Cycle Vietnam - 15 days

Drifters Price: £560.50

RRP: £590.00

Trip Code: INTCV

Local Payment: USD$200.00

Days 1-2 Hanoi

Our adventure starts in Hanoi, the delightful capital of Vietnam. Your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the world today so there are no arranged activities for the daytime. We will however, hold a pre-trip meeting where your group leader will also collect your USD200 local payment, followed by a group dinner. Your leader will leave a note for the group at reception confirming the time and location of the meeting. Before this, you need to assemble your bicycle to check for any damage in transit.

At our starting-point hotel you will find notice boards containing sightseeing information, and information on restaurants which you may like to visit prior to the pre-trip meeting. Free photocopied maps of Hanoi can be obtained at the hotel reception.

On the morning of Day 2, we visit KOTO's and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including One Pillar Pagoda, House on Stilts, and Museum. For those that wish to, there is a chance to 'warm up' on our bikes (and street sense) while riding around Hanoi. There is also time to explore the vibrant Old Quarter - 36 streets where all manner of goods can be found from silks to wood carvings and lacquerware - it's a bargain hunter's paradise.

Days 3-4 Ninh Binh

This morning we leave Hanoi behind us via bus and then get into the serious stuff with a ride down rural backroads towards Ninh Binh. In the afternoon we cycle around Ninh Binh itself.

On day 4 we pack our bikes in preparation for tonight's train journey, and jump on local bikes for an 18km ride to the Tam Coc Caves. We visit stunning rock formations that jut out from the rice paddies, making up Tam Coc.

In the evening we board our comfortable overnight train to Hue.

Day 5 Hue

Our train brings us nice and early into Hue. Here the pace of life is more relaxed and the city is very easy to explore. We head to our hotel for breakfast followed by a ride (30km) which takes us out through the fields to visit many of Hue's remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins and spectacular scenery. The itinerary is flexible but fun. Hue is famous for its excellent food - try the local specialties such as banh khoai, Hue's answer to the pancake.

Days 6-7 Hoi An

It's a day of mountainous riding (80km) and spectacular views as we conquer the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass on the way to the laid-back town of Hoi An. We've lots of time to wander along the narrow cobbled lanes of this once busy merchant town, passing architecture dating back 200 years. For those who don't need the rest, there is also the option of biking down to nearby Cua Dai Beach or taking a stroll through fields of rice, sesame, banana and peanuts. For those interested in purchasing tailor-made clothes, simply bring a photo or picture of the suit, dress or whatever you want made and you'll be surprised at the results. Be sure to try some of the local culinary specialties such as Cao Lau or White Rose. Day 7 is free to ride or to rest - whatever takes your fancy!

Day 8 Kon Tum

Today we leave Hoi An and cycle through the lush Vietnamese countryside (70km). This region is mostly inhabited by one of Vietnam's minority groups - the Montagnard people. This area is off the beaten track and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of some of Vietnam's minority peoples.

Day 9 Buon Ma Thuot

Our ride today takes us on an undulating trip (75km), with plenty of hills and featuring beautiful scenery, to the town of Buon Ma Thuot. Coffee plantations still surround this area of the Western Highlands. Again, this area is largely made up of minority people.

Days 10-11 Nha Trang

Our cycle to Nha Trang (75km), features a spectacular downhill stretch, and upon reaching Vietnam's premier resort town, we can soak our muscles in mineral springs, or just unwind in the local bars and restaurants.

We'll have a rest day on day 11 and take to the water for a boat trip featuring sun, sand and sea, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sun-worshipping.

Days 12-13 Dalat

We head up through the Ngoan Muc Pass into the South Central Highlands (70km) where flowers and coffee grow. The road is winding and steep. For those that are willing and strong, you may want to conquer the whole mountain climb, but others will no doubt take it easy and flag a lift from the bus. Either way, the view from the top is majestic. One of Vietnam's most delightful cities, Dalat is a perfect base, and on the morning of day 13 we tour Dalat by bike (20km), and then there is time for exploring the surrounding temperate forests, beautiful gardens and picturesque waterfalls. There is plenty to see around town too, including lakes, palaces, flower gardens, pagodas, and churches.

Days 14-15 Ho Chi Minh City

Time for one last riding splurge - an exciting stint through the winding Bao Loc Pass (25km). The support bus takes us the final leg into Ho Chi Minh City, where we enjoy our last dinner together.

You may depart at any time on day 15, although you may like to consider adding a couple of days to your trip to explore this wonderfully vibrant city.

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