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SAIGON TO HANOI
Our newly researched route discovers the "real Vietnam" and hardly touches Highway One.
This epic cycle trip covers the entire length of Vietnam. It is the ultimate journey of discovery all the way from modern Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known by the locals, to the serene northern capital of Hanoi.
Along the way we pause to visit many extraordinary sights. Visit Saigon by Rickshaw and cycle to Cu Chi Tunnels. In the cool mountain air of Dalat enjoy a ride along plantation trails and old colonial bridleways before the scintillating downhill to the coast.
Enjoy a daytrip to the islands of Nha Trang before riding coastal backroads to historic Hoi An and Hue. Experience the overnight Reunification Express Train before riding through the amazing Karst scenery of Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. On reaching Hanoi, appreciate the architecture and unique ambiance of the most French of all the Indochine cities.
Cycling is the only way to see Vietnam. You will see the country close up and really meet the people. We have made the effort to take you away from the main roads into quiet, peaceful Vietnam. The real Vietnam!
TRIP PROFILE
We cycle 700 of the 1700 kilometres from Saigon to Hanoi. Riding along country on backroads and quiet byways making sure we avoid the traffic of National Highway One.
The tour takes 17 days and we take time out of the saddle every three days or so to explore all the main sites along the way.
We use train and boats and of course we have a fully equipped, air-conditioned support bus with us at all times so tired riders can rest in comfort whenever they wish.
The tour is led by an experienced SpiceRoads Tour Leader and a local Vietnamese cycle guide. Plus we supply detailed route notes and maps so that you will enjoy maximum freedom while riding.
There are no technical sections and the tour is suitable for riders of every level of experience. Some of the long rides will test experienced cyclists and due to the excellent nature of our support keen riders can happily blast off at their own pace.
| ITINERARY (17 Days/16 nights starting in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and finishing in Hanoi.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive/meet in Saigon, day free for sightseeing and testing bikes. |
| Day 2 | Ride and visit Cu Chi tunnels. Overnight Saigon. |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Dalat. Ride through plantations and backroads of Dalat. Overnight at historic Novotel Dalat. |
| Day 4 | Downhill to Cham temples and transfer to Na Trang. |
| Day 5 | Rest day with boat trip to islands. |
| Day 6 | Ride to Dai Lanh Beach and Tuy Hoa. |
| Day 7 | Cycle through backroads to Quang Ngai. |
| Day 8 | Ride My Lai circuit. Afternoon free in Hoi An. |
| Day 9 | Ride My Son circuit. Visit Cham Temples. |
| Day 10 | Climb the Hai Van Pass, ride along the peninsular to Hue. |
| Day 11 | Sightseeing in Hue: forbidden city/ Perfume River boat trip. Take the overnight Reunification Express Train to Nam Dinh. |
| Day 12 | Ride through karst scenery of Ninh Binh to Cuc Phoang National Park. |
| Day 13 | Ride backroads to Haiphong. |
| Day 14 | Private boat to Cat Ba. Island ride and overnight on Cat Ba Island. |
| Day 15 | Boat tour of Halong Bay. Transfer to Hanoi. |
| Day 16 | Sightseeing tour including Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and evening water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. |
| Day 17 | Free for shopping. Afternoon transfers to airport for return or onward travel. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $1995 Single supplement: USD $325 |
| Bike Rental | USD $195 |
| Total Distance | 700 Kilometres |
| Number of Days | 17 days / 16 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | Seven full-days and four half-days |
| Road Surface | This tour follows a mix of good asphalt roads and vehicle-width dirt roads, which may be smooth, gritty, stony, rocky, rutted, loose or hard-packed. |
| Support | One or two 8-seat air-conditioned vans converted to take bikes and bikers. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | SpiceRoads cycling leader (for groups of 8 or more), plus a Vietnamese cycling guide plus drivers and assistants for all groups. Groups of 2-7 will be led by our local guide and support team. |
| Accommodation | All hotels are good tourist class ranging from 2-3 star apart from 1 night on a sleeper train. Hotels have a/c and private facilities as a minimum and we always choose hotels with charm and character whenever possible. |
| Food | All meals are included except 4 dinners and 3 lunches. |
| Biking Grade |
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| Cultural Interest |
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Thanks for a great experience!!
~John Gilbert
Saigon to Hanoi Tour, December 2007
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