Bike tour from Saigon to Hanoi

Our bike trip is the best of all these aspects of Vietnam. We take a classic cycling route between the commercial hub of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and the capital of Hanoi. We then Grasshopper-ize it by traveling on the most charming back road and trails to see the real countryside and not just the highway countryside. With very minimal driving and maximum cycling, this is a truly unique cycling trip. We took months to map out our route, so that you can take just twelve days to see the coast of this amazing country.

With many kilometres of stunning beaches and dramatic coastal roads as well as some of the freshest seafood going this trip is an indulgent experience. We are never far from a beach and stay in comfortable hotels to make this trip one of our most cushy adventure tours<br />

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day in Saigon

We meet in the bustling commercial capital of Vietnam. We'll head out and explore the culinary side to the city this evening and have a group briefing on the trip ahead. Meals: D

Day 2: Fly to Quy Nhon, Cycle 20km cycling

After a morning flight to Quy Nhon, we spend the afternoon exploring this pleasant seaside town and learning about the work of a dedicated lady who has single handedly established a centre to provide vocational training for young, disabled Vietnamese. Meals: BLD

Day 3: Cycle to Tam Quan 80km

Today we start our cycling journey proper as we leave Quy Nhon on a quiet back road along a sand dune peninsula with great views back over the bay and the mountains. We see lots of coast today as we undulate along the well made road with friendly villagers waving and cheering us on. We take a short drive at the end of the day to get us into the tiny village of Tam Quan. Meals: BLD

Day 4: Cycle to Quang Ngai 95km

A varied and highly enjoyable day lies ahead of us. We spend the morning riding along the coast then head inland to see a great new level of variety. We have some hills today as we cross rivers on small wooden bridges and pass farmers tending to rice fields and water buffalo. Our home for the night is Quang Ngai, a small city of little note, but a comfortable hotel, a pleasant river view and an abundance of cold drinks make up for any lack of notoriety. Meals: BLD

Day 5: Cycle to Tam Ky 98km

We start today with a visit to one of Vietnam's more sobering sites, the My Lai Massacre Memorial. It was here that the a tragic event occurred, that once exposed, became a turning point in American public opinion to the American-Vietnam war. We continue on along the coast and along the way visit a rice paper maker and a mat weaver. Both are traditional forms of village industry that are becoming less common in cities, but here in the village, the skills are still alive. We enjoy a lunch of the freshest seafood possible and stay this evening in a pleasant small scale hotel. Meals: BLD

6Cycle & Boat to Hoi An 60km 

This is possibly the best days riding on the whole trip. We start with a visit to a fresh market where the fish come straight out of the South China Sea and into the baskets of this small market. As you are interested in their fish, the vendors will be just as interested in you and will be more than happy to pose for a photo, a real novelty in this well off the beaten path location. We ride dirt roads through sleepy fishing villages with friendly faces popping out to say hello. We then take a boat ride to reach Hoi An, a fitting way to enter this ancient port town. Meals: BLD

7Free Day in Hoi An

Today is a free day for you to enjoy Hoi An. We offer an optional morning ride of the town and the surrounding countryside, but you might prefer a sleep in. Hoi An has a long history dating back as far as the first century, but is known mostly for its role as a trading port for Chinese and Japanese sea merchants during the 17th and 18th centuries. The beauty of the town was miraculously spared the damage that many towns suffered during the American-Vietnam war and today Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage listed town that cannot be compared to anywhere else in Indochina. It is an intriguing, photogenic old town, located just a short distance from a beautiful beach where you can sit and sip a coconut. Meals: B

8Cycle to Lang Co 75km 

Today is the most scenic day of the ride as we ride through Danang and then climb Hai Van Pass, a 10km long, winding road on a gradient averaging 5.8%. At the top we enjoy some amazing views over the coast before we take the thrilling descent into the charming beachside town of Lang Co. Our resort this evening is right on the long beach with white powder sand. Meals: BLD

9Cycle to Hue 85km

Cycle through small back roads to the last Imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue. Along the way, we pass many cemeteries as this is considered a suitable place for burial by the ocean with a mountain backdrop. In addition to graves, there are a number of memorials for those who in attempting to flee after the fall of Southern Vietnam, were taken by the ocean. Relatives who resettled in other countries have since returned to construct these memorials. Meals: BLD

