Vietnam Cycling

Vietnam Cycling Itinerary:

• Day 1 Arrive in Vietnam’s economic and cultural heart, Ho Chi Min City, formally known as Saigon.

  Your trip begins today in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, where the streets are a lively mix of ancient and hip. Those arriving early should consider taking a half-day trip to explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels for an inside view of the Vietcong sanctuaries. The afternoon is otherwise devoted to bike fitting, orientation and a brief guided tour en-route to dinner. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Ride lovely country lanes surrounding Da Lat, known as the" city of eternal spring."

  We get up early this morning and transfer back to the airport for the short flight (approx. 1 hour) to Dalat. Upon arrival, we'll rendezvous with our bikes and cycle lovely country lanes and back roads in the shadow of Mount Langbian. Once out of town, the roads are nearly traffic free, a great way to get the feel for cycling in Vietnam! Homesick French colonials established a hillside resort here more than a century ago, drawn by the cool, spring-like weather, pine forests and lakes. We'll see European-style villas and fresh-food markets and pass through the romantic Valley of Love. Overnight Dalat. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 18 miles with a combination of hilly and flat terrain.

• Day 3 Ride out of Dalat into the shadow of Bi Doup Mountain and up to the top of Hon Giao Pass. A fun descent brings us closer to the coast.

  Today's ride is on a small road that rolls out of Da Lat and up into the shadow of Bi Doup Mountain. The first 15 miles pass by fields of coffee and greenhouses full of flowers from roses to Gerber daisies. The next 10 miles are punctuated with several 1-3 mile climbs up to the small towns of Dong Mang and Long Lanh. A 5 mile, mostly downhill ride through pine forests offers your legs a rest before beginning a 3.5 mile climb to Hon Giao Pass (5,570'). Your reward for reaching the mountain pass (the longest in the country) is a 20 mile descent with views of forests, ethnic villages and stunning landscapes. Following a leisurely lunch stop, enjoy an 18 mile flat ride towards the coast. As we near Nha Trang we board the support vehicle for a 1 hour transfer to our hotel, stopping along the way to visit the Po Klong Garai Cham Towers near the coastal town of Phan Rang. These four brick towers, among the best preserved in Vietnam, were built in the 13th century as Shiva (Hindu) temples. Upon reaching our hotel, we can cool off with a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 75 miles on rolling and downhill terrain, with several climb of 2-4% grades. Hon Giao Pass averages a 5% grade.

• Day 4 Enjoy a leisurely ride on Hon Gom peninsula before boating to tropical Whale Island.

  To avoid traffic, we drive north approximately 50 miles to the Hon Gom peninsula for a relaxing cycle past shrimp farms before we take a 10-minute speed boat ride to tropical Whale Island. This solar-powered eco resort is small but becoming a magnet for water sport enthusiasts. Try the optional catamaran sailing, snorkel or hike the short nature trail. Just soaking in the sunshine and enjoying the views is an option as well. The island is owned by a Frenchman and his wife and the cuisine is delicious French/Viet fusion! All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 12 miles over predominantly flat terrain.

• Day 5 Back on the mainland, ride quiet roads to the beautiful coastal town of Quy Nhon.

  We start with a leisurely morning on the island before returning to the main road, where we'll drive for 2 hours past the heaviest traffic. After our transfer, we'll cycle 40 miles, traveling back roads to the beautiful coastal town of Quy Nhon. Overnight at a seafront hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Cycling: 40 miles over predominantly flat terrain.

• Day 6 Bike to the top of famous Thien An Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

  After breakfast, we enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive along Vietnam’s only coastal highway before beginning a wonderful afternoon ride on quiet country roads. Starting with a steady 1½-mile climb to the top of Thien An Mountain, we’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and visit an ancient working Pagoda (circa 1650). We’ll then continue on to the site of the My Lai Massacre for a guided tour of the memorial museum and shrine. Following this tour, we will have two appealing options: continue on to the beach to swim and relax or loop around a series of small, picturesque fishing villages back to our hotel. All meals included.
  
