Cycle the Highlands & Coast of Vietnam - 11 Days

Day 1: Fly to Dalat, Day Ride

Welcome to Vietnam! Start the day with a morning flight from Saigon to Dalat. After lunch and a tour briefing, hit the road to explore the surrounding areas. Dalat was popular with the French during colonial times thanks to its cool climate and has since become a favorite with middle-class Saigon residents who want to escape the heat. The area is also the source of some of Asia's best coffee. 

Explore Dalat, biking on paved roads and dirt paths through pine forests, flower gardens, and peaceful coffee plantations. 

Today's ride: 15.5 miles (25 km) 

Day 2: Cycle to Nha Trang

You're in for a great ride today as you bike from the highlands to the sea. The road has some uphills but primarily descends down to sea level as you cycle along quiet country roads. Hop in the car for part of the journey to ensure that you arrive in Nha Trang with time to spare at the beach (and perhaps a glass or two of excellent craft beer from one of the many brewpubs along the beach). 

Today's ride: 46.6 miles (75 km)

Day 3: Train to Quy Nhon

Enjoy a day on two feet with the morning free to explore Nha Trang. Relax by the pool or on the beach and enjoy the beautiful weather. 

After lunch, board the train for a fun, leisurely journey up the coast. This way is much more relaxed than by road and the scenery is simply amazing. You'll pass by quiet beaches, sleepy villages, rice fields, and mountains. The train is the preferred method of transportation for locals and the buffet car is a great place to strike up a conversation. Arrive in Quy Nhon in the early evening, then transfer to the hotel and enjoy dinner in town. 

Day 4: Cycle to Tam Quan

Begin the coastal section of your biking trip today as you leave Quy Nhon on a quiet back road along a sand dune peninsula. Enjoy the fantastic views of the bay and mountains, as well as the coast as you bike along the well-maintained road. At the end of the long day, give your legs a short rest with a car transfer to the tiny village of Tam Quan. 

Today's ride: 46.6 miles (75 km)

Day 5: Cycle to Quang Ngai

Enjoy a day of varied and exceptional riding today. Spend the morning biking along the coast then head inland to see a whole new landscape. Cross over a few hills today, as well as mall rivers which you'll cross on small wooden bridges. Pass by farmers tending to their rice fields and water buffalo, then end in the small city of Quang Ngai. 

The city is sleepy and quiet and the comfortable hotel, peaceful view of the river and limitless chilled beverages make the evening pleasant and relaxing. 

Today's ride: 52.8 miles (85 km) 

Day 6: Cycle to Tam Ky

Start the day with a visit to one of Vietnam's most tragic sites, the My Lai Massacre Memorial. In 1968 US soldiers slaughtered 504 innocent Vietnamese villagers on the site, changing the American public opinion of the American-Vietnam War and altering the course of history. 

Continue further along the coast, stopping along the way to visit a rice paper maker and mat weaver. Both trades are traditional sources of income in small villages, and although the skills are less common in bigger cities, smaller towns keep the trade alive. 

Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and enjoy the evening in a lovely small hotel in town. 

Today's ride: 60 miles (96 km) 

Day 7: Cycle to Hoi An

Today's ride is one of the trip's highlights. Start the day with a visit to a local market where the fish and seafood come directly from the South China Sea and into the baskets of the local vendors. 

Ride dirt roads through sleeping fishing villages, then take a boat ride to reach Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage listed village. The town has a fascinating history and a rich blend of Chinese, French, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures. Nearby, relax on the beautiful beach and sip a refreshing coconut as you watch the sunset. 

Today's ride: 34 miles (55 km)

Day 8: Free Day in Hoi An

Hoi An is a great place to enjoy a free day with nothing in particular to do. The beach is an easy 4.3 miles (7 km) bike ride away, and the whole town is packed with different food options and tons of souvenir shopping. The local tailors are legendary and can turn out a suit or formal dress in as little as two days. 

Day 9: Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Bright Cave

In the morning take a quick flight to Hai Phong and transfer to the nearby pier. Board your ship around noon and enjoy a welcoming drink and lunch as you take in the gorgeous scenery of the stunning limestone towers covered in lush greenery. Stop to visit Lan Ha Bay, Halong's beautiful neighboring bay with plenty of tranquil and private coves. By comparison with busy Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay maintains a more serene and quiet atmosphere. 

In the afternoon transfer to a bamboo boat for a visit to Bright Cave, a peaceful lake surrounded by lush vegetation and high stone cliffs, to enjoy a refreshing dip in the emerald water. Return to the ship to watch the sunset on the top deck and indulge in happy hour drinks or massage and spa treatments. 

Enjoy the beautiful night sky as you sit down to an exquisite dinner on the top deck of the ship. After dinner, socialize with new friends and crew members and try your hand at nighttime squid fishing. If you prefer a restful evening, head to your cabin to take in the views from your private balcony. 

Day 10: Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Tra Bau Village

Early risers can start their day with a Tai Chi session on the top deck this morning. Afterward, take in the fresh air and peaceful views of the bay. 

Spend the rest of the morning exploring the local area—kayak to the lovely Tra Bau area, and visit a fish farm to about the local fishing industry and everyday life on the bay. 

Later in the morning, join a cooking demonstration and enjoy an extraordinary buffet lunch before disembarking the ship at noon. Return to Hanoi in a limousine shuttle bus. 

Day 11: Depart Hanoi

Today you bid farewell to Vietnam, but your memories are sure to last a lifetime. Transfer to Hanoi Airport and connect with your flight home. Safe travels!