Itinerary

Pre-Trip extension (optional):

Ha Long Bay - Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is often described as the eighth wonder of the world. This archipelago marvel is an ideal introduction to the country and one that will not be soon forgotten. Your arrival night hotel into Hanoi is included. Next morning, you’ll shuttle to the coast where you’ll board a luxurious Chinese “junk” vessel to explore the over 2,000 limestone islands. Cruising through the bay, there are optional stops where you can hike through cathedral caves and visit remote fishing villages with local school children who delight in rowing us through their ‘community on water’. Our luxurious junk boasts large private cabins featuring floor to ceiling windows, private balconies and large granite and glass bathrooms. This extension includes one night at the Hanoi Metropole, and two days, one night cruising Ha Long Bay, meals (2B, 1L, 1D) and transfers.

DAYS 1+2:
Hanoi - Your arrival night hotel is included in the trip and as people will be arriving at different times, we leave this evening free for you to dine where you choose. On the morning of Day 2, we meet at 9h00 to enjoy a walking tour of Hanoi’s sites including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, museum and stilt house, War Museum, and Hoan Kiem Lake district. There will be time to shop in the Old Quarter which is filled with galleries and cafes. Dinner will be the one of Hanoi’s top restaurants, La Badiane, whose French chef combines the best of French and Asian cuisine in his cooking. We’ll stay at the Sofitel Metropole, a luxurious historical hotel in the French Quarter.

DAYS 3+4:
Hue -After a short flight to Hue, the religious and educational center of Vietnam, we’ll cycle along quite roads bordered by rice paddies and farming communities. You will be amazed at the reception you receive when cycling through the countryside as you pass children and farmers waving Xin Chao. The riding is flat and easy-going and gives a great introduction to what is to come. Arriving to our hotel, the Pilgrimage Village, we will be greeted with welcome drinks and then ushered to our sumptuous suites. Our guide will give a cultural talk and overview of the history of Vietnam on this evening, before dinner in the hotel dining room. Next morning, we start our day with a visit to Hue’s moated Citadel, a surreal world of deserted gardens and ceremonial halls. Constructed for the Emperor in 1804, it contained the famed Imperial Forbidden City, which was reserved for the private life of the emperor, eunuch servants and royal concubines. Along our ride, we will have a chance to meet a famed Hue historian and conservationist, whose family’s ancestry has links to a former emperor; a visit to his home - the former residence of a Nguyen Dynasty princess - will be a highlight. Afterwards, we boat down the Perfume River to visit the majestic tomb of Minh Mang. Cycling distances: D3: 35 km; D4: 35 or 45 km

DAYS 5+6:
Hoi An - Departing Hue, we’ll ride along Vietnam's Central coastline with an optional climb over Hai Van Pass at 460 meters (the descent is breathtaking); the road has no traffic as all of the vehicles now take the new tunnel through the mountain. In Hoi An, we stay at the Life Hoi An Resort, ideally situated walking distance from town. With its candle-lanterns, historical homes and quaint riverside setting, Hoi An is one of our favorite villages in Vietnam. Our guide will give a walking tour of the town finishing at a renowned tailor where suits/dresses are made to measure in less than 24 hours. Next day, we cycle from the hotel through the flower and vegetable gardens and lush countryside. We finish the day with a cooking course with one of the region’s top chefs. It will be one of your best meals in Vietnam! Cycling distances: D5: 30-40 km; D6: 30-40 km

DAYS 7+8:

Nha Trang - After a short flight to the bustling coastal resort city of Nha Trang, we will check in to the five-star Ana Mandara Resort. After lunch at the beachside restaurant around the pool, there will be a cycling option along a new coastal road that is gently rolling, freshly paved and traffic-free. Other options include sailing, snorkeling or simply relaxing pool/beachside. Dinner will be at a favorite restaurant where our guide will introduce us to ‘locals night’ with fresh seafood in a convivial setting. Next day our morning ride is one of the best of the trip, leaving you the afternoon to relax at the private beach of our hotel. Dinner options include Amandara’s dining room or the Nha Trang Sailing Club with a hip vibe and superb beachside setting. Cycling distances: D7: 17 or 34 km; D8: 52.5 km

DAYS 9+10:

Dalat- Leaving the coast, we’ll welcome the contrast of Vietnam's Central Highlands, featuring spectacular waterfalls, pine tree forests and minority villages. Arriving to Dalat, we will be welcomed to the Sofitel Dalat Palace, built in 1922 in French colonial style; the spacious rooms boast clawfoot tubs, fireplaces and spectacular views. The next day's ride is usually a favorite of the trip (we always save the very best for last) with a ride that descends over 15 km and then rolls gently past orchards and flower gardens (we shuttle back up to Dalat). After lunch, we visit the local market, Bai Do’s palace and the ‘Crazy House Hotel’ and then finish the trip with a celebratory dinner at one of the best restaurants in Dalat. Cycling distances: D9: 52km; D10: 50 km

EXTENSIONS DAYS 11-17:
Although the regular trip finishes in Dalat, we highly recommend continuing with our extensions to each of Mui Ne Beach, Saigon and Angkor Wat, Cambodia; you can choose these separately or together.


EXTENSION – MUI NE BEACH DAYS 11+12:
Mui Ne Beach - The 1400-meter descent from the highlands back to the coast promises to be an exhilarating day as we cycle our way down forested countryside, by bamboo jungles and past sparsely populated villages on a beautifully paved road. Arriving to Mui Ne, we stay at the enchanting Blue Ocean Life Resort. Cycle early the next morning on a scenic road hugging the turquoise coast, catching a glimpse of local fisherman bringing their fish to market. For those preferring to relax or sail out into the South China Sea, options are many. Mui Ne beach has recently become a Mecca for kite surfers and you can watch the aerial acrobatics from the comfort of the hotel or take a lesson and join in! Cycling Distances: D11: 53 km; D12: 30 km. Includes 2 nights, meals (2B/ 2D), transfers, guide, support vehicle, bike rental etc. US$595

EXTENSION – SAIGON DAYS 13+14:
Saigon - From Mui Ne, we cycle a recently paved road that follows the coast south past idyllic beaches that are largely undeveloped. After lunch, we transfer into Saigon. We’ll stay at the historic Grand Hotel, in the heart of Saigon's shopping and dining districts. Dinner on this night will be at Quan An Ngon, a Saigon institution. On our second day, visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels north of HCMC and after lunch the War Museum and other sites. Dinner is at Temple Restaurant, recently featured in NY Times. Cycling Distances: D13: 60 km Includes 2 nights meals (2B/ 2D), transfers, guide, support vehicle, bike rental etc. US$595

EXTENSION- ANGKOR WAT DAYS 15-17:
Angkor Wat - Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for two days of exploring the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat with local guide. You will be met on arrival and shuttled to the incomparable Raffles Grand Hotel, which has undergone a $70 million renovation and is unquestionably one of the finest hotels in Asia. Our local guide will take you to see the most important sites including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and other temples that are among the most incredible wonders in the world. Your final night dinner will be at Meric, the restaurant at Hotel de la Paix, for a 7-course Khmer tasting extravaganza with wine pairings included. Bon appetite! Price includes 2 nights at the Raffles Grand with breakfast daily, guide and transport for two days, dinner at Meric, and airport transfers. US$595 (flight from Saigon to Siem Reap- $185 and 3 day Temple Pass- $40 are additional)
DAY 17: Depart at your leisure for onward travel.

More information from Great Explorations:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.great-explorations.com/trips/vietnam/…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips