Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, 14 mi. (22km) + 6mi. (10km)
Day 3: Tam Coc - Ha Long Bay 
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island), 12 mi. (18 km)
Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Kayak-day) 
Day 6: Cát Bà Island - Hai Phong - Hôi An
Day 7: Hôi An - Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 8: Hôi An
Day 9: Hoi An - Hue, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 10: Hué countryside, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 11: Huế - Hồ Chí Minh City - Mekong Delta, 12.5 mi (20 km)
Day 12: Mekong Delta: Cái Bè – Islands of Vĩnh Long und Can Tho, 19 mi (30 km) 
Day 13: Cần Thơ – Hồ Chí Minh City
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Departure 

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival at Hanoi Airport. A shuttle bus takes you to your hotel in the heart of the old quarter of Hanoi. Despite the three million inhabitants, Hanoi offers a rural and traditional atmosphere. The historic old town district is considered one of the best-preserved in Southeast Asia. The colorful and bustling streets contribute to the Asian flair. Take a walk through the streets and in the afternoon visit the famous water puppet theater, a traditional Vietnamese form of art. 
Today, get to know your fellow travelers during dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel. (D)

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Van Long) - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, 14 mi./22km + 6mi. (10km)
By shuttle bus, you are transferred in the direction of the rural province of Ninh Binh, from which you begin your first cycling tour along with vibrant green rice fields to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. After exploring the fascinating historical site with its well-preserved relics of past dynasties, you continue pedaling through Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes. Along the way, you stop in the quaint village of Trang An Farm where you are able to try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch, you continue by bike for a few kilometers to Tam Coc with the most spectacular view of limestone karst peaks looming out of serene rice paddies. It is here you will leave your bikes and board a traditional rowboat, taking you to the heart of a hidden valley. The last activity for today is a visit to a local bird sanctuary. Every evening the flock of birds returning to their nests is a spectacular sight. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tam Coc. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tam Coc - Ha Long Bay 
After breakfast, we visit a hidden valley nestled in a dramatic rocky landscape and home to a Buddhist temple. Afterward, we take a four-hour transfer to Ha Long Bay, where we board a junk (a traditional wooden boat) and enjoy our lunch. Your first voyage on the boat will be through the impressive island world of Ha Long Bay with its bizarre rock formation. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to visit one of the numerous caves, which were formed in the course of the millenniums. Let your imagination run wild in the formations of stalagmites and stalactites as well as the crudely shaped cavern walls where creative thinking will bring the subterranean chambers to life. In the afternoon, you are able to take part in a guided kayak tour of a local lagoon around which, with a bit of luck, you will be able to see some wild monkeys at play. If you are keen to join, you may walk up to the summit of Ti Top Island to catch the panoramic view over Halong Bay or visit one of the numerous caves, which were formed in the course of thousands of years. We spend the night on anchor. You spend the night anchored here. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island), 12 mi. (18 km)
After breakfast, you will cruise, via a smaller boat, to the national park of Cat Ba Island. On arrival, you will begin your cycling tour to a small tribal village of the Việt Hải minority. You can then park your bike and enjoy a guided walk through the protected old-growth forest where wild, unspoiled nature rules. The destination is the highest peak of the island which, on a good day, offers breathtaking views over the island and out to Hạ Long Bay. You will hop back onto the boat and cruise east of Bo Hon Island to the so-called ‘Virgin Cave’ (Trinh Nu Cave). A visit to this cave combines the incredible beauty of Halong Bay with the folklore of Vietnamese heritage. Dinner will be enjoyed followed by overnight on the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Kayak-day)  
This morning you disembark the Junk with your baggage and take a transfer boat to Lan Ha Bay. In the afternoon, you are able to take part in a guided kayak tour of a local lagoon around which, with a bit of luck, you will be able to see some wild monkeys that live on steep rocks with lush vegetation. Occasionally their curiosity will bring them down to the shore. Today’s beach destination is beautiful beyond imagination. After lunch and a lengthy relaxing swim break in the emerald green waters, your kayak tour will take you past floating houses to Cat Ba, the next destination. A short transfer takes you to a beautiful resort, where the evening can be enjoyed on the hotel’s very own sandy beach or at the pool. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cát Bà Island - Hai Phong - Hôi An
After a morning visit to the vibrant Cat Ba market, you can enjoy a free morning by the beach, as you will have a late hotel checkout until 2:00 pm). A transfer will then take you to Hai Phong / Hanoi Airport for a late afternoon flight to Danang. Dinner and overnight will be enjoyed in a hotel in Hội An. Note: in the event the original flight to Danang (from Hai Phong) is canceled or changed, we will transfer guests to Hanoi to catch a connecting flight. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 7: Hôi An - Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, 11 mi. (17 km)
Today you have the opportunity to experience the everyday life and work of the local farmers. After breakfast, you will ride through the quiet countryside of Hội An towards Tra Que Village. The name of the area originates from a sweet-scented vegetable often used by the locals to spice up their meals: a totally new and foreign specialty! You will participate in preparing a meal with your host, who will familiarise you with the exotic ingredients. The afternoon can be spent as you wish: a stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon swim at the white beach of Cửa Đại or at An Bang Beach. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