10Hue Day Ride 30km

We explore Hue by bike and aside from the most well known sites of the Forbidden City and Tu Duc's Tomb, we will take in some lesser known ones, to get a full picture of this much visited, but under explored city. Meals: BL

11Fly to Hanoi

We take a morning flight to Hanoi. In the afternoon we walk the streets of this buzzing city with its constant clash of new and old and the continuing theme of delicious, plentiful food. We then celebrate the end of our adventure over dinner. Meals: BLD Note: For all tours operating between June and October 2013, we will take a sleeper train on the night of day 10. This is due to the temporary closure of Hue Airport for renovation.

12Conclusion of Tour in Hanoi 

There are no activities planned today and you can depart any time you wish. Should you wish to travel to Halong Bay, please inquire with our staff at the time of booking and we can assist you to arrange this. Meals: B

Bike from Danang to Hoi An and Hue (4days /3nights)

Highlights:

Danang, Hoi An and Hue are the most magnificent tourist attractions in Vietnam, with colorful culture, friendly inhabitants and many stunning views, from green villages, peaceful rivers, palm-shaded beaches, golden rice paddies and mountains to splendid ancient architecture.

The 4-day cycling tour passes the most beautiful part of Central Vietnam with biking terrains varying from flat country paths to hilly and steep winding roads. The biking trip offers plenty of chances to explore the culture through interaction with locals.

Brief itinerary:

DAY 1 : DANANG ARRIVAL (L) /Cycling: 25-30 Km

Arrive at Danang Airport. Drive further south to Hoi An, listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site which was once a well-known trading centre in Southeast Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries. The town with friendly inhabitants, narrow streets, old houses, temples, and wooden bridges still retains its ancient character.
After a brief visit to the old quarter, board a local boat to cross Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Village. Take an easy ride across Vietnam’s typical countryside, sliding through green rice fields, red-tiled villages, farm houses, lovely wooden bridges across and stops at local houses to meet farmers and villagers.
Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 2: HOI AN – DANANG – HOI AN (B-L-) /Cycling: 30-40 km

Transfer to Danang. Your bike ride will start on the bank of the Han River with easy biking in warm, fresh air. After a few minutes sliding along the river and crossing the Bridge to palm-shaded beach, break with photo shoots at a picturesque fishing village and Linh Ung Pagoda. Then, start the moderate terrain ride along winding paths, with stunning views, jungles, waterfalls and beaches. The steep ride to the mountain summit culminates in breathtaking views. The ride back might not be physically taxing but is positively exciting! Back to Hoi An by car.
Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 3: HOI AN – HUE (B-L-)/ Cycling: 40-60 km

Transfer to Elephant Pass with stopover on Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Fishing Village. Then follow a peaceful and narrow road, bike north-east over gentle rolling terrain along the picturesque Tam Giang Lagoon, up and down hills, across bridges, past beautiful Villages, green rice fields and farms.
Overnight in Hue

DAY 4: HUE IMPERIAL CITY (B-L-)/Cycling: 30 km

AM: boat ride on the poetic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most significant sites of Buddhist worship in Hue. Then, take an easy ride on flat and slightly hilly terrain along the picturesque river bank to visit the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with views of floating villages, paddy fields, farm houses and ancient architecture. Transfer back to hotel for check-out. After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel on foot. Transfer to the airport for departure.

Grade	Leisurely - Moderate
Activities	Biking, sightseeing
Total cycling distance	150 - 180km
Refreshment	Mineral water
What to Bring?	Sunscreen, camera, sport shoes.
What is included?	English speaking guide, transfer, support van, helmet, high quality mountain bike, first aid kit, accommodation on twin sharing basis with daily breakfast, and lunch.

Tour prices with Economy hotels

• Hoi An: Glory Hotel (3 stars)/Executive Superior room/ www.gloryhotelhoian.com or similar
• Hue: Park View Hotel (3 stars)/Standard room/ www.parkviewhotelhue.com or similar

Group sizes	1pax	2pax	3pax	4-5pax	6-7pax	8-10pax	Single Supplement
USD/pax	736	477	386	399	334	325	89

Tour prices with Superior hotels

• Hoi An: Hoi an Historic Hotel (4 stars)/Superior room/ www.hoianhotel.com.vn or similar.
• Hue: Huong Giang Hotel Resort & Spa (4 stars)/ Deluxe room/ www.huonggianghotel.com.vn or similar.

