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Vietnam Heritage by Bicycle
Duration
7 days
Site savings
$51
From
$1,624 USD
Gain an authentic understanding of Vietnam's storied past through this journey across the North. Hit two birds with one stone as you encounter the country's beauty in its mountains, seas, architectural structures and genuinely friendly people. Throughout the tour you'll be guided by English-speaking locals who are well-versed in the history, culture and customs of the area. There's a cornucopia of things to see and do on this heritage tour. It's a good mix of seeing historical sites, coastal cycling with fantastic sea views, river cruising on the Perfume River, visiting untouched settlements and tasting local delicacies.
- CategoryCultural & Historical
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration7 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level2 - Moderate
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance155.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration7 days
- Main DestinationCentral Coast
- Distance155.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet in Hue
Start the tour by meeting in Hue, the old capital of the Ngu Yen Dynasty. It is worth arriving in the morning, so you have time to explore this wonderfully historic city. You can fly in to Hue via Saigon or Hanoi. Alternatively, you can fly into Danang and transfer up to Hue. The tour operator can arrange transfers and domestic flights at an additional cost.
The group will meet in the early afternoon for an introduction to the Ngu Yen Dynasty at the Imperial Citadel which was modeled after the Forbidden City in China. While much of the site was destroyed during the Tet Offensive, it will nevertheless provide a clear understanding of how the royal family lived during the peak of their rule. The day ends with a traditional Vietnamese dinner.
- Emm Hotel
- Dinner
- Day 2Hue's Tombs
Explore by bicycle and boat the rich heritage left behind by the emperors of the Ngu Yen Dynasty. You'll ride to a pier where a boat will be waiting to take you on a cruise on the Perfume River all the way to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, which has become the symbol of the city. Be sure to get a photo with the marble turtle!
It's back on the bikes afterwards for a ride through the rolling countryside to Ming Mang mausoleum. After a walk through this extensive complex, you'll cycle back across the Perfume River to Hue via the mausoleum of Khai Dinh. After an undulating ride, you will have earned your dinner of Vietnamese specialties.
- 18.6 miles
587.3 ft
587.3 ft- Emm Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Hue Countryside
In the morning, you'll cycle a loop of Hue’s lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to the traditional village of Phuoc Tich. The route follows back roads passing through many untouched villages and local markets.
Along the way, you'll come across a Catholic village and perhaps see locals making colorful incense or cutting bamboo into useful items. A highlight of Phouc Tich are the many homes that date back 200 years and follow traditional Feng shui design. Enjoy a traditional lunch with Uncle Ho Van Te and learn more about this rich and culturally significant village.
In the afternoon, loop back toward Hue along quiet country lanes. Dinner is on your own tonight; experience some authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- 31.1 miles
- -3.3 ft
472.4 ft
475.7 ft - Emm Hotel
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 4Hue - Lang Co
Follow the coast southwards as you leave Hue today. As you cycle, roads shaded by coconut palms and dunes scattered with mini mausoleums will keep the view interesting. The colorful graveyards you'll see are comprised of inlaid broken tiles and dishes creating symbols of the afterlife with lotus flowers, dragons, and cranes.
Ride all the way to Phuoc Tuong Hill and then transfer the final 40 km (25 mi) to Lang Co Beach. Enjoy the lunch spread and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the resort and beach.
- 40.4 miles
- -9.8 ft
400.3 ft
410.1 ft - Lang Co Beach Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Lang Co - Hoi An
Your hardest cycling day lies ahead, with a 11 km (6.8 mi) climb and an ascent of 550 m (1,804 ft) to the top of Hai Van Pass. It's a gradual gradient with many switchbacks, and the superb views at the top make it well worth the effort. The reward is a downhill to Danang, your destination for lunch.
After lunch, it'll be a flat and very scenic ride to Hoi An. It's just a short distance to the Marble Mountains, an outcrop of five rocks said to represent the five elements, (Wood, Water, Metal, Fire, and Earth). There will be a visit to China Beach which was made famous by an American TV series of the same name. After a brief stop at the beach, you'll continue down the country road to Hoi An. The town was known as Faifo to early western traders and was one of Southeast Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an important point of call for Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese traders, and the architecture reflects its cosmopolitan past. More than anywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of the past. There are over 844 structures of historical significance, and most people spend the afternoon wandering around and enjoying the sights and atmosphere.
- 34.2 miles
- 9.8 ft
2,595.1 ft
2,585.3 ft - Vinh Hung Riverside Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An
Today you'll ride to out on small village roads on the way to visit My Son, the ancient center of the Cham civilization. The ride is worth the effort, as you cycle along scenic country back roads, past paddy fields and many pretty villages. Eventually, you'll arrive at My Son, which was once Champa’s greatest city from the 4th to 14th centuries. Although many of the temples were destroyed by American bombs, there is still enough of the archaeological site to impress visitors.
Take a break for lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the site. Going back to Hoi An, you can either transfer by bus or cycle back. Dinner is your choice, though the decision may be difficult with so many choices!
- 31.1 miles
587.3 ft
587.3 ft- Vinh Hung Riverside Resort
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 7Hoi An Departure