Day 8: Hôi An
You have the full day to explore (on foot) the sights and sounds of Hội An. Its narrow streets, lantern-lit storefronts, and fusion of various styles of traditional Asian architecture give it a charming feel. Two of the city’s main specialties are clothing and food. Also, don't miss visiting the Japanese Bridge and Quan Cong Temple. In the afternoon you can enjoy all the benefits of your luxurious hotel resort and end the day at the palm tree-shaded pool. Overnight at the Hotel in Hội An. (Meals: B, L)

Day 9: Hoi An - Hue, 18 mi. (30 km)
After a late breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and will make your way, first by bike and then by bus to the former imperial city of Hue. En route, there is a brief stop (incl. lunch) at the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam. Afterward, a short stopover on Lăng Cô Beach is scheduled, and if weather conditions allow you can stay for a refreshing swim, before continuing back to Huế. On the way, you have the chance to visit one of the UNESCO protected kings' tombs of the former Nguyen dynasty, located on the outskirts of Hue. After checking into the hotel the evening offers leisure time to explore the city for yourself. Overnight stay at a hotel in Hue. (B,L)

Day 10: Hué countryside, 10 mi. (16 km)
This day is dedicated to the old imperial city of Huế, situated between rolling hills and rice fields along a bend in the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, with more than 300 temples and pagodas. In the morning you visit the rambling citadel, which once was reserved for the emperors of the Nguyen-Dynasty as well as the Thien Mu-Pagoda, the cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam. After breakfast, you will enjoy a relatively easy ride toward Thanh Thuy Village. After exploring the village (with its unique architecture, temples & bridges) you will bike back to Huế where guests will eat lunch before taking a tour of the Imperial Citadel. After lunch, an extensive visit to the citadel with its “Forbidden Purple City“ will take place, which was once exclusively for the use of the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The evening can be spent as you wish with plenty of time to explore the lively center of Huế. (Meals: B, L,)

Day 11: Huế – Hồ Chí Minh City– Mekong Delta, 12.5 mi (20 km)
After breakfast, catch a morning flight to Hồ Chí Minh City with a subsequent transfer to Ben Tre, where you check in on board the boat. Sail along the Mekong Delta in the direction of Cái Bè. During the short trip, cruise along the Mekong Delta where you enjoy the flourishing nature and observe the river life of the locals. North from Ben Tre, set off on our first bike tour in the region before returning to the boat for lunch. The boat cruises to the small island of Nau Hiep for a second bike tour. Along the way be sure to take the opportunity to try exotic fruits and be astonished by various local handcrafts. Afterward, the junk takes you for a sunset sail towards Cai Be, where you spend the night on anchor. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 12: Mekong Delta: Cái Bè – Islands of Vĩnh Long und Can Tho, 19 mi (30 km) 
In the morning you cross over to Vĩnh Long Island, where you will cycle under palm-shaded paths around the island. You will then continue by boat to Traon Island where you again have the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on, enjoy the excellent cuisine on board the boat and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. You will spend the night aboard. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 13: Cần Thơ - Hồ Chí Minh City
During breakfast, a boat trip takes you to a local Cai Rang floating market, one of the busiest floating markets in Southeast Asia. Here you’ll capture some excellent photos of the vibrant colors and culture on the river. After lunch on board the junk, a shuttle then takes you back to Hò Chí Minh City where you will overnight. (Meals: B, L)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, former Saigon, is the Boomtown and the modern center of Vietnam. On a guided city tour, you will learn about the growing megacity, the town hall, the cathedral Notre Dame - a stunningly massive red-bring edifice with twin spires, the main post office, and other important sights which characterize the city’s history. Your day could end, if you would like, shopping with the crowds in the Benh Thanh Market. You will enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your fellow passengers and all travel guides. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D)

Day 15: Departure 
Departure after breakfast or prolongation in Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap. (B)

On account of unpredictable wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements, we reserve the right to change routes with no advance notice.  All distances are approximate. 

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

Be sure to check out all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bicycle tours.

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Extension

10 nights of your tour will be spent in very good 3-4 star hotels in Hanoi, Cát Bà Island, Hue, and Hội An (Central Vietnam), and Saigon. 4 nights will be spent on board 2 boats: the Funan Cruise in the Mekong-Delta and the Vietnamese Junks in Ha Long Bay.

• Funan Cruise

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  5 out of 5 (1 Review)

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  The Funan Cruise is one of the largest and most modern ships in the region. Its shape is reminiscent of the vessels of the famous river delta in southern Vietnam. This comfortable wooden boat is protected by the watchful dark eyes of the red dragon painted on the prow. Three times a day, the large common room becomes the dining room with beautifully set tables. Read More
• Vietnamese Junks

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  4.8 out of 5 (8 Reviews)

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  Carved dragon heads decorate the prow of the Junks in the Ha Long and Bai Tu Bay. Dragons belong to the circle of four sacred animals of Vietnam and they proudly guide the traditional wooden boats through the fairytale cliffs of the South China Sea. It is easy to feel at home on the junks: the saloon with its upholstered wicker furniture and colorful carpets are a comfortable feature of the ship. For each meal, the tables are lovingly set and the folded cloth napkins are a piece of art. The… Read More