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Trails of Vietnam – 14
Days
Activity
Grade -
Moderate
Requires a reasonable level of fitness. This trip involve up to 5
hours of activity a day for 7 days throughout the itinerary.
The Bicycles
For this trip
we use the ‘Matts Cruise 5.7’ and ‘Kalahari 500’ performance bicycles made by
German cycle specialists Merida. The bicycles have 24 speeds and a lightweight
steel alloy frame designed for road cycling. Other features include LRS (Low
Ratio Suspension) and excellent damping capacity, both of which help to absorb
vibration and shocks for a smoother, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The
bicycles are available in a number of sizes and will be adjusted to individual
heights.
This unique journey
through Vietnam links the fascinating cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh with the
breathtaking countryside of the central highlands. Our cycle routes take us into
rural landscapes with emerald green rice paddies and remote villages. This trips
visits Vietnam’s most breathtaking waterways and mountain landscapes and the
cycling provides a personal form of local interaction which no other transport
mode can offer. You will be warmly embraced and greeted by smiling faces as you
cycle past rural villages. AND you don’t need to be a triathelete to enjoy it!
This itinerary is suitable for medium fitness levels and includes a support
vehicle for tired cyclists!
Day 1: Arrive In Ha
Noi
Arrive into Hanoi and
transfer to the hotel. Group meeting in the evening.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay
After breakfast we
head for a 3 hour drive to Halong Bay. This two-day cruise gives us the chance
to enjoy the bay from the luxury of our private junk. We board at noon and enjoy
lunch on board. In the afternoon, we explore some of the limestone caves. Then
our captain will find a secluded spot for swimming and sun bathing before
dinner. For the night owls, there is an option of night fishing. (L/D)
Day 3: Ha Noi/Overnight
Train To Hue
Rising in the
morning, we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This
morning we continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to
either swim or kayak in. At midday we will return to the main harbour to
transfer back to Hanoi. We have a couple of day rooms at the hotel to freshen up
dinner. Tonight we head southwards to Hue by train. (B,L)
Day 4 : Arrive In Hue
Upon arrival in Hue,
Buffalo Tours crew will be waiting to introduce traveller to our bicycles. This
afternoon, we will warm up our leg muscles to visit Imperial citadel and ride
along Perfume River to visit the famed Thien Mu Pagoda. Approx. cycling
distance: 30 km (B,L)
Day 5: Hoi An
After breakfast we
enjoy a ride to one of the Royal tombs. It is excellent cycling down narrow
paths and through small villages. We return to Hue for lunch. Then we take our
bus to Da Nang before cycling on to the World heritage town of Hoi An.
Approx. distance cycled: 50 km (B,L)
Day 6: Hoi An
Hoi An, probably the
most delightful town in Vietnam, was a major sea port in the Middle Ages.
Untouched in any of the wars. We spend the morning walking the narrow streets
and admiring the architecture and history during a morning tour. Free afternoon
( B,L)
Day 7: Quang Ngai
We leave Hoi An early
to start our day of cycling. The route will take us at times along the coastline
and through rural areas, passing rice paddies, ancient Cham ruins dating back to
the 7 th
century. We cycle the back roads to the village of My Lai. Approx. distance
cycled: 110 km (B,L)
Day 8: Kon Tum
Today is a more
challenging day as we head to uphill road into the Highlands. This cycling takes
us up hill and down dale with stunning photo opportunities. We will ride past
many remote villages, tropical forest, over bridges and along quiet, scenic
roads. Overnight in Kon Tum. Approx. distance cycled: 85 km (B, L)
Day 9: Buon Me Thuot
We leave Kon Tum by
bus to get out into the countryside and start another spectacular day of
cycling. Today we have gentle rolling hills all day making the cycling easy.
Approx. distance cycled: 110 km (B,L)
Day 10 : Da Lat
After a short drive
we start the day’s cycling at the edge of a coffee plantation. It’s a bit of
workout as we slowly climb up to Dalat, a mountain-top town, long favoured as a
destination of travellers. We leave the warmer temperature behind as we pedal
into the cooler climates of Dalat . Approx.
distance cycled: 100 km (B,L)
Day 11: Nha Trang
This morning we'll
visit King Bao Dai's Summer and a most unusual guesthouse (the Crazy House needs
to be seen to be believed!). We will visit some of the scenic vantage points and
places around Dalat's hilly countryside. After lunch we take our bus for a drive
to Xong Pha pass. From here we set off our bikes for 36 km winding descent
through the forest. Approx. distance cycled: 70 km (B,L)
Day 12: Nha Trang
Nha Trang is
Vietnam’s premier beach town. Today, we have a cycle-free day to enjoy the clear
blue waters and relaxed ambiance of Nha Trang. (B)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh
City
This morning we
transfer to Cam Ranh airport to take the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In
the afternoon, we have a half day city tour (B,L)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh
City
This morning, we
travel to the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels, home to 5,000 VC troops during the
Vietnam/U.S. War. We then return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch and spend the
remainder of the day free at leisure. Tonight we join our Vietnamese tour leader
for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Depart Ho Chi
Minh City
Our trip concludes
with a transfer to the airport for onward flight.
Tour cost is
inclusive of
English Speaking tour leader and group medical kit
All hotel accommodation in Vietnam on a twin-share, breakfast included
Meals as specified in the itinerary
All group transfer and transport including train sector from Hanoi to Hue
Domestic air ticket Nha Trang/Ho Chi Minh City
Use of mountain bicycle
Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
Mineral water during cycling days
Tour cost is exclusive of
International airfares
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Optional excursions
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Visa fees
Departure taxes
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
Prices for-
Vietnam Trekking and Adventures
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