| Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Cycling Tour
February 4 - 17, 2009 this is the explanations of the pictures
"Cycle the Most Scenic Parts of Vietnam"
February 4 - 17, 2009
Our cycling tour begins in the capital city of Hanoi, a city of lakes and shaded boulevards, sometimes called the "Paris of the Orient." Exploring Hanoi's intriguing museums, pagodas, the fascinating Temple of Literature and strolling through the historical streets of the Old Quarter will give us a leisurely exposure to the Vietnamese culture and history. From Hanoi, we will fly to one of Vietnam's most beautiful cities, Hue, the old imperial capital with its Forbidden Purple City, former residence of the royal family. After exploring Hue, our cycling adventure takes us south along the coast of the South China Sea to Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang. We will cycle along a coastline of quaint fishing villages, unspoiled beaches, stunning lagoons, and cross dramatic headlands with spectacular views. In Nha Trang, a rest day, we will visit the Po Nagar Cham towers, vestiges of an ancient culture, and enjoy a boat ride to the outlying islands, swimming and snorkeling at the oceanographic park of clear, turquoise water and excellent coral and fish life. From Nha Trang we will journey to the central highlands with cool plateaus, dotted with waterfalls, and the resort city of Da Lat. After exploring Da Lat and surrounding area for one day, we will cycle past sugar cane, tobacco, tea, and coffee plantations for our last on the road. The cycling part of our adventure comes to an end with our arrival in the delta region and the vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN HANOI
Meet your tour escort at Noi Bai airport and transfer to the elegant Sofitel Plaza Hotel located near West Lake. Depending on your arrival time, take a short city tour in our minibus or relax at the hotels swimming pool. Our expert bicycle mechanic will help you assemble your bicycle. Evening: Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Arrive in Hanoi early and join us for a trip to Sapa and Halong Bay. See the tour extensions for details.
DAY 2 HANOI
Morning: Hanoi City tour, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s home, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton". In the afternoon we enjoy the renowned Hanoi Water Puppet Show at the Hoan Kim Lake Theater. Before dinner we will take you on a shopping tour through the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Dinner at Brother's Cafe, one of Hanoi's most remarkable restaurants.
DAY 3 HANOI to HUE,
After breakfast you will be taken to the Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue, one of Vietnams most beautiful and historic cities. In Hue you will be met by your tour escort and transferred to the beautiful Saigon Morin Hotel situated near the Perfume River. Afternoon: Visit the Citadel, the imperial and forbidden purple city of the Nguyen emperors.
DAY 4 HUE
Day off. After breakfast at the hotel you have the option of exploring the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and take a boat ride on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda. For those who are interested, a trip to the DMZ, the Hien Luong bridge which separated North and South Vietnam before May ‘75 and a visit to the Vinh Moc tunnels and the battlefield at the Khe San, can be arranged.
DAY 5 HUE to HOI AN,
Our bicycling adventure continues. Experience the lush, fertile countryside on our way to the village of Lang Co where we have lunch overlooking a palm-shaded beach. Lang Co is one of the most scenic spots in Vietnam. From there we cycle across our first headland, the Hai Van Pass, an incredible mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views of the city of Danang and its famous bay. We finish our cycling day 30 km south of Danang at the picturesque and historical riverside town of Hoi An where we stay at the new Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort.
DAY 6 HOI AN
On the outskirts of Danang we visit three famous sites, the Cham Museum, China Beach and Marble Mountain. After returning to Hoi An, explore the town which was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th century. There are 844 structures of historical significance in Hoi An, rarely seen today anywhere in Vietnam. Don't miss visiting the market in Hoi An. Another Hoi An attraction are the tailor shops which will custom tailor clothes for you overnight.
DAY 7 HOI AN to QUI NHON
On this day it is easy cycling through a rich agricultural area. After lunch at Tam Key, we take the motor coach to Qui Nhon and the beautiful Hoang Anh Beach Resort.
