Vietnam Lifestyle E-Bike Tour - 8 Days
Single room surcharge - US $925
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. 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 8 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
Nature: Transition from the cities to rural villages through rice fields and kayak amongst the most spectacular karst formations in Halong Bay.
Activity: See a traditional water puppet show. Cycle on the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail. Pu Luong Nature Reserve, visit the giant bamboo water wheels. Cooking Demonstrations.
Culinary: On board experience the fusion of French neoclassical with oriental touches.
Souvenir: Handcrafted textiles
A four day extension continuing to Hué, Hoi An and Saigon is offered (please refer to our 12 day Lifestyle 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
Accomodation: 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 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. From here a bus will transfer you to Hanoi where your tour finishes mid afternoon.
Cycling Distance: 0km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 (5 nights) & 4 star boat (2 nights)
- Meals as listed
- Airport group transfers: days 1 and 8
- English speaking guide
- Support vehicle
- E-bike hire
- Bottled drinking water while cycling
- Kayaking in Halong Bay (guided)
- Entrance fees & sightseeing as per itinerary
- 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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CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
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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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