BIKING 15days/14nights HA NOI to SAIGON
Highlight: Water Puppetry is a distinct Vietnamese art which had its origins in the 10th century. In Water Puppetry a split-bamboo screen obscures puppets which stand in water, and are manipulated using long poles hidden beneath the water. Epic story lines are played out with many different puppets, often using traditional scenes of Vietnamese life. The puppets are made from quality wood, such as the South East Asian Jackfruit tree. Each puppet is carefully carved, and then painted with numerous successive layers of paint to protect the puppets.
Despite nearly dying out in the 20th century, Water Puppetry has been recognised by the Vietnamese Government as an important part of Vietnam's cultural heritage. Today, puppetry is commonly performed by professional puppeteers, who typically are taught by their elders in rural areas of Vietnam. It is now extremely popular with tourists, and is performed at the National Museum in Ho Chi Minh city and in specialist theatres. In 2007 a Water Puppet troupe toured the USA to acclaim.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
After your arrival in Hanoi, you’re at leisure to discover the city. We’ll stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi(B,L,D)
On the second day, we’ll enjoy a city tour of Hanoi with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the president’s old stilt house, the One Pillar pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Hanoi's silk traditions and Ngoc Son temple at the heart of Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we’ll enjoy a water puppet show and dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 3: Hanoi - Hue (B,L)
You’ll have some leisure time in Hanoi until our group flight to Hue. When we arrive in the ancient Imperial Capital, we’ll fit our bikes and have a briefing on the cycling days to come. We’ll warm up on this day with a ride along the tranquil Perfume River to the Citadel and onto the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda. We’ll stay overnight in Hue.
Day 4: Hue 40km (B,L)
The day will begin with a ride through Hue's scenic countryside to the majestic Khai Dinh and Tu Duc Royal Tombs. In the afternoon, you’ll have two options: you may either explore Dong Ba market and relax, or take a 25km countryside loop with a photo stop at the Thanh Toan covered bridge.
Day 5: Hue - Hoi An 100km (B,L)
We’ll ride along the coast until we’ve reached the picturesque beaches of Lang Co. There, we’ll enjoy lunch and briefly relax before embarking on an ascent of the Hai Van Pass. On the way back down, the view is stunning; we’ll follow the coast on a thrilling seven-mile descent from the top. At the bottom, we’ll cycle past green rice fields in Da Nang on our way to Hoi An. We’ll stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An (B,L)
We’ll relax on the sixth day with a city tour of Hoi An. We’ll see the Japanese covered bridge, old Japanese-Chines houses, elegant Chinese temple, and riverfront marketplace. In the afternoon, we’ll cycle around the countryside and to Cua Dai Beach for swimming.
Day 7: Hoi An - Quang Ngai 60km (B,L)
We’ll depart early and take a coastal route past scenic rice villages. We’ll pass Chu Lai, a former American military base. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit MyLai historical site and settle in Quang Ngai for the night.
Day 8: Quang Ngai - Qui Nhon 50km (B,L)
We’ll enjoy some early coastal riding followed by lunch at the golden sands of Sa Huynh beach - which is also a nice place for a dip in the cool South China Sea. In the afternoon, we’ll cycle past rural rice villages canopied by swaying coconut palms. After a quick visit to the Cham tower, we’ll take the bus to Qui Nhon where we’ll check-in for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Qui Nhon - Nha Trang 100km (B,L)
We’ll cycle along the scenic coastline of Vietnam, past deserted blue lagoons and stone promontories overlooking the waters below. You’ll enjoy the scenery of fishing villages, colorful boats, and mountain passes above the sea. We’ll stop for lunch and swimming at the gorgeous Dai Lanh beach. We’ll stay overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 10: Nha Trang (B,L)
In the morning, we’ll do some soft cycling to Ponagar Cham towers and Long Son pagoda. You’ll also have the option to partake in a boat trip. We’ll enjoy lunch at local restaurant and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Da Lat 100km (B,L)
We’ll have a morning transfer out of the city to Dien Khanh old citadel. Then, we’ll begin a climb uphill past beautiful pine forests and scenic overlooks en route to Da Lat. Vietnam Bike Tours’ll enjoy a lunch break and continue cycling the hills past the rural farms, tea and coffee plantations of the countryside. We’ll stay overnight in Da Lat.
Day 12: Da Lat (B,L)
Da Lat is a beautiful colonial hill-station with cooler weather and some very interesting sites. On the twelfth day, we’ll take some time to visit Hang Nga crazy house, Vien Thuc pagoda, Da Lat railway station, Truc Lam pagoda, and Tuyen Lam reservoir.
Day 13: Da Lat - Bao Loc – Ho Chi Minh City 90km (B,L)
We’ll embark on a twisting six-mile descent from Da Lat to the rolling and gradually falling road to Ho Chi Minh City. We'll pass by numerous coffee, tea, banana and rubber plantations along the way. We’ll stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)
On the fourteenth day of our trip, we’ll explore the bustling city that is HCM. We’ll tour the vibrant, chaotic Chinatown and Binh Tay markets, and visit the war museum. In the afternoon, Vietnam Bike Tours’ll visit the French-style post office and Notre Dame Cathedral. To end the day, we’ll celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
On the final day of the trip, you’ll have leisure time to explore the city. Our team can assist with your transfer out of the city.
Inclusive of:
- Air-conditioned bus
- Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
- English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees
- Local flight from Hanoi - Hue
- Boat trips
- Airport transfer in/out
- Pick up & drop off at your hotel
- Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All biking gear (bike, helmet, tool kit, water cage)
- Water, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on cycling days
- Accommodation
Exclusive of:
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Personal expenses
Departure Dates: Daily
Group Size: Minimum of two and maximum of ten cyclists
Price: Rates vary. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs*
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