  Cycling 28 miles with a moderate uphill climb and option for longer ride this afternoon.

• Day 7 In living museum of Hoi An take time to enjoy the local markets for silk and handicrafts or enjoy Cua Dai Beach.

  Today we continue on to the living museum of Hoi An, one of Asia's major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. Silk helped build the city but silt in its waterways nearly stopped time for the port by moving ship borne trade up the coast to what is now Danang. The center of Hoi An has survived 200 years and the ravages of weather and war to remain much as it was in its prime. We'll see wooden-fronted former merchant residences and a wonderful market. Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for souvenirs at bargain prices, including silk, handicrafts, antiques and paintings. A short distance from the center of town, we'll discover Cua Dai Beach, popular for its warm waters and delicious seafood stalls. Cao Lau is among the unique dishes served, a delectable combination of noodles, pork, bean sprouts, mint and croutons. Our next 2 nights are spent in Hoi An. All meals included.

• Day 8 Bike to one of Vietnam's great treasures, the My Son Cham towers or explore Hoi An at your leisure.

  We'll have some great options to choose from today. The first is a 33-mile spin to one of Vietnam's treasures, the My Son Cham towers. The second option is to charter a local boat (cost is not included in the price of the trip) out to the beautiful Cham Island group to visit a gorgeous beach still largely undiscovered by tourists. We can also choose to stay in town and continue to explore Hoi An at our leisure. Breakfast included.
  
  Cycling: 33 miles over predominantly flat terrain.

• Day 9 Ride north to the historic city of Hue, passing over the spectacular Hai Van mountain pass or "Pass of the Ocean Clouds."

  Those up for the challenge will look forward to this epic 62-mile cycling day as we continue our journey north to the historic city of Hue, passing over the spectacular Hai Van mountain pass or "Pass of the Ocean Clouds." We cycle by way of Lang Co beach and conquer a couple of additional short passes before hitting a beautiful coastal road. Those not wishing to cycle the entire distance can hop in our support vehicle at any time. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 62 miles including multiple moderate climbs.

• Day 10 Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centers of Vietnam. Explore its famous sites before flying to Hanoi.

  Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centers of Vietnam, and we'll spend the morning exploring some of the most impressive sights. Hue was Vietnam's imperial city from 1802 until 1945 when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors, abdicated. The Imperial Citadel, built much like Beijing's "Forbidden City," sits on the north bank of the romantically named Perfume River. We'll also see Hue's best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda and elaborate mausoleums, which more closely resemble palaces than tombs. Later this afternoon, we'll transfer to Hue's airport for the one-hour flight to Hanoi. Overnight tonight in Hanoi. All meals included.

• Day 11 Bike through the jungle covered karst mountains of the Mai Chau region to the village of Buoc where our host family welcomes us.

  After a relaxing breakfast, we drive 4 hours southwest of Hanoi to Mai Chau, a region known for its fascinating landscape of jungle-covered karst mountains and rich cultural diversity. Mai Chau is home to the Thai ethnic minority and their influence stretches across the valley and into the surrounding mountains. After lunch in a small village amid the rice fields, we ride into the hills along a dirt road frequented by local villagers. As we climb towards higher ground, the views of the valley open to reveal the spectacular countryside. A steep 1-mile climb is rewarded with a 6-mile rolling dirt road through quite villages and stunning jungle terrain. The route eventually leads us directly to the door of our homestay lodging in the village of Buoc where we'll be welcomed by our host family. We'll sleep dormitory-style on thick mats in a local home on stilts, with plenty of space to spread out under mosquito netting. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 22 miles with some short, steep climbs.

• Day 12 Witness life in a rural farming community before a relaxing ride through small villages along country lanes.

