Our Vietnam - Southern Explorer samples a variety of landscapes and regions in the country. We will explore a wide range of different areas during our ride, from the historic coastal cities to small villages tucked in the lush highlands, from ancient temples to modern coastal resorts and more. You will experience the notorious Highway 1 and ride the brand new Ho Chi Minh Highway which follows the route of the wartime Ho Chi Minh Trail. Spend a night in an ethnic village and dine on a delcious array of Vietnamese regional cuisine.

We begin our ride in ancient citadel town of Hue, then head south following the infamous Highway 1, sometime on it, other times following quiet side roads paralleling it's course. You will enjoy a half day free in picturesque Hoi An to explore the ancient alleys and stores. After a few days on the coast, we will turn our sights inland and start the climb into the lush highlands, where we will pick up the brand new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This rolling road will take us through dense forest regions and open terrace farming, passing small village and highland towns.

After a layover day in Kon Tum, we will experience the extreme contrasts of life in Vietnam, spending our first night in a native long house on the shores of Lak Lake, followed by a night in Dalat at a upscale colonial hotel. Both are sure to be eye opening experiences. Leaving the highlands behind at Dalat, we descend back to the coast where we swing north along the South China Sea. Check out the ancient Cham Towers and enjoy the beaches of Nha Trang, before we wind down our ride through Vietnam. Join us for an awesome ride through the exotic lands of Vietnam.

Itinerary (day-by-day)

Day 1 - We will assemble at Saigon's airport first thing in the morning after the arrival of the flgiht from Bangkok. A short flight will take us to the beautiful city of Hue. We will relax with some sightseeing by van to the cities various historic sites. After preparing our bikes we will enjoy our first delicious vietnamese dinner.

Day 2 - After breakfast we are off on our tour of Vietnam. Heading south from Hue, we will be pedaling quiet backroads that parallel the infamous Highway 1. After a seafood lunch in quiet Lang Co we will rejoin Hwy 1 for the climb over Hai Van Pass. There are picturesque views galore during both the climb and descent. Evening will find us in Danang city. 112 kms, Hai Van Pass 496m

Day 3 - Leisure is the keyword today, as you pedal the short 31 kms to Hoi An. We'll check out the unique rockscapes of the Marble Mountains enroute to this well preserved historic village. You have the balance of the day free to wander the narrow streets, explore the ancient buildings and shop for local handicrafts. We'll enjoy dinner at a delightful restaurant overlooking the river. 31 kms

Day 4 - A morning shuttle allows us to bypass the heavy traffic between Hoi An and Hwy 1 and enjoy the quiet of the countryside all day. Our morning ride winds its way up through the hill country, past farms and through pine forests. After lunch we will join the brand new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This newly built two lane road (hard to call it a highway) follows the approximate route of the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail used during the Vietnam War to supply troops by foot. 130 kms

Day 5 - Continuing along the Ho Chi Minh Highway, we are enroute to Kon Tum, a small town tucked away in the picturesque central highlands. Our ride is rolling through forested hills and new farms, but because the highway is relatively new, not much traffic or developement exists, allowing us to enjoy quiet country cycling. We will head out to a small local restaurant to try some local delicacies that you won't find in the average Vietnamese restaurant tonight. 130 kms

Day 6 - The day is free for you to do as you please. We will head out by van to visit some Montagnard villages in the area. A chance to learn more about their lives and lifestyles. Or you can relax in town, shopping or visiting the famed wooden church.

Day 7 - From Kon Tum to Buon Ma Thuot is a whopping 230 kms, but we won't make you ride the entire distance. We will roll out of Kon Tum by bike, pedaling first to Pleiku for lunch and then continuing along the highway into the coffee growing region of the highlands. In the afternoon, when we have around 100 kms under our belts, we will load up and shuttle into BMT for the evening. 100+ kms

Day 8 - Another leisurely day of riding is in store as we roll further through coffee country, enroute to Lak Lake and our most unique overnight stop. We will be staying in a traditional longhouse in Jun Village, a M'nong community. The accommodation is simple and everyone sleeps in the communal hall (so you best bring some pj's). But it is a unique opportunity to experience life in the villages of Vietnam. 55 kms

Day 9 - Today is a bit of a workout, as we slowly climb up to Dalat, a mountain top community, long favored as a destination of travelers. We leave the warmer temperature behind as we pedal into the coolness of Dalat. At the town of Duc Trong, we intercept the highway coming from Saigon with its traffic and we will shuttle the last 30 kms to Dalat (you are welcome to pedal if you so desire). 130 kms (160 km without shuttle)

Day 10 - Well you know what they say about what goes up . . . . Today we say goodbye to the highlands and return to the coast. We will roll over a couple of small passes, before starting some 36 kms of winding descent through the forests. Once we reach the coastal plains we will be rolling through acres of thanh long or dragon fruit, a unique regional fruit that you have enjoyed at breakfast everyday on the trip. We'll be bedding down in a small beach side lodge outside Phan Rang tonight. 108 kms Dran Pass 1495m, Ngoan Muc Pass 1460m

Day 11 - We will be pedaling the infamous Hwy 1 today as we head north along the coast. Traffic can occasionally be busy, but everyone should be used to Vietnamese drivers by now. Whenever the opportunity exists we will pick up quiet sideroads paralleling Hwy 1, as well. We will explore some ancient Cham Towers enroute otherwise it is level coastal cycling to Nha Trang, the Miami Beach of Vietnam. Our hotel is right on the beautiful beach. 110 kms

Day 12 - Our last day in Vietnam offers a few options. For folks wanting a bit more pedaling, we will be riding north from Nha Trang, enjoying some spectacular views as the highway climbs atop high cliffs dropping into the sea. Or you can relax in Nha Trang, visiting the beach or shopping. Or catch a boat to Whale Island and enjoy a day of snorkeling and lounging around the island resort. 80 kms

Day 13 - After breakfast we will board our flight to Saigon Airport and the end of our Southern Explorer. Folks leaving on the evening flight to Bangkok can enjoy an optional sightseeing tour of Saigon.

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