I. Overview
Cycle, trek and kayak your way through Vietnam’s pristine natural
landscapes. This multi-sport soft adventure tour is designed for those
who wish to see a different side of the country without embarking on a
full-scale adventure tour. With touring days interspersed with days of
light activity, this tour strikes a balance between adventure, culture
and relaxation as you travel from Vietnam’s far south to the north
II. Intinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (D)
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City you will be greeted and transferred to
your hotel. The remainder of today is free to prepare the bikes,
recuperate from the flight or begin exploring this fascinating city,
formerly known as Saigon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City.
Take in the sites such as the former Presidential Palace, a prominent
example of 1970's architecture, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
This afternoon is free to continue exploring, perhaps a stroll around
Ben Thanh, the city biggest market and one of the key intersections in
the city center. Within, you'll discover a tightly organized grid of
aisles, arranged according to product. Clothes, shoes and fabric
dominate the front, before giving way to kitchenware, cooked food, fresh
vegetables and a somewhat alarming display of seafood and meat (some
still living). Dan Sinh Market (War surplus market) Nguyen Cong Tru St,
is also an interesting place to browse with its full array of replica US
army gear.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Cai Be (B,L,D)
After breakfast we transfer 30km out of Saigon to avoid the teeming
traffic. Then, hop on your bike and pedal along scenic back roads to the
Cu Chi Tunnels.
Explore this incredible network of tunnels to experience of what
underground life in the American war was like and learn more about the
wartime era. The tunnels are more than 250 km long and three levels
deep, and were important for the Viet Cong victory over the Americans as
they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area around Saigon.
After touring the tunnels, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before
continuing by bus to the town of Cai Be. This evening you will
experience a slice of local life with at a wonderful family-run home
stay. (Mosquito nets and all bedding provided)
Overnight in local home stay.
(Cycling distance approx: 25km+)
Day 4 - Cai Be - Tra Vinh (B,L,D)
Today we begin with an easy morning cycle along narrow country lanes and
easy dirt tracks and trails. For the more adventurous there is a chance
for exciting riding through tiny villages on gravel and clay tracks.
This is biking at its best as we ride through tiny orchards, witness
colorful life along the riverside, pedal past picturesque delta homes,
pause to chat with welcoming villagers, and clack across innumerable
wooden bridges. Later, we cross a narrow canal on a local sampan, before
finishing at the main ferry. Travel like the locals across the
expansive Co Chien River. Ride a final few kilometers to the charming
Khmer town of Tra Vinh.
Overnight in Tra Vinh.
(Cycling distance approx: 74km+)
Day 5 - Tra Vinh - Cau Ke - Can Tho (B,L,D)
Today's ride is very special as it traverses an area inhabited mainly by
the Khmer people and filled with unique architecture and many Khmer
temples to stop and admire. Cycle as much or as little as you wish; the
road is peaceful, narrow and very scenic to Can Tho. Along the way you
can visit Ba Om Pond with its magnificent lotus flowers, observe local
women having their future predicted in a small temple, visit a local
Buddhist Temple, whish is also a school and learn about the life of the
students.
Arrive late this afternoon in Can Tho, the Mekong's largest town located at the confluence of the Can Tho and Hau Giang rivers.
Overnight in Can Tho.
(Cycling distance approx: 80km+)
Day 6 - Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
After enjoying an early morning breakfast visit the Cai Rang floating
market then weave through a market bustling along the banks of an active
riverfront. Transfer by bus or on bike along a narrow paved road to
Phong Dien, another floating market. Absorb the sights of endless
cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks
loading/unloading rice, and tiny vibrant markets.
We continue by bike along narrow lanes to explore the hidden backwaters
of the Delta. After a local lunch in the area, we return by road to
Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
(Cycling a short distance if requested.)
Day 7 - Ho Chi Minh City - Danang - Hoi An (B,D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to the central Vietnamese town of
Danang, continue by road to Hoi An, one of the orient's major trading
ports in the 16th and 17th centuries.
After checking in, this afternoon is to explore the town and nearby Cua
Dai beach. A walking tour is highly recommended as it the best way to
see the wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town's
prosperous merchants, the Japanese-covered Bridge and the wonderful
market. Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for
souvenirs at bargain prices including silk, handicrafts, antiques and
paintings.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8 - Hoi An (B,L)
Pick up from hotel in Hoi An. Continue by bicycle into the countryside
of Hoi An and start by exploring the narrow country roads. Along the way
see water buffalos, rice paddy fields, organic vegetables farms and the
friendly locals. Learn how to spread a traditional Vietnamese fishing
net, called a ro, from a small round bamboo basket boat (a thung chai)
Vietnamese fishermen have employed for centuries to ply their trade.
