Vietnam by Bike + Boat

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.

Once you have arrived at Hanoi Airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter. Despite its three million inhabitants, Hanoi’s traditional charm is pervasive. The historic old town district is considered one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. There may be time to enjoy a walk through the vibrant, lively streets before meeting your fellow travellers at the hotel in the late afternoon. During a visit to the famous water puppet theatre, a traditional Vietnamese art form, and dinner at a local restaurant, everyone has the chance to get to know each other better. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi. 

After breakfast, our shuttle bus takes us in the direction of the rural province of Ninh Binh. This is the starting point of our first cycling tour which leads along vibrant green rice fields to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. After exploring the fascinating historical site with its well-preserved relics of past dynasties, we continue our cycling tour through Vietnam‘s most spectacular landscapes. Along the way we stop in the quaint village of Trang An Farm where we try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch, we cycle on for a few kilometres to Tam Coc where we enjoy the most spectacular view of limestone karst peaks looming out of serene rice fields. Here we leave the bikes and board a traditional rowboat, which takes us into the heart of a hidden valley. The last activity for today is a visit to a local bird sanctuary. The flock of birds returning to their nests in the evening is a truly spectacular sight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tam Coc. 

After breakfast, we take a four-hour transfer to Ha Long Bay. Here we board a junk, where lunch is already waiting. Soon after we leave the harbour for our first boat passage through the spectacular UNESCO protected island world of Ha Long Bay with its wonderful, bizarre rock formations. Here we get a first impression of the lush vegetation of the islands and the numerous caves that have formed over the millennia in the bay. In the evening we enjoy a spectacular sunset. The night is spent on anchor. 

After an early breakfast, we leave our floating hotel and hop on a hydrofoil which takes us to the island of Tra Ban, a unique destination untouched by modern day tourism. The island offers us an insight into the earlier, traditional life of the island inhabitants. Here it almost feels as though time has stood still. Along the way we pass by grazing Vietnamese water buffaloes and may even get into conversation with one of the local farmers tending to their fields, who greet us with kind smiles. For lunch we enjoy a relaxing picnic together. In the afternoon, the hydrofoil takes us back to the pier where our junk awaits us. A relaxing cruise through the island world of the Bai Tu Long Bay ends our eventful day. The evening can be spent enjoying the sunset and gazing at the stars. We spend the night on anchor.

In the morning, we disembark the junk and take a transfer boat to Lan Ha Bay, where we enjoy a guided kayak tour around the lagoon-like shoreline. Our first stop is a beautiful hidden beach. After a picnic and a lengthy relaxing swim break, we continue with a kayak tour 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 by the pool. 

Early in the morning a transfer takes us to a small dock, from where we take a one hour crossing to another small jetty. Once we have arrived, we begin our cycling tour through the island’s national park to a small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. We park the bikes here and enjoy a guided walk through the protected old-growth forest where wild, unspoilt nature rules. The destination is the highest peak of the island which, on a good day, offers breath-taking views over the island and out to Hạ Long Bay. After the walk, we cycle back back to the boat, which brings us back to Cát Bà city. We spend the night at a hotel on Cát Bà.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and take a speedboat to Hải Phòng, from where a bus transfer brings us to the nearby airport. Our flight takes us to Đà Nẵng, from where we travel a further 30 kilometres by bus to the resort in Hoi An. Once we arrive, we can relax in the hotel’s palm garden near the river before taking a first stroll through the picturesque old town of Hoi Han with its wood panelled houses. Overnight at the hotel in Hội An. 

Today we have the opportunity to gain an insight into the everyday life and work 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 area originates from a sweet-scented vegetable often used by the locals to spice up their meals: a totally new and foreign speciality! We prepare a meal with our host who familiarises us with the exotic ingredients. The afternoon can be spent as you wish: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon swim at the white beach of Cửa Đại or at An Bang Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hội An. 

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and make our way to the former imperial city of Huế. Our transfer 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 the coastline to Thuan An beach. You can decide for yourself how many kilometres you wish to travel by bike or by bus. If weather conditions allow, we can stay for a refreshing swim before continuing to Huế. After checking into our lodge, the evening offers us some leisure time to explore the city for ourselves. Overnight stay at a hotel in Huế.

Today is dedicated to the old imperial city Huế, charmingly situated between hills and rice fields on the bend of the Perfume River. It is here that the spiritual heart of Vietnam beats with more than 300 temples and pagodas. After breakfast, we head out on our first short bike tour to the small village of Thuy Bieu, typical of rural life in the Huế area. We then visit a local handicraft shop before cycling back to the hotel. Afterwards, we board an excursion boat that takes us along Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Huế ‘s most famous landmarks. We then continue by bike through the rural surroundings of Huế, visiting a small temple complex along the way. We return to Thien Mu Pagoda, passing small water channels and rice fields. After lunch, we visit the extensive citadel with its “Forbidden Purple City“, which was once exclusively for the use of the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The evening can be spent as you wish with plenty of time to explore the lively centre of Huế. At 9:30 pm the transfer bus takes us back to the hotel. 

After breakfast we catch a morning flight to Hồ Chí Minh City with a subsequent transfer to Mỹ Tho, the entrance of the delta, where we check-in on board the boat. We sail along the Mekong Delta in the direction of Cái Bè. During the short trip we cruise along the Mekong Delta during which we enjoy the flourishing nature and observe the river life of the locals. In the afternoon we head out on our first bike tour along the river mouth, exploring the surrounding river arms and channels with their scattered islands. Along the way be sure to take the opportunity to try exotic fruits and be astonished by various local handcrafts. Afterwards, the junk takes us for a sunset sail towards Cai Be, where we spend the night on anchor. 

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

During breakfast, we cruise to Cần Thơ where we discover one of the last floating markets in Vietnam. We then visit the region’s largest farmer´s market, rounding off our cultural experience of Southern Vietnam. Make sure to have a camera at the ready, as the colourful fruit stands beg to be captured. After lunch on board the junk, we check out and take a transfer back to Hồ Chí Minh City. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Hồ Chí Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a boomtown and the modern centre of Vietnam. On a guided city tour we learn about this growing megacity, and visit the town hall, the cathedral Notre Dame, the main post office, influenced by Renaissance architecture, and other important sights which characterize the city’s history. In the afternoon, you are free to do as you please. Take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs and dive into the bustling crowds in the Bến Thành Market. A comfortable evening meal together allows us to reflect on the events of the vacation and to farewell fellow guests and tour guides. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City.