Group sizes	1pax	2pax	3pax	4-5pax	6-7pax	8-10pax	Single Supplement
USD/pax	778	507	415	429	363	354	113

Tour prices with Delxue hotels

• Hoi An: Palm Garden Resort (5 stars)/ Superior room/ www.palmgardenresort.com.vn or similar.
• Hue: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (5 stars)/Villa Deluxe room/ www.pilgrimagevillage.com or similar.

Group sizes	1pax	2pax	3pax	4-5pax	6-7pax	8-10pax	Single Supplement
USD/pax	954	614	522	536	469	459	226

Bike tour from Hue to Danang or Hoi An, conquer the amazing Hai Van Pass

Highlights:

This ride explores varying terrains with spectacular landscapes: beaches, mountains, rivers, lagoons, rice fields, farms, historic sites and peaceful villages, offering chances for both long flat and steep rides.

At the summit of Hai Van pass

Brief itinerary:
Take a short transfer out of the bustling traffic to a peaceful village. Then take an easy terrain ride to Elephant Pass, along the well-known Tam Giang Lagoon, across bridges, past beautiful villages, green rice fields, hills and farms. Dismounting, you will visit with local people and enjoy their daily life activities through interaction and exploration. Transfer to Lang Co Beach Resort for lunch. (30 km cycling).
It is your option to travel onwards to Hoi An by car, or to take a more physically taxing ride up to the summit of Hai Van Pass along winding paths with stunning views, forests, waterfalls, islands and beaches. (10km cycling up steep hills)

Depart from	Hue
End in	Danang/Hoi An
Best starting time	8:00 am
Duration	5 - 6 hours
Biking distance	40 - 50 Km
Grade	Moderate - Challenging
Activities	Cycling, sightseeing
Refreshment	Mineral water
What to Bring?	Sunscreen, camera, sport shoes.
What is included?	English speaking guide, transfer to and from cycling site, support van, helmet, high quality mountain bike, first aid kit, and lunch.

Group sizes	1pax	2pax	3pax	4-5pax	6-7pax	8-10pax
USD/pax	198	122	95	95	75	72

Hai Van Pass

 

Bike Tour from Hoi An Town to My Son Sanctuary Heritage (1 day)

Full day cycling from Hoi An to My Son Temples

Roads to My Son from Hoi An are hilly roads, but they are beautiful on the both sides with green rice paddy,  water buffaloes, rocky mountain ... Our guide will choose the best part of roads for your riding

- Distance: 40km
- Time: 9:00am - 16:00pm

Highlight: 
Most of the temples at Mỹ Sơn were made of red brick, and only one (the temple labelled "B1") was made of stone. Even the decorative carvings on the Cham temples were cut directly onto the bricks themselves, rather than onto sandstone slabs inserted into brick walls as is observable for example in the 9th century Cambodian temple of Bakong.
To this day, the construction techniques used by the Cham builders are not completely understood. Issues that have not been completely resolved include issues about the firing of the bricks, the mortar between the bricks, and decorative carvings found on the bricks.
The temples at My Son are made of a reddish brick. Decorative carvings have been cut directly into the bricks.

At what point in the building process were the bricks hardened by fire? Were the bricks hardened first, and then arranged in order to build the structures, or were the structures built out of partially hardened bricks, after which the entire structures were heated by fire to finish the hardening of the bricks? The hypothesis that the entire structures were reheated following assembly is supported by evidence that the mortar between the bricks was at some point subjected to high temperatures. The contrary hypothesis is supported by the observation that the structures bear no signs of scarring from large intense fires such as would be needed in order to reheat them as whole.

