Pedalers Pub & Grille

Cycling the best of Asia, Alaska and the Pacific since 1987

“Sample the diversity of central and northern Vietnam.
Discover its charm and cuisine. Delve into its history and culture.”

Vietnam is a country filled with captivating natural beauty and tranquil village life. Its highlands continue to yield new species and team with exotic wildlife. Its islands and beaches are among the finest in all of Southeast Asia, and its cuisine is excellent. Our new Highlights Multisport provides you with the opportunity to experience it all firsthand.

We begin our journey in the country's capital, Hanoi, where we explore its history and cultural exhibits. Experience the old French Quarter by cyclo (bicycle taxis). Then head out into the country for a couple of days by bike through the dramatic landscapes of Mai Chau and Ninh Binh. A quick flight takes us to central Vietnam, where we will spend several days exploring the beautiful historic cities of Hue and Hoi An. Your bicycle tour leg also heads into the western mountains for a spectacular ride along the new Ho Chi Minh Highway, with its quiet ethnic villages and broad sweeping landscapes. This winding road follows the old wartime Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The final leg switches gears, leaving the land behind for a cruise by junk through the turquoise waters of UNESCO World Heritage, Ha Long Bay and swaps our bicycles for sea kayaks to explore the many karst limestone islands. Our junk features all the amenities for comfortable evening accommodations, air conditioned rooms with en suite facilities. And our sea kayaks allow us access inside the islands paddling through caves to their hidden interiors. It is a journey unlike any you have done before.

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Vietnam Highlights Multisport
14 days (11 days active)
Inn to Inn

Level

Price
$3095 - Scheduled Dates
$3550 - At Your Request (2-5 guests)

Next Departure
6 May 2012
(more dates)

Scheduled Departures
6 May 2012
13 January 2013
10 March 2013
12 May 2013
(less dates)

Itinerary
Day 1 - arrive Hanoi; Day 2 - explore Hanoi; Day 3 - cycling to Mai Chau; Day 4 - bike to Ninh Binh; Day 5 - cycle to Hoa Lu; Day 6 - biking Hue; Day 7 - bicycle to Hoi An; Day 8 - cycling Ho Chi Minh Trail; Day 9 - bike to Khe Sanh/Hue; Day 10 - fly Hanoi; Day 11,12,13 - sea kayaking Ha Long Bay; Day 14 - depart

Route Character
Small paved roads, moderate traffic, mixed terrain

Mileage
Total: 249 mi / 402 km
Daily Avg: 36 mi / 57 km

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Vietnam Multisport Tours » Highlights Multisport

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our hotel in the old French Quarter. The rest day at your leisure. In the evening, we dine at Seasons of Hanoi restaurant.

Day 2 - We explore Hanoi by van, foot and cyclo (a pedal powered taxi). Among our stops is the Museum of Ethnology, with its informative displays about Vietnam's history, culture and ethnic minorities. You will roll through the historic streets of the French Quarter via cyclo and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at dinner.

Day 3 - This morning we will bypass Ha Noi's hectic traffic, shuttling to the quiet town of Man Duc. We will mount our bikes and pedal off into the lush hill country. The landscapes are magnificent and our cycling takes the easiest route through the mountains, not over them. A short climb at ride's end takes us into the Mai Chau valley and our lodge sitting at the edge of bright green rice paddies. 30 mi /50 kms

Day 4 - After breakfast, we will cycle around the valley a bit exploring quaint little villages with their traditional houses, perhaps visiting the local market where the ethnic Tai sells their handmade cloth. We will do another shuttle, as our next destination is too far for a day's ride, then enjoy an late afternoon spin through the karst scenery surrounding Ninh Binh. 26 mi / 40 kms

Day 5 - Bike from the hotel to Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam date back from 8th century. Visit the temples and climb some hundred steps to the top of a mountain for a great view over the "Halong Bay on the rice field" After here we bike through an amazing area of Limestone Mountains uprising on rice paddies. After 1hr riding we reach Tam Coc. Lunch in local restaurant and then enjoy an interesting rowing boat trip on river to explore the Halong Bay on the rice paddies. Drive back to Ha Noi. 20 mi / 32 kms

Day 6 - We take a morning flight to Hue. In the afternoon, cycle a 'back roads' loop of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes. Visit the Imperial Citadel at your leisure. After exploring the ruins of this grand monument to the emperors, ride the backstreets, along the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue to the Ming Manh mausoleum and loop back across the river to Hue via the funerary monument to Khai Dinh. 18 mi / 30 kms

Day 7 - Begin riding off the beaten track for 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. From here, transfer or cycle the first of the day's three hill climbs. After the first two (moderate) climbs of 2-3km each, cruise down to balmy Lang Co Beach for a rest/swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day - the Hai Van Pass, or 'Pass of Ocean Clouds'. With a new tunnel through the mountain diverting highway traffic, the 11km of this leg will be natural and quiet. The gradient is moderately challenging and the views breathtaking! Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 47 mi / 80 kms

