Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh ( L , D )
8:00 Am We leave the hotel bright 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 a picnic lunch along the way, we continued to Ninh Binh, a large town located in a beautiful area. Cycle to visit Thai Vi and Bich Dong pagodas before checking in at the hotel. We’ll stay here for the next 2 nights.
Summary
Accommodation: Anh Dzung Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 45 km
Day 2: Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park – Ninh Binh ( B , L , D )
This morning we cycled 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 transfer back to Ninh Binh, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax in Tam Coc
Summary
Accommodation: Anh Dzung Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 70 km
Day 3: Tam Coc Cave – Keo pagoda – Thai Binh ( B , L , D )
After breakfast and 7:30 we embark on a boat trip in Tam Coc passing through the picturesque landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations with magnificent caves for 2 hours. 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 homestay. Dinner with Viet family.
Summary
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 60km
Day 4: 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: Catba sea pearl Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 50 km
Day 5: Cat Ba – Gia Luan – Ha Long ( B , L , D )
Last day easy cycling in Northern Vietnam - 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.
Summary
Accommodation: Royal Luxury Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 18 km
Day 6: 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 Luxury Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayak: 2- 4 hours
Day 7: 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. Pick up and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Summary
Accommodation: Hue Asian Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: No cycling
Day 8: Hue – Hoi An ( B, L )
After breakfast, we’ll cycle 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 majestic architecture and gentle landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. After lunch, a comfortable cycling and bus tour 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: 50 km
Day 9: 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. cycling to Tra Que traditional vegetable villages. Afternoon free for shopping or swimming.
Summary
Accommodation: Venus Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 22 km
Day 10: 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 11: 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: No biking
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