Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi (D)
On
arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha
Noi, Vietnam's capital, is one thousand year old City with green lakes,
French styled buildings, old quarter streets, brightly painted temples
and pagodas .The evening is welcome drinks followed by the tour
briefing. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 2: Ha Noi (B,L)
A
half day sightseeing tour of Ha Noi includeds Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ,
the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Fine Art Museum.
The afternoon we cycle to Co Loa Old Citadel (25 km). The performance
of Ha Noi's water puppet is not to be missed this evening. Overnight in
Ha Noi.
Day 3: Ha Noi - Hoa Binh (B,L,D)
Upon leaving
Ha Noi's bustling streets, we start pedaling through the spectacular
countryside to Hoa Binh (90 km). On the way we make stop to visit Thay
Pagoda, in a tranquil setting of lakes and mounts. Overnight in Hoa
Binh.
Day 4: Hoa Binh - Mai Chau (B,L,D)
After
breakfast, we continue our biking trip to Mai Chau (80 km).The scenic
route of today with some steep uphill and downhill cycling is a real
challenge but many villages dot the hillsides and the undulating
terrain make for an interesting journey. The evening we see a
performance of traditional dance followed by local rice liquor.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 5: Mai Chau (B,L,D)
The
stunning mountainous scenery and simple lifestyle of the Thai hill
tribe people are a highlight of Mai Chau although conditions are very
basic. We spend a full day cycling around Mai Chau valley. Overnight in
Mai Chau.
Day 6: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh (B,L,D)
A few
hour drive takes us to Man Duc before we set off on a half day cycling
through the breathtaking mountainous region to Ninh Binh Town (70 km).
On our journey there are some opportunities to see ethnic minority
people, all friendly and welcoming. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 7: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Phat Diem - Ninh Binh (B,L,D)
Heading
out of Ninh Binh Town we embark on a boat trip in Tam Coc, passing
through the picturesque landscape of rice fields surrounded by
limestone formations to the three magnificent caves. The afternoon we
pedal south to visit Phat Diem church complex (40 km). Overnight in
Ninh Binh.
Day 8: Ninh Binh - Hai Phong (B,L,D)
An
early morning start to pedal through the rich farming land of the Red
River Delta to Hai Phong. The journey is long but road conditions
ameliorated will allow you have more time at every stops. Today is a
long day visit farmers at work and local homes. Overnight in Hai Phong.
Day 9: Hai Phong - Ha Long (B,L,D)
We
continue our journey to Ha Long Bay (70 km). Views of sailing junks
navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out
of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of
spectacular. Overnight in Ha Long.
Day 10: Ha Long - Cat Ba (B,L,D)
Ha
Long Bay boasts one of Vietnam 's most impressive scenic sights. After
a short transfer from the town, we embark on a cruise out to explore
the world natural heritage dotted with some thousands of rock
formations. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a
secluded cove and a seafood lunch. Overnight in Cat Ba.
Day 11: Cat Ba Island (B,L,D)
The
primeval forest and the tranquil town make Cat Ba Island one of Vietnam
's delightful places. We spend a halfday cycling in Cat Ba, visiting
the national park, the central market and the fishing port. The
reminder of today is free to relax on a beach. Overnight in Cat Ba.
Day 12: Cat Ba - Hai Phong - Ha Noi (B,L,D)
In
the early morning we take public ferry back to Hai Phong. Upon landing
we continue our bike trip back to Ha Noi (100 km), stopping at Bat
Trang Pottery village. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 13: Ha Noi - Departure (B)
There is a free time to further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
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