Day 8 - Transfer into the hill country to start our challenging ride on the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail which was the artery of life feeding the Viet Cong fighting in the South with much needed food, ammunition, weapons and medicine. Parts of the trail existed before the war but it was extended to massive proportions. Originally, only porters on foot and bicycles were used, but in the later staves of the war, the trail virtually became a highway but still traffic free. Today's ride is quite tough as we the route is mixture of up and down throughout the day. It's possibly the most spectacular ride of the tour in Vietnam. Along the way, we can contemplate the stunning scenery of verdant mountains and we will stop regularly to absorb the beauty. We will finish riding at A Luoi which is the site known as the infamous Hamburger Hill battle during the Vietnam War. After a short break in this remote town, hop in bus and transfer the rest way on undulating road to Lao Bao town, which border with Laos. Overnight in guest house in Lao Bao. 62 mi / 100 kms

Day 9 - We ride to Khe Sanh, which is known as the former American base and this site used to be one the most important battles (or diversions) of the Vietnam War. All that remains at Khe Sanh now is an eroded pock-marked dust bowl with a memorial near the airstrip and an awful lot of scrap hunters still searching for leftovers from the war. After a visit to Khe Sanh Compass base, we get on bus and transfer out of busy Hwy 9. At Quang Tri, we make a brief visit to Quang Tri ancient citadel which was a military bastion and it was also an administrative head office of Nguyen Dynasty in Quang Tri Province (1809-1945). From here, we pick up our bikes and continue to cruise along the peninsular road to Thuan An. We can immerse ourselves in Vietnam's timeless landscape. Pedal along quiet country roads past field scarlet, and beautiful local villages. Our bus will transfer us from Thuan An to Hue. 43 mi / 70 kms

Day 10 - We say good bye to Hue and proceed with a short flight to Hanoi. From Noi Bai airport, transfer to hotel and the rest day is free at leisure. Relax and shopping if you wish.

Day 11 - After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay. A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over three thousand jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Halong city, we transfer to a traditional deluxe junk for a cruise among the karst islands. The boat is one of the more traditional varieties that sail through the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while the captain heads out for the horizon. Cruise to discover Halong bay with breathtaking scenery and thousands of limestone outcrops. There will be time to enjoy kayaking in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight on junk.

Day 12 - After breakfast, we transfer to taxi boat and enjoy a whole day cruise and kayak. Following the boat to cruise to Man's Head Island and Tortoise Island. Paddling to explore Luon Cave ( Tunnel cave), a beautiful crater like lagoon encircled by towering cliff which is only accessed via half submerged 30m tunnel cave. Paddle to visit Cua Van fishing village. Enjoy scrumptious lunch then cruise to unusual Ba Ham Lake, another crater like lagoon in two sections. The afternoon will be spent at Three Peach Beach, a stunning swimming spot. Return to mother junk for dinner and overnight.

Day 13 - After breakfast, continue kayaking to explore the wonder of Halong bay. Paddle to Duck Islet and Ba Hang area. Cruise back to Halong city passing Bai Tho Mountain and Chopstick Islet. Enjoy the last delicious lunch on board. Arrive Halong around 12 p.m then transfer back to Hanoi. The balance of the day is free for yoru leisure in Hanoi.

Day 14 - Depart Hanoi, several shuttles will be available back to the airport.

Book Your Trip Request Trip Details

Scheduled Dates:
Tour cost: $3095

At Your Request: (private departures)
Tour cost: $3550 (2 to 5 guests)
Tour cost: $3095 (6 or more guests)

Optional Costs:
Single supplement: $495
Bike rental: $225

Deposits:
Tour deposit: $400
Bike rental deposit: $25

At Your Request:
Private departures can be arranged November thru May. Get your wheels rolling and request your At Your Request date today. Plan a trip for your bike club or corporate incentive, contact us for more details.

Lodging:
Boutique Hotels, Inns & Resorts
... More about this trip's inns.

What's Included:

11 nights Accommodation in the area's better hotels (double occupancy)
2 nights Accommodation on Junk
All meals from Dinner on Day 1 until Breakfast on Day 14
Water, sodas or beer included at dinner
Service of bilingual Team Pedalers Guide(s)
Full Van Support
Daily route directions and maps
Sightseeing and cultural activities
Airport pick up & drop off

Meeting & Flights:
The tour meets on Day 1 at Hanoi Mai Airport. Guides will meet all incoming flights.

Fly into Hanoi (HAN) anytime on Day 1
Fly out of Hanoi (HAN) after 10 am on Day 14

Check current airfares to: Hanoi

Route Conditions:
The entire ride is on paved roads, with moderate to light traffic. Pavement is a bit course and suitable for touring, sport road and also performance road bikes with wider tires (25 or wider). Terrain is a mix of flat and small hills along the coastal sections, with hilly conditions along the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

Visas & Travel Documents:
Passports are required for all guests. Your passport should have at least 6 months validity past your intended travel dates. Visas can be obtained from the Vietnam Embassy in your country.

Giving Back
Guests often ask what they can do or bring to help people in the region. We suggest purchasing school notebooks after you arrive in Vietnam to pass out to children in the remote villages we visit. Or if you have a discount store nearby home, pick up some simple reading glasses (2 to 3.75) to pass out to elderly villagers, so that they can continue to lead productive lives.

Read More
Overview
Itinerary & Details
Route Map
Trip Extensions
Guest Reviews
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