Full-day biking Hanoi rural life – 09:00 AM

Your cycling tour of Hanoi begins at 09:00 when you are picked up from your hotel and transferred to the office to collect your bikes and receive a safety briefing from your guide. From here, you will begin your morning cycling tour. Your guide will take you past the famous Quang An flower market, however, instead of entering the actual market, we will head towards the river and into the actual gardens where they are grown. For the next few hours, you will pass through local communities growing flowers, making and selling local pottery, seasonal fruits such as kumquat, strawberry, and Vietnamese apple orchards, jungles of banana trees, and local gardens with any number of vegetables on view. Stop and talk to the locals, learn about their produce, taste the exotic foods and cycle through some incredible scenery. All in the knowledge that you are only meters from Hanoi city, you'd never think so while you're on your bike.

The tour continues as you cross the famous Long Bien bridge. Built by the Eiffel company between 1899-1902, it was an important link during the Vietnam War and its defense is now part of local folklore. Push your bikes up onto the bridge and see Hanoi from a new perspective as you cross what was once the longest bridge in Asia.

Once across Long Bien Bridge, you will cycle through some residential districts of Hanoi, crisscrossing through narrow streets until you reach the tip of the Bac Cau peninsula. There is only one way to cross the river at this stage, by boat. Transfer your bikes onto a local boat taxi and enjoy the brief but earned rest. Just a couple of kilometers along the riverfront, you will turn off into a small village where you will have lunch in a local restaurant. If you are lucky and they are at home, you may be able to visit the home of an elderly couple who are the 18th of 20 generations to live in the same house! A great spot for tea and an insight into the lives of a local family.

From here, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel, returning around 3 pm.

Distance: 19-20 km

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, at 09:00 leave the city buildings behind in exchange for the beauty of the Red River Delta. Pass by smaller towns and farmlands, enjoying views of the typical Vietnamese countryside.

Arrive at the pier, towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities for your overnight cruise. Cast off and cruise across the emerald-green waters of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. After your welcome onboard, feast on a delicious and fresh seafood lunch while cruising the Bay’s 1,500 limestone islands, providing an opportunity to see these remarkable, geologic wonders both up-close and from afar. Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy the ship’s vast wellness and spa offerings (at your cost).

In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day, the boat sets sail for an exclusive and undisturbed parking spot in the midst of the bay for the overnight mooring.

Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with traditional oriental touches. After dining, you can also opt for one of the best ways to spend the evening by just taking a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or on your balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape.

Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Overnight on board the boat.

Wake up early, a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors. Traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. Enjoy a visit and/or activity (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port.

Say farewell to the ship’s crew and climb back into the vehicle for the return journey to Hanoi. Check-in hotel on arrival and free at leisure until the evening tour.

Hanoi Evening Street Food tour @16:00

Starting off at 4 PM when the sun is setting, head out for a Hanoi street food walking tour through the Old Quarter. Along with a passionate food guide, walk through the Old Quarter’s small lanes, winding backstreets, and hidden alleys where a multitude of vendors set up their stalls and stools along the roadside. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at night.

You will tempt Nộm Bò Khô – Dried Beef Salad. Savoring the utter spiciness of chili, the spicy sweet of dried beef, the crispiness of julienned green papaya, the pungent flavor of herbs, and the nutty taste of roasted peanut, you are bound to comprehend how far-reaching its coverage is. Having tantalized the taste buds, continue on the food trail to sample other local favorites. Try banh cuon, steamed rice paper stuffed with pork and mushrooms, nem chua ran, fried spring rolls, and many other dishes. Then sit down for a dinner of barbeque, dining on perfectly grilled meats and vegetables at a popular local shop. Then we venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on Hoa Quả Dầm - Fresh Fruit, or Chè - Sweet Dessert Soup — this specialty is one not to be missed!

Wrap up the evening with a beer at a bia hoi¸ small shop selling draft beer. Sip a cold beer while watching the vibrant nighttime street scenes, then return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Notes:

- Tour is on a private basis. Transfers by taxi (5 person max) or private car.

- On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights it is possible to also include an exploration of Hanoi’s bustling outdoor night market, which runs for approx. 3 km throughout the Old Quarter. Enjoy unique food, then see many types of performances: traditional music, break dance, live music (pop or instrumental)

- During the winter months (mid-Dec to mid-Mar) it is often very cold in Hanoi, especially in the evenings. During these months we suggest a morning or afternoon street food tour would be more enjoyable.

Overnight in Hanoi.