Visit a water palm area surrounded by coconut trees whilst learning
about the history of this unique area before enjoying a seafood lunch
onboard a boat.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9 - Hoi An - Hue (B,L)
This morning, drive north along the coast and over Hai Van pass to the historic town of Hue.
Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centers of
Vietnam. Many of Hue's attractions are found along the banks of the
romantically named Perfume River that flows through the centre of town.
In addition to its monuments and rich culture, Hue is also famous for
producing the best 'Non La' or conical hats in Vietnam.
Upon arrival take a pedal-powered cyclo through quiet streets to explore the remains of the Royal Citadel.
Overnight in Hue
Day 10 - Hue - Hanoi - Lao Cai (B,L,D)
This morning take a tour of Hue and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda.
After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for the
2.40pm flight to Hanoi. Transfer in to the city center for an early
evening walking tour of the Old Quarter. Dine at one of the city's many
fabulous restaurantas and transfer to the train station. Take the
overnight train to Lao Cai. (Train in 4-berth cabins with soft mattress
and clean bedding)
Overnight on train.
Day 11 - Lao Cai - Sapa (B,L,D)
Arrive Lao Cai in the early morning, transfer up a mountain road,
winding along terraced hillsides to Sapa, a former French hill resort
and home to some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic groups.
Check in to our hotel and refresh. After breakfast, our guide will take
you for a short walk to become oriented with the town of Sapa and
explore the busy market, church and local cozy café.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 12 - Sapa - Heaven Gate - Sin Chai (B,L,D)
After breakfast, transfer less than 1 hour, through Tram Ton Pass, also
known as Heaven’s Gate. Enjoy breath taking views of the west side of
Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Silver waterfall. Start trekking
through the thick rain forest in Hoang Lien Nature Reserve. The trail is
a narrow path that descends 400 meters to Acrid hill. Enjoy lunch in
this quiet valley. After lunch, descend another 100 meters through
cornfields, an important crop that is harvested earlier than rice in the
area, thus the base of the local diet in the summer months. Wind your
way around terraced rice paddies to the Muong Hoa River. Follow the
riverbank to the small hamlet of Sin Chai village, home of the Black
Hmong. The Hmong are known for their skills at dyeing hemp cloth a rich
blue using indigo, and for their intricate batik. They have rich
religious traditions that are a mix of shamanistic and animistic
practices. Here you have the opportunity to learn more about the Hmong,
or simply relax and enjoy a simple dinner in a local Hmong home.
Overnight in a homestay in Sin Chai.
(Trekking time approximately 6 hours. Terrain dirt path with some short
steep descents, hiking boots are recommended as sections maybe muddy.)
Day 13 - Sin Chai - Cat Cat - Y Linh Ho (B,L,D)
After saying goodbye to your hosts, start todays trek with an easy walk
along Muong Hoa river to Cat Cat waterfall. Cross the suspension bridge
and follow the footpath up to Cat Cat village. Enjoy a picnic lunch on
the bank of Vang stream. After lunch, wind up a few steep hills, 50
meters, around terraced rice paddies, cornfields, into the rain forest.
The end of the trek is a gradual decent to Y Linh Ho village. Here your
Black Hmong hosts will great you. Explore Y Linh Ho, a village that
still practices swidden agriculture, and evidence of this can be seen
around the village. Enjoy dinner in a local home, and learn more about
the Black Hmong’s unique culture.
Overnight in Y Linh Ho.
(Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours, terrain dirt path, with a few larger dirt road sections)
Day 14 - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai San - Lao Hang Chai - Giang Ta Van - Ta Van (B,L,D)
Todays trek into Muong Hoa valley offers great panoramic views, offering
a mix of landscape from rocky outcrops to small bamboo forests. After
breakfast,leave Y Linh Ho on a narrow path past the Hmong villages of
Lao Chai San 2 and Lao Chai San 1. Our path has some up and down hills,
but the over all elevation remains the same to Lao Hang Chai, anoth
Black Hmong village. Explore Lao Hang Chai and enjoy lunch in a local
home.
This afternoon, explore the Muong Hoa valley. After visiting the village
of Giang Ta Van, our trek descends to Ta Van village, home to the Giay
people. Ta Van village is set on the banks of the Muong Hoa river. The
Giay are dependent on wet rice cultivation, necessitating a lifestyle
with little migration. Rest and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts as
you learn more about the Giay way of life.
Overnight in a homestay in Giang Ta Van.
(Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours, terrain is a narrow dirt path)
Day 15 - Ta Van - Giang Tu Chai - Hoa Su Pan - Sapa (B,L,D)
This morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast with our local hosts. After
saying goodbye to Ta Van, follow the footpath up hill for about 30
minutes, for a stunning view of the valley. Then weave your way along
the tarraced rice paddies into a bamboo forest to the village of Giang
Ta Chai. This Hmong village is secluded amidst the bamboo. Leaving Giang
Ta chai, decende to a nameless waterfall, a great back drop for todays
lunch.
