Experience The Real Vietnam
Experience The Real Vietnam
Briefing Activities: Day 1: Hanoi Arrival Day 2: Hanoi’s Village ( Cycling:20KM) Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Hue Day 5: Cycling in Hue( Cycling:40KM) Day 6: Phuoc Tich Ancient Village( 50KM) Day 7: Hue – Lang Co – Hoi An( 80KM) Day 8: Hoi An kayaking & Cooking Day 9: Hoi An – My Lai ( 60KM) Day 10: My Lai – Quy Nhon(80KM) Day 11: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang(70KM) Day 12: Nha Trang – Mui Ne(80KM) Day 13: Mui Ne Sand Dunes & Quad Bike Day 14: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City Departure
Pedal from Hanoi of old quarters along with ancient villages, see World Heritage sites in Halong Bay and Hue. Then venture the charming architecture of Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary together with exploring the natural beauty as well as experience the friendliness of Vietnamese people in Nha Trang and Quy Nhon. Cycle through the majestic sand dunes in Mui Ne and stop at Ho Chi Minh City of vibrant streets.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, our tour guide will pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer you to the hotel to check-in. In the evening, let immerse in the North’s rural culture by enjoying a performance of Water Puppetry. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Village Cycling Tour (B, L)
Today we will move to Bat Trang pottery village. Here, you can observe or experience the creation of ceramic products. Next, we will ride along the riverside, sightseeing many ancient villages surrounding Hanoi. Finally, ride to Dong Ho village, well-known for its traditional paintings. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D)
We leave Hanoi for our transfer to Halong Bay – one of the most spectacular UNESCO’s Nature Wonders. There are lots of things you can enjoy here like Kayaking, fishing, climbing to get a hill for a panoramic view of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venturing into some of the sea-level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood. Overnight on cruise.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Hue (B, L)
Morning cruise on the bay with some interesting activities. Come back to Hanoi after lunch and preparing for the flight to Hue. Our guide will welcome you when you arrive. Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue Cycling Tour (B, L, D)
Today, you will get on your bicycles and ride through Hue’s rural villages towards the Thanh Toan Bridge. Nearby, a local market will provide you with views of daily life and local products.
After lunch, we will visit some of the garden houses in Phu Mong Kim Long village, followed by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Next, crossing the river by boat to ride along a country lane to a handicraft village with special products – ‘Huong Tram’ (incense sticks).
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with traditional Hue cuisine in the pleasant surroundings of the garden houses. Overnight in Hue.
Cycling Distance: approx. 40 Km
Day 6: Hue – Cycle to Phuoc Tich Ancient Village (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, you will on the way come to visit the Phuoc Tich Village. The village is situated beside the O Lau River, one of the biggest rivers in Hue, it’s known for its ancient houses built more than a century ago.
Arrival, we will explore ancient houses which reflect the architectural and cultural characteristics of the region. You’ll then cycle along the river to experience the rural scenery and daily life of the villagers. Overnight in Hue.
Cycling Distance: approx. 50 Km
Day 7: Hue – Lang Co Beach – Hoi An (B, L)
A classic cycling trail for people with average fitness, driving to the coast, about 18km beyond Hue’s city limits. Immersing in nature with a picturesque lane shaded by coconut palms running alongside a peninsula from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Reach the end of the peninsula, a local ferry will take you across the Perfume River’s estuary, after reaching dry land, the route takes you a further 11km arrive at Highway 1. At this point, you have two options – brave the traffic on Vietnam’s busiest road or be transferred to the start of today’s three hill climbs.
After the first two moderate climbs, we will take a break to prepare for the Hai Van Pass. Finally, you’ll then be transferred the rest of the way to Hoi An Ancient Town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Cycling Distance: approx. 80 Km
Day 8: Hoi An Kayaking and cooking (B, L)
Today, we will enjoy half day kayaking on Thu Bon River to experience the daily life of the locals. Follow by a cooking class at local villages. Enjoy your cooking dishes.
The rest of the day is free on your own to explore the town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Kayaking: 02 hours
Day 9: Hoi An – My Lai (B, L)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to Quang Ngai. The first stage is gentle – quiet country lanes leading to the coast and fishing villages. A short 2km ascent to the top of Thien An Mountain provides striking views of the surrounding countryside with time to visit an ancient pagoda dating back to 1650. The gradient is now downhill towards the site of the infamous My Lai massacre, now a shrine dedicated to the unarmed 550 villagers, mainly women and children, slaughtered by the Americans in March 1968.
After a guided tour to reflect on the war, the quiet roads take you to the beach for relaxation. After a picnic lunch, you can loop around through the fishing villages to return to Quang Ngai. Overnight in Quang Ngai.
Cycling Distance: approx. 47 Km
Day 10: My Lai – Quy Nhon (B, L)
After breakfast, cycling begins at 99 KM South of My Lai. The first section meanders alongside the coast from Binh Duong, Tung Giang and Tuy Phuoc on a small provincial road passing many villages, far from the main highway. There’ll be plenty of time to dismount to experience the warmth and friendliness of Vietnamese people. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Tuy Phuoc, 9km to Quy Nhon City, your destination and accommodation. Overnight in Quy Nhon.
