Cycling the Back roads of Vietnam 14 Days - haivenu-vietnam.com - The Vietnam Experience: Adventures That Inspire (original) (raw)

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D, GP)

Upon landing at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, a friendly driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel, setting the tone for a journey of relaxation and exploration. After settling in, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a renowned Vietnamese restaurant, offering a delightful first taste of the local cuisine. Your first night will be spent in the comfort of your Hanoi accommodation, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Hanoi to Hai Phong/Lan Ha Bay Overnight on Orchid Trendy Cruise (B in Hanoi, L, D, G on Board)

Following breakfast, your private car and driver will take you to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its immense marine limestone 'karst' formations.

Upon arrival at Lot 32 - Tuan Chau Marina, check-in procedures will be conducted in the waiting lounge. Then, you'll transfer to Orchid Cruises by tender boat, where you'll receive a warm welcome with drinks and a cruise briefing.

While cruising through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, enjoy a delectable onboard lunch. Later, explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, marveling at its natural wonders.

Orchid Cruises will navigate to the tranquil Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay, inviting you for a refreshing swim. Evening activities include a cooking demonstration, Happy Hour specials, and the option for massage services.

Indulge in a fusion dinner crafted with the freshest ingredients, served in an elegant setting. As night descends, revel in the bay's beauty from the sundeck or restaurant bar, with activities like squid fishing and games available.

You'll spend the night aboard the Orchid Trendy cruise, featuring contemporary cabins with bay-facing windows and optional personal balconies. Throughout your journey, enjoy fresh seafood-based meals provided on board.

Day 3: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi then Fly to Hue (B, Brunch, G on Board, DP to Hanoi & Hue)

After a restful night, take in the tranquil beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on the sundeck. For early risers, there's the option to catch the dawn with guidance from our sailors.

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant as the cruise progresses.

Explore the hidden charms of Ha Long - Lan Ha Bay through kayaking adventures in the Ao Ech area.

Return to Orchid Cruises for check-out procedures.

Savour a delightful brunch on board while cruising back.

Disembark from Orchid Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina, bidding farewell to your cruise experience. Your awaiting car will transport you back to Hanoi, with a direct flight to Hue.

You'll spend the night in Hue, continuing your journey.

Day 4: Imperial Hue Cycling Adventure (35km) (B, L, D, G)

Biking route: Hotel – Ngoc Son garden house and temple – Imperial Citadel – Phu Mong Kim Long – Thien Mu Pagoda - Hotel (20 km)

Your day in Hue starts with a cycling tour after breakfast. Starting from your hotel, you'll explore significant landmarks including the atmospheric Dong Ba Market and the iconic Imperial Citadel. Visit the elegant Ngoc Son Princess garden house, where you’ll gain insights into Hue's unique heritage and geomancy.

The route then leads you through the serene countryside to Phu Mong Kim Long village, famous for its beautiful garden houses linked to the old royal court. If time allows, you'll also stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic and spiritual icon of Hue.

In the evening, dine in the tranquil setting of a local garden house restaurant, enjoying traditional Hue cuisine. Your overnight stay will be in Hue, nestled among its rich history and tranquil landscapes.

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An Cycling (81km) (B, L, G)

Biking route: Hotel - Thanh Toan - Truong Ha Bridge - along the beach to Vinh Hien (60km). transfer Lang Co for lunch - bike Hai Van Pass (21km) - transfer to Hoi An

Today’s journey is a scenic 81km cycle from Hue to Hoi An, traversing coastal and rural landscapes. Depart from Hue, passing through Thanh Toan and alongside the beautiful Tam Giang Lagoon. You’ll experience the vibrant local life and stunning vistas, stopping for a lunch break in Lang Co, known for its pristine beaches and spectacular views.

Post-lunch, tackle the Hai Van Pass, a picturesque but challenging climb offering panoramic views of the Central Coast. Upon descending, continue to Hoi An, where the ancient town welcomes you with its well-preserved architecture, reflective of its multicultural history.

In Hoi An, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the lantern-lit streets and riverside setting. Overnight in Hoi An, a perfect end to a day of active exploration and breathtaking scenery.

Day 6: Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary Cycling (48km) (B, L, G)

Biking route: Hotel – ancient town Hoi An - boat - Kim Bong - Go Noi - Duy Chau - Kiem Lam - Homestay Lunch (48km) - visit My Son – Hotel.

Embark on a cycling trip to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient centre of spiritual and political power of the Champa Kingdom. The ride through rural landscapes is both tranquil and enriching, offering a deeper connection with Vietnam’s countryside.

Visit local villages along the way, engaging with the community and learning about traditional crafts such as rice paper making. Enjoy a local lunch in a homely setting before exploring the majestic ruins of My Son, surrounded by lush forest and mystic silence.

Return to Hoi An by the late afternoon, giving you time to reflect on the day’s historical insights or relax in the quaint ambience of the town. Overnight in Hoi An, nestled in its rich tapestry of history and culture.

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (B)

Enjoy a leisurely day in the enchanting town of Hoi An. This day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. Wander through the vibrant streets lined with historic houses, tailor shops, and art galleries. Consider a visit to the local tailor to have custom clothing made, or take a cooking class to learn about the regional cuisine. Alternatively, you might want to relax at one of the town's many cafes or take a short trip to the nearby beach. Overnight in Hoi An, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and charm of this historic town.

