Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Fruit kitty - the TL may organise a fruit kitty for those interested - 8 USD per person. s20 Hanoi - Water Puppets from USD 11. Cyclo ride around Old quarter USD 6. Hoi An - Cookery class from USD 25, Vegetable Village visit USD 3.2

Transport

Bus, Bicycle, Boat, Train

Accommodation

11 nights standard hotel 1 nights standard junk 1 nights simple overnight train

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 1 Dinners

Not included:

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip Saigon; Afternoon Orientation Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip Saigon; Afternoon Orientation Tour

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Still unofficially referred to as Saigon, the city is the largest in Vietnam. You will find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam’s newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. Our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting followed by a walking tour. The tour will take in some of the highlights including the Opera House (formerly South Vietnam National Assembly), Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French style edifice that is the GPO building. If you would like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 30 minutes from the hotel. Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself 30 minutes to an hour to clear the airport. Therefore the latest your flight can arrive is about 2pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information by note left at the front desk. If arriving earlier we suggest exploring at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Presidential Palace, or the War Crimes Museum, or even just take a walk around this bustling city. In the evening you have the option to see a water puppet show.
Day 2 Day 2: Cycle To Cu Chi Tunnels
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cycle To Cu Chi Tunnels

Driving for 1.5 hours away from Saigon’s remarkable rush hour traffic to reach the quieter suburbs this morning, we collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base (25th infantry division) and start our ride for about 30 kilometres/18.6 miles to Ben Duoc, the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. We will explore the tunnels with a local guide this morning. Be warned though, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. After lunch we continue cycling for about 20 kilometres/12.4 miles towards Ben Nay to further explore the area. We drive 2 hours back to Saigon arriving in the early evening. It is possible to spend a free day in Saigon if you prefer to see more of the city. For the cycle ride today, and on subsequent rides, water is provided and you can top up your water bottle from the support truck. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31.1 miles (total accumulated ascent 50 meters/164 feet, total accumulated descent 40 metres/131 feet).
Day 3 Day 3: Drive To Mekong Delta Then Cycle Backroads To Cai Be
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Drive To Mekong Delta Then Cycle Backroads To Cai Be

Today gives us an opportunity to journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the fertile hinterland between the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Leaving Saigon, a 2 hours drive takes us into the Mekong Delta to Binh Duc (My Tho), from where we begin cycling through an interesting landscape of waterways, markets, orchards and riverside villages. The first 30 kilometres/18.6 miles of today’s ride are on roads with moderate traffic and the remaining 20kilometres/12.4 miles are on narrow pathways and routes that our support bus cannot follow. Here we can see local cottage industries making rice paper or coconut sweets as they have been for generations. After a tasty lunch of local produce we cycle on through Tan Phong and visit a beautifully restored traditional house in Ut Kiet, before finishing our ride at Cai Be’s famous market. From here we drive for about 2 or 3 hours, depending on traffic, back into the centre of Saigon arriving in the early evening. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres/31.7 miles, flat cycling.
Day 4 Day 4: Exploring Vietnam’S Central Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Exploring Vietnam’S Central Highlands

Departing Saigon this morning we head north into the southern Central Highlands towards the mountain town of Dalat (set at 1500 metres/4922 feet elevation). After an initial 2 hours drive we commence today’s cycling with a picturesque 30 kilometres/18.6 miles ride through the hills of the Langbiang Plateau, negotiating our way along reasonably quiet, gently undulating back roads to the town of Gia Kiem and then Bao Loc. After a relaxing lunch in Bao Loc we board our bus again for a very scenic 2 - 3 hours drive right across the mountains, giving us stunning views over the forested hills and tea and coffee plantations, to finally reach the bustling mountain town of Dalat in the late afternoon. The city has a European feel in its architecture and a cooler climate due to the higher altitude. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.6 miles (total accumulated ascent 210 metres/689 feet, total accumulated descent 150 metres/492 feet).
Day 5 Day 5: Cycle Over Hon Giao Pass Then Drive To Nha Trang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cycle Over Hon Giao Pass Then Drive To Nha Trang

We leave Dalat this morning by bus and drive for about half an hour to the start of today’s ride. The beginning of the ride is on relatively quiet mountain roads with plenty of ascent and descent for the first 20 kilometres/12.4 miles before we stop for a break. From here the next 30 kilometres/18.6 miles culminates with an ascent of the Hon Giao Pass (1,700 metres/5578 feet), a challenging ride that takes us up through forests of pine and across a landscape of dramatic mountain scenery. After celebrating reaching the pass and a chance to rest at the top, the remainder of today’s ride is a superb 30kilometres/18.6 miles of virtually uninterrupted descent towards the town of Khanh Vinh, where we plan to stop for lunch. We finish the rest of the journey to Nha Trang by bus and it should take us around 1.5 hours. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 1140 metres/3740 feet, total accumulated descent 2962 metres/9718 feet).
Day 6 Day 6: Boat Trip To Tropical Islands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Boat Trip To Tropical Islands

