Vietnam Lifestyle E-Bike Tour - 12 Days
Single room surcharge - US $1375
Minimum group size is 4. Surcharge applies to group size of 2-3
Overview
Immerse yourself in the bustling city of Hanoi, visit small rural villages, cycle through rice fields and kayak in idyllic Halong Bay. Also visit the historical cities of Hué and HoiAn. Mingle with the friendly local people and indulge in fantastic food. During this memorable tour, you’ll stay in beautiful resorts and hotels, but the highlight may just be the two nights in Halong Bay on a deluxe ‘junk’ boat in a comfortable ensuite cabin. Nearly all meals are included in this tour.
The biking is easy on our 12 day Vietnam Lifestyle Bicycle Tour with an average daily distance of less than 30 km. Your guide and support van will always be close at hand.
Highlights
Culture: A journey through the rich tapestry of customs, history, mythology and faith that shapes the nation's way of life. Delve into Hue's cultural heritage, explore Hanoi's cityscape and wander the ancient streets of Hoi An
Nature: Find tranquility in Ninh Binh. Cruise the breathtaking emerald waters of Halong Bay with its majestic limestone islands.
Activity: See a traditional water puppet show, cycle on the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail, experience a memorable ride on a traditional sampan (rowboat), kayak amongst the dramatic karst formations and relax on a boat trip in HoiAn
Culinary: A gastronomic treat provided by the cruise chef himself.
Souvenir: Silk from Hoi An Silk Village in Hoi An Ancient Town
If you prefer a shorter trip please refer to our eight day Vietnam Lifestyle E-Bike Tour.
Full Itinerary
Arrival In Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! You'll be met at Hanoi's airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake. Access to your room will be from 2pm. Later this afternoon you'll get together with the other tour members and be treated to a traditional water puppet show (a pool of water forms the puppets' stage), then dinner at a local restaurant. (Note: museums are closed on Mondays).
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Hanoi to Mai Chau
This morning we leave the bustling city of Hanoi behind and head west during a 90 minute transfer. Then we hop on our bikes and cycle along scenic rural back roads past rice paddies and through small villages. On the way we'll stop for a picnic lunch as we make our way to tonight's destination of Mai Chau, located in a beautiful valley surrounded by limestone mountains. This region is home to the Thai and Muong minority people.
Cycling Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Mai Chau
Mai Chau to Pu Luong
We start with a short transfer to the entrance of Pu Luong Nature Reserve from where we start cycling. We begin on a sealed road which then changes to a narrower but easy trail. As we cycle through the reserve from west to east, there will be beautiful views of the valleys and terraced rice fields. Passing through villages we can stop and meet some of the the locals. Lunch today will be at a local restaurant before we arrive at Pu Luong in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Cycling Distance: Up to 50km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Pu Luong
Pu Luong to Tam Coc
This morning, bid farewell to Pu Luong and embark on the next leg of your adventure. After viewing the amazing giant bamboo water wheels, an easy and scenic ride takes us on part of the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. On the way, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of our ride we'll transfer to our resort at Tam Coc.
Cycling Distance: 20km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Tam Coc
Tam Coc - Sightseeing and Cycle
Today's first stop will be at Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient imperial capital of the 10th century. While visiting some of the temples dedicated to the Kings, your guide can explain the history of Vietnam dating back a thousand years. Then its a short drive through small villages to Dragon Peak at Hang Mua where you can climb 500 steps for a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Now we head to Tam Coc where lunch is waiting at one of the village's houses. Then cycle to the local pier for a one hour sampan ride through the less-travelled canals and caves within the Thung Nham wetland. Once back at the pier we'll cycle through farmland and small villages on the way back to our resort.
Cycling Distance: 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Tam Coc
Tam Coc to Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay - Boat Cruise
We'll start early as its a four hour drive through the fertile Red River Delta to Ha Long City. After checking in at Tuan Chau Marina by 11.30am, a small boat will transfer us to our stylish Orchid Cruise boat where we're welcomed on board with drinks followed by a safety briefing. Over lunch we'll cruise through Ha Long Bay, then later kayak through the Dark and Bright Caves. Alternatively, discover Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets), an idyllic setting for kayaking and swimming. Both options are the ultimate way to experience the beauty of this region up close. We'll anchor for our overnight stay in serene Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay. On board you may like to join a cooking demonstration or partake in Happy Hour at the bar while watching a stunning sunset. This evening, dinner is a culinary delight featuring fresh ingredients in a setting that blends French neoclassical charm with traditional oriental touches. Later on you could fish for squid, watch a movie or just have a quiet drink.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cruise Boat
Lan Ha Bay - Boat Cruise/Kayaking
Greet the day with Tai Chi on the upper deck before breakfast on board. Then transfer to a small boat and visit Viet Hai fishing village where you can use local bikes to explore the surrounding rainforest, tunnels and rice fields. Spend some time in the village to understand their way of life and visit one of the old houses made from straw, mud and bamboo. After returning to the boat for lunch you'll then stop at Ba Men Temple, a peaceful and beautiful spot perfect for kayaking or just relaxing at the sandy beach. Back on board, have a drink on deck while watching the sun set over the Gulf of Tonkin before indulging in a delicious dinner prepared by your chef.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cruise Boat
Lan Ha Bay to Ha Long Bay to Hanoi to Hue - Cruise/Transfer/Flight
To absorb the peaceful beauty of the region as the sun rises, make sure you are up by 6am. Then partake in a Tai Chi session before the cruise continues during breakfast. We'll stop to visit Hoa Cuong Cave, also known as Diamond Cave, hidden deep in a forested mountain. It remains untouched by humans so its natural beauty is well preserved. Brunch will be served as we cruise back to Tuan Chau Marina. Back on shore a bus will transfer you to Hanoi and then to the Airport for your evening flight to Hué.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel In Hue
Hue to Hoi An
This morning we'll cycle to the former Royal Palace of Hué (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit this extensive complex and its citadel. Our route will then lead us to the famous Royal Mausoleums of Ming Mang where the unique mix of majestic architecture and picturesque landscape is quite beautiful. After lunch, we'll transfer to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass, also known as the 'Cloud Pass'.
