Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City Cycling Tour
February 22 - March 9, 2010

"Cycle the Most Scenic Parts of Vietnam"

February 22 - March 9, 2010

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. Visiting the Perfume Pagodas about 62 kilometers south of Hanoi by bicycle will give you a leisurely exposure of what is ahead on your cycling adventure. 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 charming Thang Loi Hotel on 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 there is time to see the renowned Hanoi Water Puppet Show at the Hoan Kim Lake Theater (there is an extra charge for the tickets to the show). Before dinner we will take you on a shopping tour through the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Dinner at Sen Restaurant.

DAY 3 HANOI TO PERFUME PAGODAS
After breakfast we will cycle through the prettiest part of Hanoi, past the Citadel and through portions of the foreign embassy district in the south-west direction to the village of My Duc and take boats to the Perfume Pagodas. The cycling distance is about 62 kilometers. The Perfume Pagodas, a complex of Buddhist shrines and temples are built on the limestone cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountains. You can hike up the mountain to visit the shrines, or take the brand new cable car. Lunch is picnic style. You return to Hanoi by motor coach. Dinner is on your own.

DAY 4 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. On the way to the hotel we will stop for lunch at a good restaurant. Afternoon: Visit the Citadel, the imperial and forbidden purple city of the Nguyen emperors. Dinner at the Saigon Morin Hotel.

DAY 5 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. The day trip to the DMZ with lunch is about $20. Lunch and dinner is on your own.

DAY 6 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 Hoi An Hotel in the center of town. Dinner will be at the Cargo Restaurant.

DAY 7 HOI AN
After breakfast you have the option to join our trip to the outskirts of Danang where 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. Lunch and dinner is on your own.

DAY 8 HOI AN TO MY SON
Leaving our hotel in Hoi An you cycle west to one of Vietnam's Heritage sites, the ancient kingdom of Cham, My Son, which centuries ago was considered the most important Cham intellectual and religious center. It is a smaller counterpart to the other Indian influenced grand ancient cities of Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. After viewing the monuments and ruins of My Son, you will have lunch at a restaurant in My Son. You can cycle back to Hoi An or take the bus. The cycling distance to My Son is 45 kilometers. Dinner will be at the White Lantern Restaurant.

DAY 9 HOI AN to QUI NHON
On this day it is easy cycling through a rich agricultural area. After lunch at the town of Tam Key, we take the motor coach to Qui Nhon and the beautiful Hoang Anh Beach Resort.

DAY 10 QUI NHON to NHA TRANG
From Qui Nhon we have about 25 km of new highway along the coast, with spectacular scenery, until we join Highway 1 again. From there absolutely beautiful coastal terrain all the way to Tuy Hoa, where we will have lunch. 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, to the luxurious Yasaka Sai Gon Hotel. Dinner is at the Nha Trang Seafood Restaurant.

DAY 11 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. Lunch and dinner is on your own.

DAY 12 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. Lunch will be picnic style along the route. Overnight at the Hoang Anh Resort. Dinner at Long Hoa Restaurant.

DAY 13 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. Lunch and dinner is on your own.

DAY 14 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 fashionable Palace Hotel. Dinner will be at the Ngoc Suong Restaurant.

DAY 15 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


DAY 16 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 - Thang Loi Hotel on Westlake
Hue - Saigon Morin Hotel
Hoi An - Hoi An Hotel
Qui Nhon - Hoang Anh Beach Resort
Nha Trang - Yasaka Sai Gon Hotel
Dalat - Hoang Anh Dalat Resort
Ho Chi Minh City - Palace Hotel

All accomodations are deluxe rooms or above.

Tour Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights Tour Cost: $2550 per person, double occupancy

Single Room Supplement: $550 (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.