Cycling Distance: approx. 73 Km
Day 11: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang (B, L)
After breakfast, we on the way come to beautiful city Nha Trang. The gently rolling terrain and views of the Highland foothills make a splendid backdrop for the potbellied pigs and barefooted children dashing across your trail as you pass ethnic minority and Vietnamese communities’ en-route. Arrival in Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach can be an ideal place to relax. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Cycling Distance: approx. 67 Km
Day 12: Nha Trang – Mui Ne (B, L)
As usual, you’ll drive to the outskirt of the city to avoid the traffic. Once on your cycles, the route continues southward towards Cam Ranh until you join Highway 1 and dismount.
After driving to Ca Na for lunch, you’ll drive to Luong Son, where you re-mount. Continuing move to Mui Ne, check-in the hotel and the rest of the day is spent for relaxation. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Cycling Distance: approx. 80 Km
Day 13: Mui Ne Sand Dunes & Quad Bike (B)
After breakfast, we start our Mui Ne Sand Dune half-day tour by jeep. The first destination is the Fairy Stream where we can’t miss in Mui Ne. After that, we visit the Yellow sand dune. We will discover the daily activities of the fishing farm. Not only visiting white sand dune, but we will also be fulfilled by the beautiful white sand dune.
After that, we will get on our Quad bike (ATV) for a 30-minute ride around the vast dunes from the foot to the top of the dunes. We then drive back to our hotel and have free time at beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 14: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Pick up and transfer to Ho Chi Minh city for your flight departure. We can help to book accommodation or any optional tours in Ho Chi Minh city and Mekong Delta.
Countryside Adventures
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, our tour guide will pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer you to the hotel to check-in. In the evening, let immerse in the North’s rural culture by enjoying a performance of Water Puppetry. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Village Cycling Tour (B, L)
Today we will move to Bat Trang pottery village. Here, you can observe or experience the creation of ceramic products. Next, we will ride along the riverside, sightseeing many ancient villages surrounding Hanoi. Finally, ride to Dong Ho village, well-known for its traditional paintings. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D)
We leave Hanoi for our transfer to Halong Bay – one of the most spectacular UNESCO’s Nature Wonders. There are lots of things you can enjoy here like Kayaking, fishing, climbing to get a hill for a panoramic view of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venturing into some of the sea-level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood. Overnight on cruise.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Hue (B, L)
Morning cruise on the bay with some interesting activities. Come back to Hanoi after lunch and preparing for the flight to Hue. Our guide will welcome you when you arrive. Overnight in Hue.
Day 5: Hue Cycling Tour (B, L, D)
Today, you will get on your bicycles and ride through Hue’s rural villages towards the Thanh Toan Bridge. Nearby, a local market will provide you with views of daily life and local products.
After lunch, we will visit some of the garden houses in Phu Mong Kim Long village, followed by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Next, crossing the river by boat to ride along a country lane to a handicraft village with special products – ‘Huong Tram’ (incense sticks).
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner with traditional Hue cuisine in the pleasant surroundings of the garden houses. Overnight in Hue.
Cycling Distance: approx. 40 Km
Day 6: Hue – Cycle to Phuoc Tich Ancient Village (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, you will on the way come to visit the Phuoc Tich Village. The village is situated beside the O Lau River, one of the biggest rivers in Hue, it’s known for its ancient houses built more than a century ago.
Arrival, we will explore ancient houses which reflect the architectural and cultural characteristics of the region. You’ll then cycle along the river to experience the rural scenery and daily life of the villagers. Overnight in Hue.
Cycling Distance: approx. 50 Km
Day 7: Hue – Lang Co Beach – Hoi An (B, L)
A classic cycling trail for people with average fitness, driving to the coast, about 18km beyond Hue’s city limits. Immersing in nature with a picturesque lane shaded by coconut palms running alongside a peninsula from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Reach the end of the peninsula, a local ferry will take you across the Perfume River’s estuary, after reaching dry land, the route takes you a further 11km arrive at Highway 1. At this point, you have two options – brave the traffic on Vietnam’s busiest road or be transferred to the start of today’s three hill climbs.
After the first two moderate climbs, we will take a break to prepare for the Hai Van Pass. Finally, you’ll then be transferred the rest of the way to Hoi An Ancient Town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Cycling Distance: approx. 80 Km
Day 8: Hoi An Kayaking and cooking (B, L)
Today, we will enjoy half day kayaking on Thu Bon River to experience the daily life of the locals. Follow by a cooking class at local villages. Enjoy your cooking dishes.
The rest of the day is free on your own to explore the town. Overnight in Hoi An.