7 AM, Depart from Hanoi in the early morning to the Northeast via Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan province. The Northeast’s hinterland is famous for its beautiful green forest scenery, picturesque limestone mountains, and beautiful rice terrace. It is also home to different ethnic such as Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong. The morning ride offers you a comfortable drive on the highway and flat road passing rural areas before reaching the mountain.

Having lunch at a small town along the way, you will reach Quang Uyen district by mid-afternoon with great scenery of mountains and green valleys spread out along the roadside. It’s time for you to take photos, visit villages, and experience more about ethnic’s culture. You will visit the famous blacksmith village of Pac Rang to experience how skilled villagers make farming tools and knives.

Arrive at the foot of Ma Phuc Mountain, you will take a short hike to Phia Thap Village surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains. The village is famous for making incense sticks.

Approx.: 6 hours driving + 1 hour for lunch + 1.5-2 hours hiking

Overnight at the local house of Nung people in Phia Thap Village, dorm without en-suite

Ban Gioc Waterfall - Nguom Ngao Cave - Quay Son Village – 08:30 AM

After breakfast, you will visit Ban Gioc waterfall, the breathtakingly majestic falls that demarcate the border between Vietnam and China. It is time to enjoy the view and soak up the sublime atmosphere of Vietnam’s most beautiful waterfall before making your way to the Nguom Ngao Cave known for its wonderful limestone formations. Khuoi Ky village is your next destination. The village is located close to the cave in a small valley, inhabited by Nung ethnic. Here will meet friendly villagers, visit their ancient houses with Yin and Yang clay roofs, and experience their culture as mainly growing rice and rich in traditional customs.

After lunch, you can do cycle around Quay Son village or do kayaking on Quay Son river.

Approx.: 1.5 hour driving + 3 hours for visiting + 1 hour for lunch + 1 hour for biking & kayaking

Overnight at a local house of Tay People in Quay Son Village, dorm without ensuite

This morning, at 08:00, you will leave the village with a memorial experience for Ba Be Lake, an amazing green lake in the middle of a natural green forest. We then travel to the Tay village of Pac Ngoi, with its beautiful stilt houses and friendly population of Tay people, who make their living by fishing in the stunning Ba Be lakes and farming.

From Buoc Lom boat station, the boat will take you through the entire length of the 3 connected lakes (Ba Be - "3 bays") and up the Nang River, to an astonishing site: Dong Puong, an enormous tunnel (300m long by 30m high) that the river has cut through a lime mountain. Continue to Dau Dang Waterfalls, a series of spectacular cascades between sheer rock walls. You may continue the trail to arrive at a large river bend full of colorful local life, with a small "harbor". Here the locals unload goods to bypass the falls by motorbike and then reload them on boats to go through the lake.

Optional: Paddle on your SUP board along the great Nang River, and admire the natural beauty of rock formations, caves, and wander through the emerald water of the biggest natural lake in Vietnam.

Disembark at Pac Ngoi Village where you will stay in the homestay of a local family here that has been resident in Ba Be for many years, enjoying their wonderful hospitality, and have some time in the evening to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Approx.: 5 hours driving + 1 hour for lunch + 4 hours for boat and sightseeing

Overnight at homestay, private room without ensuite

After breakfast, we will stroll along the riverfront, visit some lovely Pac Ngoi villages where most Tay people keep traditional houses, and hike the upper reaches of the lake, in an area marked by massive limestone cliffs and mountains. Later our car driver will take you to Amazing Hua Ma cave and “Pass” then stop so you can take amazing photos of the terraced fields. After lunch in a local restaurant at your cost, we continue our journey back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 5.30 PM.

Approx.: 5 hours driving + 1 hour for sightseeing + 1 hour for lunch

Overnight in Hanoi.

6:30 Meet your guide and driver for driving to the airport for the flight to Dong Hoi.

VN 1591 depart Hanoi HAN @09:00 – arrive Dong Hoi VDH @10:10 / Vietnam Airlines

Upon arrival, please go to the exit gate and look for your guide holding a signboard with your name on it. Meet your guide and driver for transferring to Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is renowned for its ancient limestone karsts, lush forests, and intricate cave systems, it's a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The drive will take around 45 mins, check-in at the hotel on arrival and the rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

Overnight in Phong Nha.

Elephant Cave & Ma Da Valley Jungle Trek @08:00

Pick up at the hotel and transfer to Jungle Boss Headquarters for the team meeting, and clarify rules and regulations in the National Park before departing for Elephant Cave.

Arrive at the trek departure point and start trekking through the jungle to the Elephant cave. After exploring Elephant Cave, you will hike the jungle trail, cross rivers, and balance across fallen trees. Deep into Ma Da Valley, you will go until you reach the heavenly blue waters of Ma Da Crystal Lake.