After lunch, follow the larger dirt path to Giang Tu Chai Village, home
of the Red Yao, known for the high quality of their embroidery. They
are unique in their religious practices that are a mix of animism and
Daoism. The Yao language is related to old mandarin, and written Yao
uses characters similar to traditional Chinese. Take as much time as
you like to explore Giang Tu Chai Village, before continuing the narrow
trail to the Hmong village of Hoa Su Pan 1. You have the chance to see
the complete textile process, from the spinning of hemp, the weaving and
embroidering, and the dyeing process using indigo. After leaving Hoa Su
Pan 1, transfer 45 minutes to Lao Cai.
Dinner in Lao Cai before bording the overnight train to Hanoi.
(Trekking time: 5 hours, terrain is a mix of narrow dirt path and a wider dirt road)
Day summary: Trekking 5 hours, approx.3 km, grade 3 of 5/ Transfer 16 km approx.40 minutes.
Day 16 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
We arrive in Hanoi early this morning and transfer to a hotel to freshen
up, relax and enjoy breakfast before departing for Halong bay. Enjoy
the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the
scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village
life. Halong bay is a natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam's
five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and lies 160km to the east of Hanoi.
Over three thousand jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald
green waters of Halong Bay, and while some islands are no more than
large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge
cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands
are clad in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song
in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the
summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming. The
best way to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay is to cruise among the
islands on a wooden junk boat.
Upon arrival in Halong city, we board a shared wooden boat for a cruise
among the 3, 000 spectacular limestone islands. The boat is one of the
more traditional varieties that sail through the magnificent UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while the captain heads out for the
horizon. Visit Dinh Huog Island and others, stop to wander around the
impressive Sun Sot Cave famed for its remarkable stalactites and
stalagmites. Continue the cruise stopping at Titov beach for the night.
Take a paddle to Luon cave (tunnel cave) and pass through the tunnel
to emerge into a crater lake surrounded by impenetrable cliffs and
gliding kites. Dine on board.
Overnight on board Bai Tho Junk.
Day 17 - Halong (B,L,D)
Following breakfast is a day of adventure. You are transferred to a
tender cruising some of Halong Bay's less touristy locales for as much
kayaking as you can.
Return to boat for seafood lunch when cruising to Lan Ha bay. Relaxing
on the beach or swimming or continue kayaking till late afternoon.
Get back to vessel and enjoy another night on boat.
Day 18 - zalong - Hanoi (B,L,D)
After breakfast and an early morning swim, we continue the cruise past
rock formations named after their shapes. Paddle from Luon cave toward
islets in shape of Tortoise and a Man's head.
Later, we'll cruise out to Bai Tu Long Bay around Bai Tho Mountain and
finally head back to dry land. After a sumptuous lunch on board we
transfer by private air conditioned vehicle back to our hotel in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 19 - Depart Hanoi (B)
At your leisure until departure for onward flights.
III. Included and Exculuded
Our Services Include : English speaking guide as
itinerary (different guides in South, Centre & North + 1 more biking
guide for group from 10 people up for cycling days). From Oct 2012: 1
more biking guide for group from 8 people up for cycling days, Local
guide for trekking days in Sapa, Private air-conditioned for transfer as
itinerary, Back up van for cycling days, Local Vietnamese motorbike
helmet for cycling days (light weight), Boat trips in Mekong Delta where
mentioned in the itinerary, Local train tickets Hanoi- Lao Cai- Hanoi, 2
days/ 1 night cruise on traditional Bai Tho Junk for Halong bay cruise.
Stay in private twin cabin but share the junk with some other
travelers, Kayak rental in Halong bay (Double sit inside composite
kayak), Van in Sapa for transfer to/from trekking places, Black H’Mong
porters for trekking days in Sapa, Sightseeing entrance fees where
require in the itinerary, Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B=
Breakfast, L= lunch, D= Diner), Drinking water for biking and trekking
days, Snack, local fruit & soft drinks for cycling days, Ferry
tickets in Mekong delta, Cooking class in Hoi An, Accommodation in twin
shared room in hotel/local home with daily breakfasts. Note local
home-stay as itinerary is simple. See hotel list above, International
flight reconfirmation. We help client to reconfirm their flight with the
airline company.
Tour price excludes:International and domestic Flights
& departures taxes, Beverage, Travel insurance, Personal expenses,
tips and gratuities, Local bike hire including transport of bikes,
Vietnam visa stamp fee, Domestic flight (Hochiminh – Danang ; Hue –
Hanoi), Other services not mentioned above.
Tags:
vietnam tours,
vietnam travel,
indochina travel ,
Indochina tours
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