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Accueil  >  Ideas of travel  >  Biking / Motorbike tours

08 Days - NORTHERN VIETNAM CYCLING WITH HALONG BAY

Urban Hanoi retains its strong French colonial flavour, the lovely lakes is a great contrast with the labyrinth of alleys in Old Hanoi and arts is also seeing a renaissance in the Vietnamese capital. A drive away, Halong Bay boasts spectacular limestone peaks. Cycling in the Northwest highlands of Mai Chau is a great way to see this fascinating and visually stunning part of Vietnam, offering both physical activity and the unique opportunity to observe a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. As we cycle, we encounter Muong and White Thai inhabitants and are guests in their traditional stilt houses allowing us to observe how these minority peoples live. Our modern lightweight European bikes make exploring this part of the country an enjoyable and relatively easy experience and there is a support vehicle on hand if necessary.

Day 01 Arrival Hanoi
Upon arrival, be met by the  guide of Luxury Travel and transferred to your hotel. Tour begins with the Vietnam History Museum (closed Mondays and Fridays) followed by Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of the Old Quarter. Overnight in City

DAY 02 Hanoi - Hoa Binh (78km) (B / L / D )
This morning, we cycle out of Hanoi and head for Hoa Binh town. Along the way, stop at the Van Phuc silk village, approximately 12km southwest of the capital. Continue on to the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum. Your final stop is at the Dau Pagoda before you cycle the remaining 50km to Hoa Binh town, where we spend the night.

Day 03 Hoa Binh - Mai Chau -Lac village (67km) (B / L / D )
Today, set off for Mai Chau town. When the road becomes very steep, you combine cycling with driving in the support vehicle. Upon arrival, enjoy a local lunch at the Thai village of Lac in a traditional stilt house. After lunch, explore the neighboring village. Spend the night at the traditional village.

Day 04 Lac village - Van village (22km) (B / L / D )
Leave Lac and cycle through the beautiful countryside. Pass through several Thai and Muong hamlets and have lunch in another village. Arrive in Van by late afternoon and walk around this charming little village before dinner. Spend the night in traditional stilt house.

Day 05 Van village - Lac village (20km) - Hanoi (B / L )
Return to Lac via a different route. Today’s cycling will probably be the hardest as you climb hills and descend into valleys. Arrive mid-day and enjoy a well-earned lunch in the village. Thereafter, join your vehicle for the return drive to Hanoi.

DAY 06 Hanoi - Halong Bay
This morning, drive about 3 hours through rustic Vietnamese countryside to Halong Bay, one of the 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With hundreds of giant limestone peaks jutting out of the water of the Bay of Tonkins – it’s indeed an impressive sight.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on the bay with seafood lunch on board. Spend the night in Tuan Chau Resort, on board Emeraude cruise or your private traditional junk cruise.
(Breakfast, lunch included for overnight in Tuan Chau Resort)
(All meals included for overnight in Emeraude cruise or private junk boat)

DAY 07 Halong Bay - Hanoi (B )
Continue cruising along Halong Bay and drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon (if you are staying in Tuan Chuan resort or Emeraude cruise, you will drive back to Hanoi in the morning).
Tonight, be treated to a water puppet show, a performing art unique to Vietnam.
 

DAY 08 Hanoi - Departure (B )

You have time to shop in the galleries, boutiques or bazaars of Old Hanoi before your transfer to the airport.

Cost Inclusion

  • These prices are based on min. two adults traveling together and sharing one room.
  • The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we know your date of travel, number in your party and if you have any other specific requirements.

Cost Includes:

  • Accommodation on twin or double share basis;
  • Lightweight imported bikes with helmets and support vehicle during biking days;
  • Meals as stated;
  • Daily supply of mineral water;
  • All tours, entrance fees and transfers in private air-con vehicle with English speaking guide.

Cost Excludes:

  • Airport taxes, war risk insurance, fuel surcharges;
  • Visa arrangement;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
  • Gratuities to guide and driver
  • Personal and other expenses not stated.

HOTEL DESCRIPTION:

In Hanoi

Hong Ngoc Hotel: a tourist class hotel inside the Old quarter of Hanoi, an ideal place to browse around the criss-cross thoroughfares of Hanoi.

Melia Hotel: a 4-star modern hotel located right in the city centre www.solmelia.com

Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel: a 5 star hotel standing side by side the French architectural Hanoi Opera Theatre and within walking distance to the Old Quarter. www.hilton.com

Sofitel Metropole: a deluxe boutique hotel in an old French colonial building right in the heart of Hanoi city 

www.accorhotels-asia.com

In Halong Bay

Tuan Chau Resort: a 4-star resort with a good view of Halong Bay www.tuanchauresort.com.vn

Emeraude Cruise: converted from 1910 paddle steamer, there are 39 cabins providing history, charm and luxury while you enjoy cruising on the bay. www.emeraude-cruises.com

Private Junkboat Cruise: built in the design and décor of a traditional Vietnamese junk. With kayaks available on board, this option offers a personalized and adventurous way of exploring the bay.  www.sailsofindochina.com

In Mai Chau: local accommodation in a traditional Thai ethnic minority stilt house with basis facilities such as mosquito nets, blankets, shared bathroom with flush toilet.

Description of Bikes: Lightweight steel alloy frame bikes with 24 speeds designed for road cycling. Other features include LRS (Low Ratio Suspension) and excellent damping capacity, both of which help to absorb vibration and shocks for a smoother, more comfortable and enjoyable ride. The bicycles are available in a number of sizes.

Private Holidays off beaten paths in Vietnam

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