The cycle routes requires a certain level of fitness, which one should have required by regular cycling trips. The bike routes have a length of approx. 25 km / 16 mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas and will be crossed without time constraints. The roads are mainly asphalted, but good accessible natural roads are crossed as well. Helmet use is mandatory on all bike tours. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.

Arrival at Hanoi Airport. A shuttle bus takes you to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. Despite it’s three million inhabitants, Hanoi’s traditional charm is pervasive. The historic old town district is considered as one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. The colourful and bustling streets contribute to the Asian flair. We may take a walk through the streets and meet your fellow travellers in the late afternoon at our hotel. During the dinner and a visit to the famous water puppet theatre - a traditional Vietnamese form of art – we get to know our fellow travellers better. We stay at the hotel overnight.

After exploring the fascinating, historical site with it’s well-preserved relics of past dynasties, we continue our cycling tour, which takes us through Vietnam‘s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way we stop in the quaint village of Tran An, where we are able to try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch we continue by bike for a few kilometres to Tam Coc, where we leave the bikes and board a traditional row boat, which takes us into the heart of a hidden valley. The last activity for today is a visitation of a local bird sanctuary. Every evening the flock of birds returning to their nests is a spectacular sight. Overnight stay in Tam Coc.

After breakfast our shuttle bus takes us to Ha Long City, where we enjoy a delicious lunch on board of our boat. As we set off on our voyage, we embark on our first boat trip through the impressive island world of the Ha Long Bay with it’s bizarre rock formations. In the afternoon we visit one of the numerous caves, which were formed in the course of the millenniums. Let your imagination run wild in the formations of stalagmites and stalactites as well as the crudely shaped cavern walls, where creative thinking will bring the subterranean chambers to life. In the afternoon we are able to take part on a guided kayak tour of a local lagoon around which, with a bit of luck, we will be able to see some wild monekys at play. We spend the night on anchor.
 

After an early breakfast we navigate our way to the island of Tra Ban, an unique place, untouched by modern day tourism. The island offers us an insight into the earlier, traditional life of the island inhabitants; as if time had stood still. A common sight are the Vietnamese water buffaloes grazing as we pass, we may even come into conversation with one of the local farmers tending to their fields, who greet us with their kind smiles. For lunch we enjoy a relaxing picnic together. In the afternoon, the hydrofoil will takes us back to the pier, where our junk awaits us. A relaxing cruise through the island world of the Bai Tu Long Bay tops this eventful day off. Enjoy an evening under the stars with a nice sundowner.  
 

This morning we disembark the Junk and take a transfer boat to Lan Ha Bay, where we are able to take part in an introductory lesson in kayak touring. As soon as you feel secure with your tandem partner, you are able to take a guided tour through the lagoon-like shoreline landscape. With a bit of luck, we will be able to observe monkeys that live on the steep rocks with lush vegetation and occasionally their curiosity will bring them down to the shore. Today’s beach destination is beautiful beyond imagination.  After lunch and a lengthy relaxing swim break in the emerald green waters, our Kayak tour will takes us past floating houses to Cat Ba, the next destination of our journey. A short transfer takes us to a beautiful resort, where the evening can be enjoyed on the hotel’s very own sandy beach or at the pool.
 

Early in the morning a transfer will bring us to a small dock. A one hour crossing will bring us to yet another small jetty. From here we will start a cycling tour through the national park of the island to a small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. Parking the bikes here, a guided walk will take us through the protected old-growth forest where the wild, unspoilt nature rules. The aim is to reach the highest peak of the island which, on a good day, offers breath-taking views of the Hạ Long Bay and the rest of the island. After the walk a bike tour will lead us back to the boat, taking us back to Cat Ba City. Overnight stay in a hotel.

7th Day (Sat) Cát Bà Island – Hải Phòng– Hội An (aprx. 22 mi./ 35 km) (B, L)
After breakfast a taxi boat will take us to Hải Phòng, where a bus waits to take us to the nearby airport. In the morning our flight to Đà Nẵng departs. On arrival a short transfer with the shuttle bus will bring us to our Hotel Resort in Hội An. Here we are able to relax in the river-side palm tree gardens of the hotel before we start your first stroll through the picturesque old town of Hoi An.
 

Today we have the possibility to observe the daily life of the local farmers. In the morning we cycle to Tra Que - a small village in the suburban area of Hội An. The name of the place originates from a sweet vegetable often used by the locals to spice their meals: a totally new and foreign speciality! Our host prepares the meal together with us and familiarises us with the exotic ingredients. The afternoon can be spent individually: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon swim at the white beach of Cửa Đại.

After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and will make our way, to the former imperial city of Hue by bike. A transfer bus will pick us up on route and takes us over the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam. After a short stopover on Lăng Cô Beach (incl. lunch break), we have the opportunity to cycle all the way along this wonderful coast, past coconut palms, to Thuan An beach. Decide for yourself how many kilometers you wish to travel by bus or by bike. If weather conditions allow, we can stay for a refreshing swim, before we continue back to Huế. After checking into the hotel the evening offers us some leisure time to explore the city for ourselves. 

This day is dedicated to the old imperial city of Huế, situated between rolling hills and rice fields along a bend in the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, with more than 300 temples and pagodas. By bike and by foot your first visit is the Dong Ba Market, where you are able to catch interesting insights in the variety of regional products. On the north shore of the Perfume River you continue your way to the old town of Bao Vinh, where you can still see and feel the trading activities of the capitals former past. On your way you visit the rambling citadel, which once was reserved for the emperors of the Nguyen-Dynasty. A late lunch in one of the regionally typical restaurants gives the daily program the perfect finish. The rest of the afternoon is free and can be spent strolling through the alleys of the town.

After breakfast you have a flight to Ho Chi Minh City with a subsequent transfer to Mỹ Tho, where check-in on board the ship takes place. The ship takes you along the Melong in the direction of Cai Be. During the short trip you cruise along the Mekong and can enjoy the flourishing nature of the delta as well as the river related life of the inhabitants. In the afternoon we take part on our first bike tour along the river mouth, exploring the surroundings of a number of the Mekong river arms and channels and the scattered islands therein and take the opportunity to try exotic fruits while being astonished by different local handcrafts. In turn your Junk will take you for a sunset sail towards Cai Be, where you will spend the night on anchor.

In the morning you cross over to Vingh, Long Island, where you cycle under palm-shaded paths around the island. You continue by boat to Traon Island, where you again have the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on you can enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta.

During breakfast the ship takes us to Cần Thơ. Where we can visit one of the region’s largest markets, rounding off our cultural experience of Southern Vietnam. Make sure you have a camera at the ready, as the colorful fruit stands are incredibly photogenic. After an early lunch on board of the Conchinchine we check out and are transferred back to Hồ Chí Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City, former Saigon, is the Boomtown and the modern centre of Vietnam. On a guided city tour you learn about the growing megacity, the town hall, the cathedral Notre Dame, main post office and other important sights which characterize the city’s history. In the afternoon you have the possibility to buy some souvenirs and dive into the madding crowd of the Benh Thanh Market. A farewell-dinner with your fellow passengers and all travel guides is planned in the evening. Overnight stay in the hotel.