Vietnam Adventure: Bike & Boat

8:30 AM: Our guide and car will pick you up from your hotel for a Hanoi City Tour. Begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, exploring the Mausoleum, his stilted house, botanical garden, and the Presidential Palace, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Next, see the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong. Destroyed in 1954 by the French, it was later restored by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture. At 11:00 AM, reach the Temple of Literature, a blend of the Confucius Temple and Vietnam’s first Royal National university, offering a serene escape from the city. 12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. 1:00 PM: Visit the Ethnology Museum, showcasing the country’s 54 ethnic groups with informative displays and examples of minority housing in the garden. 4:00 PM: Take a one-hour cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, exploring streets named after historic guilds. 5:00 PM: Return to your hotel, concluding an unforgettable full-day Hanoi sightseeing experience!

After breakfast, our guide and bus will take you to the rural province of Ninh Binh. Our cycling adventure kicks off amidst vibrant green rice fields leading to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. Explore the captivating historical site, rich with well-preserved relics from past dynasties. Continuing our cycling journey, we traverse through Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. A stop in the charming village of Trang An Farm offers a chance to savor local specialties for lunch. Post-lunch, we pedal a few kilometers to Tam Coc, where a visit to a local bird sanctuary awaits. Experience a boat ride in this truly unique setting, and witness the spectacular sight of the evening flock of birds returning to their nests.

Following breakfast, we explore a secluded valley nestled in a striking rocky landscape, home to a serene Buddhist temple. Later, we embark on a four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, we board a traditional wooden junk for lunch. Departing from the harbor, we navigate through the UNESCO-protected island world of Ha Long Bay, marveling at its breathtaking and peculiar rock formations. This journey offers a glimpse of the lush vegetation and the multitude of caves that have evolved over the centuries. In the late afternoon, a brief kayak excursion is available. As the day concludes, we relish a stunning sunset, spending the night anchored in the bay.

Halong Bay – Viet Hai Village – Catba Island (Cycle: 18 – 20km) After breakfast, we embark on a smaller boat to cruise to the national park of Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival, our cycling tour begins, leading us to the small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. Parking our bikes, we embark on a guided walk through the protected old-growth forest, immersing ourselves in wild, unspoiled nature. The ultimate destination is the island’s highest peak, offering breathtaking views of the island and Hạ Long Bay on clear days. Later, we cruise east of Bo Hon Island to visit the ‘Virgin Cave’ (Trinh Nu Cave), blending the incredible beauty of Halong Bay with Vietnamese folklore. Dinner and an overnight stay on the ship await guests, providing a serene and captivating experience

In the morning, we leave the junk and transfer to Lan Ha Bay on a boat. Here, a guided kayak tour awaits, exploring the lagoon-like shoreline. Our first destination is a stunning hidden beach. Following a picnic and a leisurely swim break, we proceed with the kayak tour, passing floating houses en route to Cat Ba, our next stop. A brief transfer brings us to a charming resort, allowing for a relaxing evening on the hotel’s private sandy beach or by the pool.

Following a morning visit to the Cat Ba market, the rest of the morning is free to enjoy the beach, with a late hotel checkout available until 2:00 pm. Later, we transfer to Hai Phong or Hanoi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Danang. Dinner and an overnight stay are arranged at a hotel in Hội An. Note: If the original flight from Hai Phong to Danang is canceled or changed, we will arrange transfers for guests to Hanoi to catch a connecting flight.

You have the entire day to wander through the enchanting streets of Hoi An on foot. Its narrow lanes, storefronts illuminated by lanterns, and a blend of traditional Asian architectural styles create a charming ambiance. Hội An is renowned for its specialties in clothing and food. Ensure you visit iconic landmarks like the Japanese Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. In the afternoon, indulge in the luxuries of your exquisite hotel resort and conclude the day by the palm tree-shaded pool. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hoi An.

