Vietnam North to South Classic
Explore from top to tail of "the land of the blue dragon". A journey of cultural discovery and some of the most stunning coastal scenery in South East Asia.
A marvelous mix of exploration and indulgence awaits anyone choosing this adventure. Your trip from north to south will uncover the true variety of culture and geography that Vietnam has to offer.
You'll see the all the sights and cities on other tourist trails but also a lot more. Our version of this classic ride starts in Hanoi then heads south by train to historic Hue. It's from here that we really get off the beaten track, following a network of back roads to discover the vibrant village life that's so characteristic of Vietnam. You'll cross the Hai Van pass, ancient towns, sleepy fishing villages and ever changing landscapes that never fail to amaze.
As we follow the coastal backroads from Hoi An southwards, you can expect to savour some of the most sublime palm fringed beaches in South East Asia. One of the great attractions of Vietnam is it's cuisine so be prepared to reward yourself after all the exercise and experience seafood heaven as we pass through fishing communities! Our days following backroads show us a side of the country less known to visitors and the enthusiastic welcomes from local people are a real highlight.
From small, rural communities, to historic towns like Hoi An and Hue, to the beaches and then bustling Saigon, this adventure is one of true contrasts in culture. We welcome anyone who can ride a bike, has a sense of exploration and loves indulging themselves with good food and scenery.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
RAW Travel welcomes single travellers and does not require anyone to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. On all of our adventures we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same sex and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge ( group trips). If you prefer not to share a room then just pay a single supplement to guarantee your own room. Most of our travellers join trips on their own seeking a social experience!
FREE TRAVEL:
If you get a group of 10 people together you can travel for free as the group organizer!
A marvelous mix of exploration and indulgence awaits anyone choosing this adventure. Your trip from north to south will uncover the true variety of culture and geography that Vietnam has to offer.
You'll see the all the sights and cities on other tourist trails but also a lot more. Our version of this classic ride starts in Hanoi then heads south by train to historic Hue. It's from here that we really get off the beaten track, following a network of back roads to discover the vibrant village life that's so characteristic of Vietnam. You'll cross the Hai Van pass, ancient towns, sleepy fishing villages and ever changing landscapes that never fail to amaze.
As we follow the coastal backroads from Hoi An southwards, you can expect to savour some of the most sublime palm fringed beaches in South East Asia. One of the great attractions of Vietnam is it's cuisine so be prepared to reward yourself after all the exercise and experience seafood heaven as we pass through fishing communities! Our days following backroads show us a side of the country less known to visitors and the enthusiastic welcomes from local people are a real highlight.
From small, rural communities, to historic towns like Hoi An and Hue, to the beaches and then bustling Saigon, this adventure is one of true contrasts in culture. We welcome anyone who can ride a bike, has a sense of exploration and loves indulging themselves with good food and scenery.
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
RAW Travel welcomes single travellers and does not require anyone to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. On all of our adventures we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same sex and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge ( group trips). If you prefer not to share a room then just pay a single supplement to guarantee your own room. Most of our travellers join trips on their own seeking a social experience!
FREE TRAVEL:
If you get a group of 10 people together you can travel for free as the group organizer!
North to South Classic Route
Dates
2010 Dec 20 - Jan 012011 Jan 24 - Feb 05
2011 Feb 21 - Mar 05
2011 Sep 12 - Sep 24
Itinerary
13 days - Departing ex Hanoi
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Day 1:Arrive in Hanoi ( L,D)
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Day 2:Flight to Hue (overnight) (B)
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Day 3:Hue - start of cycling( B,L,D)
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Day 4:Cycle to Lang Co ( B,L,D)
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Day 5:Lang Co to Hoi An
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Day 6:Hoi An( B)
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Day 7:Cycle Hoi An to Tam Ky ( B,L,D)
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Day 8:Cycle Tam Ky to Quang Nai ( B,L,D)
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Day 9:Cycle Quang Nai to Binh Duong ( B,L,D)
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Day 10:Cycle Binh Duong to Quy Nhon ( B,L,D)
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Day 11:Quy Nhon ( B)
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Day 12:Flight to Saigon(B,D)
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Day 13:Saigon (B)
Level of Difficulty Moderate
Whats Included?
