After breakfast we have a one-hour transfer to the mountainous jungle of Cuc Phuong National Park - home to indigenous communities and rare wildlife. We visit a primate rescue centre, then cycle through the forests and along farm roads to Ninh Binh. After a shower and dinner at a local hotel we board the sleeper train to head further south. The north-south train line is a legacy of the French colonial era and is still a vital link holding disparate parts of the country together. This is a quintessentially Vietnamese experience!

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Cycling Distance: 64km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train

After our early morning train arrival in Dong Hoi we transfer south about one hour then cycle down the coast to the historic Vinh Moc tunnels - made to sustain North Vietnamese troops. We continue cycling south across the Bien Hai River, the former dividing line between North and South Vietnam, and on to Thach Han River before hopping in the vans for a 90 minute transfer to Hue, the former imperial capital.

Steeped in centuries of history, this city is a joy to explore. We will stay here for two nights.

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Cycling Distance: 70km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in  Hue

Today we cycle a beautiful loop ride which begins just outside the city centre. Along the way, we'll cross bridges, ride along quiet lanes through wooded areas and along streams. We will navigate part of the Perfume River on one of the “dragon boats,” so named for their colourfully-painted figureheads. Walk through the elaborate afterlife palace of Minh Mang, one of Vietnam’s most illustrious emperors, and see the graceful Thien Mu Pagoda in its perfect location high above the riverbank. Later, your guide will walk you through the “Forbidden City” of Hue. This imperial compound was designed according to the Confucian governing philosophy and is surrounded by a complex system of moats.

This evening, enjoy some sumptuous local specialties for dinner and take in the festive nightlife along the riverfront.

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Cycling Distance: 34km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in  Hue

Today we begin with a 45 minute transfer to the "Ghost City", a district of lavishly decorated mausoleums constructed by locals for their departed ancestors. We ride along coastal lagoons where locals harvest oysters, shrimp and seafood.

After a couple of short warm up climbs, we take on the legendary Hai Van Pass, a mountainous ridge jutting into the sea and one of Vietnam’s most famous coastal roads. It's a steady climb with switchbacks and stunning views of the coast and the Da Nang skyline.

We will transfer the last 90 minutes to the historic and charming centre of Hoi An where we stay for two nights.

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Cycling Distance: 82km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in  Hoi An

This morning, you can choose to rest your legs and explore Hoi An’s markets, tailor shops, and local handicrafts. You also have the option of cycling from Hoi An to My Son, ancient capital of the Cham civilization, a Hindu people who ruled this region until around 500 years ago.  Although some of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, many remain with their relief carvings and statues intact. We will have lunch before visiting the site on foot. In the afternoon, we will transfer by van just over one hour back to Hoi An. Tonight, enjoy the delicious local fare for dinner in the heart of the old town.

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Cycling Distance: 47km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in  Hoi An

This morning we leave Hoi An and cross the Cua Dai Bridge high above the Thu Bon River with impressive views of the ocean and the Cham Island in the distance. We cycle on quiet riverside roads to Tam Thanh village where we will enjoy the beach and a local seafood lunch. We continue south and take ferries across river estuaries. At the end of our ride we'll hop in the van for a 75 minute transfer to our peaceful resort near Quang Nai. This is the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day’s explorations.

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Cycling Distance: 81km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in  Quang Ngai

This morning, we will transfer by van for 2.5 hours to arrive at ideal cycling roads further south.  We begin a diverse ride on coastal roads past salt flats, rice paddies and fishing villages, then cross a series of small passes en route to Quy Nhon where we will meet the van for a short transfer to our hotel in the city centre. Quy Nhon is a thriving central Vietnamese city. You will have time to enjoy the lively atmosphere on the waterfront and side streets before a well-earned dinner at one of your guide’s favorite restaurants!

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Cycling Distance: 68km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in  Quy Nhon

After a short transfer we cycle through a lush valley, home to water buffalo and waterfowl, with a backdrop of green mountains. This is a real change of pace from the open coastline. As we reach the end of the valley, where the river flows into the sea, we will cycle on elevated roads in rice fields, then feel the breeze pick up as we ride along a headland with wharves and seafood restaurants aplenty. We'll stop here for refreshments and  sample some of the local catch. As we near Tuy Hoa, you can choose to transfer into town, or ride the last leg into the city centre. This evening you can spend time exploring the vibrant waterfront, lined with sculptures, bars and cafes.

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Cycling Distance: 103km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in  Tuy Hoa

This morning we wind our way out of Tuy Hoa on flat roads. Then we cycle towards Vung Ro Bay and up the challenging Ca Pass. This seldom travelled road is one of the most impressive sections of the central Vietnamese coast. Along the way we'll see villages nestled in coves as we push up a succession of big climbs with stunning views over the rugged coastline. We'll stop for photos, lunch and refreshments on the way. Today's ride finishes at Dai Lanh Beach where you may want to take a swim to cool off. From here you can take a well-earned rest in the van as we take a 2.5 hour transfer to our hotel in Nha Trang.

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Cycling Distance: 58km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang

After breakfast, we'll avoid the busier roads by transferring 90 minutes south to another slice of seaside cycling paradise, where your legs will be tested again!! On the ride we will be surrounded by white sand beaches and turquoise waters on one side, and an arid, rocky landscape (the driest in Vietnam) on the other - an ideal environment for grape growing for the local wineries. This coastal ecosystem is protected by Nui Chua National Park - home to sun bears, monkeys, birds and turtles. After leaving the park we ride through a succession of villages on our way to our relaxing beachside resort where you can rest your legs while enjoying sundowners by the pool.

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Cycling Distance: 61km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Phan Rang

Our morning ride departs from the hotel along a flat section of Phan Rang Bay to the Ninh Thuan Coast Road with its stunning views and flamboyant red flowers. After stopping for lunch near Ca Na we will transfer one hour south for the afternoon ride along windswept sand dunes and weathered pines. As we turn inland the landscape changes to deep gullies of red stone until we reach the top surfing destination of Mui Ne. Tonight we can relax amongst the easy going vibe of this beach community.

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Cycling Distance: 93km

‍Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Mui Ne

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After taking in the sights and sounds of Mui Ne this morning, we leave the resort for our last day of cycling, Our route meanders to Phan Thiet, a town flanked by two rivers before we rejoin the seashore and arrive at Ke Ga, a small town on a headland buffeted by the surf. We'll have lunch here and perhaps one more swim in the sea before we cycle north into fields of neatly planted dragon fruit. You might be recruited to help with the harvest! As we near the more built-up Saigon area, we will transfer the last 2.5 hours into the metropolis. After checking into the hotel and freshening up, we we'll gather for a celebratory dinner in this exciting city that never sleeps!

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Cycling Distance: 83km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

This morning, you may choose to continue to explore all that Saigon has to offer, or head to the airport for your onward travels. We are happy to assist with advice or arrangements for your next destinations!

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Cycling Distance: 0km

Meals: Breakfast