Biking along the Coastline

13 days / 12 nights

Overview

This classic cycle exploration of Vietnam, starts in citadel Hue and ends in the modern Ho Chi Minh city. Along the way we pause to visit the main sites in Danang, Hoian ancient town, Nha Trang, Dalat and finally Ho Chi Minh city. What makes this tour special is our route hardly touches the frenetic Highway One, as we ride along quiet or little used roads to discover the real Vietnam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hue (20km biking)
In the morning, meet at the hotel for a briefing and route instructions for the entire trip. Try out bikes before driving along the riverbank route to Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower. Return to town by a local dragon boat and lunch at Ancient Hue restaurant, a complex of 5 traditional ancient houses. In the afternoon, pedal around Kim Long village and a 15km loop to visit the Forbidden City, from where the Nguyen Emperors used to rule the country. These first few rides will allow you to get used to biking in Vietnam. There is a home-hosted dinner tonight at Tha Om restored royal home. This family is a descendent of a Royal family. Interact with the family to see how they bring the quintessence of Royal culture into their culinary art. Overnight in Hue (L, D)
Day 2: Biking around Hue (60km biking)
In the morning we start biking around Hue along Perfume river, with the first stop at the Royal Tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh to admire these great, elaborate structures built centuries ago. The biking roads leading to the tombs take us into scenic areas with tall trees, green paddy fields and very little traffic. Lunch is at the Pilgrimage Village. Drive back to the hotel and relax. Dinner tonight is at an ancient home of a well-known historian of Hue. Having experienced the ups and downs of the former Royal capital, the historian has expertise in tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the city. Overnight in Hue (B, L, D)
Day 3: Biking Hue to Danang (40km biking)
After breakfast check out depart Hue for 12 km trip towards the beach. Photo opportunities abound en route at various splendid communal houses of villages. Crossing the Thuan An bridge, head to visit the Catholic church of Ha Uc village dating back to the 18th century and still retains its age-old steeple with beautiful intricate detail, the incredible vast ensemble of tombs nicknamed the "City of Ghosts" at the An Bang village. Make a stop at the communal house via another road leading to Highway 1 by Truong Ha Bridge running through fantastic pastoral countryside. You now have the option to return to your support van or continue cycling up three hills. While the first two climbs are moderate (2 to 3km), cruise down to the stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest, swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day - the Hai Van Pass or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Arrive in Hoi An. Check in hotel. Dinner at Brother Café restaurant. Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Walking around Hoi An (10km biking)
Between 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrian-friendly streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a walking tour to visit the old merchant’s house with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with tropical specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day. An optional stop, subject to availability, is the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen with a stunning collection of artifacts ranging from pottery and seals to paintings, painting, money and old Hoi An photos. Lunch is at Nam Long restaurant. The afternoon is free and easy, or there is an option for a 10km easy ride through the countryside. Dinner is at Full Moon restaurant. Overnight in Hoi An (B, L, D)
Day 5: Hoi An - My Son (50km biking)
Cyclo from Hoi An to My Son, the site of the most important Cham intellectual and religious center, dating back to the late 4th century. My Son has only 20 monuments left standing today and is considered the Champa counterpart to the grand cities of South East Asia’s other Indian-influenced civilizations. We pedal in the quiet sections before having a packed lunch. Back to Hoi An and remainder of the day is free at leisure. Independent dinner. Overnight in Hoi An (B, L)
Day 6: Danang - Nha Trang (Air) (60 km biking)
Transfer to airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Lunch at local Ngoc Suong Seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, we cycle to Dong Bo around the peaceful country roads. Dinner is at local Gia restaurant. Overnight in Nha Trang (B, L, D)
Day 7: Nha Trang (70-90km biking)
After breakfast, travel out of the town to the Old Citadel of Diem Khanh circa 18th century and start riding along the country road passing paddy fields and homes making rice paper. After 35km, we stop at a church for a break and enjoy our packed lunch before continuing onto National Highway 1 to ride back to Nha Trang with a stop to visit the Cham Towers and fishing harbor. Return to the hotel and you are free for the reminder of the day. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang (B, L)
