VeloAsia - Vietnam Lunar New Cycling Tour

Arrive Hanoi (or three days earlier for our pre-tour kayaking on Halong Bay)

Arrive at war-era Noi Bai Airport outside of Hanoi where 30-year old MIGs still take off. A thousand year-old city, Hanoi was also the former French capital of Indochina which is reflected in it's dominant architecture along the tree-line boulevards. Now the political and cultural center of Vietnam, Hanoi holds guard of the country's ideals while Saigon rapidly pursues capitalism. Afternoon and evening free to stroll and soak up Hanoi's stoic atmosphere along Hoan Kiem Lake and ancient, yet lively Old Quarter or of course, rest from your overnight flight.

One Pillar Pagoda

Day 1, Hanoi City Tour

Hoan Kiem Lake

City tour of Hanoi, beginning at the foreboding, Soviet-style Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda followed by lunch at a popular outdoor cafe. Afternoon strolling through the vibrant Old Quarter, stopping to visit at a family in their traditional "tunnel" house.

Welcome and orientation dinner at Vietnam's most elegant French-Vietnamese restaurant followed by a delightful traditional water puppet performance, unique to Vietnam. Overnight at the Sofitel Metropole on Hoan Kiem Lake. (B,L,D)

Day 2, Hanoi to Hue

Mid-morning airline transfer to the ancient Imperial Capital of Vietnam. After lunch, bicycle testing and orientation "cycling Vietnamese-style" — heading out along the Perfume River through the Imperial Citadel, a familiar site from TV images during the 1968 Tet Offensive, and to the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam's most important Buddhist temple. Afternoon free for massage at the hotel of exploring tea on the hotel veranda. Dinner free to partake of Hue's local delicacies such as crab soup, banh xeo — Vietnamese crepes, and frozen creme caramel. (B,L)

Day 3, Hue

Bikers at Tu Duc Tomb

Morning cycling through the scenic countryside of Hue to two wonderful examples of Imperial architecture —the majestic Khai Dinh and Tu Duc Royal Tombs. These UNESCO designated ruins are two in series built in the surrounding hills around Hue. Return by Dragon boat to Hue with lunch of Hue specialties prepared onboard by our talented chef along the way, including delicious Ban Xeo (stuffed crepe). Afternoon exploration of busy Dong Ba Market on the riverfront. Transfer to dinner by traditional, pedal-powered cyclo. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Hue to Hoi An

A full-day cycling one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam. Depart Hue along a unknown coastal road with no traffic to the Hai Van Pass. Our route passes by rural villages and the picturesque Lang Co Lagoon, then ascending the six-mile road over the Hai Van offering stunning views of the coast and a thrilling descent on the backside to the green rice fields and white-sand graveyards around Danang. Continued riding or shuttle in the van the remaining route to avoid traffic near Danang. Eighty two mile later, arrive afternoon Hoi An, typically a favorite stop. Accommodation at the 5-star French Victoria Beach Resort. (B,L,D)

Lang Co Lagoon

Day 5, Hoi An

Tet Market

New Year's Day. City tour of Hoi An, an ancient Japanese port of trade. Much of Hoi An's rare wooden architecture remains in this small, pleasant town. We will explore the elegant pagodas, bustling riverfront marketplace and distinctive cuisine. After lunch of traditional Cao Lao soup, easy cycling to Cua Dai Beach on the South China Sea for beach combing. Late afternoon Vietnamese cooking demonstration in town featuring local specialties by one of Vietnam's most talented chefs, or free time on your own for a boat excursion on the river. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Hoi An to Qui Nhon

Morning departure by bus from Hoi An to Quang Ngai where we'll visit the My Lai Memorial. After lunch, cycling from Sa Huynh Beach to Phu Cat. Rural coastal road past rice villages, scenic ocean views, and rice villages canopied by swaying coconut palms. Arrive at the favorite Life Beach Resort in Qui Nhon. Brief time to enjoy the tranquil waterfront before dinner. Local specialties include lemongrass fish delicately baked in palm leaves. (B,L,D)

Qui Nhon Beachfront

Day 7, Qui Nhon to Nha Trang

Wind Beard

Our ride from Qui Nhon to Nha Trang covers some of Vietnam’s most scenic coastline, featuring deserted blue lagoons and stone promontories overlooking the waters below. Fishing villages dot the coast here, their bays filled with brightly colored boats. Not many travelers here, so lots of attention can be expected. Lunch at scenic Dai Linh Beach. Arrive at the Ana Mandara on the waterfront, one of the finest resort hotels in Asia. Evening free to explore the many seafood restaurants or for "red rhum" cocktails along the waterfront. (B,L)

Day 8, Nha Trang

Vietnam's finest oceanfront city. Optional half-day boat excursion to nearby islands and a marine reserve. Snorkeling and swimming over the coral reefs in warm, clear water, followed by sunbathing and grilled seafood lunch. Also option of city cycling tour, including Lon Song Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham ruins. Evening free to walk along the beach, have a massage or swim in the warm surf. Arranged dinner featuring shrimp spring rolls, fried squid with pineapples, steamed crab, fresh fish and other seafood delicacies. Accommodation at the acclaimed Ana Mandara Resort. (B,L,D)

Passing Po Nagar Cham Tower

Day 9, Nha Trang to Dalat

Nearing Dalat - High Fives!

