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Vietnam by Bike + Boat

Mysterious and overwhelming

Map Vietnam by Bike and Boat

Route

Tour profile / Level 1-2

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.

  • Additional day in Hanoi - PRE-tour

    ADDITIONAL DAY IN HANOI

    Use the opportunity to arrive one day early at Hanoi. Enjoy the sightseeing in a bustling city with tree lined boulevards, French Colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples.

    Please keep in mind that the first day of the additional module covers some time for your journey to Vietnam and offers as well some spare time to enjoy the town on your own. On the 2nd day (which is as well the 1st day of your Boat & Bike Tour Vietnam) is made to show you the beauty of the Vietnamese capital on a guided tour.

    Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
    Arrival at Hanoi Airport. A shuttle bus takes you to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. Despite the three million inhabitants Hanoi offers a rural and traditional atmosphere. 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. The choice is yours today. Treat yourself to some fine food. You will find everything close to your hotel: from Vietnamese and French haute cuisine to plain but delicious meals out of little cook shops. Overnight stay in your hotel.

    Day 2: Guided tour through Hanoi (B, L) - first day of the regular Vietnam by Bike & Boat trip
    After breakfast at 8 am your guide and your shuttle bus are ready to show you the best sights of the Vietnamese capital. On your excursion you follow the tracks of the most famous Vietnamese person: Ho Chi Minh. Even decades after his dead he is still fondly called Uncle Ho. We visit Ho Chi Minh Museum dedicated to Ho Chi Minh and the very modest Cottage he used to live and work in. The afterwards visited monumental marble and granite mausoleum, where Uncle Ho has found its final resting place is in a total contrast to his life and contrary to his last wishes.

    We continue with the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the best known religious Vietnamese buildings and the Temple of Literature, known to be the first National University of Vietnam. Your guide takes you to the Museum of Ethnology after an invigorating lunch. Here you can learn about the various demographic groups, their way of living and the different types of houses used by Vietnam’s 52 ethnic groups.

    After you have visited Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temple a guided walk through the bustling Old Quarter with more than 1,000 traditional houses and sprawling Dong Xuan Market completes the sightseeing tour. Back at the hotel you meet your fellow-travellers at 5:30 pm for a short talk followed by dinner.

    Hotel
    You stay at the Golden Silk Hotel (or a similar Hotel) which is located only a couple of minutes away from Lake Hoan Kiem in the middle of the old part of Hanoi.

    Catering
    Breakfast and lunch (during sightseeing tour) are included within the tour price. Dinner on Sunday is already part of the regular Vietnam tour.

    Included services:
    •    Overnight stay (incl. breakfast) in a double room in a good-quality middle class hotel
    •    Support vehicle with air-condition
    •    Guided tour through Hanoi
    •    Lunch as described in itinerary
    •    Bottled water
    •    Entrance fee to museum    
    •    English speaking tour guide

    Prices see in price list

  • Extension Angkor Wat POST-tour

    EXTENSION ANGKOR WAT - 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS

    The extensive establishments of Angkor Vat are surely part of the world wonders and are perfect for an extension of your Vietnam holiday. The programme consists of less difficult cycle tours; some distances covered by foot and of course mostly of sightseeing of the impressing establishment. Use the opportunity and do not miss out on Angkor Vat.

    Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Flight) – Siem Reap (Cycle tour approx. 35 km) (L, D)       
    Our guide will meet us at Siem Reap airport in the morning and transfer us to the hotel for check in. After arrival we enjoy a guided ride through the beautiful countryside of Siem Reap to the floating Village of Kompong Phluk, located on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. We are able to explore this great ecosystem in canoes, listening to the calls of the macaque monkeys while observing the flora beneath the lake’s surface. Back at the hotel we enjoy some free time before we meet again for our evening meal accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance. The night is spent in Siem Reap.

    Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Temple Exploration (Cycle tour approx. 35 km) (B, L)
    After a nourishing breakfast we spend the day cycling through the friendly Cambodian countryside, visiting a selection of temples along the way. Our first stop is the Ta Prom Temple, commonly known as the Jungle Temple, where the mighty tree roots fight to reclaim the ruins. We continue on to the Bayon Temple and pass the twin temples, Thommanom and Chau Say Thvoda, the Victory Gate, the Lapper King and the Terraces of Elephants on our way. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at the famous Angkor Wat temple before cycling on to Phnom Bakeng to enjoy the picturesque sun set. We spend the night in Siem Reap.

    Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnomh Kulen (Cycle tour approx. 50 km; hiking approx. 2 h) (B, L)
    Today we combine biking and hiking to explore Siem Reap and its surroundings. We leave Siem Reap after breakfast and ride to Phnom Kulen. We follow an enjoyable quiet dirt road via Kravan temple, Bantey Kdei, Sras Srang and Phnom Bok. On arrival in Rattanak Tey Pagoda, we leave our bikes and continue on foot to the top of the mountain. After 88 steps we reach Pres Ang Chup and stop for a short break. A well-earned rest gives us strength to climb the 100 steps to big Nevena (Pres Ang Thom,) passing over the river of 1000 Linga. A picnic lunch at the waterfall replenishes our energy before returning to the pagoda where a transfer vehicle takes us back to Siem Reap. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

    Day 4: Siem Reap (Farewell) (B)
    Breakfast and afterwards free time until airport transfer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

    Included services:

    •    4-day trip/ 3 overnight stays in a very good (at least 3 star) Hotel in Siem Reap
    •    Support vehicle with air -condition                        
    •    Catering as described in itinerary
    •    Guided cycle tours, hikes as described in programme
    •    All local conducted tours, city tours and entry fees for national parks and museums
    •    English speaking tour guides
    •    Water and snacks/ fruits during excursions
    •    Rental bike

    Price per person:
    double room € 840,-
    single room: € 1.140,-

    Not included in the basic tour price
    •    Flight Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap (1 way = 190 euro)
    •    Single room/single room surcharge: 300 euro
    •    Beverages
    •    Meals not described in itinerary
    •    Visa to Cambodia (30 $ at entry)
    •    Personal costs
    •    Tips

     


     

Day 1: Hanoi (D)

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. 

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc approx.32 km (B, L, D)

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. 

Day 3: Tam Coc – Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit a hidden valley nestled in a dramatic rocky landscape and home to a Buddhist temple. Afterwards, the bus will take you to Ha Long Bay in a four-hour transfer. Here you board your junk (a traditional wooden boat) where lunch is already waiting for you. Soon you will leave the harbor and embark on a first boat passage along the impressive island world with its bizarre rock formations through the UNESCO protected Halong Bay. From the deck you will get a first impression of the lush vegetation of the islands and the numerous caves that have formed in Ha Long Bay over the millennia. In the late afternoon, a small expedition by kayak is on the agenda. You will end the day on deck with a sundowner. You will spend the night at anchor.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island), approx. 18 km (B, L, D)

After breakfast, a smaller excursion boat will take you to Cat Ba Island National Park. From there, you will cycle to a secluded village of the Việt Hải minority and then embark on a guided hike on foot through a primary jungle where the wild, untouched plant life will captivate you. The destination is one of the highest mountains on the island, which on a clear day will give you a great view over Hạ Long Bay and the entire island. After the hike, you will cycle back to the boat that will transfer you back to your junk. Your floating accommodation will take you to the so-called "Virgin Cave" (Trinh Nu Cave) later in the afternoon. A visit to this legendary cave rounds off the eventful day. End the evening with a cocktail or glass of wine under the stars. You will spend the night at anchor.

Day 5: Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Kayak-day) (B, L, D)

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. 