Nha Trang’s beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters have seen it quickly grow into a bustling town and popular tourist destination. Weather permitting, this morning we take a cruise out to explore the surrounding seas and islands. We aim to stop near one of the islands where you have the option to have a swim from the boat (possible to hire snorkelling equipment). We move on to another tiny island where we plan to spend a few hours to relax and swim. The island is privately owned and it is possible to rent a sun lounger and parasol. There will also be the option to enjoy drinks, a seafood lunch or snack on the island (at your own expense). Returning to Nha Trang later this afternoon the rest of the day is free. No cycling today - rest day.
Day 7 Day 7: Cycle And Drive From Nha Trang To Quy Nhon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cycle And Drive From Nha Trang To Quy Nhon

Travelling by bus this morning we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. We drive north , over the scenic Ca Pass to Bai Tien Song Cau. From here we resume our journey by bike with a 60 kilometres/37.3 miles ride to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon and our hotel for the night. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/37.3 miles (total accumulated ascent 640 metres/2100 feet, total accumulated descent 775 metres/2543 feet).
Day 8 Day 8: Pedal Over The Thi Nai Sea Bridge; Drive To Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Pedal Over The Thi Nai Sea Bridge; Drive To Hoi An

Departing Quy Nhon this morning we cycle out across Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across, we continue by bike along the Quy Nyon lagoon towards Phu My some 50 kilometres/31.1 miles away. From Phu My we then travel by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre - one of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War. After visiting the site and visitor’s centre, we complete the final leg to Hoi An by bus, a journey of some 2 to 3 hours. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 59 kilometres/36.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 395 metres/1296 feet, total accumulated descent 390 metres/1280 feet).
Day 9 Day 9: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon

The historic, merchant town and safe harbour of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th and 18th centuries. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it still retains its charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. This morning we take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city’s famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is then free to perhaps take a gentle river cruise, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking or pay a visit to one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors’ shops, or maybe explore further afield by bike. No included cycling today - rest day.
Day 10 Day 10: Cycle And Drive To Hue Via The Hai Van Pass
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cycle And Drive To Hue Via The Hai Van Pass

Leaving Hoi An after breakfast, we travel by bus up the coast to Danang followed by a twisting drive up to the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This stunningly scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and, as we reach the summit of the pass, the panoramas before us are simply spectacular. Descending by bus we head next for Lang Co where today’s ride starts. We cycle along scenic back roads as we wind our way alongside the Cau Hai Lagoon to end the ride finally at Phu Bai. Meeting our bus in Thuan An, we then drive for about an hour on to Hué on the shores of the Perfume River. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/49.7 miles (total accumulated ascent 100 metres/328 feet, total accumulated descent 100 metres/328 feet).
Day 11 Day 11: Cycling Around Hue Then Overnight Train To Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cycling Around Hue Then Overnight Train To Hanoi

Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is still a thriving and important city. First thing this morning we drive to the impressive Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel we commence our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th century Nguyen Tomb of Ming Mang. After visiting the mausoleum we return to our hotel to freshen up before the mid- to late-afternoon departure of the overnight train to Hanoi. We plan to stay in ’soft-sleeper’ four berth cabins, bunk bed style and bedding is provided. Both Western and Asian style toilets are at the end of each carriage as well as a basin. The Leader will allocate beds keeping people together as far as possible but it may be necessary to share with other travellers. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12.4 miles (total accumulated ascent 130 metres/427 feet, total accumulated descent 115 metres/377 feet).
Day 12 Day 12: Arrive In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay For Overnight Cruise
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Arrive In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay For Overnight Cruise

Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning we drive to the hotel in time for breakfast. Later this morning we then drive (2.5 hours) to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, spending this evening aboard the junk in twin-share, en suite cabins. Please note - the boat is not exclusive to us and we may be sharing with other tourists. You have the option to leave the majority of your luggage in the hotel in Hanoi and take only an overnight bag. If you prefer to take your main luggage it is fine but please note that the cabins are inevitably small. No cycling, rest day.
Day 13 Day 13: Morning Cruise Then Drive To Hanoi Then City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Morning Cruise Then Drive To Hanoi Then City Tour

This morning we continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands and visiting some of the caves (the optional cave visits can involve climbing some slippery steps). Returning to shore mid-morning we then drive back to Hanoi, a 2.5 hours journey that gets us into the capital in time to enjoy a short tour of the city. Our late afternoon walking tour includes a visit to the Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, as well as a chance to explore a little something of the city’s fascinating Old Quarter. No cycling, rest day.
Day 14 Day 14: Trip Ends Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Trip Ends Hanoi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you will need to depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel.

+11

14 days tour

Cycle Saigon To Hanoi

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle Saigon To Hanoi

Day 1: Join Trip Saigon; Afternoon Orientation Tour

Day 2: Cycle To Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 3: Drive To Mekong Delta Then Cycle Backroads To Cai Be

Day 4: Exploring Vietnam’S Central Highlands

Day 5: Cycle Over Hon Giao Pass Then Drive To Nha Trang

Day 6: Boat Trip To Tropical Islands

Day 7: Cycle And Drive From Nha Trang To Quy Nhon

Day 8: Pedal Over The Thi Nai Sea Bridge; Drive To Hoi An

Day 9: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon

Day 10: Cycle And Drive To Hue Via The Hai Van Pass

Day 11: Cycling Around Hue Then Overnight Train To Hanoi

Day 12: Arrive In Hanoi; Drive To Halong Bay For Overnight Cruise

Day 13: Morning Cruise Then Drive To Hanoi Then City Tour

Day 14: Trip Ends Hanoi

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