Upgraded - Cycle Vietnam

Still commonly referred to by locals as 'Saigon', Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and the country's commercial hub. Here, you can find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. For those arriving on time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on the walking tour. The tour will take in some of the central sights of the city, including the Opera House (formerly South Vietnam National Assembly), Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French-style edifice that is the GPO building. A transfer from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel, is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days before departure. Please note that if you wish to join the afternoon orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 3.30pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around a 30-minute drive, so the latest your flight can arrive is 2pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk to inform you of any essential information. We'll spend the next two nights in our premium hotel in the heart of the vibrant city centre, which offers elegant accommodation, exceptional dining experiences and sophisticated amenities.

First thing this morning, we drive for 90 minutes - through Saigon's remarkable rush-hour traffic - to reach the quieter suburbs. We'll collect our bikes near the remains of an old US military base and start our ride to Ben Duoc (30 kilometres/18.6 miles), the site of the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. The infamous tunnels were an underground command base which was a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're up to experiencing the claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong lived in, there's the opportunity to crawl through a small, specially adapted section of the tunnels. Be warned, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic. After lunch, our cycle continues for around 20 kilometres/12.4 miles towards Ben Nay. Then, we'll swap our bikes for our bus and drive for two hours back to Saigon arriving in the early evening. If you'd prefer to see more of Saigon, you can choose to spend the day exploring instead. Please note, on all cycles, water is provided - you can top up your bottle from the support truck. After some free time to freshen up and maybe enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, we'll regroup at the hotel lobby and go for dinner at KOTO, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern culinary techniques. KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise restaurant, renowned for its mission to provide disadvantaged young people with vocational training and life skills. Dining at KOTO is more than just a meal, it's an experience that'll connect us with the local community and supports a noble cause. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/30 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 50 meters/165 feet and a total accumulated descent of 40 metres/130 feet.

We'll wake early again this morning and say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and drive around two and a half hours to Loc An where we start cycling towards the coastal town of Binh Chau. Today's ride is in two parts and will see us cycle along a mostly flat coastal route, with only a few short climbs. There'll be plenty of time to admire the views and take in the scenery. Firstly, we follow the coastal highway for 30 kilometres/20 miles until we reach Binh Chau where we stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we'll drive to Ke Ga Cape where we can see the historic lighthouse, built by the French in 1899, which stands as the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Vietnam. We jump back on our bikes and continue our coastal cycle for 25 kilometres/15 miles to Phan Thiet City and the end of today's ride. Finally, we drive a short distance to the beach resort town of Mui Ne where we'll spend the night. Acting as a weekend escape for Saigon, the area has a long, palm-lined beach, clear blue waters, and impressive sand dunes nearby that create a unique desert-like landscape. The steady wind conditions make this a great place for water sports. Our hotel is by the seaside where you have the choice to relax either by the pool or on the beach. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 55 kilometres/35 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 450 metres/1,450 feet and a total accumulated descent of 400 metres/1,300 feet.

After a short drive to the sand dunes, we'll start cycling along the coast to Bau Trang, also known as White Lake, a stunning natural attraction. This unique desert landscape features vast white sand dunes that contrast beautifully with the turquoise freshwater lakes nestled among them. The area is also home to lotus flowers that bloom on the lakes, adding a touch of vibrant colour to the pristine scenery. Today's cycling is also split into two roughly equal sections although involves more ascending to test the legs, so after taking in the scenery we drive to Ca Na for lunch. You may like to sample some of the fresh seafood the area is famous for, after which we drive one and a half hours to Mui Dinh viewpoint - a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape. It's here that we get on the bikes again to ride the undulating coastal route to Phan Rang. We spend the night in Phan Rang, a city known for its Cham minority community, reflected in its ancient Cham towers and cultural practices. Explore the city for dinner or use the on-site restaurant after relaxing by the beach. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/30 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 960 metres/3,150 feet and a total accumulated descent of 1,020 metres/3,350 feet.

We rise early again this morning and start cycling straight from the hotel along the undulating coastal road through villages with salt and shrimp farms. After an hour or two we'll arrive in Dinh Ba at the foot of the mountain where we jump on the coach to drive the steep and windy route up towards Nui Chua National Park accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding countryside and distant mountains. We then stop at the Bay of Cam Ranh viewpoint where we'll get back on the bikes. The next 22 kilometres/14 miles is a beautiful ride and there are some nice ascents to challenge and descents to enjoy. After this section, we'll meet the bus once again and drive a short distance for our lunch break at a local restaurant. You can have a snooze on the bus or take in the views as we drive for around an hour before our afternoon ride. The final part of today's ride starts in Suoi Tan and it is mainly on flat terrain for 25 kilometres/15 miles passing Suoi Dau Reservoir, Suoi Cat town and the old Dien Khanh Citadel - a historic fortress built by the Nguyen dynasty that dates back to the late 18th century. We get back on the bus one last time for the short drive to our hotel for the next two nights which is located up the coast from Nha Trang on a beachfront with a swimming pool and direct access to the sea. Our total cycling distance today is split into three separate sections and is approximately 65 kilometres/40 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 745 metres/2,445 feet and a total accumulated descent of 860 metres/2,800 feet.

Today we take a break from the bikes as we embark on a relaxing and beautiful boat trip to Green Oasis Dam Bay, a hidden gem nestled in the serene landscapes of Dam Bay Island. We start with a picturesque boat ride through tranquil waters surrounded by lush greenery. Upon arriving at Green Oasis Dam Bay, you'll be greeted by a stunning landscape that lives up to its name. This tranquil oasis is characterized by its emerald waters, verdant foliage and the soothing sounds of nature. It's an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. You can spend your time at Green Oasis engaging in a variety of activities or just chilling out. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax by the shore, soaking up the serene surroundings. For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for kayaking or hiking the nearby trails to discover the local flora and fauna. One of the highlights of the trip is the BBQ lunch. Enjoy a delicious spread of freshly grilled meats, seafood and vegetables, prepared to perfection. We return to the hotel around mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is left free to take advantage of the facilities of our hotel. No cycling today - rest day.

