Northern Trek & Southern Coastal Cycling - 16 days

Vietnam

Our tour takes in the capital city of Hanoi, the northern west tribal area of Sapa, Halong Bay, Monkey Island Resort, the imperial city of Hue (Historic Hoi An), the historic & shopping town of Hoi An, the beach resort of Nha Trang (where we will take a day cruise and snorkeling) and end in Ho Chi Minh City.
(This tour differs from the ‘Active North to South – Cycling 19 day’ trip due to no cycling in the north).

We will travel to the northwest, known as ‘The roof of Vietnam’ where the Hoang Lien Mountains (Tonkinese Alps) soar to over 3,000m and where some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery is to be found. This is the road less traveled, much of the area is sparsely populated and the mountains are still home to many ethnic minorities. The Montagnard women still favour elaborate costumes of brightly coloured skirts, tops and hats with each ethnic group favouring its own colour variation and design.
Sapa is an atmospheric former hill station with magnificent views of rice terraces and mountains. The overnight temperatures are cooler in the north; however the temperatures in the south will be mild and most enjoyable.
We cruise for two days in Halong Bay(the second of the seven wonders of the world) , on a traditional ‘Chinese Style Junk’ where you will have the opportunity to kayak around the impressive islands.
From the emerald waters, 3,000 islands rise steeply to create dramatic pinnacles.  Known to be the ‘dragon descends into the sea’, you will experience this beautiful region from the comfort of our deluxe Chinese Style Junk.
We then fly south to the Imperial city Hue where we start the cycling part of this 16 day trip along mostly quiet roads, through rural villages seeing the local culture first hand visiting many golden beaches including China beach. Vietnam, while developing rapidly, is still a third world country.

Trip Details

Trip Code: T4W 135
Grade: Easy  to Moderate
Group Size: 4 – 12
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train, cabins while cruising, home stay while trekking & standard hotels
Deposit: USD$500

A further full payment is due 60 days before departure:
USD$2,490 per 4-7 clients
USD$2,290 per 8- 10 clients
USD$2,090 per 11 – 12 clients
Includes flight from Hanoi to Hue and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
Single supplement: USD$590 (only available on some sections of the trip)
Bike hire USD$170
Optional extra add on – 3 – day Mt Fansipan trek (3,143 metres) Vietnam’s highest mountain
1/2 day Red Bridge cooking class (Hoi An) approx USD$30

Trip Dates

Start: Hanoi     End: Ho Chi Minh City
04.08.12 – 19.08.12
18.08.12 – 02.09.12
08.09.12 – 23.09.12
29.09.12 – 14.10.13
06.10.12 – 21.10.12
02.02.13 – 17.02.13
16.02.13 – 03.03.13
02.03.13 – 17.03.13
16.03.13 – 31.03.13
10.08.13 – 25.08.13
24.08.13 – 08.09.13
07.09.13 – 22.09.13
21.09.13 – 06.10.13
05.10.13 – 20.10.13
Other dates available on request.