This unique Biking North Vietnam Adventure takes place against a backdrop of endless lush green paddy fields and irregular tree-covered limestone mountains. Providing a fleeting insight into the traditional lives, friendly tribes and exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, the cycling adventure also delivers surprisingly good riding across the mountainous area of in North Vietnam. There are technical sections, easy hills, huge flowing descents and some glorious single tracks. A ride for those who love a challenge!
Day 1 - Hanoi – Duong Lam Village – Mai Chau
This tour is to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and traditions. Duong Lam Village is one of the few typical villages which is still kept almost intact. The site is well famous for its architecture of ancient structures, its attractive narrow alleyways, temples dedicated to the two kings born there.
In the morning, journey southwest to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the majestic quietness of the countryside. On arrival, pay a visit to an ancient house where you will learn about the architecture of this almost 400-year-old accommodation and the way the local live through a warm welcome and chat with the host. Then, walk around some parts of this charming village to discover more.
First, stop at the Communal House and the nearby village pagoda – fine examples of Northern Vietnamese architecture. Next, visit the temples of King Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung before strolling further to the unique- in – design Mia pagoda housing a huge collection of 287 Buddhist statues. After that we journey an hour on a bicycle through the village and its never-ending rice fields. On the way, pick up any chance to interact with the inhabitants of this national treasure who live simple but happy life.
After having lunch with a local family, take a 3 hour scenic drive toward Mai Chau, a yawning valley, cradling picturesque rice paddies and boarded by looming karst rock formations. Once you reach Mai Chau, settle into your accommodation and then walk around this Thai village to get acquainted with where you will be spending tonight.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay/ Hotel in Mai Chau.
Day 2 - Mai Chau
Today is more active day as you will cycle intensively on a mix of good single-track paths and undulating rough jeep trails throughout the valley rice paddy fields, villages, hot spring, suspension bridges. On the way, you will take many awesome photos of the breathtaking views and talk with the local who always show their great hospitality. When arrive in Cun Pheo, a beautiful and less visited Thai community, hop off your bike to wander around for more exploration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay/ Hotel in Mai Chau.
Day 3 - Mai Chau – Ninh Binh
Have breakfast at the village then drive to Nho Quan, a rural district of Ninh Binh province in the Red River Delta. On arrival, begin cycling through the lush and beautiful countryside toward Cuc Phuong National Park. Stop for a picnic lunch then continue biking further in the most beautiful area of the country. Arrive in Tam Coc in the late afternoon. Check-in the hotel and spend rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 4 - Ninh Binh
Rise up early and be the first boarding your private sampan to beat the crowd. The leisurely 90-minute boat ride will take you down the magnificent Ngo Dong River. When passing through the three caves where the famous French movie 'Indochine' was filmed, you will be so much impressed with the karst reflection on the water. Disembarkation to cycle to Bich Dong, the temple which is set among pink lotuses, offers the spectacular views of the surrounding area. Back to Tam Coc where you will tend to your rumbling stomach with a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, continue cycling to challenge the rural connection with Hoa Lu, the national former capital where you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been ruined) once covered an area of three square kilometres.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 5 - Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island
Today, transfer through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta toward Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay. Though the central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever. Arriving in Cat Ba late afternoon, check in hotel. Free and relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cat Ba.
Day 6 - Cat Ba Island – Cat Ba National Park
Today you will explore the beautiful parts of Cat Ba Island and experience the local village which is located in the National Park in a way that can’t be more active. First, take a scenic boat ride cruising along the less known routes on the idyllic Lan Ha Bay. Disembarking at the jetty where you cycle through the achingly beautiful forests and mountains toward Viet Hai village. After discovering around the site to experience the rural lifestyle, return to the boat for your fresh seafood lunch while cruising further between the amazing limestone karst formations rising up out of the sea in an impressive manner. You may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the bay. Later this afternoon, transfer back to the hotel. Spend the rest of day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cat Ba.
Day 7 - Cat Ba – Hanoi
Free until time transfer back to Hanoi. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.
PRICE INCLUDES
• Accommodations with daily breakfast.
• Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Services of private drivers and an air-conditioned vehicles (pick up on Day 1 & drop off on Day 7 in hotels/residences within Hanoi Old Quarter).
• Service of English speaking guides.
• Mountain bike with helmet.
• Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited.
• Bottled drinking water.
PRICE EXCLUDES
• International flights and visa.
• Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary.
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotel.
• Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
• Tip for your tour guide/driver. We recommend you spend USD$3 - 6 per day, per traveler. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture.
• Travel insurance.