Kayaking: 02 hours
Day 9: Hoi An – My Lai (B, L)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to Quang Ngai. The first stage is gentle – quiet country lanes leading to the coast and fishing villages. A short 2km ascent to the top of Thien An Mountain provides striking views of the surrounding countryside with time to visit an ancient pagoda dating back to 1650. The gradient is now downhill towards the site of the infamous My Lai massacre, now a shrine dedicated to the unarmed 550 villagers, mainly women and children, slaughtered by the Americans in March 1968.
After a guided tour to reflect on the war, the quiet roads take you to the beach for relaxation. After a picnic lunch, you can loop around through the fishing villages to return to Quang Ngai. Overnight in Quang Ngai.
Cycling Distance: approx. 47 Km
Day 10: My Lai – Quy Nhon (B, L)
After breakfast, cycling begins at 99 KM South of My Lai. The first section meanders alongside the coast from Binh Duong, Tung Giang and Tuy Phuoc on a small provincial road passing many villages, far from the main highway. There’ll be plenty of time to dismount to experience the warmth and friendliness of Vietnamese people. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Tuy Phuoc, 9km to Quy Nhon City, your destination and accommodation. Overnight in Quy Nhon.
Cycling Distance: approx. 73 Km
Day 11: Quy Nhon – Nha Trang (B, L)
After breakfast, we on the way come to beautiful city Nha Trang. The gently rolling terrain and views of the Highland foothills make a splendid backdrop for the potbellied pigs and barefooted children dashing across your trail as you pass ethnic minority and Vietnamese communities’ en-route. Arrival in Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach can be an ideal place to relax. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Cycling Distance: approx. 67 Km
Day 12: Nha Trang – Mui Ne (B, L)
As usual, you’ll drive to the outskirt of the city to avoid the traffic. Once on your cycles, the route continues southward towards Cam Ranh until you join Highway 1 and dismount.
After driving to Ca Na for lunch, you’ll drive to Luong Son, where you re-mount. Continuing move to Mui Ne, check-in the hotel and the rest of the day is spent for relaxation. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Cycling Distance: approx. 80 Km
Day 13: Mui Ne Sand Dunes & Quad Bike (B)
After breakfast, we start our Mui Ne Sand Dune half-day tour by jeep. The first destination is the Fairy Stream where we can’t miss in Mui Ne. After that, we visit the Yellow sand dune. We will discover the daily activities of the fishing farm. Not only visiting white sand dune, but we will also be fulfilled by the beautiful white sand dune.
After that, we will get on our Quad bike (ATV) for a 30-minute ride around the vast dunes from the foot to the top of the dunes. We then drive back to our hotel and have free time at beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.
Day 14: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Pick up and transfer to Ho Chi Minh city for your flight departure. We can help to book accommodation or any optional tours in Ho Chi Minh city and Mekong Delta.
Countryside Adventures
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Private A/C vehicle to transfer and carry the bikes
Good quality helmets
High-end Mountain bikes rental
Kayak in Hoian.
Professional biking English speaking guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Homestay permission
Accommodation in twin share basis as listed
Boat trip Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoian.
Water and snack on every biking segment
First-aid kit
Entrance & Sightseeing fees
Service charges and taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance
All flights and other accommodation
Visa process and stamp fee
Tips and gratitude
Personal expenses
Others not mentioned
Road conditions: Most of the roads from Hue to Hoian, Qui Nhon, Nha Trang, and Mui ne are quiet paved roads, village roads, and coastline with some passes, but not a big challenges. The total cycling distance for 12 days is around 550 km, as a group size of 02 -05 riders, we will arrange 01 experienced cycle guides setting an even pace and stop often to visit points of interest and sample some of the local food. Our support vehicle follows close behind with plenty of refreshments. For a group size from 06 -12 riders, we will arrange 02 Cycling guides or 01 mechanics.
BIKING GRADE
Moderate Grade means these tours involve active, physically required activities up to 03 – 06 hours per day, under variable weather conditions or quick attitude changes. You should be at a good level of fitness.
Who suits: Recommended for moderate fitness travelers
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances per day: cycle 40 – 55 miles (or 65 – 88km) most days
Pass: Hai Van located between Hue – Danang which has 21Km long ( 496 meters = 1627fts above the sea level)
The bikes you will be riding are well-known such as Trek/ Giant or Cannondale makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 27- 29 speed gearing, Disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE BIKING DAYS
A typical biking day starts at about 7.30 am after breakfast. Lunchtimes can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5:00 pm. During the biking, we will have short breaks for rest, snack, and photographing.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH?
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
The weather in Vietnam is split into two distinct weather patterns Tropical and temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South, temperatures can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietnam has 2 distinct seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 seasons with distinct differences between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from non-cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemon grass, mint and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger and lime juice. There are a numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit (bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
HOTELS AND HOMESTAY
In big towns, we use the finest 3-star with the center location. Please contact us if you prefer a higher hotel category. In remote areas, we use the best hotels or guest houses available.
Homestay in villages is basic in term of bedding condition and amenities. We will sleep on bed or floor with mattress, clean sheet, pillows and mosquito nets. Toilet is usually western style.
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team