Tour Details
Road Bicycling with Support
12 Days/Nights
Intermediate Cycling
100% Good Condition Paved Roads
Maximum Group Size: 12
Landcost: $3,960 or $4,980 (5-star)
Single Supplement: $1,280

Tour Dates:
November 5th to 16th, 2007

Day 01

Hanoi
Hanoi, the cultural and political capital of Vietnam has slumbered unchanged since the sixties. Step back in time on the French-built, tree-lined boulevards and old quarter, continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Hanoi's cuisine is heavily marked by Chinese influence and tradition more than other regions and we'll delve straight into the heart of it, rising before dawn to explore the local markets with Neal Fraser and Hanoi culinary expert, the charming Ms. Diep To, shopping for ingredients to create a uniquely northern dinner banquet. Between shopping and preparing dinner, we'll sightsee at Hanoi's more interesting landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Uncle Ho lies in state. Lunch of Cha Ca, a 5th generation fish specialty, at Cha Ca Va Long.

Day 02
25/90km*

Hanoi to Hue
After an early morning flight, we arrive in the ancient Imperial Capital of Hue. Sleepy Hue, Vietnam's most tranquil city remains largely unchanged by economic expansion in the south. After bicycle setup, we'll venture out onto the boulevards along the Perfume River, pedaling through the Imperial Citadel — memorable to most Americans from the vicious, month-long fighting that took place here during the 1968 Tet offensive. We'll also visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam's most important Buddhist monument. After lunch, Tony Cruz will lead an additional ride looping outside of Hue through the countryside. Others may opt for afternoon tea overlooking the river or visit to the bustling Dong Ba Marketplace.

Day 03
20/120km

Hue
Morning spin outside of Hue to visit two of the finest examples of Imperial architecture, the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs. Afterwards, option to return to Hue by traditional dragon boat while the crew demonstrates preperation of Hue specialties, such as Banh Xeo — a Vietnamese crepe. Others may continue on a long ride outside the city. In the evening, dinner in a Hue royal family's traditional home accompanied by live music.

Day 04
50/131km

Hue to Hoi An
An epic ride along one of the most beautiful coastal settings in in the world, passing emerald green rice fields fronting blue lagoons and over the Hai Van Pass affording dramatic views of the sweeping bay around Danang. We'll pause at Lang Co Lagoon for a seafood lunch before conquering the six-mile Hai Van, then continue onto Hoi An, a quant town that is typically everyone's favorite stop. Dinner at the vibrant Miss Ly's where we'll share cooking duties in the chaotic kitchen.

Day 05
73km

Hoi An
After breakfast, exploration of charming Hoi An by foot. After lunch of traditional Cao Lao pork soup prepard by our Iron Chef, we'll ride up the coast along country roads to Marble Mountain, climbing up to its serene grottos and temples. Afterwards, a swim at nearby China Beach, a famous "R&R" area during the war, followed by cycling back to Hoi An. Afternoon activities include boating on teh Thu Bon river fronting Hoi An before a dinner cooking demonstration by one of Vietnam's mst famous chefs.

Day 06
75/160km

Hoi An to Qui Nhon
Our long group will depart early down the coast meeting up near unknown Cham temples superior to those at the more touristy ruins at My Son. After reaching Qung Ngai, we'll pay respects at the My Lai memorial, site of the infamous war massacre. This long day ends with arrival at the former American port base, Qui Nhon, where dinner will feature local specialties as lemongrass chicken baked in palm-leaves, although a cold brew after this long day will be an equal highlight of the meal.

Day 07
40/185km

Qui Nhon to Nha Trang
Our ride from Qui Nhon to Nha Trang covers some of Vietnam’s most scenic coastline, featuring blue lagoons with stone promontories overlooking the languid waters below. Fishing villages under rows of palms dot the coast here, their bays filled with brightly colored boats. Not many travelers here, so lots of attention can be expected. Lunch at scenic Dai Linh Beach. Arrive at resort along the waterfront. After dinner of local seafood, evening free for "red rhum" cocktails along the waterfront.

Day 08
30km

Nha Trang
Vietnam's finest oceanfront city. We'll depart early for a "three-hour tour" boat excursion to nearby islands and a marine reserve. Snorkeling and swimming over the coral reefs in warm, clear water, followed by sunbathing and grilled seafood lunch. After return to dock, city cycling tour, including Lon Song Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham ruins. Evening free to walk along the beach, have a massage or swim in the warm surf. Arranged dinner, featuring shrimp spring rolls, fried squid with pineapples, steamed crab, fresh fish and other seafood delicacies.

Day 09
40/128km

Nha Trang to Dalat
Morning bus shuttle past historic Cam Ranh Bay to Phan Rang, location of expansive Cham ruins, Thap Cham, and most of the remaining Chams, the original inhabitants of Vietnam. Cycling from Thap Cham along the flat to the six-mile climb up Ngoan Muc Pass (which some of us will do in the bus) into the beautiful pine forests of the Central Highlands around Dalat. Small villages and strawberry, carrot and other crops line the empty road passing into Dalat. Overnight at the majestic Sofitel Dalat Palace, restored in perfect detail with expansive views of Dalat valley. Dinner at Long Hoa, a family restaurant.

Day 10
42km

Dalat
A half-day spin, visting Dalat's more interesting sites, including "mad" monk Vien Thuc's Pagoda, Bao Dai Palace and the eccentric Valley of Love. Lunch near the central marketplace featuring Chinese/Vietnamese cuisine. The jewel of Vietnam, Dalat was where the French came for relief from the humid heat of Saigon and hundreds of well-preserved colonial villas dot the hills. It was also a center for exotic game hunting (Teddy Roosevelt visited here). Dinner banquet at the fabulous Sofitel Palace.

Day 11
106km

Dalat to Saigon
Our morning ride begins with a twisting, six-mile descent from Dalat through pine forests to a rolling and gradually descending route passing numerous coffee, tea, banana, and rubber plantations. We'll also pass by the ubiquitous churches in this unique and predominately Catholic area of Vietnam. Just outside of Saigon, the rubber trees originally planted by the French Colonialists are still harvested. Dinner at an lively, outdoor restaurant featuring food stalls cooking up a variety of dishes. Accommodation at the new Hyatt.

Day 12
50km

Saigon
Morning tour of Saigon's central sights, including the colonial-era Art Deco post office, Notre Dame cathedral, and reunification palace. Afterwards, we'll charge up with coffee tasting of samples from the=roughout the country (Vietnam is the world's 2nd largest producer). Afternoon free for souviner shopping, massage, or cyclo (pedicab) ride. In the evening, a spectacular farewell dinner banquet and fashion show.

Day 13

Depart Vietnam (or continue on to Angkor)
Depart Vietnam or continued travel onto Siem Reap to explore the grand temples at Angkor.

* Short and Long ride options, in kilometers

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