DAY 8 QUI NHON to NHA TRANG
From Qui Nhon we have about 25 km of new highway along the coast until we join Highway 1 again. From there absolutely beautiful coastal scenery all the way to Tuy Hoa. From Tuy Hoa we have a flat and fast ride and the last coastal headland, Ca Pass, 4 km to the top and 10 km down, to the picturesque fishing village of Dai Lanh. From there we will take the motor coach to Nha Trang, where the luxurious new Sunrise Beach Resort awaits us.
DAY 9 NHA TRANG
You have the option to have the day to yourself, to explore the city, the beach area and the Po Nagar Cham ruins on a hill overlooking the Cai River. Or there is the opportunity to hire a speed boat to tour the outlying island of Hon Mun, which has been designated an Oceanographic Park for its clear water and excellent coral and fish life. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at the park and a fabulous fresh seafood lunch of local crab, shrimp, and fish, which will be on your own.
DAY 10 NHA TRANG to DALAT
As we leave the South China Sea coast behind we cycle west on the brand new road to Dalat. This will be a very relaxing cycling day with rolling hills through small villages and pine forests to the resort
city of Dalat at 5000 feet elevation. Overnight at the Sofitel Novotel Dalat Hotel near Xuan Huong Lake. Dinner at the Sofitel Cafe de la Poste.
DAY 11 DALAT
Relax on your off-day by strolling through Dalat’s bustling market. Or you can join us by visiting Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace, the Dalat Flower Garden, and Datanla Waterfalls. If you are not afraid of heights, we will take you on a cable car ride, from the top of a hill with a panoramic view of Dalat, to the Truc Lam Pagoda overlooking the scenic Quan Trung Reservior. This cable car system is 3 km in length and is the newest in technology, having just opened in February 2003.
DAY 12 DALAT TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Begin the day with a 10 km downhill and at the bottom of the hill, stop and visit Prenn Falls, the largest and loveliest water fall in the Dalat area. Seven kilometers further and you reach Chicken Village, a popular place with the travelers to purchase souvenirs from the friendly Koho minority villagers. From there we cycle past sugar cane processing plants, silk factories, and tea and coffee plantations to the town of Di Linh and lunch. After lunch we will take the motor coach to hectic and bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the elegant and prestigious Majestic Hotel with its inviting courtyard and pool.
DAY 13 HO CHI MINH CITY
After breakfast you will be taken on a city tour, with visits to the Reunification Palace, the Lacquer Ware Factory and China Town. Lunch is on your own. During the afternoon, you have the option for sightseeing and shopping, or just relaxing at the swimming pool of the Majestic Hotel. In the meantime our bicycle mechanic will pack your bicycle for shipment.
Evening: Farewell Dinner on a wooden dragon boat
DAY 14 Depart HO CHI MINH CITY
Say goodbye to Vietnam. You will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Extend your stay and take a tour of the Mekong Delta, or visit the seaside resort of Vungtau, or take a one day trip to Black Lady Mountain, the Cao Dai Temple and the Cu Chi Tunnels, or fly to the tropical Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand. Click on: "Tour Extensions" for details.
CYCLING DISTANCES
1122 km/701 miles, average per day: 125 km/78 miles.
Please be advised that you can cycle the entire distance each day, or as much as you decide to do. The sweeper bus will be behind the last and slowest cyclist at all times. Or you can stop cycling at one of the water/snack or luncheon stops. If you decide to resume cycling later in the day, you are welcome to do so.
TOUR HOTELS
Hanoi - Sofitel Plaza on Westlake
Hue - Saigon Morin Hotel
Hoi An - Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort
Qui Nhon - Hoang Anh Beach Resort
Nha Trang - Sunrise Beach Resort
Dalat - Hoang Anh Dalat Resort
Ho Chi Minh City - Majestic Hotel
All accomodations are deluxe rooms or above.
Tour Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Tour Cost: $3420 per person, double occupancy
Single Room Supplement: $975 (if you request a room by yourself)
Discounts to:
Past tour participants, Vietnam Veterans, groups, traveling partners, and for early registration four months prior to tour dates.
PLEASE NOTE: In 2010 this tour is tentatively scheduled for February 4 - 18. The tour price will be determined in early 2009.
|
