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Enjoy the best of Vietnam on two wheels
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is an exciting and absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Saigon is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral are within easy walking distance and are highly recommended. This evening there will be a welcome briefing with you leader followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *Huong sen Hotel or similar*
This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to fine-tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes. The network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Some parts have been widened for tourists, but the tunnels were originally very narrow and it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! If you prefer not to visit the tunnels you can have an unguided free day in Saigon. Places of interest include: the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum. * Huong sen Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 18
After an early breakfast we head out of Saigon by bus and then start cycling towards the coast. We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and rubber plantations also passing some small fishing villages as we make our way closer to the coast finishing our ride in time for lunch. We then transfer approx. 3 hours to Mui Ne, a tranquil white sand beach where we can witness our first sunset over the Eastern Sea. We spend approx. 4-5 hours on the bus today. *Sea Links Beach Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
We cycle towards Dalat; the route is undulating with occasional climbs. Along the way we pass coffee and tea plantations as well as flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher altitude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. We spend approx 3.5 hours on the bus today. Dalat is a pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Paris, and has been described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It was favoured by the French for its climate, and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese. *La Sapinette Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Today's ride is predominantly undulating and approximately 30km downhill through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 1,500m travelling through the Bidoup Ba National Park. This area is home to rare pine forests as well as small villages inhabited by the ethnic minority people of the central highlands. Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus (approx. 1.5 hours) to the coast near Nha Trang before boarding a boat to our tropical island retreat of Whale Island for the next two nights. Today you can cycle up to 90km according to preference. *Whale Island Resort or similar*
Distance in Km: 90
Distance in Miles: 56
Having a rest from the bikes today we get the opportunity to really relax and unwind. We will join a boat trip in the morning for a spot of snorkelling and swimming in the turquoise sea before a seafood lunch is served. In the afternoon there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the Whale temple or walk around the island to the viewpoint for a 360 degree view of the stunning mountainous coastline and the surrounding coves and white sand beaches. *Whale Island Resort or similar*
We set off early in the morning and first take a short transfer from Whale Island through Dai Lanh & Ca Pass before setting off on our bikes at Vung Ro Bay where we ride along the coast to Tuy Hoa and O Loan Lagoon to Chi Thanh. In Chi Thanh, we stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing to ride to La Hai where we complete 100km of cycling today, the longest ride of the trip. From La Hai, we then transfer 1 hour to our hotel in Quy Nhon. (Approx. 2 hours in the bus today). *Seagull Quy Nhon Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 100
Distance in Miles: 62
Leaving Quy Nhon we travel through a new economic zone over the Thi Nai Peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam. Getting off our bikes we will visit a market, where its not unusual to be pulled aside for a photo as this part of the country does not see many western tourists. The coast line features secluded bays, sand dunes and beaches with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the Eastern Sea. We will cycle until we arrive at Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 12km once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An. Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-sixteenth Century is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We spend two nights in Hoi An which is also a fantastic place to buy local art or have some clothes tailor-made for you. Its best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want made. Approx. 6 hours in the bus today. Cycle approx. 50km. *Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridges, temples, wells and houses. Those less interested in architecture can cycle the 5km to the lovely Cua Dai beach or cycle to the Marble Mountains, which are 19km from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Viet Cong) sanctuaries. Also nearby is My Khe beach, a famous US R & R spot in the war, and Da Nang, where there is a Cham Museum, which despite being in poor condition, is very interesting. It is also possible to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are a number of interesting stone towers and sanctuaries. *Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route traverses over the spectacular Hai Van Pass - the 'Pass of the Ocean Clouds'. The views are stunning though those who prefer to avoid the 580m climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. Once at the top it will all seem worth it as you plummet back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our city centre hotel. Approx 2.5 hours in the bus today. Cycle approx. 80km. *Park View Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 49
Hue is often claimed to be the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam and there is plenty to see. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs. The most memorable site is the citadel, with walls six miles in length: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. We then take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc's Tomb is very elaborate and set in beautiful gardens. Along the way we will visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protests in the early 1960s and it houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers all around the world. In the afternoon we will board the Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 688km to the north. *Overnight Train*
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 15
We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast and a stretch of the legs, before we are met by our bus for an approximate 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak in the sea allowing us to get to places inaccessible by boat (weather permitting) and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board in twin share cabins with en suite facilities. * Overnight Boat*
Visit Me Cung cave and enjoy further time to cruise the many islands of Halong Bay. We then return to Hanoi late afternoon. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings and the atmosphere is completely different from that in Saigon in the south, mainly due to the much more conservative nature of the North Vietnamese. Also, unlike its industrial counterpart, the centre of Hanoi has a faded charm with broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period as well as some attractive lakes and pagodas. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. *Lenid Hotel or similar*
* 11 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night boat, 1 night sleeper train
* 9 days cycling (including 1 optional ride) with 90% vehicle support
* Roads nearly all good tarmac
* The route is generally flat with some undulation and the exception of
Dalat and the Hai Van Pass
* Group normally 5 to 18, plus local leaders
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of
mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings
and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines
in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery
flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests.
Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or
non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary
items from home.
You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home
if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.
For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged - fresh fruit,
nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty
along with even homemade lemonade if the season is right!
* 11 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night boat, 1 night sleeper train
* 9 days cycling (including 1 optional ride) with 90% vehicle support
* Roads nearly all good tarmac
* The route is generally flat with some undulation and the exception of
Dalat and the Hai Van Pass
* Group normally 5 to 18, plus local leaders
*This trip is rated Activity Level 3- Moderate and classified Road.*
9 days cycling (including 1 optional ride), average 70km/day (43 miles), 90%
vehicle support.
