Day 1. Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel. After bike fitting, take an hour cyclo for an orientation tour of the Old Quarter. Visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Fine Arts Museum and other interesting spots. In the evening dine at one of Hanoi’s top restaurants. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2. Hanoi – Mai Chau – Van village (22km)

Early morning transfer to Mai Chau – a beautiful valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and picturesque rice paddies. After a local lunch take to the bikes and ride along a mix of dirt tracks and tarmac trails through Tai village and across rice paddies to Van village. The biking follows a river gradually upstream, though the ride appears flat! Overnight with a retired Tai Teacher and her family in a traditional house.

Day 3. Van village – Xo village – Proom Coc village (24km)

A more challenging ride today. Pedal from Van village to Xo for lunch. Bike up into the mountain and follow the contours of the mountainside before dropping down into the Mai Chau Valley and Proom Coc village. Overnight in a traditional house on stilts.

Day 4. Proom Coc village – Cuc Phuong (92km)

Early morning transfer with some biking to Cuc Phuong National Park on country lanes and backroads. The scenery is timeless, and photo opportunities bountiful as you pedal through a working landscape of people and crops. Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves and contains the country’s largest area of primary forest. Visit the Primate Rescue Centre and learn about the plight of endangered species such as the Cat Ba Langur. Overnight at Cuc Phuong Park Guest House.

Day 5. Cuc Phuong – Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh (60km)

After listening to the dawn chorus of Gibbon song, spend part of the morning exploring the flora and fauna of this unique national park. Leaving Cuc Phuong ride downhill to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Set amidst stunning scenery this area is known as the ‘Halong Bay of Rice Paddies’. Transfer the last few km on Highway 1 to the hotel. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 6. Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Cat Ba (40km)

An early morning transfer to Haiphong to board a private boat and cruise to Fu Long. After a seafood lunch on board spend the afternoon cycling across this beautiful, fragile island. In the evening take a local fishing boat to explore the floating homes in the bay. Overnight in Cat Ba.

Day 7. Cat Ba – Halong – Hanoi

A relaxing day off the bikes. Board our private boat for a cruise through Halong Bay. There will be lunch on board and plenty of swimming opportunities. In the afternoon arrive in Halong city and transfer directly to Hanoi by road. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8. Hanoi – Hue (25km)

The morning is at leisure in Hanoi before transferring to the airport for the mid afternoon flight to Hue, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty of Emperors from 1802-1945. After checking in to the hotel, explore the Imperial Citadel and the mausoleum of former emperor Khai Dinh by bike on part dirt tracks, part country lanes. In the evening enjoy unique Hue cuisine at a local Hue restaurant. Overnight in Hue.

Day 9. Hue – Hoi An (100km)

A classic day’s cycling. Ride 40km along a picturesque, narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Hop on a local ferry to cross the estuary of the Perfume River before joining Highway 1 at the base of today’s 2 hill climbs! Stop at Lang Co Beach for a rest/ swim and lunch Transfer cross the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Time permitting, ride to Da Nang along a new coastal road. Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10. Hoi An

Free day to rest and relax, shop and swim or take to the bikes and explore at your own leisure. An optional visit to My Son Cham Towers is possible. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11. Hoi An – Nha Trang

After a leisurely morning, transfer to Da Nang for the mid morning train to Nha Trang. The railway follows the coast and meanders unexpectedly inland from time to time. It is a fascinating journey that is best experienced by train, as the road south on the main highway is too busy for enjoyable biking. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 12. Nha Trang – Da Lat (100km)

Another fabulous ride to Dalat. The road is quiet and shady for the most part as you pedal steadily upwards, past the roar of crickets and fluttering butterflies. Feel the air temperature get cooler! The climb rises to over 1000m, but is possible to conquer with a steady pace and plenty of gears! Overnight in Dalat.

Day 13. Da Lat (40km)

Three options – ride an off road loop through pine forests and local vegetable farms on exciting hard pack clay tracks or ride on-road in the shadow of Langbian Mountain, stopping en route to visit flower and organic farms. Alternatively spend the day relaxing in the colonial surrounds of the hotel. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 14. Da Lat – Saigon

Transfer to Saigon. Visit the Noth Dame Cathedral, Cho Lon, lacquerware factory. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 15. Saigon - departure

At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.