  This morning, we'll have the option to take an early stroll through the village and experience life in a rural farming community. We'll observe as local families prepare their children for school and begin their daily routine. Our cycling route today is relaxing and glides through many villages along small country lanes. The final stretch of our ride will cover 6 miles along a paved road to a local home in Pom Coong village where we will have the option of a quick, cool shower before our return drive to Hanoi. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Cycling: 18 miles over predominantly flat terrain.

• Day 13 Explore Hanoi’s exciting mix of old and new. See a traditional water puppet show and celebrate with a delicious farewell dinner!

  Hanoi has become one of Asia's most interesting cities, and we'll have the entire day on our own to explore this exciting mix of old and new. Be sure to check out the One Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, a huge concrete block which houses the former president's embalmed body. The Old Quarter's 36 ancient streets are a shopping paradise, including tailored silk clothing at reasonable prices. Our guide will happily escort any interested guests on an exploration of the city's prominent cultural spots in the morning. In the evening, we'll enjoy a traditional water puppet show and a fantastic farewell dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 14 Say goodbye to this fascinating country or continue on with a trip to Halong Bay or Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat.

  The early morning is at our leisure. We depart for the airport late this morning for flights home (except for those participating on the REI Adventures Halong Bay extension). Breakfast included.
  
  Extend your stay: 
  Cambodia’s mesmerizing Angkor Wat and Vietnam’s magical Halong Bay are two of Southeast Asia’s most unforgettable travel destinations.  REI Adventures is pleased to offer pre- and post-trip extensions providing our trip members the opportunity to visit either or both of these amazing places before/after their Vietnam Cycle holiday.  Please contact our knowledgeable sales staff for additional details on scheduling and prices.

Halong Bay Extension Itinerary:

• The natural wonder of Halong Bay, less than 100 miles east of Hanoi, is one of Vietnam's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. More than three thousand jagged limestone islands emerge from the bay's emerald green waters. Some are no more than large rocks while others contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Our waterborne exploration combines scenic cruising with a variety of marine activities including swimming and sea kayaking to create a relaxing adventure in this magical aquatic playground.

• Day 1 Travel in Halong Bay aboard a deluxe Huong Hai junk. Visit Dinh Huog Island and Sun Sot Cave before stopping at Titov beach.

  We depart Hanoi for Halong Bay in a private air-conditioned vehicle. We'll travel through the islands aboard a deluxe Huong Hai junk, eating fresh seafood meals on board and sleeping in private, air-conditioned cabins. Our highlights on the first day include Dinh Huog Island and the impressive Sun Sot Cave before we stop at Titov beach for the evening. Lunch and dinner included.

• Day 2 Unique to Ha Long Bay is the abundance of lakes within the larger limestone islands. Visit a couple of these lakes by sampan.

  We enjoy an invigorating swim after breakfast before our cruise continues past rock formations named after their varying shapes. Tides permitting, we'll take a sampan to Luon (tunnel) cave, paddling through to a crater lake that's surrounded by impenetrable cliffs and gliding kites. We'll then visit Be Ham (or Three Tunnel) Lake, a shallow lagoon surrounded by steep limestone walls connected to the sea by three tunnels with low ceilings. In between cruising, fishing and swimming, we'll refuel with more scrumptious meals on board. All meals included.

• Day 3 Cruising east, dip into the lesser known but equally stunning region of Bai Tu Long Bay. Check out Chopsticks and Teapot Islands!

  Cruising east, we dip into the lesser known but equally stunning region of Bai Tu Long Bay. Check out Chopsticks and Teapot Islands! The area doesn't quite have the range of geological attributes as Halong, but it's just as attractive and far less visited. Following lunch, we transfer back to our hotel in Hanoi to spend the night. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 4 Our journey to Vietnam’s most celebrated natural wonder ends.