Morning bus shuttle past historic Cam Ranh Bay to Phan Rang - location of a large a Cham ruin, Thap Cham, and most of the remaining Chams, original inhabitants of Vietnam. Cycling from Thap Cham along the flat to the six-mile climb up Ngoan Muc Pass (which some of us will do in the bus) into the beautiful pine forests of the Central Highlands around Dalat. Small villages and strawberry, carrot and other crops line the empty road passing into Dalat. Overnight at the majestic Sofitel Dalat Palace, restored in perfect detail with expansive views of Dalat valley. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Dalat

A half-day spin to see Dalat's more interesting sites, including monk Vien Thuc’s Pagoda, Bao Dai Palace and the eccentric Valley of Love. Lunch near the central marketplace.

The jewel of Vietnam, Dalat was where the French came for relief from the humid heat of Saigon and hundreds of well-preserved colonial villas dot the hills. It was also a center for exotic game hunting and Teddy Roosevelt visited here. Afternoon and evening free to sightsee, rest or partake of the many good restaurants in town or peruse the Palace's menu. (B,L)

Palace Hotel View

Day 11, Dalat to Bao Loc/Saigon

Sofitel Palace

Morning begins with a twisting six-mile descent from Dalat through pine forests to the rolling and gradually descending route passing numerous coffee, tea, banana, and rubber plantations. We'll also pass by the ubiquitous churches in this unique and predominately Catholic area of Vietnam. Just outside of Saigon, the rubber trees originally planted by the French Colonialists are still harvested. Accommodations at Saigon's finest hotel, the Caravelle, near the Saigon River. Saigon from above image. Dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants nearby the hotel. (B,L)

Day 12, Saigon
Saigon, the most rapidly-changing city in Southeast Asia. Half or full-day city tour of the vibrant Cholon Bin Tay market, nearby pagodas, the Saigon River front and several historical and architectural sites, including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and French colonial Art Deco post office. Lunchtime coffee tasting on Saigon's central boulevard. Afternoon free for cyclo ride or sightseeing and shopping with guide. Farewell dinner near the Saigon River at one of the city's best restaurants. (B,L,D)	Saigon City Hall
Post-tour Extension to Angkor
The Bayon	Farewell and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for return flight home or continue on one of our tour extensions such as the Mekong Delta or the temples of Angkor.in neighboring Cambodia (a short one-hour flight on the way to Bangkok).

Accommodation
During this trip, we stay at the finest hotels in their respective cities. Rooms are larger, deluxe rooms with views, rather than standard.

Date	City	Hotel	Note
Day 1	Hanoi	Metropole	Classic Wing, Deluxe Room
Day 2	Hanoi to Hue	La Residence	Deluxe Room
Day 3	Hue	La Residence	Deluxe Room
Day 4	Hue to Hoi An	Palm Garden Resort	Deluxe Ocean View
Day 5	Hoi An	Palm Garden Resort	Deluxe Ocean View
Day 6	Hoi An to Qui Nhon	Life Resort	Deluxe Room
Day 7	Qui Nhon to Nha Trang	Ana Mandara	Deluxe Seaview Villa
Day 8	Nha Trang	Ana Mandara	Deluxe Seaview Villa
Day 9	Nha Trang to Dalat	Sofitel Palace	Deluxe Room
Day 10	Dalat	Sofitel Palace	Deluxe Room
Day 11	Dalat to Saigon	Park Hyatt	Park Room
Day 12	Saigon	Park Hyatt	Park Room
Post-tour	Siem Reap (Angkor)	Raffles Grand d'Angkor	Amansara Upgrade

Cycling Ability
Intermediate to advanced cyclist in terms of skills with bike handling and comfortable cycling roads typical in a developing country. If you have NOT traveled in a developing country on bicycle before, you should begin in Vietnam (consider our Thailand or Myanmar tours). Although we do our best to skip busier sections and take advantage of side roads, you should feel comfortable riding with some amount of traffic. We would be glad to put you in contact with past travelers, of all abilities, if you would like more feedback.

Landcost

Your tour fees cover almost everything, but please do check here for details of what is and what is not specifically included. Seasonally-imported Raleigh USA and Trek hybrid and Rocky Mountain rental bikes available for extra charge.

Airline

Wholesale pricing through our airline consolidators. Please call for specific pricing. Also click here for Vietnam Airline Travel Information. If you want to use your miles, Cathay is a member of One World Alliance which includes American Airlines.

Note

Vietnam reaches far beyond the historical and scenic sites we offer on this itinerary and we encourage exploration on your own at anytime during the tour. Additionally, we may modify the itinerary often to improve the quality of our trips but more often by necessity. Delayed flights, adverse weather, an overall diminished sense of urgency, and other conditions that may be beyond our control all play havoc with our careful preparations. We respectfully ask you carefully consider if traveling under such conditions would be unpleasant for you.

Custom Tours

This tour can be organized during other dates for a few as two travelers, please contact us for more information on a custom-tailored tour.

Guides

Le Van Sinh

Sinh and Discovery Team Pro Tony Cruz

A former engineer, Sinh virtually founded the contemporary tourist industry in Vietnam, opening the seminal and now famously-duplicated Sinh Cafe in 1991. After discovering cycling, he became restless for the road and has been researching and leading tours ever since. Sinh's knowledge of the highways and byways of Vietnam is unequaled and he loves to share it. Indeed, in his native country (and many of our travelers agree) Sinh is known as the "best of the best."