Enchanting, exotic, and fast becoming the most popular destination in Indochina, Vietnam features lush countryside, colorful village markets, dramatic beach coastline and friendly, engaging people. Whether cycling along rice paddies, walking ancient trails, or on the water visiting floating markets, our trip offers the best of this fascinating country.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • A ride you will never forget: your first- to the Imperial City of Hue
  • Cooking course in Hoi An with an acclaimed chef
  • Amazing dinners including a beach banquet in Nha Trang
  • Luxurious hotels that will wow you
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Please note: we offer daily ‘non-cycling’ options for those who choose not to ride.

Location

Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

Starting Location

Hue

Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

Day 2 -3

Hoi An

Hoi An

Day 4=5

Nha Trang

Nha Trang

Day 6+7

Dalat

Dalat, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam

Day 8+9

EXTENSION – MUI NE BEACH

Mũi Né, Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan, Vietnam

Day 10+11

EXTENSION – SAIGON

Saigon, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Days 12+13

EXTENSION- ANGKOR WAT

Angkor Wat, Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

Days 14+15

Pre-Trip Extension - Ha Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay, Tuần Châu, Vietnam

Optional

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
9 nights lodging in the finest boutique hotels in Vietnam
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
Wine receptions on first and final nights
Drinks on us at two 'local night dinners'
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off including flights between Hanoi-Hue and Danang-Nha Trang (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Pre & Post-trip Extensions
Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jan 3-12
Jan 17-26
Feb 16-25
Dec 6-15

2024

Jan 2-11
Jan 16-25
Feb 15-24
Dec 4-13

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

10 days / 9 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Hanoi / Saigon

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy-going/ Moderate
30-50 km daily (add-on options available on some days)
Van supported

TERRAIN

Moderate with some hills

COST

Land Cost:
US $4,350
Includes 9B/6L/8D

Single Supplement:
US $990

Bike Rental:
US $280

Pre-trip Extension
Halong Bay
US $795 2D/2N
Single supplement US $200

Post-trip Extensions
Mui Ne
US $695 2D/2N
Single supplement US $175

Saigon
US $695 2D/2N
Single supplement US $175

Angkor Wat*
US $695 2D/2N
Single supplement US $175
*Additional Airfare Saigon to Siem Reap: US $210 pp

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

1

Pre-trip Extension Day -2 & -1

Optional
Ha Long Bay

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a marvel often described as the eighth wonder of the world. This archipelago is an ideal introduction to the country and one that will not be soon forgotten. Your arrival night hotel at the 5-star Metropole in Hanoi is included. Next morning, you will shuttle to the coast where you will board a Chinese “junk” vessel to explore the over 2,000 limestone islands. Cruising through Halong Bay, there are optional stops where you can hike through cathedral caves and visit remote fishing villages with local school children who delight in rowing us through their ‘community on water’. Our comfortable junk boasts large private cabins. You will arrive back to Hanoi by 2 pm, and have time for a walk to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, museum and stilt house, and Hoan Kiem Lake district.

What is included:

  • Arrival night hotel at Hanoi Sofitel Metropole with breakfast
  • Two days, one night cruising in Ha Long Bay on Chinese “junk”
  • Meals (2B, 1L, 1D)
  • Transfers between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
  • City Guide Hanoi
2

Day 1

Hanoi 

Your arrival night hotel is included in the trip at the luxurious Sofitel Metropole in the French Quarter; we have an optional 4 pm meeting for a bicycle rickshaw tour and then meet again at 7:00 pm in the Metropole lobby and head to dinner at an atmospheric restaurant.

