10 DAYS VIETNAM CYCLING TOUR

Private tour (HANDHC10): Designed to provide an enjoyable and active tour on two wheels. The cycling will take place mostly in flat terrain with daily departures from Hanoi conducted by locally stationed English speaking cycling tour guides.

Day 1: HANOI – NINH BINH “HALONG BAY ON LAND” – CYCLING TO HOA LU    (-/L/D)
Cycling distance: 12 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

Pick up at your hotel in the morning and depart Hanoi for a 2.5 hour drive to Ninh Binh. The region is one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery, historical sites, religious pilgrimage sites and Cuc Phuong National Park.

Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, enjoy a boat trip through the three grottoes (Tam Coc in Vietnamese), past spectacular cliffs, Lilliputian villages, and lonely farming communities. The karts have earned the area the nickname “Halong Bay on Land”.

In the afternoon, cycle to Hoa Lu, the site of the ancient capital of the Vietnamese state, post Chinese rule in the first millennium. The bicycle tour is a round trip through spectacular scenery of rice fields, karsts mountains and quaint rural villages.

Accommodation at hotel in Ninh Binh

Meals included: Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at hotel

Day 2: CYCLING TO KENH GA – CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)
Cycling distance: 21 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

The 21km bicycle ride will take you through striking rural scenery. Arrive in Kenh Ga, take a trip by private boat. Still largely undiscovered, Kenh Ga remains an amazing sight to explore. The boat tour will taking you past the spectacular limestone mountains jutting out from the rice fields and the river that gently meanders through them. There is also an opportunity to explore a water-carved cave with thousands of year of mineral and rock formations.

After lunch, drive 45km to Cuc Phuong National Park. On the way you will pass pineapple farms, rural villages and beautiful scenery. Cuc Phuong National Park offers numerous hikes, ethnic minority villages, an “Endangered Primate Rescue Centre” and rare wildlife. In the late afternoon, you may take a short trek through the National Park to see the thousand-year-old tree.

Accommodation at hotel in Ninh Binh

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at hotel

Day 3: NINH BINH – PHAT DIEM – HANOI – FLIGHT TO DANANG – HOI AN (B/L/-)
Cycling distance: 28 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

The 28km bicycle tour will take you through spectacular scenery where you will see rural churches of grand proportions. Once in Phat Diem, explore the embroidery shops, the local market and the majestic Catholic cathedral, which illuminates the surrounding streets. The architecture of Phat Diem Cathedral blends Chinese with Western styles in its solid grey stone and wood architecture.

Transfer to Hanoi airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoi An

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at restaurant

Day 4: CYCLING TOUR AROUND HOI AN  (B/L/-)
Cycling distance: 15-20 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

In the morning, pick-up at the hotel and take a guided cycling tour around the countryside of Hoi An: Bike the gently rolling outskirt of Hoi An to see a peaceful countryside of Vietnam, passing through traditional rice paddies, the river, shrimp farms interspersed with ancestral tombs, water buffaloes and hundreds of smiling children. At the end of the tour, you will stop at the famous Thanh Ha pottery village.

In the afternoon, explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An. Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses are constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.
During the discovery tour on foot through Hoi An Ancient Town which has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1999. You will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and the famous Japanese covered bridge.

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

Day 5: HOI AN – CYCLING TO DANANG & SURROUNDING – HUE   (B/L/-)
Cycling distance: 25-30 km
Terrain: mostly flat with section of Hai Van Pass
Difficulty: moderate

Starting from Vinh Dien T-junction and following a peaceful road, cycle north-west, sometimes through flat and sometimes through hilly terrain, across bridges, through beautiful villages and along green rice fields... After a short photo stop at Bang An tower and Bo Bo mountain, continue cycling to Phong Nam village.
Upon arrival at the village, walk around the village, talk to local people and witness the daily life of villagers.

Transfer to Hue with a stop on Hai Van Pass and in Lang Co fishing village.

Located in Central Vietnam, Hue was the former capital of the last Dynasty of Vietnam and has an elegant setting on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River surrounded by lush green hills. Founded as a Royal city in 1687, this small and quiet city is known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty. The city has preserved its cultural heritage including music, the arts and many other traditions and is probably the best place in Vietnam to get a sense of the past and imperial court life.

Accommodation at hotel in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

Day 6: HUE CYCLING TOUR   (B/L/-)
Cycling distance: 17-19 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

Starting in the heart of Hue, cycle across the Perfume River to the old quarter of Hue. Continue north-west along the romantic river up to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Visit the pagoda and then cycle to the tomb of emperor Minh Mang, passing through fishing villages on the bank of the Perfume River, rice paddy fields, old temples and hills covered with eucalyptus trees. Visit the tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign. Transfer back to Hue.

In the afternoon, visit the Hue Citadel. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall  encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.

Accommodation at hotel in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

Day 7: HUE – HO CHI MINH CITY   (B/L/-)
Transfer to Hue / Phu Bai Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, take a half-day city tour. Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River.

Your sightseeing tour includes visiting bustling Cholon (Chinatown), Thien Hau pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas of the Chinese in the area and colourful Ben Thanh Market. Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station.
Photo stop at the former Presidential Palace, renowned for its symbolic role in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and continue to visit the War Remnants Museum.

Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

Day 8: HO CHI MINH CITY – CYCLING TOUR TO CAI BE (B/L/D)
Cycling distance: 20 -30 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

Pick up at the hotel and depart for the Mekong Delta. We will unload the bikes in Cai Lay and start to cycle toward Cai Be. Enjoy the scenic drive before embarking on a boat at Cai Be. Boat trip through the floating market in Cai Be. Then transfer to the Mekong Lodge. A delicious lunch will be served at the riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, cycle to Tan Phong island to visit fruits gardens, local houses and observe the daily activities of the locals living along the “Mighty Mekong”. Taste some seasonal fruits of the Mekong Delta and enjoy a cup of local green tea.

Accommodation at Mekong Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch Mekong Lodge
Dinner at Mekong Lodge

Day 9: CAI BE – CYCLING TO XEO QUIT – CAN THO (B/L/-)
Cycling distance: 20 -30 km
Terrain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy

After breakfast, check out and transfer by road toward Cao Lanh. Unload the bike and start to cycle through scenic country roads to a historic site – a former Viet Cong base in Xeo Quit during the American war. Have a boat trip around the base and learn how Viet Cong warriors lived and worked during the war.

Pick up and have land transfer to Can Tho. Upon arrival, check in the hotel and have time at leisure.

Accommodation at hotel in Can Tho

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant

Day 10: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B/L/-)
This morning board your boat for a visit to the fascinating floating market at Cai Rang. See local farmers trading their produce on the water as they have done for centuries.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for Ho Chi Minh City with lunch at local restaurant en route. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to the next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
“WE WISH YOU AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY”

OUR PRICE IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING HOTELS
First Legend Hotel – ROH room (Ninh Binh), Hoi An Trails Resort – Superior room (Hoi An), Muong Thanh Hotel (formerly Gerbera Hue Hotel) – Deluxe City-view room (Hue), Liberty Central Hotel – Deluxe room (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Lodge – Old wing (Cai Be), Saigon Can Tho – Premium room (Can Tho)

Superior Legend Hotel – ROH room (Ninh Binh), Ancient House Resort Hoi An – Superior room (Hoi An), Park View – Standard room (Hue), Sanouva Hotel – Deluxe room (Ho Chi Minh City), Mekong Lodge – Old wing (Cai Be), Saigon Can Tho Hotel – Superior room (Can Tho)

Please contact us for rates based on different hotels

OUR TOUR PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF
• Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom
• Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
• Transfers and tours with locally stationed English-speaking cycling tour guides in private air-conditioned vehicles
• All entrance fees and boat fees as mentioned in the programme
• Quality imported bicycle rental with helmet
• Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles
• Snacks during the cycling day

NOT INCLUDED ARE
• Domestic airfare (quoted separately)
• International airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately, if requested)
• Optional tours
• Surcharges for other language guides
• Surcharges for night-time services, especially applied for transfers with arrivals after 23:00 hrs and arrivals or departures before 05:00 hrs.
• Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
• Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
• Drinks with meals
• Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking
• Visa application and visa stamp fees at Vietnamese embassies overseas and/ or upon arrival (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.)
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

CANCELLATIONS
• Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.

• FIT (Individuals): Cancellation charges are calculated from the day the written notification is received by the company or agent as a percentage of the net total tour price as shown plus any surcharges (e.g. ticketed air sectors, other penalties imposed by suppliers such as hotels):
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  According to the costs incurred will be charged
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 25% of package price
• Between 14 days and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of package price
• Between 07 days and 2 days prior to departure: 75% of package price
• 1 day prior to departure or no show:   100% of package price

• GIT (Groups): Cancellation of tours due to minimum number of participants will be advised 6 weeks before departure of the tour; in which case Happy Go Travel will offer an alternative tour of a similar standard or a full refund. Cancellation policy for GIT bookings will be advised separately case by case.

• HOTEL ONLY
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  no charge
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 60% of accommodation price
• Between 14 days and 0 days prior to departure: 100% of accommodation price
• Certain Hotels impose stricter cancellation policies which will be advised separately.

PLEASE NOTE
• For air ticket reservations, we require the guests’ full names AS THEY APPEAR IN THEIR PASSPORTS. Airfares and reservations are always subject to change until paid in full and ticketed.
• Airfares are subject to increase without prior notice.
• Please be advised that prices will be adjusted periodically in case of fuel price increase by our suppliers.
• This is a quotation only and neither reservations for services nor hotel bookings have been made.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.

CONTACT INFORMATION OF HAPPY GO TRAVEL
HAPPY GO TRAVEL - HANOI HEAD OFFICE:
Address:  5th floor,  130F Thai Thinh str, Trung Liet, Dong Da,  Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone during office hours:  +84 24 32 686 686; +84 24 32 898 898
Fax:  +84 24 32 171 783

EMERCENCY CONTACTS (ENGLISH AND GERMAN-SPEAKING)
Mobile: Mr. Thang (Managing Director) (+84) 934556056

IMPORTANT NOTICE
 Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Happy Go Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
 Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
 We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewellery, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Happy Go Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft.
 Vietnam being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road constructions.

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