Day 8: Cycling Hoi An to Quang Ngai (70km) (B, L, G)

Bike route: Hotel – Tam Ky – Tam Thanh beach – Tam Hai island – Ky Ha port – My Lai masare – Quang Ngai - transfer to Hotel

Set off early from Hoi An to cycle south towards Quang Ngai, a journey filled with coastal scenery and cultural encounters. Begin your ride passing through rural landscapes and traditional villages, stopping to interact with locals and experience their daily life. Lunch will be at Tam Thanh beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood and take a quick swim.

Post-lunch, continue cycling through the unique landscapes of Tam Hai Island and eventually reach Quang Ngai. Visit the poignant My Lai Massacre Memorial, which commemorates the tragic events of 1968. This visit offers a deep reflection on the darker periods of history. End the day by checking into your hotel in Quang Ngai for the night.

Day 9: Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon Cycling (70km) (B, L, G)

Today’s route from Quang Ngai to Quy Nhon promises more scenic vistas and cultural interactions. Start with a hearty breakfast before cycling through the coastal provinces.

Today marks the start of some serious cycling, so it's an early breakfast for you! You'll be driving to the starting point, which is 99 kilometres south of My Lai. The first leg of the journey takes you along the coast from Binh Duong, through Tung Giang, and onto Tuy Phuoc via a charming provincial road that winds past many villages, far from the main highways. Along the way, you'll have plenty of chances to stop and enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. The road surface varies from decent to rough, so the support vehicle might need to take detours to avoid any hazards. Eventually, you'll reach Tuy Phuoc, just 9 kilometres from your destination and accommodation in Quy Nhon City. You can choose to cycle this final stretch if you like, but bear in mind that this part of the road can be quite busy, so you might prefer to be driven. Your overnight stay awaits you in Quy Nhon City.

Lunch will be served in a picturesque location, offering you flavours of the coastal cuisine. Post lunch, continue your journey to Quy Nhon, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and Buddhist temples. Check into your hotel upon arrival and relax for the remainder of the evening.

Day 10: Cycling Quy Nhon to Nha Trang (70km) (B, L, G)

After breakfast the cycling continues on a stunning route from Quy Nhon to Nha Trang, cycling alongside the coast and enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze. The route includes a mix of flat roads and challenging hills, providing spectacular views of the sea and surrounding hillsides.

Another early transfer from Quy Nhon to a spot which is 20km North of Tuy Hoa city. Bikes will be ready for the ride along the coast toward South.

Going through Tuy Hoa city then cross the Da Rang river via the old bridge which limits all vans or Buses from 16 seats. This is great for biking through. Then you’ll bike through number of villages with gardens of vegetable and flowers.

The final stage is beautiful and quite tough with some hills. And you’re deserved to have fantastic view of Sea on your left, mountain on your right. End up in Vung Ro which was secret port for ZERO vessels which were used to transfer food, weapons and ammunitions supported from the North via Ho Chi Minh trails on sea.

A short transfer will take you through the huge and busy pass to Dai Lanh Beach for swim and lunch. Another transfer to Nha Trang city by dawn and you will spend the night in Nha Trang.

Stop at Dai Lanh Beach for a refreshing swim and a picnic lunch by the sea. Continue your journey towards Nha Trang, one of Vietnam's most famous seaside resorts known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the bustling night markets or enjoying a seaside dinner.

Day 11: Cycling Nha Trang to Mui Ne (60km) (B, L, G)

Today, leave Nha Trang and head towards Mui Ne, known for its stunning sand dunes and windsurfing scenes. The cycling route takes you through coastal villages and past salt farms, with several climbs that reward you with panoramic views.

Transfer early to My Thanh (south Cam Ranh) to start the ride - Vinh Hy bay (couple 10% hills) - Phan Rang (40km - lunch) - transfer to Luong Son or Bau Trang - bike to Mui Ne hotel (30-40km)

As usual, you’ll have transfer to the border of Ninh Thuan and Khanh Hoa to start the ride. Once on your cycles, the route continues southward towards Vinh Hy (30 kilometres, about two hours) with some hills. Have lunch in Vinh Hy bay, after lunch, there’s still be some hills to climb with 11%.

Keep riding south through Grape fruit plantation, sheep’s and Salt field.

Finish the ride of 60km and a transfer to Mui Ne where you’ll check in. You will spend the night in Mui Ne

Arrive in Mui Ne and check into your resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the famous sand dunes. Enjoy a sunset view over the dunes as a perfect end to the day.

Day 12: Mui Ne Free Day (B)

Spend your day in Mui Ne at leisure. Relax on the beach, visit the Fairy Stream, or engage in water sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing. Mui Ne is also known for its dramatic sand dunes where you can try sandboarding.

Day 13: Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City (B, GP)

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. The drive will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend your last evening shopping in the bustling markets or enjoying a farewell dinner at one of the city's many superb restaurants.

Day 14: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, G)

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the rich experiences and beautiful landscapes of Vietnam as you prepare to say goodbye to this vibrant country.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up