Travelling by bus this morning, we continue along the coast to the city of Quy Nhon. We'll drive north, over the scenic Ca Pass to Bai Tien in Song Cau. The drive from Ca Pass to Bai Tien is a visual treat as the road twists through verdant hills, scenic fishing villages, and untouched beaches. From Bai Tien, we resume our journey by bike to complete the final leg to Quy Nhon and our hotel for the night. You may like to unwind at the rooftop bar overlooking the China Sea and the picture-perfect coastline. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/40 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 640 metres/2,100 feet and a total accumulated descent of 775 metres/2,540 feet.

Departing Quy Nhon this morning we cycle out across Thi Nai Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam, which connects the city with the Phuong Mai Peninsula. Once across the bridge, we'll continue by bike alongside Quy Nyon Lagoon towards Phu My some 50 kilometres/30 miles away. From Phu My we then travel by bus to Quang Ngai, the scene of the My Lai massacre - one of the most infamous episodes of the Vietnam War. There is time to explore this poignant historical site and its informative visitor centre to gain deeper insights into this pivotal moment in history. Finally, we complete our journey to Hoi An by bus, a trip lasting around three hours. Our hotel for the next two nights is the perfect place to recharge by unwinding by the swimming pool or taking a walk in the serene atmosphere of the hotel surroundings and the river. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/40 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 395 metres/1,300 feet and a total accumulated descent of 390 metres/1,280 feet.

The historic, merchant town and safe harbour of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports in Southeast Asia. During the 15th century, Hoi An flourished as a major trading port on the Silk Road, attracting merchants from China, Japan and Europe who traded in silk, spices and other goods. This morning we'll take a walk through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the city's famous Japanese Bridge and its museum, before wandering amongst its traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Consider a serene river cruise, a Vietnamese cooking class to sharpen your culinary skills, or venture further afield on a bicycle to explore the charming surroundings. No included cycling today - rest day.

After breakfast in Hoi An, we'll depart by bus to the Trinh To Tam road along the beautiful Lap An lagoon where we start cycling. The area is known to locals as the great harmony of mountain and water. Once we reach Phuoc Tuong tunnel, we transfer to Cau Hai Lagoon where we have time for a well-deserved break. After taking time to have some lunch, we cycle along scenic backroads as we wind our way alongside the Cau Hai Lagoon, passing fishing villages to end the ride in Vinh Thanh. Meeting our bus Truong Ha Bridge, we then drive for about an hour to Hue on the shores of the Perfume River. Tonight's sleep promises comfort and indulgence - prepare to be spoiled! The hotel provides an array of dining options, and a relaxing spa and is conveniently situated near Hue's cultural and historical attractions Our total cycling distance today is approximately 80 kilometres/50 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 100 metres/330 feet and a total accumulated descent of 100 metres/330 feet.

Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is still a thriving and important city. First thing this morning we'll drive to the impressive Old Citadel that still dominates the left bank of the river. After visiting the citadel we commence our final cycle ride. Our route follows the Perfume River and leads us to the 19th-century Nguyen Tomb of Minh Mang. After visiting the mausoleum we'll return to our hotel to freshen up before the mid- to late-afternoon departure of the overnight train to Hanoi. Our journey will be in 'soft-sleeper' cabins, each accommodating four berths in a bunk bed arrangement. Bedding is provided and each carriage is equipped with both Western and Asian-style toilets, as well as a basin. Our tour leader will allocate beds and will try to keep our group together as far as possible, however, it might be necessary to share with other travellers and passengers of a different gender. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 20 kilometres/12 miles with a total accumulated ascent of 130 metres/430 feet and a total accumulated descent of 115 metres/380 feet

Arriving in the Vietnamese capital early this morning we drive to the hotel in time for breakfast and have the opportunity to freshen up. Later this morning we'll drive two and a half hours to the south of Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay - one of the most visually impressive landscapes in Southeast Asia. Lan Ha Bay is a picturesque and lesser-known gem located in the northeast of Vietnam which is renowned for its tranquil beauty and relatively untouched environment compared to its more famous neighbour, Halong Bay. The bay's waters are clearer and less crowded with cruise boats, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. We board our junk boat around midday and will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine as the ship sets sail, offering panoramic views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters. The first stop may include kayaking through hidden caves and lagoons, allowing close encounters with the natural beauty of the bay before continuing to our overnight location for dinner often featuring fresh seafood and local specialities. We'll spend the night aboard our superb junk, where you'll be accommodated in en suite twin-share cabins. Each cabin boasts large picture windows and modern air conditioning, providing a truly premium experience. Please note that the boat is not exclusive to our group, and we will be sharing it with other tourists. No cycling, rest day.

This morning, we continue cruising through this wonderfully scenic landscape, enjoying the serenity of its limestone islands before journeying back to land. We then drive back to Hanoi, arriving into the capital in time to enjoy a short city tour. Our late afternoon walking tour includes a visit to Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, as well as an opportunity to explore the city's fascinating Old Quarter. Our hotel in Hanoi is perfectly located to easily discover the city while offering premium amenities such as a rooftop swimming pool, a bar with city views and an on-site restaurant. No cycling, rest day.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel. Hanoi has so much to offer and our time there is limited, so we strongly recommend booking a late flight or extending your stay by one or two nights. A transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range, regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days before the trip starts. The airport is a 45-minute drive from the hotel.