3

Day 2

Hue

On the morning of Day 2, we depart for the airport to fly to Hue on a morning flight. Arriving to Hue, we begin cycling a pleasant route through the countryside on quiet roads passing multiple temples and through rice paddies. We visit Hue’s moated Citadel, a surreal world of deserted gardens and ceremonial halls. Constructed for the Emperor in 1804, it contained the famed Imperial Forbidden City, which was reserved for the private life of the emperor, eunuch servants and royal concubines. Our hotel is the 5-star Pilgrimage Village with large swimming pool. Over welcome drinks at the bar in our hotel, our guide will give a cultural talk and overview of the history of Vietnam on this evening, before dinner.
Cycling distances: D2: 30 km; 90 m

4

Day 3

Hue

Consider starting the day with a yoga class before breakfast (included). After breakfast cycle from the Imperial City through more countryside, finishing with a visit to meet a famed Hue historian and conservationist, whose family’s ancestry has links to a former emperor; a visit to his home – the former residence of a Nguyen Dynasty princess – will be a highlight. Afterwards, we boat down the Perfume River enjoying lunch to visit the majestic tomb of Minh Mang. For anyone that would like an add-on ride, the rolling ride to the hotel is exquisite. Cycling distances: D3: 30 km; 180 m. Add-on option: 13 km; 130 m

5

Day 4

Hoi An

Departing Hue, we’ll ride along Vietnam’s Central coastline with an optional climb over Hai Van Pass at 460 meters (the descent is breathtaking). In Hoi An, we stay at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, ideally situated at the doorstep to this Unesco World Heritage listed village. With its candle-lanterns, historical homes and quaint riverside setting, Hoi An is one of our favorite villages in Vietnam. Our guide will give a walking tour of the town finishing at a renowned tailor where suits/dresses are made to measure in less than 24 hours.
Cycling distances: D4: 49 km; 200 m gain. Add-on option: 23 km; 745 m

6

Day 5

Hoi An

Next day, we cycle from the hotel through the flower and vegetable gardens and lush countryside. Enjoy more of Hoi An – late afternoon, we will take you to the museum/gallery of the French photographer Rehahn, that features an exhibition with information, portraits, traditional costumes and artifacts of all 54 of the officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.  Rehahn’s photography is quite remarkable. We finish the day with a cooking course with one of the region’s top chefs. It will be one of your best meals in Vietnam!

D5: 30 km; 140 m gain

7

Day 6

Nha Trang

After a short flight to the bustling coastal resort city of Nha Trang, we will check in to the Ana Mandara Resort. After lunch, there will be a cycling option along a new coastal road that is gently rolling, freshly paved and traffic-free. Other options include sailing, snorkeling or simply relaxing pool/beach side. Dinner will be at a favorite restaurant where our guide will introduce us to ‘locals night’ with fresh seafood in a convivial setting.
Cycling distances: D6: up to 30 km; 140 m 

8

Day 7

Today our morning ride is one of the best of the trip, with lunch at a local restaurant in the countryside, leaving you the afternoon to relax at the private beach of our hotel.  The luxurious spa here is sublime and there are two swimming pools, or walk the beach to the Nha Trang Sailing Club where you can enjoy sun-downers. Dinner is a banquet of sea-food and other specialties at the beach side restaurant of the Ana Mandara Resort.
D7: 30 km;  140 m

9

Day 8

Dalat

Leaving the coast, we’ll welcome the contrast of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, featuring spectacular waterfalls, pine tree forests and minority villages. Arriving to Dalat, we will be welcomed to the Dalat Palace, built in 1932 in French colonial style. 
Cycling distances: D8: 40 km; 425 m

10

Day 9

Today’s ride is usually a favorite of the trip (we always save the very best for last) with a ride that after a few km descends over 15 km and then rolls gently past orchards and flower gardens (we shuttle back up to Dalat). After lunch, we visit the local market. Take a walking tour to visit Bai Do’s palace and/or the ‘Crazy House Hotel’ and then finish the trip with a reception in the piano bar of the hotel, followed by a celebratory dinner in the fine dining room of Dalat Palace.
Cycling distances: D9: 41 km; 385 m

* We highly recommend extending your trip with the Mui Ne & Saigon Extensions which allow for 3 additional days of superb cycling and more luxurious stays. If you do not continue with the Extensions, the trip finishes with a flight to Saigon early next day.