- 12 night's twin share accommodation in hotel & guesthouses
- 4* hotels in Hanoi, Hoi An & Saigon
- Most meals, see itinerary
- Well maintained bikes, spare parts and tools
- All transfers and transport
- Snack stops & water during cycling days
- First aid trained cycling leader
- Local guides and support staff, mechanic
- A/C support vehicle throughout
- Entrance fees for tours
- Domestic Flight from Quy Nhon to Saigon
- Domestic Flight from Hanoi to Hue
Image Gallery
Testimonials
The guide was great, as was the country, places visited, the people, the food, the hotels that we stayed in and above all our fellow travellers. I could not ask for a better way to see Vietnam or to spend a holiday, after all I got fit while drinking beer and eating food lots-happy days!
This was my first time to Vietnam and I found a country of great diversity that I will certainly visit again. Everywhere we went we were received with smiling faces and hello's. The children were especially great as we hi 5ed them or slapped hands as we rode through various towns and villages. Overall this trip had everything and I couldn't recommend this trip and Vietnam highly enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Cycling was a great way to see the country and meet the locals, and it was great to be able to do this with the support of a bus, truck and guides. The people on the tour were heaps of fun, with lots of laughs, and I've got some excellent new friends! The trip was an amazing experience and I am sure it will stay in my memories forever. I'll be back in Vietnam next year to see it all again, and much more.
Vietnam
Other Cycling trips in Vietnam
- Angkor to Saigon - 14 days
- Mountains and hilltribes in Northwest Vietnam - 11 days
- Private trips Vietnam - 5 days
Trek 4400
Bike Info
Our guarantee is that we will provide you with a well maintained bike for the duration of your trip or your money back! There is a bicycle mechanic on all our trips.
Equipped with Shimano's ever reliable Deore rear derailleur, gear shifts will be smooth and precise, while adjustable suspension forks with lockout absorb the bumps and holes to give you more precise handling in the rough stuff.
Please note that the bikes only have one water bottle cage and no back rack. The pedals are standard platform and have no cleat or foot strap/cage.
To customize the bike you can bring out your own seat, bar ends which give more riding positions and your own pedals (SPD cleats or cage). Our team will help you with the set up.
Bike specifications:
Frame Size variety of frame sizes
Frame Alpha SL Aluminum
Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub: Bontrager Camino rims
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Pedals Alloy platform
We provide standard mountain bike seats. If you have a comfortable/wider seat on your bike at home then please bring with you as it can be attached to the seat post. Alternatively you can bring a gel seat cover.
Bringing your own bike:
No problems but please be aware that you may have excess baggage charges to pay on the airlines (both international & domestic), and pay extra on boats or trains if part of the itinerary.
Cycling tips for overseas trips
Cycling is an amazing means of experiencing and discovering new places & cultures. We provide a thorough safety briefing following set up of the bikes and go over some of the local rules of the road.
Click here for our Asian Highway Code
The advantages of bar ends (handle bar extensions):
These allow you to have more than one riding position when sitting on the bike for several hours at a time.
Cleat pedals (SPD�s):
If you use cleat (SPD) pedals; bring them with you to attach to the bike. These allow for greater efficiency as you are clipped in allowing you to both push and pull on each pedal stroke. This gives increased power and makes uphill sections easier. Alternatively bring pedal straps/cages.
Equipped with Shimano's ever reliable Deore rear derailleur, gear shifts will be smooth and precise, while adjustable suspension forks with lockout absorb the bumps and holes to give you more precise handling in the rough stuff.
Please note that the bikes only have one water bottle cage and no back rack. The pedals are standard platform and have no cleat or foot strap/cage.
To customize the bike you can bring out your own seat, bar ends which give more riding positions and your own pedals (SPD cleats or cage). Our team will help you with the set up.
Bike specifications:
Frame Size variety of frame sizes
Frame Alpha SL Aluminum
Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub: Bontrager Camino rims
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Pedals Alloy platform
We provide standard mountain bike seats. If you have a comfortable/wider seat on your bike at home then please bring with you as it can be attached to the seat post. Alternatively you can bring a gel seat cover.
Bringing your own bike:
No problems but please be aware that you may have excess baggage charges to pay on the airlines (both international & domestic), and pay extra on boats or trains if part of the itinerary.
Cycling tips for overseas trips
Cycling is an amazing means of experiencing and discovering new places & cultures. We provide a thorough safety briefing following set up of the bikes and go over some of the local rules of the road.
Click here for our Asian Highway Code
The advantages of bar ends (handle bar extensions):
These allow you to have more than one riding position when sitting on the bike for several hours at a time.
Cleat pedals (SPD�s):
If you use cleat (SPD) pedals; bring them with you to attach to the bike. These allow for greater efficiency as you are clipped in allowing you to both push and pull on each pedal stroke. This gives increased power and makes uphill sections easier. Alternatively bring pedal straps/cages.
Visit www.trekbikes.com to view more
