Vietnam

Day-To-Day Itinerary

2018:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc ( 19 mi./30 km) 
Day 3: Tam Coc - Ha Long Bay 
Day 4: Insel Trà Bản – Bai Tu Long Bay (16 mi./25 km) 
Day 5:Bay Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (Kayak-day) 
Day 6: Cát Bà Insel – Viet Hai Village, 9 mi./15 km
Day 7: Cát Bà Insel – Hai Phong - Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An, 11 mi./17 km
Day 9: Hoi An - Hue
Day 10: Hue, cycle tour approx. 13 mi./21 km
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta,12 mi./20 km
Day 12: Mekong Delta: Cai Be - Islands of Vinh Long und Traon, 12 mi./20 km
Day 13:  Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City 
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Departure 

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 as 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 ( 19 mi./30 km) 
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 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, your continue pedaling  through Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes. Along the way you stop in the quaint village of Tran An where you are able to try some local specialties for lunch. After lunch you continue by bike for a few kilometers to Tam Coc and board a traditional row boat, taking you to the  heart of a hidden valley. The last activity for today is a visitation of a local bird sanctuary. Every evening the flock of birds returning to their nests is a spectacular sight. Overnight stay in Tam Coc/ (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tam Coc - Ha Long Bay 
After breakfast your shuttle bus transports to Ha Long City, where you enjoy a delicious lunch on board the boat.  As you set off on your voyage, you embark on your first boat trip through the impressive island world of the Ha Long Bay with its bizarre rock formations. In the afternoon there is 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 on a guided kayak tour of a local lagoon around which, with a bit of luck, we will be able to see some wild monekys at play. We spend the night on anchor.You spend the night anchored here. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Insel Trà Bản – Bai Tu Long Bay (16 mi./25 km) 
After an early breakfast we navigate our way to the island of Tra Ban, a unique place untouched by modern day tourism. The island offers us an insight into the earlier, traditional life of the island inhabitants; as if time had stood still. A common sight are the Vietnamese water buffaloes grazing as we pass, we may even come into conversation with one of the local farmers tending to their fields who greet us with their kind smiles. For lunch we enjoy a relaxing picnic together. In the afternoon, the hydrofoil will take us back to the pier where our junk awaits us. A relaxing cruise through the island world of the Bai Tu Long Bay tops this eventful day off. Enjoy an evening under the stars. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Bai Tu 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 on a guided kayak tour of a local lagoon around which, with a bit of luck,you will be able to see some wild monekys that live on the 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 Insel – Viet Hai Village, 9 mi./15 km
Early in the morning a transfer will bring you to a small dock from which you will travel by boat about one hour  to yet another small jetty. From here you will start a cycling tour through the national park of the island to a small tribal village of the Viet Hai minority. Parking the bikes here, a guided walk will take you through the protected old-growth forest where the wild, unspoilt nature rules. The aim is to reach the highest peak of the island which, on a good day, offers breath-taking views of the Ha Long bay and the rest of the island. After the walk, a bike tour will take you back to the boat for navigating back to Cat Ba City. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Cát Bà Insel – Hai Phong - Hoi An
After breakfast a taxi boat will transfer to Hải Phòng where a bus waits to transfer to the nearby airport from which the flight to Đà Nẵng departs. On arrival a short transfer with the shuttle bus will bring you to your Hotel Resort in Hội An. Here you  are able to relax in the river-side palm tree gardens of the hotel before your stroll through the picturesque old town of Hoi An. (B,L)

Day 8: Hoi An, 11 mi./17 km
Today you will have opportunity observe the daily life of the local farmers. In the morning, the cycling route leads to Tra Que - a small village in the suburban area of Hoi An. The name of the place originates from a sweet vegetable often used by the locals to spice their meals. Your host will invite the group to prepare the meal together and will explain this local delicacy. The afternoon is yours to plan and explore. A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing afternoon bathing at the white beach of Cua Dai could be one of the possibilities. (B,L)

Day 9: Hoi An - Hue
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. Afterwards  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. (B,L)

Day 10: Hue, cycle tour approx. 12 mi./20 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 lunch in one of the regionally typical restaurants you head back to the hotel to prepare yourself for the afternoon’s cycle tour. It is time to leave city life behind and to explore the rural surroundings of the city Hue. Following the narrow water runways and rice fields you cycle a loop which will provide insight into the life of the rural folk living outside of the city. After a day of cultural impressions, you are free to enjoy our evening as we please. (B,L)

Day 11: Hue -  Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta,16 mi./25 km
After breakfast there is a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and subsequent transfer to Mỹ Tho, where check-in on board the ship takes place. The ship navigates the Melong in the direction of Cai Be, during which you can enjoy the flourishing nature of the delta as well as the river related life of the inhabitants. North of Ben Tre, there will be short cycle tour. Lunch will be served back on board, following which, In the afternoon the schedule includes the discovery of the green island Ngu Hiep with opportunity to try exotic fruits and view exotic local handcrafts. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Mekong Delta: Cai Be - Islands of Vinh Long und Traon, 19 mi./30 km
In the morning, after crossing to Vingh, Long Island, the cycling leads under palm-shaded paths around the island. By boat, your tour continues to Traon Island and then by bike, to explore the surroundings. Excellent cuisine awaits on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. (B,L,D)

Day 13:  Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City 
During breakfast the ship takes us to Cần Thơ to visit one of the region’s largest markets, rounding off your cultural experience of Southern Vietnam. Make sure you have a camera at the ready, as the colorful fruit stands are incredibly photogenic. After an early lunch on board of the Conchinchine you check out and are transferred back to Hồ Chí Minh City. (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, 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. (B,L,D)

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

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

Following is the 2018 Extension and pre tour option details.