Cycling Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel In Hoi An
Hoi An - Sightseeing
After breakfast we'll cycle into the old town of Hoi An, an ancient trading centre and former seaport on the banks of the Thu Bon River. The local architecture reflects the influence of trade with the Portuguese, French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese as far back as the 16th century. After a tour around the town our path through unspoiled nature leads us to an authentic fishing village where time seems to have stopped 100 years ago. After a small boat ride along the Thu Bon River to a traditional ceramics studio, we'll return to the hotel.
Cycling Distance: 22km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel In Hoi An
Hoi An - Sightseeing
We'll be off the beaten track today. Firstly a local ferry takes us to the Duy Hai fishing hub, the most isolated and colourful fishing village in Hoi An with many boats and sampans. As we cycle along a narrow dirt-road, we'll see locals going about their daily lives, children heading off to school, plus the raucous Noi Rang market may be operating. After lunch, it's a two hour ride through rice fields to the Kim Bong craft village. Here we'll visit families producing sleeping mats and bowl-shaped coracle boats, plus we'll also visit a ship-building yard. Then we'll return to Hoi An by boat.
Cycling Distance: 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel In Hoi An
Departure Day - Hoi An To Saigon
This morning we'll transfer you to DaNang airport for a flight to Saigon where your tour will end.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Download the Itinerary PDF here
All distances are approximate. Our tours often go off the beaten track and follow routes that are not always predictable. We cannot always guarantee the weather. For these reasons we may occasionally have to update our itineraries. We will only do this to improve your experience or for safety reasons. Our listed accommodation is always accurate at the time of writing but should we need to change you can rest assured that it will be for similar or better. Display price may differ to what is quoted as this tour is invoiced in the currency stated, and can be dynamic with daily exchange rates.
The Details
- Accommodation: 4 to 5 star hotels (9 nights) & 4 star boat (2 nights)
- Meals as listed
- Airport transfers days 1, 8 & 12
- English speaking tourguide
- Support vehicle
- E-bike Hire
- Flights (Hanoi-Hué and DaNang-Saigon)
- Bottled drinking water while cycling
- Kayaking in Halong Bay (guided)
- Entrance fees & sightseeing as per itinerary
- Boat trip in HoiAn
- International flights and airport taxes
- Passport and travel visas (Vietnam visa required)
- Single room surcharge
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for guide and support crew
- Drinks and personal expenses
Easy tours are specifically designed to allow you to experience a new activity and culture in a relaxed environment. If you’re after a peaceful holiday with a light introductory focus on one or more activities then easy tours are a great option. Routes chosen will be easy and often ridden entirely at your own pace, suitable for families.
A low level of fitness is required, exercising at least once a week prior to the tour.
If you're unsure about anything, please see our FAQs page for extra information.
FAQsBooking information
Participants will be asked to complete a booking form after confirmation of their booking.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
To ensure the trip's viability with our suppliers, a minimum of typically 2 participants is usually required. Upon submitting your booking request, we will provide specifics regarding minimum numbers. Following trip confirmation, you may proceed with flight bookings and other travel arrangements. A ‘Limited’ trip status signifies limited spaces available. For trip status inquiries, kindly email or call our office.
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A deposit is required to secure your place on your selected tour departure. On receipt of your deposit, Global Cycling Adventures will email you a confirmation to verify your travel arrangements and advise final payment details. The final payment is normally required 60 days before departure date unless otherwise specified.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
All tour cancellations will require notification in writing to Global Cycling Adventures by the person participating on the tour. Please be advised that booking cancellations or amendments will incur relevant fees. Cancellation charges are tour-specific and timing-dependent. For a comprehensive outline of our terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, please refer to the travel proposal provided by our team.
We recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance on payment of your tour deposit in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your tour.
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For all overseas tours, the terms and conditions, laws, and jurisdiction of the destination country will apply. By booking a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that local regulations, industry practices, and terms specific to the destination country may supersede or modify our standard terms. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable local laws and regulations while participating in the tour.
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