11

Post-trip Extension Day 10 & 11

Optional
Mui Ne Beach 

The 1400-meter descent from the highlands back to the coast promises to be an exhilarating day as we cycle our way down forested countryside, by bamboo jungles and past sparsely populated villages on a beautifully paved road. Arriving to Mui Ne, we stay at the enchanting Blue Ocean Life Resort located directly on the beach. Cycle early the next morning on a scenic road hugging the turquoise coast, catching a glimpse of local fisherman bringing their fish to market. For those preferring to relax or sail out into the South China Sea, options are many. Mui Ne beach has recently become a Mecca for kite surfers and you can watch the aerial acrobatics from the comfort of the hotel or take a lesson and join in!
Cycling Distances: D10: 57 km; 350 m; D11: 35 km; 265 m.

What is included: 

  • Two nights at the Blue Ocean Life Resort with breakfast daily
  • Bike rentals for two days, support vehicle and guide
  • Meals (2B/1D)
12

Post-trip Extension Day 12 & 13

Optional
Saigon 

From Mui Ne, we cycle a recently paved road that follows the coast south past idyllic beaches that are largely undeveloped. After lunch, we transfer into Saigon. We’ll stay at the historic Caravelle Hotel, in the heart of Saigon’s shopping and dining districts. On our second day, visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels north of HCMC and after lunch the War Museum and other sites. We provide lots of options for dinner.
Cycling Distances: D12: 46 km; 190 m

What is included:

  • Cycling with guide between Mui Ne and Saigon
  • Two nights with breakfast daily
  • Guided visit and transport to Cu Chi Tunnels
  • City Guide Saigon
13

Post-trip Extension Day 14 & 15

Optional
Angkor Wat 

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for two days of exploring the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat with local guide. You will be met on arrival and shuttled to the Raffles Grand Hotel, which has undergone a $70 million renovation and is unquestionably one of the finest hotels in Asia. Our local guide will take you to see the most important sites including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and other temples that are among the most incredible wonders in the world.

What is included:

  • Two nights at the Raffles Grand Hotel with breakfast daily
  • Guided visits for two days with transport
  • Airport transfer on arrival to Siem Reap
  • City Guide Angkor Wat

Please note: flight from Saigon to Siem Reap (US $210) and 3 day Temple Pass (US $62) are additional.

14

Day 16

Depart at your leisure for onward travel. Note – most people arrange their flights to arrive to Hanoi and depart from Siem Reap – there is no need to go back to Saigon if doing the Angkor Wat Extensions

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi

This French colonial-style hotel has stood proudly since 1901 and is thoroughly steeped in historic grandeur. Located in the center of Hanoi, the charming Metropole blends the hospitality of the Vietnamese people with true European luxury. As a Sofitel property, it has all of the expected amenities of a hotel in this class.


Pilgrimage Village, Hue

This charming hotel, located in an updated rustic village setting away from the bustle of town, offers a harmonious balance between the natural environment and local culture. Guest rooms are in stylish, upscale bungalows and villas. The richly appointed Verdana Spa on site offers massage services and a variety of natural treatments.


Anantara Hoi An Resort, Hoi An

This hotel's charming French colonial exterior is complimented by the eclectic interior design blending elements of French, Japanese, Chinese and Dutch cultures which have influenced Hoi An town over the last 4 centuries. Located on the Thu Bon River, this spa resort is right on the doorstep of Hoi An's colorful and bustling Ancient Town.


Amiana Resort, Nha Trang

Located on Nha Trang Bay, this chic 5-star beachfront resort is away from the bustle of downtown. There is an elegant international restaurant with bay views, 2 bars, an infinity pool, seawater pool, tennis courts and a spa.


Dalat Palace, Dalat

Dalat Palace was built in 1922 and once the home of the emperor Bai Dai, this 5-star hotel boasts large rooms with original wooden floors and large claw-foot tubs in the washrooms. There are three restaurants, tennis courts, large pool and spa...


Blue Ocean Life Resort, Mui Ne Beach

This new resort, located on the best stretch of beach in Mui Ne, has comfortable rooms and large grounds and swimming pool. The restaurant on site is excellent and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.


Hotel des Arts, Saigon

This 5 star boutique hotel combines the classical charm of “Indochine Française” with a sense of timeless chic. It almost resembles an art museum with its collection of paintings and antiques. The hotel offers a restaurant, cafe, rooftop bar, a spa and rooftop pool. Alternate is the 5-star Caravelle Hotel.


Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor , Angkor Wat

As the guide book says, “for luxury, atmosphere and convenience, there is no better choice in Siem Reap….guest rooms are large, with classic French doors and windows, tiled entries, fine furnishings…the courtyard pool is large and inviting.”



			


Trip Reviews

February 28, 2020

“Really outstanding, unforgettable experience. Probably the best trip I’ve ever taken. Amenities were first rate and the country itself was incredible. ALL hotels—including those on the extension—were of the highest quality. The Dalat Palace was a bit long in the tooth but they had that karaoke bar! The Japanese place in Hoi An was incredible. Loved the BBQ in Nha Trang! Loved the cooking class in Hoi An. Never had so much support on a ride. Super friendly guys who always greeted you with cold water and a smile. We loved getting to know Moni. What a great addition to the experience. What a great group of people!”

February 28, 2020

“Great way to see the country. Great cross section of regions and locales. Cooking class-food was amazing. Also breakfast at Sofitel. Nice to have bikes ready to go each day. Bonus to have water bottles filled up for each ride. I loved seeing countries that I had always wanted to see. Making new and wonderful friends. It was a fantastic group of people. Each and every person was a pleasure to meet and spend time with.”

February 24, 2020

“Cyclo tour in Hanoi was great fun. Ride length/difficulty was just right. Optional rides could be taken if I wanted more riding which was generally no. Support staff were excellent. Made us feel safe.”

February 24, 2020

“All hotels were very nice, comfortable and a great blend of seaside resort and luxurious urban hotel. The staff at all the hotels were pleasant and accommodating, among the best service we have experienced anywhere. Top hotel experiences were in Hanoi, Saigon and Siem Reap. Loved Xu in Saigon and the Morning Glory cooking class. Breakfasts buffets were outstanding everywhere. Length of ride was ideal for us, especially for this type of sightseeing trip and considering the heat. We neither felt like we had cycled too far, nor not far enough. The terrain was well chosen and the routes were not too busy with traffic. Our guide, Tam, was amazing. Such a friendly, patient person and so knowledgeable and prepared to share information. Adrian, our second guide, was very friendly, helpful and endearing. The group we cycled with were wonderful, easygoing and fun to be with. We loved the exposure to Vietnamese and Cambodian culture – the people were the highlight.”

February 20, 2020

“The food was amazing, cooking class put it over the top. Sony was an informative and fun guide. Van support was so great that I never looked at map!”

February 19, 2020

“An absolutely incredible trip! Probably the best travel experience I’ve ever had! The locals, our tour guides, Tam and Adrien, the culture, food, van support, bike mechanics and the new cycling friends I met in our group. The whole thing was magical. Everyone in our group had the same lovely mindset… adventure and fun! Also great to get to know Robbin and Moni! Fabulous hotels! You can tell that Great Explorations did a top notch job of planning this adventure.”

February 19, 2020

“All was wonderful — Tam particularly great, local support team superb, and a wonderful group of fellow travelers. Loved all the hotels. Each was unique and beautiful in a different way. Enjoyed the variety as well. The van support was exceptional. Local staff were amazing. Seeing and experiencing so much of Vietnam!”

February 18, 2020

“The accomodation, food and bike routes were exceptional. Hotel in Hue was our favorite: chill vibe and nice layout of the grounds. Loved the cooking class in Hoi An. The routes changed on us a few times, however the guides were great in pointing us in the right direction. Van and mechanical support were outstanding. Loved the variety of towns and cities – a great overview of Vietnam. The food was exceptional!”

February 18, 2020

“Was very happy that we were able to see so much of Vietnam and its various Geographies. Distance and difficulty were perfect for me. Vans drivers were great making sure we were on the correct route and with traffic control. Always quick to make sure we had water and food. Was really nice to have Sony following up at the back of the pack so we never worried about getting separated from the group. Very happy with the bike. Liked the variety of foods. Really liked having everything preordered and served family style. Loved the cooking class.”

