Cycle Vietnam

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. 

Before the meeting you need to assemble your bicycle to check for any damage in transit. If you have arranged the hire of a bicycle, your leader will assist you in preparing the bike. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. For those that wish to, there's a chance to warm up muscles (as well as street sense!) by riding around Hanoi. There's also time to explore the vibrant Old Quarter - 36 streets where all manner of goods can be found from silks to wood carvings and lacquerware - it's a bargain hunter's paradise. 

Included Activities 

The peaceful town of Mai Chau is situated in a stunningly beautiful valley surrounded by verdant green mountains and is famed for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Enjoy the local hospitality in our simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. Our amicable hosts will cook you a fabulous home-cooked meal and there may even be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine produced in the region. 

Accommodation 

Visit the Cuc Phuong Primate Rescue Centre to see some of the incredible work they've done with injured, orphaned and threatened species before heading into the centre of the park, where we have the option of taking a two-hour walk through the forest. Our accommodation is basic but allows us to experience the sounds of the forest all around us. 

Included Activities 

Board an overnight train bound for Hue. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true Intrepid experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Sleeper trains typically have four berth compartments (occasionally six berth depending on seasonal variations), which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. 

Included Activities 

Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the American War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. 

The itinerary is flexible so feel free to shout out if you want to stop. Afterwards, kick back in a cafe or restaurant - Hue is famous for its excellent food, so make sure to try local specialities such as 'banh khoai', Hue's answer to the pancake. 

Included Activities 

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it. It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcraft woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied. 

Your leader will take you on a walk around the Ancient Town. You have a free day to ride or to rest - whatever takes your fancy. For those who don't need the rest, there's also the option of biking down to nearby Cua Dai Beach (also known as China Beach) or taking a stroll through fields of rice, sesame, banana and peanuts. 

Included Activities 

Accommodation 

Once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient', Nha Trang's sandy palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay still make an idyllic picture, and a cosmopolitan feel prevails in the town itself. A highlight for many travellers is our boat trip amongst the islands. From the main boat, we take basket boats to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters, enjoy a seafood buffet, and pass the afternoon lazing in deck chairs or swimming. 

Included Activities 

Stop en route to visit the striking Po Nagar Cham Towers, one of the more impressive remaining temples of the Cham civilisation. One of Vietnam's most delightful cities, Dalat is a perfect base to explore this pleasant region. There's plenty to see around town, including lakes, palaces, flower gardens, pagodas, and churches. Tour the town by bike (20 km) including Bao Dai's Summer Palace and Hang Nga Crazy House. Then, there's ample time to explore the surrounding temperate forests, beautiful gardens and picturesque waterfalls. There's plenty to see around town too, including lakes, palaces, flower gardens, pagodas, and churches. 

Included Activities 

Optional Activities