Today offers a unique chance to delve into the daily life and work of local farmers. Following breakfast, we embark on a ride through the serene countryside of Hoi An, heading towards Tra Que Village. Named after a sweet-scented vegetable, this area introduces us to a new and exotic specialty frequently used by locals to enhance their meals. We engage in meal preparation with our host, who introduces us to these unusual ingredients. The afternoon is yours to enjoy: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque old town or relax with an afternoon swim at the pristine Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach. The night concludes with an overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An.

Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and proceed to the former imperial city of Huế. Our journey takes us over the Cloud Pass, marking the weather line between North and South Vietnam. After a brief stopover at Lăng Cô Beach (including a lunch break), you have the option to cycle along the coastline to Thuan An Beach. You can choose the distance you wish to travel, either by bike or bus. If weather conditions permit, a refreshing swim can be enjoyed before continuing to Huế. Upon checking into our lodge, the evening provides leisure time for individual exploration of the city. An overnight stay is arranged at a hotel in Huế.

Today is devoted to exploring the old imperial city of Hue, nestled charmingly between hills and rice fields along the bend of the Perfume River. This city, with over 300 temples and pagodas, serves as the spiritual heart of Vietnam. Following breakfast, we embark on a relatively easy ride towards Thanh Thuy Village. After exploring the village, with its unique architecture, temples, and bridges, we bike back to Huế for lunch. Post-lunch, we delve into a tour of the Imperial Citadel, an expansive complex featuring the “Forbidden Purple City,” historically reserved exclusively for the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The evening is yours to explore the lively center of Hue at your leisure.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transported back to airport where you’ll board a domestic flight to the southern Vietnam city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon). Arriving late in the morning, you’ll have a chance to explore some of the iconic sites of Vietnam’s largest city as you make your way to your hotel (with private guide & transport). After check in, you’ll followed by a fully guided tour through the southern city. Your visit will include the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Post Office, plus a number of other sites along the way. After your guided tour you have the evening to enjoy free time in Ho Chi Minh City.

At 8:00, we’ll meet you at the hotel and then transfer for 2 hours to Cai Lay. The journey begins with a scenic ride on charming backroads, weaving through picturesque fruit orchards, with a special stop to savor fresh Durian, a local specialty. The locals, intrigued by your unique cycling gear, will welcome you with warm smiles, especially as Westerners are a rare sight in this region. The ride unfolds through different parts, including Ngu Hiep island known for Durian, an unspoiled area with small houses and hospitable locals. Tan Phong island, famous for Rambutan, captivates with its beautiful orchards and well-paved paths. We conclude the morning ride at Mr. 6 Ca’s garden for lunch. This beautiful orchard treats you to homemade wine, elephant fish, spring rolls, and a variety of fruits. The journey highlights include small water crossings, fruit orchards, glimpses of local industries (coconut candy making, pop-rice), and the chance for a unique home-stay experience.

Start your day with early Vietnamese coffee and breakfast to immerse yourself in the true essence of Vietnam. Today’s cycling adventure will take you along rivers, allowing you to observe local activities such as fishing, fruit picking, and Vietnamese students donning traditional Ao Dai dresses on their way to school. As you pass through picturesque paddy fields, be sure to capture the beauty with a photo. A highlight of the journey includes a visit to a Khmer temple, crossing a small ferry, and taking a tea break at Mr. Ginger’s. Our special tour is designed to take you to the heart of the Mekong, providing insights into the daily lives, emotions, and customs of the local people. Explore the warmth and hospitality of the locals as we stop at some of their homes along the way.

Another early start awaits you, and it’s truly worthwhile as you’re in for a treat – the mesmerizing Cai Rang floating market, renowned for its vibrant boat-to-boat trading where an array of fruits and vegetables from the Mekong region is showcased. Following your visit to the floating market, your bicycle adventure continues as you ride to meet the ‘snake man,’ a friendly and hospitable character typical of the Mekong Delta. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to taste various fruits and experience snake wine. Cycling through lush gardens, your ride concludes in Vinh Kim. Enjoy lunch at a local house, meet your car, and embark on a transfer back to Saigon for an overnight stay.