February 18, 2020

“The hotel meals and planned stops were great and the food amazing.The cooking course was great. Visit to home in Hue was fantastic. The region was a great mix of different aspects of a very diverse country. The session Tam did the one evening for dinner, but of a geography and history lesson with a q+a was awesome.”

February 18, 2020

“Route itinerary was great. 2 nights in each hotel. Cooking class was great.”

February 28, 2019

“Hue was our favorite (the visit to the descendant of the Mandarin’s home), but all the places were interesting in their own way. All hotels were fabulous. The daily distances and level of difficulty was perfect for us.”

February 1, 2019

“Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat exceeded expectations. Length of Ha Long extension was perfect. Dalat & Hoi An were great. Coffee plantation outside of Dalat was very cool. (Coffee was superb.) Hanoi by Tuk Tuk was fun!”

January 23, 2019

“Tam is your saving grace period without him you would not get the level of service and knowledge possible. The hotels were great. Vans were clean and pretty new.”

December 18, 2018

“It was an excellent trip overall. The travel companions and guides were excellent. Halong Bay was awesome. Not to be missed!”

December 4, 2018

“The highlight of our trip was our guide, Tam and his team. Each city was quite different and made good sense for us to visit so we loved the itinerary. Also loved the fact that the trip was as much about history and culture of Vietnam as it was about the ride. Appreciated seeing the country from Hanoi all the way to Saigon via the highlands, all such very different regions.”

December 4, 2018

“Lovely hotels, great country, lovely people.”

December 4, 2018

“A well organized, fun trip. It was a truly amazing experience.”

December 4, 2018

“We were very pleased with the trip. It had a great variety of rides, hotels, places to visit and the food was always very good. So glad I did this trip the way we did. Seeing Vietnam on a bike certainly gives a good overall impression of the country. The diversity of the cities and rides added to the enjoyment of the trip.”

December 4, 2018

“Very very happy with our guide Tam. He was very knowledgeable, approachable and very organized. He was great.”

December 4, 2018

“Great guides, support team. Excellent hotels/ restaurants. All transportation well organized!”

December 4, 2018

“It was spectacular. This was a complicated trip. There were 4 flights between Hanoi and Siem Reap not to mention the numerous transfers/ bikes to travel such distances with 8 people. All guides were professionals: Tam and Sebastian were outstanding, well informed, attendent, kept us safe and fun! The drivers and support staff also were amazing. The extension guides reliable / knowledgeable and flexble. The accomodation provided a new experience at each stop and was fantastic. We may have had the worst weather we have ever encountered and what a great time we had. Everyone loved the dalat mountain climb ride ( some opted for the van due to weather ) and the big downhill ride was fabulous!”

February 2, 2017

“The quiet back country through the rice fields was what I enjoyed. I knew if I couldn’t keep up, there would be a back up van which is good service. I also really appreciated the drivers stopping and directing us when needed. I also appreciated the guides, one in front and one behind to ensure safety.”

February 24, 2014

“We thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to Asia with Great Explorations. Guides were exceptional in giving us an insiders tour customized for our group and the day before us.”

January 26, 2014

“Our expectations were exceeded due to the cultural immersion, impeccable arrangements, professionalism of Tam and his team, culinary experiences etc. Most exciting to be able to visit Hanoi, HaLong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Nha Trang and Dalat as well as Saigon in the one trip. Exceptionally well chosen itinerary.”

February 11, 2012

“Great Trip, we enjoyed discovering Vietnam. Great to have such an attentive crew looking after the equipment Vietnam , wow, what an experience! Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh, a terrific combination of seeing the sites, great accommodation, challenging rides in a beautiful country interacting with truly engaging people. Thank you for exceeding our expectations on this trip, our third adventure with Great Explorations.”

January 16, 2012

“All hotels were excellent! All unique and perfect in the selected area’s. Not one bad meal on the whole trip! Van support was excellent! Very well organized trip! Beautiful country, excellent food, friendly people. Great mix of biking and culture. Fun filled adventure especially with the extensions. Definitely one for the bucket list!!”

January 15, 2007

“We had a wonderful time! This trip will be fondly remembered for many years. This was the best trip we have been on so far.”

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