Day 6: Cát Bà Island – Hai Phong – Hội An (B, L, D)

After a morning visit to Cát Bà market, you can enjoy a whole free morning on the beach of your hotel (your room will be at your disposal until 14:00). Afterwards, transfer to Hai Phong Airport for your flight to Đà Nẵng (If this flight does not fit into your schedule or is cancelled, take an alternative flight from Hanoi). From Đà Nẵng, it’s another 30 kilometers by transfer bus to your resort in Hội An. Here you can relax from your journey in the hotel’s palm garden near the river before embarking on your first exploration of Hoi An’s picturesque old town with its wood-paneled houses. Overnight at the hotel in Hội An.

Day 7: Hội An – Tra Que – Hội An, approx. 17 km (B, L)

Today guests will have the opportunity to experience the daily life and work of local farmers. After breakfast, we will drive through the peaceful countryside of Hội An to the village of Tra Que. The name of the area comes from a sweet-smelling vegetable that locals often use to flavor their dishes: a completely new and foreign specialty! We will prepare a meal with our host, who will introduce us to 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 An Bang Beach. Overnight stay in a hotel in Hội An.

Day 8: Hội An (B, L)

Today you will have all morning to explore the many sights of Hội An. The narrow alleys, lantern-lit shop windows and the fusion of traditional and modern Asian architecture give the city a special charm. Also, don’t miss visiting the Japanese Bridge and the Quan Cong Temple. In the afternoon, enjoy all the benefits of your luxurious hotel resort and end the day by the palm-shaded pool.

Day 9: Hội An – Huế, approx. 25 km (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head towards the ancient imperial city of Huế. By bus, you will cross the Cloud Pass, which is the weather divide between North and South Vietnam. After a short stop incl. lunch, there is a possibility to get on a bike and cycle along the coast to Thuan An beach. Decide for yourself how many kilometers you want to cycle and how many kilometers you want to travel by bus. If the weather is good, it’s worth taking a short dip in the sea before the bus takes you to Huế. After check-in at the hotel, the evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay in your hotel in the city center

Day 10: Huế, approx. 16 km, (B, L)

Today is dedicated to the ancient imperial city of Huế, charmingly situated between hills and rice fields on a bend of the Perfume River. Here beats the spiritual heart of Vietnam in more than 300 temples and pagodas. After breakfast, you will start a first small bike ride to the small village of Thanh Thuy, which is a good example of rural life in the Huế area. After visiting the most beautiful ancestral temples of the village, we will return to the hotel by bikes for lunch. Afterwards, a visit to the sprawling citadel with the "Forbidden Purple City", once reserved for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, is scheduled. The evening is at your leisure and you will have the opportunity to explore the lively center of Huế.

Day 11: Huế – Ho Chi Minh City – My Tho, approx. 20 km (B, L, D)

After breakfast, flight to Hồ Chí Minh City followed by transfer to Mỹ Tho, the gateway to the Delta, where you will check in on your boat, which will take you on a short cruise first along the Mekong River towards Cái Bè. On the way you can enjoy the lush nature of the delta and many insights into the life of the locals closely connected with the river. In the afternoon, take your first bike ride in the delta and explore one of the many islands surrounded by canals and tributaries of the Mekong. Take the opportunity to taste exotic fruits and marvel at various local handicrafts. Afterwards, at dusk, your junk will take you quite a bit closer to Cái Bè, where you will spend the night at anchor.

Day 12: Mekong Delta: Cái Bè – Vĩnh Long and Cần Thơ, approx. 30 km (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will cross over to Cái Bè Island, which you will then cycle around on palm-shaded paths. After lunch on board, you will transfer to a smaller excursion boat that will take you on an exciting cruise through a maze of small canals to Vinh Long. The islet of Binh Hoa Phuc is the green pearl of Vinh Long. Here you will take a sampan, a small rowing boat, through natural canals shaded by coconut trees to Vinh Long. A short transfer will finally bring you to your hotel in Cần Thơ.