Day 8: Nha Trang - Da Lat (Elevation from 500m to 1.500m) (60-80km biking)
Morning shuttle from the hotel to Highway 1 towards Phan Rang and begin a challenging ride climbing the mountain passes to get to the southern highlands. The first section is an easy ride on flat, paved roads for 60km through fields and gardens full of grapes, tobacco and cotton. After lunch at local restaurant en route, you can opt to climb the Ngoan Muc Pass (Spectacular View Pass) or hop into the van to get to Don Duong town. After a break for those who climb the first pass, we start the second climb, the Don Duong Pass to Da Lat. After 25km along the winding road through tea and coffee farms, we reach Dalat. The final stretch of road takes us along a pine tree-lined road past old French villas and views of the town below. Dinner at Dalat House restaurant. Overnight in Dalat (B, L, D)
Day 9: Biking to Lat Village (30-60km biking)
A highland haven dotted with lakes, waterfalls, pine forests and gardens, Dalat is Vietnam’s premier honeymoon spot. Established as a hill station at the beginning of the century, Dalat, located on the Lang Biang Plateau with its French chalets, varieties of orchids and fresh vegetables, is reminiscent of an alpine town. Today, we cycle up and down the hills to visit the Lat Village and organize permits with the local authority to talk to the locals about their history, Dalat and the area of Lang Biang Mountain. Packed lunch. Afternoon is free at your leisure in preparation for the following day. Dinner at Moulin Rouge restaurant. Overnight in Dalat (B, L, D)
Day 10: Da Lat - Phan Thiet (80-100km biking)
We leave Dalat early in the morning on our bikes to travel down to the coast. Ride down to Don Duong via the Prenn Pass. After the first 50km, we stop at the top of Ngoan Muc Pass for a view of the valley of Da Nhim River far beyond before continuing downhill for a lunch stop. From here, we can take the van or cycle for another hour before driving to Phan Thiet and hotel check-in. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Phan Thiet (B, L, D)
Day 11: Phan Thiet (30km biking)
As a charming fishing village with archaeological remnants of the Cham Empire, Phan Thiet beach is backed by desert-like sand dunes that are home to rare flora and fauna. We can start the day later, as the bike ride is just 20km to the Mui Ne sand dunes. Pedal along the beach through coconut palm trees with stops at the local market and the fishing village. Return to your hotel for lunch. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. Dinner is at local restaurant. Overnight in Phan Thiet (B, L, D)
Day 12: Phan Thiet - Saigon (80-100km biking)
It would be a challenging trip today. Get up early for an hour to Tan Phong intersection, from where the group will cycle through the rubber plantations for an easy ride on the well-paved road. After 80km, we finish our ride in Ba Ria town. Lunch en route at local restaurant. On arrival in Saigon, check into your hotel. Dinner is at An Vien restaurant. Overnight in Saigon (B, L, D)
Day 13: Departure
Free and easy until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service (B)

Cost

Tour cost is upon your request !
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at booking@asianatravel.com.vn or info@asianatravel.com.vn. One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note

* Tour code: VNAD-11

 

* Included:

• Accommodation with breakfast

• Bike and maintenance

• Meals as specified (meals only)

• Entrance fees

• Mineral water on biking trip

• English speaking guide

• Air DAD-NHA (economy class)

• Shuttle for transfers and transportation

 

* Excluded:

• Vietnam visa

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Other meals

• Drinks

• Other flights

• Early check-in and late check-out

• Tipping / Gratuities

• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Destination Info

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.
The people of Vietnam regained independence and broke away from China in AD 938 after their victory at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River (938). Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a Communist victory in 1975.
Emerging from this prolonged military engagement, the war-ravaged nation was politically isolated. The government’s centrally planned economic decisions hindered post-war reconstruction and its treatment of the losing side engendered more resentment than reconciliation. In 1986, it instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth had been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These efforts culminated in Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization in 2007 and its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.

Maps & Photos

Hue citadel

Hue girls

Cycling in Hue

Danang night time

Hoian ancient town

Phan Thiet beach

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Ha Noi

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Ho Chi Minh

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Vientiane

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