Discover northern Vietnam and its people first hand. By cycling from the capital to the former Imperial city of Hue we can see life as it truly is for the Vietnamese. Our fleet of modern European bikes ensures we get the most out of the trip in terms of comfort and enjoyment. Along the way we encounter pastoral landscapes and sweeping panoramas as the rural population goes about its business of farming the rice paddies of the Red River Delta. We visit the visually stunning areas of Hoa Lu and the elaborate cave systems at Phong Nha before making our way through the war-ravaged DMZ and finally arriving in Vietnam’s cultural heartland city of Hue.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh / Hoa Lu & Tam Coc (cycling distance 33km)
In the morning we drive out of the capital until we arrive at the town of Ninh Binh. From here we cycle to the picturesque setting of Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 and is also regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in northern Vietnam. We have the chance to explore the dramatic limestone cliffs by rowing boat at Tam Coc. We then return to Ninh Binh for the night. (L,D)

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa (80km)
Today we cycle 80km to the town of Thanh Hoa. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Thanh Hoa – Vinh (60km)
We drive for the first 85km to the town of Quynh Luu. From here we cycle to Dien Chau where we have lunch. In the afternoon we cycle to Cua Lo with its white sandy beach and the town of Vinh in Nghe An province. This area was home to the Republic’s founder Ho Chi Minh who was born not far from here in 1890. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Vinh – Dong Hoi (100km)
As with the previous day, we begin our journey by bus to the small town of Ky Anh. We then revert to peddle power to negotiate the Ngang Pass. This mountainous coastal area forms part of what is known as the Transversal Range stretching from the Laos border to the sea along the 18th parallel. Our destination for tonight is the fishing port of Dong Hoi. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha – Dong Hoi (90km)
Following breakfast we cycle 44km to the spectacular Phong Nha cave. The cave is probably the most beautiful and certainly the largest in Vietnam. The cave lies in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and UNESCO recently designated the area as the country’s fifth World Heritage Site. The park has some beautiful limestone formations, grottoes and caves as well as many 1,000m plus unexplored peaks. After having explored the cave we return by bicycle to Dong Hoi along part of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Dong Hoi – Dong Ha – Vinh Moc – Dong Ha (63km)
Today we continue south along Highway 1 using both our bicycles and our support vehicle. We reach the town of Dong Ha where we stay for the night. In reaching Dong Ha we pass through the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), scene of some of the bitterest fighting during the American War. Here we will visit Vinh Moc tunnels to see at first hand how the Viet Cong fought. The stretch of tunnels runs for nearly 3km and have not been altered for the tourists’ benefit.
(B,L,D)

Day 7: Dong Ha – Hue (78km)
Today we drive to the former Imperial capital and cultural centre of Vietnam, Hue. After all check-in formalities are done, we set out our bike and explore this ancient city. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Depart Hue
The tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Trip price: please enquire for availability and cost

Tour includes:

·    All accommodation at standard guest house

·    Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

·    English speaking guide on land tour

·    Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle

·    Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time

Tour excludes:
• Visas and airport departure tax
• Services and Meals and Drinks other not mentioned in itinerary
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
• Pre and post trip accommodation in Hanoi
• Helmet

Joining Instructions
Guide will meet you at the airport arrival terminal.

Transport
Air conditioned bus, boat, bike.

The Bicycles
For this trip we use the ‘Matts Cruise 5.7’ and ‘Kalahari 500’ performance bicycles made by German cycle specialists Merida. The bicycles have 24 speeds and a lightweight steel alloy frame designed for road cycling. Other features include LRS (Low Ratio Suspension) and excellent damping capacity, both of which help to absorb vibration and shocks for a smoother, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The bicycles are available in a number of sizes.

What to take
We suggest a main backpack with a reasonable daypack for any treks and day tours. Large suitcases are not advisable.

Fitness Requirements
There are no specific fitness requirements, although clients with a history of heart or respiratory problems should not take part.

Fantastic cycling holiday, very well organized and led. All the crew from Buffalo Tours were superb and looked after our every need.
Barry Wild, UK

The whole bike support team who looked after us were exceptional. They make our tour much more enjoyable . We did not have to worry about anything. I will be recommending your company to our friends. Well done!
Anne Edwards, Australia