*Terrain and Route:*
Road surfaces are mostly on good tarmac. The route is generally flat with
some undulation and the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass. Vietnam can
be very hot and humid which can make cycling more demanding at times, but
rests and water are readily available. You should be comfortable riding in
traffic during parts of the itinerary.
This is a busy trip, that involves early departures from hotels on cycling
days, but anyone not wanting to cycle all day can use the support vehicle of
course.
Please be advised, that on any of the cycling days, if your leader feels the
itinerary is running behind schedule and has concerns about arriving at the
hotel at an appropriate time, they may ask some or all members of the group
to finish their riding for the day and transfer to the support vehicle. This
will ensure the group still arrives on schedule around the approximate
expected arrival times communicated to the group in your daily briefings with
your leader.
Hotels, Boat & Sleeper Train
11 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night boat with twin share cabins, 1 night
sleeper train, soft-bed berths.
The accommodation on this trip is mostly in good quality hotels (mostly 3-4
star), and all nights are en-suite except the train.
During this trip we spend one night on the sleeper train, this being the best
way to travel long distances with the locals. The journey between Hue and
Hanoi is quite comfortable although despite being first class, it is still
quite basic. You will be in a 4 man cabin, (occasionally 6 depending on
season) and bedding is provided, although some travellers prefer to bring
their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will
be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll
be sharing with local people who are not part of your group. Most trains have
a dining carriage but people generally stock up on snacks before the journey.
On the boat in Halong Bay, we stay in en-suite twin cabins.
Our overnight spot on Whale Island is regarded as an absolute highlight for
many, however, it is basic. You will stay in bamboo thatched bungalows each
with mosquito nets, fans and en-suite bathrooms. The simplicity of island
life and this overnight spot really makes it idyllic but you should be
prepared for it to be a bit different to the hotels used for the rest of the
trip.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and
quality.
Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for nights
spent in hotels during the trip. Please advise the sales team at the time of
booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
An experienced cycling tour leader will accompany all groups from start to
finish. A bike mechanic will assist the tour leader, and local guides will
step in at various sights.
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of
mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings
and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines
in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery
flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests.
Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or
non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary
items from home.
You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home
if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.
For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged - fresh fruit,
nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty
along with even homemade lemonade if the season is right!
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/mini-bus, which will be quite
comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long
driving days on this trip (up to 6 hours). Road conditions are generally good
and improving all the time in Vietnam, however progress can be slow in the
main cities due to traffic. The train journeys are normally on time, but you
may experience delays and departure times can change without notice. Boats
are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private,
and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats. The coach will
accompany the riders all the time, allowing you substantial flexibility to
cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes
and baggage.
*Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)*
During the Tet holiday period, 21-30 January 2020 and 10- 17 February 2021,
and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as
despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult
to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to
celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if
they do, it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Saigon and ending in Hanoi*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Saigon in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through
Exodus before a trip commences.
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day
usually between 28ºC and 34ºC. It is only a little cooler at nights.
There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south
up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a
rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts
with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets
chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).
There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of
year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely that the weather
will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.
Please be aware that the boat trip on Halong Bay can be subject to short
notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip.
These could occur all year round, but especially in monsoon season (from
October to April). Boat trips on Halong Bay are governed by the local
authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If
your Halong Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result
in a reduced excursion on Halong Bay for your group, or less likely, the need
to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Halong
Bay. Whilst this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are
well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate
options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather will be hot
and humid all year round. The dry season is late October to May and the
monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious
transitional time between those settled periods.
The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies,
though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short,
sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not
detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or
buy a cheap local poncho!
* Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing
is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi
between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket,
woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time.
* Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is
thought to be highly effective.
* Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the
cooler months.
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
* Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
* Strong sun cream and sun hat
* A swimming costume
There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very
affordable price so fine to pack light.
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible,
this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no
toilet facilities are available at some of the planned stops or during our
ride, there may come a time when you need to go to the loo behind a
tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend taking
biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your
business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take it with you to
dispose of when there are appropriate facilities available.
* Spare or extra long sleeved shirts and light trousers are good for helping
to keep mosquitoes off during the evenings.
* You may wish to pack a bag that can be used as an overnight bag as for the
night in Halong Bay as you will be required to leave your main bag behind
at the previous hotel for the night.
* Torch/headtorch
* Fingerless cycling gloves
* Handlebar bag to carry personal items whilst cycling
* You might wish to pack a bandana/cloth as this does help some cyclists to
keep cool in the heat
*Local Bike Details:** *Giant Rincon Disc mountain bikes with front
suspension.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:** *£150
You will need about GBP 150-200/USD 195-260 for meals not included, which
will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to
cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy
snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like
the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around GBP 15-20/USD
20-30 per person depending on the groups size.
*Optional Excursions*
*Hoi An*
Tu Bon River boat trip GBP 5/USD 7
Marble Mountain entry approx. 80p/USD 1
My Son excursion from GBP 8/USD 11 depending upon numbers
*
*
Tipping is at your discretion, but is customary in Vietnam. In order to take
the hassle out of tipping, the leader will suggest you contribute to a
tipping kitty of approx. GBP 67/ USD 87 per person. This is used by the
leader to tip drivers, staff at hotels, on boats etc. but it is not used at
restaurants. It is basically to ensure that the hassle is taken out of
various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central
pool for tips you are of course free to do so.
In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of
the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have
received. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of 2-4GBP/3-6USD per
day for your leader as a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for
their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request - hotel nights only)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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