Here you will have the opportunity to take a swim, do some cliff jumping, and enjoy a delicious Jungle BBQ prepared by your porter (vegan options also available). With full bellies and feeling refreshed you and the team will gear up and continue on the jungle hike.

A few kilometers down the trail and a couple of river crossings later, you will come upon a large bend in the river and a staging area for the swim into Tra Ang Cave. After a short scramble up some limestone rocks, you will reach the cool waters of Tra Ang Cave and begin the 600m swim into the furthest depths of the cave.

Later trekking back to Ho Chi Minh road for driving back to your hotel in Phong Nha. Tour end.

Kit list:

Overnight in Phong Nha.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Hue south, starting this morning with a visit to the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels. As you traverse through the picturesque landscape, discover the hidden gems of Vietnam, from quaint villages to the scenic Cua Tung Beach.

Uncover the poignant story of Vinh Moc village, which endured the ravages of war in one of the most heavily bombed areas. Learn about the ingenious underground tunnels, spanning approximately 2.8 km, where villagers sought refuge during the bombings from 1966 to 1971, a testament to resilience and survival.

Cross the iconic Ben Hai River, symbolizing the division between North and South Vietnam, where fierce battles once raged. Delve into history as you explore remnants of the past amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Indulge in a simple yet delectable local-style lunch along the route, savoring authentic flavors of the region. Journey onwards to the coast, pausing at the remnants of Quang Tri Citadel, witness to a historic battle that unfolded for 81 days in 1972. Immerse yourself in the museum's exhibits, showcasing evocative photographs, war remnants, and artillery, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous past of Vietnam.

Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon, check-in hotel, and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Hue Heritage with Arts & Handicrafts for Wellness by motorbike @08:30

Meet your guide and kick off the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel. Roam the expansive grounds, admiring buildings that reflect the pomp and ceremony of the once-mighty Nguyen Dynasty. Hear the stories of the majestic buildings and intriguing former emperors. Continue to the characteristic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s iconic landmarks. Discover the many unique spiritual and architectural elements of Thien Mu while touring the compound with a guide. As the nation’s capital for roughly 200 years, Hue is the cradle of quintessential cuisines and vegetarian cuisine finds its own fame through the effect of Buddhism on locals’ life, which you should never miss when you visit Vietnam.

After a short drive, take a leisurely stroll around Bao Vinh town with its lively market selling typical commodities, and its charming merchant houses inviting you over for a local-style tea break. Join the old ladies with palm leaf conical hats and aromatic vegetable baskets on a ferry ride to reach the handicraft villages, where you will cycle along the flower and rice fields. Visit a local artisan making colorful Thanh Tien paper flowers. After learning about the aesthetic and ritual aspects, try your hands crafting one and keep it for a souvenir. Your exploration is prolonged through authentic scenes of the countryside, and households producing objects for offerings like votive paper, incense sticks, roasted kernels, etc. Arrive at a home workshop, where Mr. Ky heartily shares his whole-life journey preserving the art of xylographic printings, the nature-based coloring that Sinh village paintings are famous for. The last stop at a centuries-old village pagoda completes the insight into the local spiritual path for wellness. Besides their worshipping practices, almost everyone needs to reside in Buddha’s teachings and blessings to gain a healthy life and to extricate from unpropitious fates. A dragon boat is waiting to slowly ride you back to modern life.

Overnight in Hue.

Meet your guide and kick off the Hue city day tour at the characteristic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s iconic landmarks. Discover the many unique spiritual and architectural elements of Thien Mu while touring the compound with a guide. Listen to fascinating stories about the pagoda’s 400-year history and enjoy views over the nearby Perfume River. Continue to the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel, constructed under the Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century. It is located in the Citadel of Hue, which was badly damaged during the Tet offensive of 1968. Established as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious center under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945.

Embark on an exciting journey from Hue to Hoi An, a renowned Asian trading port with a rich history dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Experience the timeless charm of Hoi An's architecture and laid-back lifestyle during this approximately 3-hour drive. Enjoy the scenic route as you pass through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co, offering ample opportunities for captivating photographs. Traverse the iconic Pass of Ocean Clouds, a breathtaking mountain pass that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Keep driving to Hoi An ancient town for check-in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An rural life, bike, basket boats, farms & fields@08:30

Discover the best of Hoi An with our immersive cycling tour departing conveniently from your hotel at 08:00. Embark on an enriching journey through the picturesque countryside, pedaling past lush water-coconut forests, serene ponds, and verdant rice fields. Dive into the heart of local culture with stops at iconic landmarks like Mr. Tien’s Temple, where the birds' nests culture originated.