2018 Extension to Angkor Vat

The attractions of Angkor Vat are surely part of the world wonders and are perfect for an extension of your Vietnam holiday. The program consists of less difficult cycle tours, some distances covered by foot and focused on sightseeing.  

Day 1: Flight Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, loop tour on bike, 22 mi./35 km
Flights to Siem Reap are not included in tour price but can be arranged for a supplement. See pricing. Group will meet at Siem Reap airport in the morning, followed by transfer to hotel in Siem Reap for check in. Booked flights arrive at approximately 9:30 am. Keep this in mind if arranging your own flights. Following check-in, there will be a cycle tour from Siem Reap to the floating village of Kompong Phluk, located on the floodplain of the Tonle Sap Lake. You are able to explore this great ecosystem in canoes, listening to the calls of the macaque monkeys while observing the flora beneath the lake’s surface. Back at the hotel you enjoy some free time before you meet again for the evening meal accompanied by a traditional Apsara dance. The night is spent in Siem Reap. (L,D)

Day 2: Siem Reap - Temple Exploration, 22 mi./35 km by bike and 2 hour hike
After a nourishing breakfast you spend the day cycling through the friendly Cambodian countryside, visiting a selection of temples along the way. The first stop is the Ta Prom Temple, commonly known as the Jungle Temple, where the mighty tree roots fight to reclaim the ruins. You continue on to the Bayon Temple and pass the twin temples, Thommanom and Chau Say Thvoda, the Victoria Gate, the Lapper King and the Terraces of Elephants on you way. A picnic lunch is enjoyed at the famous Angkor Wat temple before cycling on to Phnom Bakeng to enjoy the picturesque sun set. We spend the night in Siem Reap. (B,L)

Day 3: Angkor Wat, 31mi./50 km, hiking, 2 hours
Today you combine biking and hiking to explore Siem Reap and its surroundings. Leaving Siem Reap after breakfast, you ride 36 km to Mt Kulen following a pleasant quiet dirt road via Kravan temple, Bantey Kdei, Sras Srang and Phnom Bok. On arrival in Rattanak Tey Pagoda, you leave your bikes and continue on foot to the top of the mountain. After 88 steps you reach Pres Ang Chup and stop for a short break. A well-earned rest gives you the  strength to climb the 100 steps to big Nevena (Pres Ang Thom,) passing over the river of 1000 Linga. A picnic lunch at the waterfall replenishes you once again before returning to the pagoda where a transfer vehicle takes you back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L)

Day 4: Departure
Breakfast and free time until airport transfer. (B)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

Pre tour sightseeing package, arrive one day early, overnight in Hanoi, and enjoy sightseeing the following day

Use the opportunity to arrive one day earlier in Hanoi. Enjoy the sightseeing in a bustling city with tree lined boulevards, French Colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. Please keep in mind that the first day of this pre tour  modul covers some time for your journey to Vietnam as well as some spare time to enjoy the town on your own. On the 2nd day (which is as well the 1st day of your Boat & Bike Tour Vietnam) is made to show you the beauty of the Vietnamese capital on a guided tour.

1st Day (Sat) 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 as one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia. The colorful and bustling streets contribute to the Asian flair. The choice is yours today. Treat yourself to some fine food. You will find everything close to your hotel: from Vietnamese and French haute cuisine to plain but delicious meals out of little cook shops. Overnight stay in your hotel.

2nd Day (Sun) Guided tour through Hanoi 

After breakfast your guide and your shuttle bus are ready to show you the best sights of the Vietnamese capital. On your excursion you follow the tracks of the most famous Vietnamese person: Hồ Chí Minh. Even decades after his dead he is still fondly called Uncle Hồ. We visit Hồ Chí Minh Museum dedicated to Hồ Chí Minh and the very modest cottage he used to live and work in. The afterwards visited monumental marble and granite mausoleum, where Uncle Hồ has found its final resting place is in a total contrast to his life and contrary to his last wishes.

You continue with the One Pillar Pagoda, one of the best known religious Vietnamese buildings and the Temple of Literature, known to be the first National University of Vietnam. Your guide takes you to the Museum of Ethnology after an invigorating lunch. Here you can learn about the various demographic groups, their way of living and the different types of houses used by Vietnam’s 52 ethnic groups.

After you have visited Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temple a guided walk through the bustling Old Quarter and sprawling Dong Xuan Market completes the sightseeing tour. Back at the hotel you meet your fellow-travellers at 5:30 pm for a short talk followed by dinner. (B,L)

Hotel
You stay at a hotel which is only a couple of minutes away from Hoan Kiem Lake in the middle of the old part of Hanoi, the same hotel of course in which you will be accommodated for the start of the main tour.

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

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