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Vietnam Splendor

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Vietnam Splendor

Vietnam Splendor

A rich cultural biking adventure from Hanoi to Saigon with plenty of options and extensions to customize the trip to your interests - small groups welcome!

Highlights

  • Enjoy scenic cycling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
  • Learn about Vietnam alongside historians, anthropologists and your knowledgeable guides
  • Take a boat cruise up the Perfume River
  • Fuel up with delicious and locally sourced meals along the way
  • Learn how to cook some Vietnamese recipes with a renowned chef
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hue, Hoi An and My Son
  • Have dinner in Hoi An, an innovative grass-roots program that improves the lives of local children
  • Extend the value of your airfare by one of our exciting extensions: Explore Cambodia, Meander the Mekong by Bike, or Cruise the Halong Bay

Description

Visit this mysterious land where ancient temples, French colonial mansions, vast white sand beaches and mountain hill towns blend together into one harmonious experience. Vietnam’s stunning beauty is unlike any on Earth, and the best way to see it is by bicycle! Bustling villages dot the way through lush forests, dramatic mountainscapes, and pristine seashores. Throw in several cultural excursions with locals and you have yourself an adventure you will never forget.

Upon arriving in Hanoi, take the time to explore this bustling metropolis. Sample an exquisite wide range of Vietnamese foods. Throughout the journey to Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh), relish in the beauty of the several temples and houses of worship that paint the country. Enjoy boat rides, talks with a local historian, craftsman and war veteran, all from the comfort of premier accommodations along the way.

We can run this tour with as few as two guests!

Add to your experience with these wonderful trip extensions!

  • Cambodia - Siem Reap (4 days) - Spend your days exploring the ancient temples and sights of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, and Rololous; visit a Buddhist monastery and learn the ancient art of Cambodian leather puppet-making
  • Meandering the Mekong by Bike (4 days) - Pedal along country roads and paths along the Mekong Delta; explore riverside life in island villages; get to know local Khmer people; experience the bustling floating market at Phong Dien
  • Halong Bay Multisport Luxury Cruise (3 days) - Explore UNESCO World Heritage area of Halong Bay; enjoy local seafood specialities; visit the Pottery Village at Phu Lang; hike and kayak; accommodations on a luxury Vietnames "junk" boat

Please call or email for more information our range of trip extensions.

Day 1: Hanoi
Hanoi

Cultural immersion day! Today we meet after lunch at 1pm in the lobby of our splendid hotel and we get to know each other and the exciting, vibrant city of Hanoi with a local expert guide. You’ll also get to know your cycling guides and learn all about your upcoming tour.

     
Day 2–4: Hue, the Citadel, the Perfume River and the Emperor Tombs
Hue, the Citadel, the Perfume River and the Emperor Tombs

Day 2: Cycle this morning to But Thap Pagoda along the Duong riverside. The numerous pagodas bordering the Duong River through history have added a major attraction to the Kinh Bac region. Our day will end with a short transfer to the airport to catch the evening flight to Hue.
Day 3: Hue, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam and to this day it remains one of Vietnam's most important cultural, religious, and educational centers.
This morning we cycle a country loop of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to the traditional village of Phuoc.
Day 4: Today we experience some of Hue’s most important cultural sites. First stop will be the Imperial Citadel modeled after the Forbidden City in China. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, ride along the side of the perfume river to Thien Mu Pagoda. Then finally visit the old Emperor tombs.

   
Day 5–6: Hoi An and My Son
Hoi An and My Son

Day 5: Drive by bus to the coast to begin riding along a picturesque peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Then ride on a rolling section and then regroup, to reach by bus the stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/swim and lunch before tackling the final hill and also extra loop of the day – the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Our final destination today is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.
Day 6: Ride out to My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. Pedal along scenic country back roads past paddy fields and through eucalyptus forests, passing many quiet villages. Another highlight of that day is a cooking lesson with a leading Vietnamese chef - a must for foodies!