Experience the essence of rural life at Thanh Dong Organic Farm, a sprawling 6000sqm garden supporting 14 local families. Immerse yourself in the farming activities, gaining insights into organic techniques while contributing to the community. Delve deeper into the region's heritage at Mr. Meo’s house, where captivating stories await.

After bidding farewell to the farm, hop aboard a traditional 'basket boat' for a serene 20-minute ride along a tranquil river. Arrive at a charming local restaurant nestled amidst vibrant rice paddy fields for a delectable Vietnamese lunch in the shade.

Round off your adventure with a transfer back to Hoi An Ancient Town or your selected hotel, arriving around 14:30. Book your unforgettable cycling experience now and unlock the hidden gems of Hoi An!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Explore Son Tra Peninsula by Jeep – 7 AM

Depart your adventure in style with a leisurely drive along Hoi An - Da Nang beach roads to the magnificent Son Tra Peninsula. The peninsula resembles a mushroom with the cap being Son Tra Mountain and the stalk the beautiful sandy beach below. The road first passes by numerous coves populated with picturesque fishing villages and basket boats. Continue winding your way along the steep roads and hairpin bends of Monkey Mountain as you tackle one of Vietnam’s most hair-raising drives, then journey along the Forgotten Road to visit a former US Army heliport and Ban Co Peak. After soaking up the dramatic coastal views, we stop and visit a 1,000-year-old ancient Banyan Tree. Make our way to the Linh Ung Pagoda before getting back to your hotel. Linh Ung pagoda is one of the most significant destinations for Buddhist people. This pagoda has a 62-meter statue of the Goddess of Mercy and two rows of 18 white marble statues in the pagoda’s garden.

Return to the hotel and refresh yourself before the afternoon tour.

Kayak/SUP Sunset Paddle to lantern town – 3 PM

You will drive to Cam Thanh Village to do the stand-up paddle tour. We start off learning the basics of stand-up paddle surfing. Once you get your footing we will paddle along the palm islands and begin our wonderful adventure on the Thu Bon River to the ancient town. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and life on the river as you paddle along. As we approach the lantern town, experience the sights of Hoi An from a unique water-level perspective. Catch the reflection of the old houses of the Ancient Town on the water at that magical hour the sun goes down and enjoy at a local coffee shop.

Overnight in Hoi An.

11:30 meet your guide and driver for heading to Da Nang airport (approx. 45 mins) for the flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Flight VN125 departs Da Nang DAD @13:35 – arrives Ho Chi Minh SGN @15:15 / Vietnam Airlines

Taste of the Night: Motorbike Street Food Tour

The tour will start when your tour guide meets you at a place specified by you at 17:30 pm. You will then receive safety instructions on how to ride on the back of a bike properly in order to ensure the safest experience. Then, you will soon whisk away on the back of the bikes in the rush hour with no problem at all to find out and taste the most special dishes offered in small alleys while learning about the history and cultural significance of each dish. You will probably be getting full at this point. Therefore, let’s walk together to digest easily and enjoy the nightlife of Saigon where the sights that most foreign tourists never even hear about or see and we’ll see what it is like to be a local. Next, the guides will introduce the most popular Vietnamese food tradition: “The Street Barbeque”. You have a chance to fill up your stomach with the irresistible authentic local dishes which make you wish for another belly and let’s drink local beer. Before it ends, do not forget to sit down and relax with the sweet desserts totally in Vietnamese style. At around 10:00 pm, we will drive you back to your hotel and wish you a good trip in Vietnam! Our tour is designed to give you a taste of as many different kinds of food as possible and is suitable for all travelers to Vietnam.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Winding Tributaries of the Mekong @08:00

Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City behind on the Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’.

Enjoy a boat cruise along the river which is a branch of the Mekong River. We will start the day by taking a short walk through various local workplaces where you will be able to picture how local people work. Stop at a traditional brickwork factory to see how to make bricks by hand. Continue your boat trip to My Long village, walking to the hamlet to see rice paper making and enjoy some rice cake. Follow the Cai Son canal, winding through a coconut jungle, visit a coconut workshop, and have a look at the stages of coconut processing from removing the husk to prizing out the peel by hand.

Then, explore the riverside promenade and narrow lanes that are ideal for a bicycle ride or choose to hop on a Lambro motor-tricycle which was once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in southern Vietnam in the 1960s. After lunch at a riverside restaurant with Mekong Delta specialties, head back to the main pier in Ben Tre by motorboat to meet your driver, and then return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Today you will have free time until your driver picks you up 3.5 hours before your departure time and transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.

**NOTE: The standard check-out time is 12:00 (A late check-out is on request and subject to availability, the extra cost will be applied to guarantee this service).