  The trip concludes after breakfast. One group transfer to the Hanoi airport is provided. The timing of the transfer is based on the majority of departing guest's flights. Those departing outside of the group transfer time will taxi on their own to the airport. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Trip price includes all accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all sightseeing arrangements as noted; one group airport transfer upon arrival and departure (scheduled to coincide with the arrival/departure time of the majority of trip members); bikes and spare parts; bilingual guides; travel permits; support van; boat trip to/from Whale Island; Hanoi water puppet show; drinking water and snacks while cycling.

Halong Bay Extension only: Round-trip transfer Hanoi – Halong Bay; English-speaking guide; 2 nights' accommodations in private air-conditioned cabin; 1 night hotel in Hanoi; meals as noted on daily itinerary; one group transfer to the Hanoi airport on Day 4.

International flights to/from Vietnam, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat and Hue to Hanoi (additional $250 - REI Adventures will reserve these for you), half-day trip to Cu Chi tunnels, optional boat trip to Cham Island, 2 lunches and 3 dinners as noted, bottled water with meals, Vietnamese visa, personal expenses such as medical immunizations, insurance of any kind, excess baggage charges, liquor, and laundry fees, gratuities to local guides.

Halong Bay Extension only: Air transportation to/from Vietnam; 1 dinner; optional guide gratuities; insurance of any kind; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Although a support vehicle will be available, participants should be experienced cyclists who enjoy spending much of the day (3-7 hours) on their bikes. Some stretches of road near busy towns can be noisy with lots of cars, exhaust and/or dust. The countryside in Vietnam can be hilly so a regular conditioning program beginning at least three months prior to departure is strongly recommended. Cycling, walking/running and a daily stretching regimen are all great ways to prepare for this adventure. Some of the most important qualifications for any trip without standard tourist facilities are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.

Throughout our trip, morning temperatures are typically in the 60-70°F range, warming to the 80s or low 90s during the afternoon. High humidity can be expected in most of the regions we visit. Rainfall is a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

Our trip price includes bicycles perfectly designed for the terrain we encounter during our two-wheeled tour of Vietnam: well-maintained and reliable 27-speed Trek 4500 aluminum frame mountain bikes with upright handlebars. Should you wish to bring your own seat and pedals, your guides will gladly mount them on your bike at the beginning of the trip.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

The weather in Vietnam varies greatly from region to region; due to the distances covered you may experience extreme ranges in temperatures. Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat are located in the southeast; temperatures average in the 80s to low 90s during the day and drop about 20 degrees at night. This region typically does not see much rain from November to March. Hoi An and Hue are on the north central coast and experience daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to high 80s, with nights in the mid-60s; rain is very likely in November and December. Located in the Red River Delta region to the north, Hanoi has a fair chance of rain in February and March with daytime temperatures in the high-60s and nights cooling into the 50s or even the 40s. November and December are drier months with daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s, dropping into the 60s at night.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, REI Adventures trip final bulletin, money, eyewear, medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• The flight from Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat and from Hue to Hanoi allow each passenger one piece of checked luggage+ one carry-on bag with a combined weight maximum of 44 pounds.
• We recommend bright-colored bicycle clothing for visibility and safety.
• A face mask or bandana works well to combat vehicle exhaust and dust.
• Always test your clothing layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding.
• If you are not bringing a shoe and pedal system (optional), you will need a shoe designed for cycling or cross training to be used with the provided flat pedals. Consider these features: lightweight, closed toe, designed with stiffer soles to provide more efficient energy transfer as you pedal. Stiff soles protect your feet while riding and support the full length of your foot to reduce cramping and fatigue.
• If you bring your own saddle, please bring only the seat and not the seat post. Seat posts are not universal and will likely not fit the bike you'll be riding. You are welcome to bring a gel seat cover for use on the provided saddle.
• Formal attire is not required at restaurants. Comfortable, casual clothes are appropriate for sit-down meals. We suggest bringing slacks, shorts that are mid-thigh or longer, skirts, or summer dresses in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear.
• Laundry facilities may be available when we spend two nights at the same location, or you can hand wash items and let them air dry in the back of the support van during the day.