Day 13: Cần Thơ – Ho Chi Minh City, approx. 30 km (B, L)

Today it’s time to get up early:  The visit to one of the last floating markets of Vietnam will quickly captivate you. Afterwards, it’s back to the hotel for breakfast. Freshly invigorated, your shuttle bus will take you out of town to the starting point of today’s bike tour, which will take you along a beautiful dust road through small villages, lush orchards and along small canals. On the transfer to Hồ Chí Minh City, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Overnight at hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)

Hồ Chí Minh City, the former Saigon, is the boomtown and the modern center of Vietnam. On a guided city tour, you will get to know the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, the old Main Post Office and other important monuments of the city’s history in this rapidly growing city of millions. The afternoon is at your leisure. Take the opportunity to buy some last souvenirs and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Bến Thành market. At a joint dinner you will say goodbye to your fellow travelers and tour guides. Overnight at the hotel in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Individual departure after breakfast or extended stay in Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap.

Important Information

Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program.

Services

  • 15-day trip/14 nights, including: 4 x accommodation on comfortable ships in air-conditioned double cabins and 10 x accommodation in very good hotels (min. 3 stars)

  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

  • Domestic flights (see description)

  • Guided bike excursions and hikes as per program

  • All local guides, city tours and entrance fees to national parks, museums etc.

  • German or English speaking tour guide

  • Rental bikes (varies depending on destination)

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure day

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S1   10.03. - 24.03.24
    S1   24.03. - 07.04.24
    S2   20.10. - 03.11.24
    S2   03.11. - 17.11.24
    S2   17.11. - 01.12.24

    Extras

    Discount extra bed
    not possible  
       
    Bikes and equipment
    Bicycle  inkl.
       
    Extra nights + modules
    Extra night Hanoi (dbl/sgl) 65/110
    Additional program Hanoi PRE Tour (details in itinerary)  
          S1 (dbl/sgl) 150/180
          S2 (dbl/sgl) 170/215
    Additional program Siem Reap & Angkor Wat AFTER Tour (details in itinerary)  
          S1 (dbl/sgl) 840/1140
          S2 (dbl/sgl) 890/1280
       
    Flight (1 way)
    Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap from 250

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Vietnamese Junks (Ha Long & Bái Tu Long Bay)

    It is easy to feel at home on the junks: The saloon with its upholstered wicker furniture and colorful carpets feels like a living room. For each meal the tables are lovingly set and the folded cloth napkins are a piece of art. The crew - in their brilliant white uniforms - greet you warmly with a welcome drink because hospitality is rated very highly in Vietnam.

    Cabins

    The boats have 5 - 9 guest cabins furnished in Far Eastern Style to give off the right Asian flair. All cabins have individually regulated air conditioning. The cabins are located between decks, with doors opening to the outside. The large cabin windows guarantee a good view at all times. Each cabin has its own tiled bathroom with shower and WC. On the large sundeck you can avail yourself of deckchairs with comfortable padded matting. Here you can relax while the boat cruises through the fascinating island world and Vietnam’s red flag with the yellow star flutters above your head


    Funan Cruise (Mekong-Delta)

    In the Mekong Delta you sail on the "Funan Cruise", one of the largest and most modern ships in the region. Its shape is reminiscent of the traveling barques of the famous river delta in southern Vietnam. The journey of the 27 m long and 6.5 m wide, comfortable wooden boat is protected by the watchful dark eyes on red ground painted on the prow. Three times a day the generously proportioned saloon turns into a dining room with beautifully set tables.

    Cabins

    The ship has 10 completely wood-paneled double cabins with double or two single beds. Each cabin has a tiled bath with shower and WC. There is, of course, also a large sundeck with padded deckchairs - probably the best place to experience first hand the lively activities in the many tributaries of the Mekong Delta.


    Hotels

    In Hanoi, on Cat Bay Island, in Hue and Hoi An (Central Vietnam) and in Ho Chi Minh City you spend the night in very good 3 - 4 star hotels.

