Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
You will be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. You will meet your guide for dinner. (D)
Day 2: Depart Hanoi to Hue
Today we have the entire day to relax and see Hanoi's fine sights. In the evening we catch the Reunification Express train to Hue. (B,D)
Day 3: Hue
Arriving into Hue to meet with our crew. Here we are introduced to our bicycles, each designated bike being then adjusted and fitted with our own equipment as required. A short ride to Tu Duc's tomb may be possible during the afternoon. (B,L)
Day 4: Hue - Hoi An
The morning is spent sightseeing on our bikes around Hue. Time depending we hope to visit the Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. We then bus to Danang before cycling on to the World Heritage town of Hoi An. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Hoi An
A free day to explore the fascinating riverside town. Hoi An is a charming, quaint fishing town that can easily be explored on foot (or bicycle!). Some of its many attractions include the Chinese Assembly Halls, built between the 17th & 19th centuries for the large Chinese merchant population. Also worth visiting are the ancient ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for 15 generations. Hoi An is also famed for its tailors' shops. This stems from the time when the town was a major stop along the Silk Road and other trade routes. There is also the pleasant Cua Dai beach 4km from town. (B)
Day 6: Hoi An - Quy Nhon
We bus to Quang Ngai where we cycle 10 km into the district of Song My, to the better known hamlet of My Lai. Here is found an evocative memorial for those villagers who died in the horrific massacre during the American War. The My Lai site is in a small rural settlement, surrounded by simple thatched huts, quilted rice paddies and farmers with conical hats going about their day to day routines. The mood set by these surroundings is one of peace and tranquility despite the deep scars of the past. After visiting the simple memorial and museum we ride back to our buses and then bus to Qui Nhon. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Quy Nhon to Pleiku (via An Khe)
One more challenging day as we head inland off Highway 1 and tackle the uphill road on Highway 19. We will only expect to part-cycle this, a gain of 750 metres over a distance of 186 km before reaching Pleiku (alt. 785m). Pleiku is in an area of the Truong Son mountain range (running much of the length of the country) which is home to some of Vietnam's 54 hill tribe minority groups, known as Montagnards (French collective name for "mountain people"). It is now a town showing the architectural influence of Russian aid in reconstruction after the devastation of the War. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot
Today's part-cycle is on an excellent road, Highway 14, taking in 197kms of undulating and scenic uplands. We pass by coffee plantations and national parks on our way to the largest town in the Western Highlands, and the capital of Dac Lac Province. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Buon Ma Thuot - Nha Trang
Today’s part-cycle covers 194kms on Highway 28 and whilst undulating is mostly downhill towards the coast and Nha Trang. On our way, we will see kilometres of untouched beaches, great climate and islands… to explore which have made Nha Trang a popular Vietnamese resort. The accommodation for the next 2 nights is situated high on the headland overlooking the islands and equipped with its own private beach. The atmosphere almost resembles that of a palatial villa in Tuscany – it is no wonder that it was a preferred summer respite for Bao Dai, Vietnam's last ruling monarch. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Nha Trang
A cycle-free day to enjoy the clear blue waters and relaxed ambience of Nha Trang. We take an excursion by local boat to one of the nearby islands for a beach sojourn in the shade of coconut palms. The way you wish to spend the rest of the day is up to you: a relaxing massage, a cooling swim in the pristine waters, a pedicure or cool beer by the sea. We can plan to return via one of the local fishing towns for the freshest seafood lunch available. Nha Trang also offers a number of sights of historical or spiritual significance, which can be explored at your leisure in the afternoon after our return. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Nha Trang - Dalat
We begin today on the bus for a short distance before continuing on bike for the next 95kms to Phan Rang. The cycling is excellent, made easier by the often-present strong tail wind, coupled with roads which are well maintained and wide. After lunch we then start the bus ride to Dalat where we have, from the top of the Ngoan Muc Pass, a superb view over the delta and the South China Sea. Dalat is situated at a height of 1500 meters and thus attracts a cooler climate. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Dalat
Dalat is set in the hills north of Ho Chi Minh City and is a renowned retreat for poets and artists. The atmosphere typifies this patronage with typical French provincial villas and lush undulating hills. This morning we'll visit King Bao Dai's Summer Palace and try to imagine this period of opulence and extravagance. We also visit a most unusual guest house (the Crazy House needs to be seen to be believed). Encounter some of the scenic vantage points and places around Dalat's hilly countryside. Close to our hotel there are a number of small French style cafes which boast the best coffee in Vietnam and are a good place to relax and watch the passing parade. This afternoon can be spent relaxing, exploring the lake area or seeking out some of the impressive French architecture throughout the town. (B)
Day 13: Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City by support vehicle
After breakfast we drive south east for 7 hours (approx 350kms) to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way we pass small hamlets as well as tea, coffee cashew nut. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, we travel to the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels, home to 5,000 VC troops during the Vietnam/U.S. War. In the afternoon, we walk through the heart of the city past some of Ho Chi Minh's famous sites; the French colonial Town Hall, the Rex Hotel, Notre Dame Cathedral, the former U.S. embassy and make an optional visit to the War Crimes Museum. Tonight we join our Vietnamese guides for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Trip will conclude after breakfast. (B)
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