Cycle Vietnam Adventure

Soak up the colonial charm of elegant Hanoi – perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Explore the wide tree-lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagodas and historic Old Quarter which all blend together in a unique fusion of French colonial splendour and oriental charm. Let your love affair with Vietnamese food begin as you sample the many delights on offer, from the delectable delights of the ever-present street-food stalls to the wide selection of restaurants serving up flavour-packed treats for all tastes.

Catch the bus to Hoa Binh, where you’ll jump on your bike and cycle 23 miles to Cao Phong, discovering small Thai villages, paddy fields and interacting with the local people as you go. Another bus ride will take you to the Da River Reservoir, where more cycling awaits. Pass spectacular karst cliffs and the lush panorama of the Mai Chau valley before reaching the town itself. Famed for its beautiful, verdant valley and mountain backdrop, you’ll love the scenery and friendly hilltribes here.

Take in the spectacular karst scenery and emerald rice paddies of Ninh Binh, before soaking up the greatness of the Vietnamese people at the Dinh and Le Temples. Built in the 10^th century, locals from all around the country to acknowledge and worship the contributions of these two great emperors, making it a hugely significant landmark culturally.

We just love charming Hue. A UNESCO World Heritage site – home to an astonishing collection of dynastic treasures dotted along the evocative Perfume River which winds its way through the city – Hue is a treasure trove of sights. Within the crumbling walls of the citadel, you will discover the commanding Imperial City, the splendour of the Forbidden Purple City and many more enchanting streets and monuments, some of which lie in ruin.

Admire the splendid architecture and immerse yourself in a bygone era in Hoi An, a graceful old-world trading port with cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses. Boutique restaurants, hip cafés along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia's best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), can all be found here. The Old Town, with its Japanese covered bridge and French colonial houses, as well as the impressive My Son Hindu temple, are just two of the must-see sights.

Head down Vietnam’s scenic Highway One to Phu, where you’ll hop on your bike and cycle the 27 miles to coastal Quy Nhon – a hidden gem of relaxed boulevards, vast swathes of sand, and authentic cultural experiences.

Head onwards to the seaside at Vietnam’s favourite resort town of Nha Trang, also a scuba diving hub. Hang out on the beach, check out the Oceanographic Museum and admire the enormous Buddha at the Long Son Pagoda (optional, extra cost). Included in your stay is a popular boat trip - take a basket boat to quaint fishing villages, snorkel the azure waters and feast on fresh seafood on some of Nha Trang’s idyllic surrounding islands.

Dalat is quite unlike anywhere else in Vietnam and is often referred to as ‘the city of eternal spring’. It’s not just the pleasant climate that you’ll love here; Dalat is surrounded by rolling countryside, huge waterfalls and forests, as well as being the former playground for the elite of French colonial society.

Travel to nearby Phan Thiet, where you can get off your bike and spend time lazing on the pristine beach, exploring the surrounding tropical forest, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps try sand boarding on the sand dunes of Mui Ne. Phan Thiet is known for its fish sauce and excellent seafood restaurants so be sure to save space for some culinary delights while you’re here.

Discover bustling Ho Chi Minh, a vibrant, modern city with a haunting history. Perhaps visit the Reunification Palace – a time warp from the 1970s, complete with secret bunker and military command centre, before paying a visit to the War Remnants Museum for a harrowing view of the war's impact. Also don't miss the many architectural relics from Vietnam's French rule, the chance to shop for souvenirs in the incredible Ben Thanh Market or the opportunity for a bit of ‘me-time' with a foot massage – much-needed after all that exercise!