Saigon Biking to Hue and Train to Hanoi - Highlights of Saigon, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi. There is also time to explore the Mekong Delta, the tropical beach On this adventurous tour we bike along the rural back roads and into the highlands of Vietnam. Along the way, we discover the cultural s and islands of Nha Trang and the majestic beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise. Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you can swim 25 meters unaided.

Day 1: Cycle to Cu Chi Tunnels. Late afternoon free in Saigon
8:00 AM greeting at your hotel and driving to Tan Phu Junction this morning we collect our bikes and ride out to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels on the outskirts of Saigon. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. We’ll explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, that the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. Driving back to Saigon after lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 30 km.
Accommodation: None
Included meals: Lunch

Day 2: Drive to Mekong Delta, then cycle the back-roads to Cai Be
Today allows us to journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the fertile hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon, we drive first to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through a rich landscape of bustling markets, orchards, and riverside villages. Here we can watch rice paper and coconut sweets being made as they have been for generations. After lunch, we visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet, before ending at Cai Be’s famous market. From here we drive back to Saigon.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 60 km.
Accommodation: None
Included meals:  Lunch

Day 3: Exploring Vietnam’s Central Highlands
Departing Saigon this morning we drive into the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (1,500 meters). We commence our cycle approx 30km from Trang Bom through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along quiet back roads towards the town of Gia Kiem. From here we board our bus again and drive on to Bao Loc Pass, with an option to get back on your bike at the bottom of the hill and cycle up to the Bao Loc Pass (10km, 600 meters ascent). From the pass, we continued our journey by bike for about 40km to Di Linh (1,010m). From Di Linh, we then continue to Dalat by bus.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 70 km.
Accommodation: Dai Loi Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Cycle over the Hon Giao Pass and Drive to Nha Trang
Driving out of Dalat City this morning we then begin cycling up to the Hon Giao Pass (1,700m), a challenging ride that takes us up through forests of pine and across a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery. After a chance to rest at the top and take in the views, we then descend towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we meet our bus and finish the rest of the journey to Nha Trang by road.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 80 km.
Accommodation: Hanoi Gold Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Boat trip to tropical islands
Long considered one of the most beautiful bays in South East Asia, Nha Trang is renowned for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. Weather permitting, this morning we take a cruise out to explore some of the surrounding islands. We afford plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. There will also enjoy a lunch on board. Returning to Nha Trang late this afternoon the rest of the day is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this lovely coastal town. ( Noted: Some tickets to the optional island, water sport, drinks… not included ) .

Summary
No cycling today – rest day.
Accommodation: Hanoi Gold Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Nha Trang to Quy Nhon
Using a combination of bus and bicycle this morning we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. Cycling out of Nha Trang we head out along the Pham Van Dong road and continue to Ninh Hoa (a journey of some 50 kilometers). From here we then take the bus to Dai Lanh, where we have a chance to swim and relax, before continuing up to the Ca Pass. From here we resume our journey by bike, cycling down towards Tuy Hoa, where the bus meets us to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 75 km.
Accommodation: Quy Nhon Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Quy Nhon to Hoi An
Departing Quy Nhon this morning we cycle out across the Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across, we continue along the Quy Nhon lagoon towards Phu Cat some 50 kilometers away. From Phu Cat, we then drive by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre. In one of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War, we cycle the short distance to the site of its emotive memorial, before completing the final leg of our journey to Hoi An by bus.

Summary
The total cycling distance is approximately 62 km.
Accommodation: Venus Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Explore Hoi An
First colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Hoi An went on to become one of the busiest trading outposts in South East Asia. This morning we take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city’s famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is then free to perhaps take a gentle river cruise or pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors’ shops, or maybe explore further afield by bike.

Summary
No cycling today – rest day.
Accommodation: Venus Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hoi An to Hué via the Hai Van pass
Leaving Hoi An after breakfast, this morning we drive up to the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and, as we reach the summit of the pass, the panoramas before us are simply spectacular. Descending by bicycle we head next for Lang Co, taking to the scenic back roads as we wind our way onto Bang An and Thuan An. Meeting our bus in Thuan An, we then drive on to Hué on the shores of the Perfume River.

Summary

The total cycling distance is approximately 70 km.
Accommodation: Hue DMZ Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Cycling around Hué. Overnight train to Hanoi
Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hué’s tranquil villages and picturesque countryside make it an ideal place to explore by bike. Today we spend some time cycling through bamboo groves and rural villages to the historic tile-roofed bridge at Thanh Toan. We also visit the 19th-century Nguyen Tomb of Tu Duc and the Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. Returning to the hotel to freshen up we then drive to the railway station to catch the overnight train to Hanoi.

Summary

The total cycling distance is approximately 50 km.
Accommodation: On Express Train
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Arrive Ninh Binh Drive to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise
Arriving in the Ninh Binh this morning we drive to the hotel for check-in. Later this morning we then drive to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, spending this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Be aware the boat is not exclusive to Explore and we may be sharing with other tourists.

Summary
No cycling, rest day.
Accommodation:  Deluxe Junk Cruise
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Morning cruise, then drive back to Hanoi.
This morning we continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (the optional cave vis-its can involve climbing some slippery steps). Returning to the shore we then drive back to Hanoi, a three-hour journey that gets us into the Hanoi capital. End The Tour

( Today is the last day tour with us, So you can buy further optional tours with us to the northern of Vietnam like Sapa …)

Summary
No cycling, rest day.
Accommodation: None
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch