Vietnam Lifestyle Riding Tour - This cycle tour is to the relatively unexplored northeast region of Vietnam. Starting in Hanoi, we take to Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National park and from there we head east into the province of Halong bay and you’ll be riding through dramatic landscapes and colorful Viet ethnic minorities in the Red River Delta who are still living as they have for hundreds of years. It will be as if every day you are riding through an open-air museum – as you cycle by villagers weaving in their homes and blacksmiths forging their tools. We end our tour on a unique beach in Hoi An so you can take advantage of the sandy beaches…

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (  D ) 

Welcome to Vietnam! On your arrival at the airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi (check-in any time from 2 pm). Later this afternoon you’ll meet the other tour members and be treated to a traditional water puppet show (a pool of water forms the puppets’ stage), and dinner at a local restaurant.

Summary

Accommodation: ATS Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Biking: No biking

Day 2 : Hanoi – Ninh Binh - Tam Coc ( B , L , D )

We leave the hotel bright and early at 8 am and drive south for about an hour before hopping on our bikes for the first time. Our picturesque ride takes us on back-roads through rice paddies and small villages located amongst many huge limestone formations. After lunch along the way, we continue to Ninh Binh, a large town located in a beautiful area. After arrival, we will cycle to visit the Thai Vi temple and Bich Dong pagoda before dinner at the hotel.

Summary

Accommodation: Tam Coc Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 50 km

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park  ( B , L , D ) 

This morning we will cycle from your hotel to Cuc Phuong, the oldest National Park in Vietnam. Firstly we’ll visit the renowned ‘Endangered Primate Rescue Centre’ to see some of the rarest apes and monkeys in the world and learn about the conservation efforts to save them. After lunch we’ll cycle through a subtropical forest, rich in flora and fauna including thousand-year-old trees draped in vines. Then we’ll check in Cuc Phuong National park guest house, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax in the park.

Summary

Accommodation: Cuc Phuong National Park Guest House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 65 km

Day 4 : Cuc Phuong – Keo pagoda – Thai Binh ( B , L , D )

Breakfast and 7:30 we cycled passing through the picturesque landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations and cycling along Hoang Long river banks of the Red River delta. Transfer by van to Tan De Bridge and turn right and start cycling along the banks of the North Delta of the Red River to the most beautiful Keo pagoda complex from the 11th century.After visiting we continue cycling to Thai Binh City to another bank of the Tra Ly river and cycling 15 km off-road to Thai Hong Village for a homestay. Dinner with Viet family.

Summary

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 75km

Day 5 : Thai Binh – Hai Phong – Cat Ba ( B , L  ) 

We have an action-packed traveling day ahead with plenty of changes of scenery. After breakfast, we’ll cycle to Vinh Bao in Hai Phong and drive 1 hour to Hai Phong City, Vietnam’s 3rd largest, through the Red River Delta for an early afternoon ferry to Cai Vieng. From there, cycle past karst formations until Hien Hao village. We’ll make a stop there and chat with local people about their daily life. After lunch, hop on your bike and head to Tran Chau fishing village, with its blend of coastal and jungle scenery. You’ll stay overnight in the Cat Ba Hotel. Explore dinner on your own.

Summary

Accommodation: Cat Ba Sea Pearl Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 55 km

Day 6 : Cat Ba – Gia Luan – Ha Long ( B , L , D ) 

Early morning we’ll cycle to Gia Luan where your small transfer boat is waiting to take you for a cruise into mythical Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then you’ll board a stylish ‘Treasure Junk’ equipped with 15 ensuite cabins plus comfortable and modern amenities. During lunch, including fresh seafood we’ll cruise to more remote parts of the Bay, passing majestic limestone rock formations on the way. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to kayak or swim before a relaxing dinner on board. Stay on a cruise for 2 nights.

Summary

Accommodation: Royal Deluxe Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 18 km

 Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Kayaking ( B, L, D ) 

Have an early morning swim, or relax on the upper deck with a cup of tea or coffee, fresh fruit, and cake. Soak up the beautiful Ha Long Bay views of rocky islands rising from crystal-clear waters. At 8 am there’s a brief paddling and safety introduction by our guide. Then, explore the bay by kayak at your own pace in peace and serenity, and head towards some hidden lagoons if tidal conditions permit. After lunch, we’ll kayak to a lively village with floating houses, fish farms, and a primary school. We’ll have dinner and stay another night on our beautiful boat.

Summary

Accommodation: Royal Deluxe Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kayak: 2- 4 hours

Day 8: Halong – Hanoi Flight to Hue ( B, L ) 

In the morning, have a light breakfast then visit one of the nicest caves in Halong bay. There’ll be more time for swimming. Enjoy lunch before cruising back to the harbor. A transfer takes us to the airport for our flight to Hué late this evening. Hué, a city of nearly a million people, is known for its monuments and architecture.

Summary

Accommodation: Hue Asia  Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: No cycling

Day 9: Hue – Hoi An  ( B, L  ) 

After breakfast, we’ll cycle by car to the former royal palace of Hué (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). There’s time for a thorough visit to the extensive complex and outlying citadel. Our route will lead us to the famous royal mausoleums of Ming Mang. The unique fusion of the majestic architecture and gentle landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. After lunch, we will cycle along the coastlines along Thuan An beach will bring us to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, also known as the ‘Cloud Pass’. We’ll stay overnight at a comfortable hotel in HoiAn, a city of about 130,000 people. Tomorrow we’ll explore its fascinating Old Town.

Summary

Accommodation: Venus Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 40 km

Day 10: Hoi An ( B  ) 

In the morning we’ll ride into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An’s Old Town, an ancient trading center and former seaport on the banks of the Thu Bon River. The local architecture reflects the influence of trade with the Portuguese, French, Dutch, Chinese, and Japanese as far back as the 16th Century. After a tour around, our path leads through unspoiled nature to a fishing village where time seems to have stopped 100 years ago. A small boat will bring us along with the Thu Bon to a traditional ceramics studio.

Summary

Accommodation: Venus Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 22 km

Day 11: Hoi An and Surrounds   ( B, L ) 

This morning, we’ll take a local ferry to the Duy Hai fishing hub. It’s the most isolated and colorful fishing village in HoiAn and is filled with boats and sampans. You’ll ride a narrow dirt road, chatting with locals off to school or the raucous Noi Rang market. After a restaurant lunch, enjoy 2 hours cycling through rice fields to Kim Bong craft village. We’ll visit families producing sleeping mats and bowl-shaped coracle boats and visit a ship-building yard. Next, a boat back to Hoi An. It’s a photogenic view, with old houses, busy local docks, and street life along the river bank.

Summary

Accommodation: Venus Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 25 km

Day 12: Hoi An  Departure to  Sai Gon or Hanoi ( B )

Today marks the end of your unforgettable holiday in Vietnam. After a final delicious breakfast, we’ll drive you to the airport for a flight to Saigon or Hanoi where your tour will end. (Or booking another cycling tour with us to Ho Chi Minh city ) . End The Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Biking: No biking

Accommodation: None