How were the bricks stuck together? One hypothesis is that the builders at Mỹ Sơn developed a way to glue bricks together using tree resin native to central Vietnam. Another hypothesis is that the builders used a sticky mortar made from the same clay as the bricks themselves. www.vietnambiketours.com, The latter hypothesis is supported by chemical tests that have found no trace of any organic substance between the bricks, but instead have found mineral substances similar to those present in the core of the bricks. Today the mortar that once held the bricks together has largely decayed, and even a strong wind can knock loose bricks from the structures.

At what point in the process were the decorative carvings made? Were the walls constructed and then carved, or were the bricks carved first and then assembled so as to create the walls? An examination of the carvings reveals no broken lines as would be expected if the bricks were carved first and then assembled; and as a result scholars have concluded that the Cham craftsmen made their carvings directly onto finished brick walls.

Brief Itinerary:
Morning, short transfer out of the town and ride to My Son world heritage (My Son became a religious center under King Bhadravarman of Champa kingdom in the late 4th century and was occupied until the 13th century -the longest period of development of any monument in the South East Asia).
Transfer back to Hoi An where considered as one of the most impressive towns in Vietnam.Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon, cycle to visit the lantern town with Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese old house,  Historical museum; and keep riding to the beach for swimming. Back to hotel.(L)

Inclusive of:
Air conditioned bus/van
Truck to carry bikes
English speaking cum biking tour guide
Entrance fees
Pick up & drop off at your hotel
Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Bike/Helmet/Tool kit/First aid kit/Mechanic/Doctor (10 travelers)
Water, snacks, cold towers, soft drinks and fresh fruits for cycling day

Exclusive of:
Travel insurance
Personal expenses

Departure dates: Daily
Group size is minimum 2 and maximum 10 travelers.
TOUR PRICE is: Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Bike tour around Hue (full day)

Cycling 1 day around Hue Imperial City

Khai Dinh Tomb

Unlike the busy cities of Saigon or Hanoi, Hue life is more quiet and slow. Still many people use bikes as daily mean of transportation to go to work and school. Biking in Hue is an exciting experience to visit the world heritage complex in Hue, including Imperial City, Royal Tombs, Buddhist Temples ... in Hue

Highlight: 

Huế originally rose to prominence as the capital of the Nguyễn Lords, a feudal dynasty which dominated much of southern Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th century. In 1775 when Trinh Sam captured it, it was known as Phú Xuân. In 1802, Nguyễn Phúc Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long) succeeded in establishing his control over the whole of Vietnam, thereby making Huế the national capital.

Huế was the national capital until 1945, when Emperor Bảo Đại abdicated and a Communist government was established in Hà Nội (Hanoi), in the north. While Bảo Đại was briefly proclaimed "Head of State" with the help of the returning French colonialists in 1949 (although not with recognition from the Communists and the full acceptance of the Vietnamese people), his new capital was Sài Gòn (Saigon), in the south.

Brief Itinerary: (L)

Being an ancient romantic land, by the 13th Hue had already been added to Dai Viet Kingdom (Vietnam nowadays) as a gift from Champa King when he married Princess Huyen Tran of the Tran Dynasty. Hue has been representing the cultural and spiritual center of Vietnam for a long period of time. This city is famous for its magnificent architecture of citadel, palaces, pagodas and royal tombs built under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993.

Start at 08:00am, we cycle to visit the Hue Citadel and Imperial City, which will take us about 2 hours and a half. Then we bike upstream the legendary Perfume River. Along the way, we stop for Thien Mu pagoda, then continue to the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside where we find the Royal Tombs to the Nguyen Emperors. We visit Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs. After having viewed the splendid landscaped gardens and ornate architecture of the kings' final resting places we return to Hue

Inclusive of:

• Air conditioned bus/van
• Truck to carry bikes
• English speaking biking tour guide
• Entrance fees
• Pick up & drop off at your hotel
• Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Bike/Helmet/Tool kit/First aid kit/Mechanic/Doctor(10 travelers)
• Water, snacks, cold towers, soft drinks and fresh fruits for cycling day

Exclusive of:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

Departure dates: Daily
Group size is minimum 2 and maximum 10 travelers.

TOUR PRICE: 
Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Vietnamese girl with US$150,000 bike of Pinarello Dogma Movistar

Sexy with short skirts, model Kieu Anh burned  all gaze with the 'super bikes' US$150,000 Movistar Pinarello Dogma, a new Vietnam.