Vietnam Splendor
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Photo Gallery: Vietnam
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
- Exclusive visits to the homes of four Vietnamese experts
- Watch a traditional water puppet performance
- Enjoy a dinner with a local orphanage director
- Vietnamese cooking class
- Boat to the Coral Islands
- Visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, Vietcong sanctuaries used by guerillas as living quarters and escape routes
- 4 and 5 star accommodations
- Cyclo ride (rickshaw) through Hanoi's "Old Quarter"
- 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 local historians (including an anthropologist, craftsman, historian, and UPI journalist), a visit to a local orphanage, 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.
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Price
$4,295 -
Single Supplement
$1,295
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Ability Level
Athletic beginner
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Terrain
flat and rolling
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Distance
217 mi
Daily Average 24 mi -
Departing
Saigon
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Arriving
Hanoi
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Bike Rental
Included - Trek mountain bike or hybrid
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- February 18, 2012
- March 5, 2012
- October 28, 2012
- November 5, 2012
- December 23, 2012
Day 1: Hanoi / water puppet performance
After checking into your hotel, enjoy lunch in the Metropole Spices garden. In the afternoon, take a city tour by cyclo (rickshaw) through the Old Quarter and visit an ancient Hanoi-style house and a visit to an anthropologist’s home to learn about minority artifacts. The evening brings a traditional water puppet performance.
Day 2: But Thap Dong Ho
Cycle this morning to But Thap Pagoda along the Duong riverside. Inside sits the statue of Avalokitesvara (Goddess of Mercy) with her 11 faces, 994 arms and 994 eyes. In the afternoon, pedal to Dong Ho village to visit a craftsman’s house and learn about folk print pictures. Transfer back to Hanoi by vehicle support.
Day 3–4: Hue Garden Ride / Perfume River Boat Cruise
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hue, one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. Once Vietnam’s political capital, Hue has served as one of the country’s cultural, religious and educational centers. Cycle the back roads through lush countryside and stop at one of Hue’s famous Garden houses for tea and a guided tour. Dinner will be hosted by a local historian in his home. On Day 4, explore the ruins of the Imperial Citadel before spinning along the banks of the Perfume River to Thien My pagoda. Continue to Ming Mang mausoleum and loop back across the perfume river to Hue.
Day 5–6: Hoi An / My Son
Drive to the coast to begin riding along a picturesque peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Ferry across the Perfume River before joining Highway 1 where you will pedal through grandiose mountain landscapes. A dinner and talk will be held to support a small orphanage in 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 option in Hoi An includes a trip to the local market and cooking lesson with a leading Vietnamese chef - a must for foodies!
Day 7: Nha Trang / Boat to Coral Islands
Fly to Nha Trang and bike the lovely coastal route. Boat to the Coral Islands for swimming and snorkeling, or enjoy the beach and relax!
Day 8: Dalat
Transfer to Cam Ranh and pick up a remote mountain road to cycle up to the central highlands of Dalat through winding forest roads and wild scenery. Ascend from the coastal plains to over 3000 feet where the vegetation gives way to pine forests.
Day 9: Dalat to Saigon
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 at the home of a former UPI journalist.
Day 10: Saigon / Cu Chi Tunnels
Transfer out of the city to avoid the traffic before cycling on bikes. Ride along quiet country roads to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, Vietcong sanctuaries used by guerillas as living quarters and escape routes. Afterwards, transfer to Tay Ninh and visit Cao Dai religion’s main temple before returning to Saigon for a farewell dinner.
Day 11: Depart for USA or start post-tour extension
Stick around for a 4 day tour of Angkor Wat, Cambodia!
Post-Tour Extension:
Angkor Wat
Day 11 of main tour – Siem Reap
Serving as a gateway to the Angkor Archeological Park, Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province. Take a tour of the City of Angkor Thom, housing some of Angkor’s most famous monuments. Continue to the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Day 12–13: Siem Reap
Begin day 12 with a tour of the biggest religious temple in the world, Angkor Wat Temple, by bicycle. In the afternoon, explore by bike the temples of the Small Circuit, the most famous of which is Ta Prohm temple. Also included is a visit to Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery and the twin towers of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Day 13 starts with an unforgettable visit to the Rolous group of temples via tuk tuk (motorized rickshaws) and a visit to a nearby orphanage. There, you will receive training by the orphans in the ancient Cambodian art of leather puppet making and will help you design and make your own!
Day 14: Depart
Transfer to the airport to bid farewell
Extension Price: $1,275 per person. Includes all accommodations, ground transfers, entrance fees for visits, all breakfasts, guide services.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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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. -
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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. -
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