Day 7: Nha Trang
Nha Trang

Fly to Nha Trang and today you can either bike the lovely coastal route or take a boat to the Coral Islands for swimming and snorkeling, or simply enjoy the beach and relax (some additional activities are at extra cost).

Day 8: Dalat
Dalat

Today you can enjoy spectacular views on a rolling rolling road en route to Dalat.This rugged countryside offers an epic on-road cycling experience and affords you priceless bragging rights on your way to this hill resort established by French colonials at the beginning of the last century.

   
Day 9–10: Saigon ad Cu Chi Tunnels
Saigon ad Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 9: Ride alongside the Xuan Huong Lake before turning off to pedal in the shadow of Langbian Mountain. Marvel in the views as you spin past flower farms, vegetable gardens, small villages, picturesque churches and ornate cemeteries. Head to the airport after lunch for a flight to Saigon and enjoy dinner in this amazing city!
Day 10: We ride along the quiet country road passing through local villages before arriving at the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Today you will be joined by a veteran from the war and local guide affectionately known as Uncle Nam.

Day 11: Depart for USA or start post-tour extension

Today you can either catch our shuttle to Saigon airport or stick around and take one of our post tour extensions!

Related Testimonials

  • John R., Pittsford NY had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    Each guide displayed exceptional courtesy and understanding of each guest's abilities and interests. They are the image of your company and Ciclismo has done well in hiring these folks who truly love their jobs.
  • Susan P., Bristol WV had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    I love biking, but Ciclismo adds so much more--the hiking, the wine tasting, the museums, a real chance to experience the people, the culture, the wine, the food….
  • Sandy B., Seattle WA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    We have been charmed by the magic of traveling with Ciclismo - why go with anyone else?
  • Leon R., Mauston WI had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    It is difficult to start with such praise of our guides. These gentlemen were superb cyclists, historians, and ambassadors. They knew the culture, the food, the grapes, the wine, the politics. I appreciated their patience with my limited language skills. Their respect and care for the participants was outstanding. Your guides are not just assets to the company - they are the company.
  • Greg L., Overland Park KS had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside.
  • Julie G., Arlington VA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    Our Ciclismo Classico vacation was like the Italian dessert tiramisu, a fabulous ‘pick-me-up’ vacation with people, sights, and skies that you’ll remember for a long time!
  • Bill H., Atlanta GA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:

    In challenging economic times, this company stands out because of the dedication and professionalism of its guides. Your product is unsurpassed.

Guest Photos

  • Ciclismo Classico - Vietnam

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To change your default trip level please select a new level from the list below.

All Levels

You’re potentially interested in any level of trip and don't want your site experience tailored to any specific level.

Easy

You’re new to biking, or you just want to take it easy with lots of stops to take pictures and explore and no one hurrying you along. Expect a leisurely pace over generally flat terrain.

Average distance per day: 18-35 miles.

Athletic Beginner

You’re not a fanatical rider, but you exercise regularly and enjoy a leisurely day’s spin on your bike. You might want to graduate to “intermediate” one day, or not. The pace is relaxed but the terrain gently rolling, more ups and downs, more vistas and valleys than Easy tours.

Average distance per day: 35-45 miles.

Intermediate

You’re active on your days off, and recreational biking is most likely your weekend sport of choice. You love to ride and it shows in your endurance and strength. A steady but active pace, with opportunities to push yourself and some challenging climbs, with great descents over rolling terrain. (These folks ARE cyclists, they are usually pretty serious cyclists but do not train at the expert level.)

Average distance per day: 40-50 miles.

Expert

You crave vigorous pacing, challenging climbs and thrilling descents. You crave longer mileage with lots of hills and descents, varying terrain, and a mountain pass or two only makes it better.

Average distance per day: 45+ miles.

Family

If you have kids under 16, we have great options for you! With fewer hotel changes, easier biking and wheels for all ages, we've got your ideal active family holiday.

Average distance per day: 20–30 miles.