    Catering as specified in the itinerary (B = breakfast; L = lunch and D = dinner)

    Bicycle

    Available for rent are 21- or 24 speed mountain bikes.

    Useful

    Arrival / Departure

    Airport: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

    Please note that you have to book your outward flight to Hanoi and the return flight from Ho Chi Minh City. If possible, the outward flight should land before noon on the arrival day. The return flight should in no case take off before 8 pm.

    Should you book the additional days in Siem Reap you may book the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap with us and may fly home directly from Siem Reap. Should you need a return flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City we are pleased to help you with this as well.

    Please check the arrival time in Ho Chi Minh City before booking the connecting flight to your onward destination. Vietnam Airlines often offers cheap fairs for connecting flights – in this case it would be profitable to book the whole package; considering an early flight to Siem Reap.


    Visa Requirements

    In order to enter Vietnam, foreigners need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a valid visa to be obtained from the Vietnamese embassy.

    The following documents must be submitted either in person or by mail:

    • passport (original document, not a copy!)
    • completed application form
    • current passport photograph (1.5 x 2.3 inch/ 4 x 6 cm)
    • visa fee as a non-negotiable check or in cash
    • and a sufficiently prepaid envelope for registered mail

    Please take into account that the processing takes ca. 2 weeks. Please contact the Vietnamese embassy or foreign office in your home country for exact information.

    For Cambodia the Visa can be issued during entry for 30 USD and 2 more passport pictures.

    ATTENTION!! Please be informed that entry requirements for Cambodia are ONLY valid if you booked the ADDITIONAL MODULE!


    Vaccinations

    There are no absolutely required inoculations for Vietnam. The institutes for tropical diseases, however, recommend a vaccination against hepatitis A and under certain circumstances also against typhoid. Since some of these inoculations have to be repeated, you should plan these in plenty of time.

    A sufficient tetanus protection as well as an inoculation against polio and diphtheria (single vaccination, so-called three-way combination) should also be guaranteed. A prophylactic malaria treatment is not absolutely necessary. We recommend that you see your family doctor or a doctor for tropical diseases at least two months before the trip in order to get the necessary advice. 


    Participants

    Minimum: 10 person
    Maximum: 20 person


    Additional information

    Helmets
    Helmet use is mandatory on this bike ride. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

    Children
    We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and with previous cycle tour experience are able to master the cycle-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 cm (5 ft.)

    Videos

    Travel stories

    5,6 of 6 Stars | 5
    Very well organised tour with knowledgeable local guides and great variety of different activities. Good value for money and apart from the the few dinners which were pre-announced, all costs such as transfers and visits to museums are included...D.M. 04/18
    5.6 09.12.2023 | Edward S. Vietnam by Bike + Boat

    Vietnam/Cambodia Bike/Boat

    We enjoyed our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia very much. The things we liked the most were: --the variety of things we did (biking, boating, hiking, cultural activities) --our guides (Dora, Vietnam local guide (Nam) and Cambodia local guide (Thou), though ...
    • Overall satisfaction 5
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 4
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5.3 24.03.2023 | Leonard S. Vietnam by Bike + Boat

    Great trip

    We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our Vietnam guide, Nam, was fantastic. Enjoyed most hotels. Hanoi can use an upgrade. We could have used a little more free time. George was very responsive during booking, but we could have used more time to make flight ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 5
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5.8 10.04.2018 | Daniel M. Vietnam by Bike + Boat

    Vietnam March 2018

    Very well organised tour with knowledgeable local guides and great variety of different activities. Good value for money and apart from the the few dinners which were pre-announced, all costs such as transfers and visits to museums are included
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5.9 01.04.2018 | Neil U. Vietnam by Bike + Boat

    Excellent cycling tour to Vietnam and Cambodia

    This is perhaps the best trip we have ever taken. Bicycling through Vietnam and Cambodia, seeing its people and culture and enjoying its food were a life-changing experience. Both the cycling guide and the local Vietnam tour guide were among the best ...
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    load more travel stories

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