Arrival at Hanoi airport where a transfer bus is waiting to take us to our hotel in the heart of Hanoi's old town centre. Despite its 3 million inhabitants, Hanoi seems rural and traditional. The historical old quarter is considered one of the best-preserved in all of Southeast Asia. During a first walk through the colourful, lively streets we can let ourself be captivated by the incomparable Asian flair. Late in the afternoon we have the opportunity to attend the famous water-puppet theatre, a traditional Vietnamese art form. We get to know our fellow travellers during a first communal dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, the bus is already waiting to take us past extensive rice fields to Van Don Island. After a picnic lunch our first bike tour begins. Initially we bicycle on an asphalt road along the coast before crossing the heavily wooded island centre on rural paths.
Afterwards we return to our junk and enjoy the first crossing on the traditional wooden boat with the carved dragon head at the prow.

In the morning, our ship takes us to Tra Ban Island. On small paths and through green rice fields we bicycle across the island entirely untouched by tourism. We can see the water buffaloes which are typical for Vietnam and perhaps even chat with some farmers cultivating their fields and living in the small villages along the way. After this pleasant bike ride we again meet up again with our ship which, in a fairly long cruise during lunch, takes us to Quan Lan Island. We discover this island, famous for the brilliant white sand of its immense, pristine beaches, on the second bike tour of this day. Afterwards the ship will leave towards Ha Long Bay.

After a longer cruise during the morning we reach the fabulous fairy world of the Ha Long Bay. With the kayak we start a discovery tour in the afternoon. This is the best way to explore the caves, lagoons and silent bays. The look-out to the Titop Island is named after the Russian cosmonaut Titov who was once standing on this rock together with Ho Chi Minh. In the evening this look-out point presents us the unforgettable vista of the wonders of Ha Long Bay.

After breakfast we leave of our junk and move with our luggage onto a smaller ship taking us to the bay of Lan Ha.During the cruise we pass the famous "floating villages", which allows us a close look at the traditional way of life of the fishers and their families.
From there we start once more on a kayak excursion that takes us to a picture perfect beach. There we have lunch and then plenty of time for swimming in the emerald-green sea. In the afternoon we are picked up at the beach and taken to a small landing on Cat Ba, from where a bus transfers us to our resort.

Early in the morning, the transfer bus takes us back to the small landing, where we left the ship the previous day. A one-hour crossing brings us and our bikes to another small landing place. From there we bicycle to a remote village inhabited by the Viet Hai, an ethnic minority. We leave our bikes there and continue on foot on a fascinating guided walk through this primary forest that will amaze us with its wild pristine flora and giant colourful butterflies. The destination is one of the island's highest mountains which, on a clear day, present a grandiose view across Ha Long Bay and the entire island. Then we bicycle back to the boat and end the day quietly on the private beach of the Sunrise resort. Overnight  stayat the hotel.

After visiting the local market, the morning bike tour takes us to the center of the island and back to Cat Ba Town along the island’s panoramic coastal road.  Here we have lunch and enough time to refresh waiting for the Hydrofoil, which will take us back to the mainland. From there a bus transfers us back to Hanoi. In the evening we are free to stroll through the lively streets and alleys of the capital. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning we fly from Hanoi to Hue which is beautifully located between hills and rice fields at a bend of the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, in more than 300 temples and pagodas. In the afternoon we bicycle through this ancient imperial city to visit the expansive citadel with the “Forbidden Purple City” which was once exclusively reserved for the Ngyen dynasty. Afterwards we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda which is part of one of the most influential monasteries in Vietnam. The day ends with a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River.

In the morning a transfer bus takes us to one of the famous Vietnamese Emperor’s tombs. Afterwards we continue by bus to Hoi An. En route we make a brief stop at the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam and at the Marble Mountain with its numerous little sanctuaries.

Hoi An, once the most important port of Southeast Asia, has a delightful old centre inviting us to stroll around in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today we have the possibility to take a closer look into the daily life of the local farmers. In the morning we cycle to Tra Que, a small village in the suburban area of Hoi Ans. The name of the place originates from a sweet vegetable often used by the locals as a spice for their meals: a totally new and special kind of specialty! Our host prepares the meal together with us and explains this special ingredient to us. The afternoon can be planned individually: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing bathing afternoon at the white beach of Cua Dai.

In the morning we will be transferred to Da Nang and fly to Ho Chi Ming City, formerly Saigon. The city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a guided tour through the rapidly growing metropolis we visit the town hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam War. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast the transfer takes us to My Tho where we will check-in on a boat which brings us to Cai Be. During the short trip we cruise along the Mekong and enjoy the ample growing nature of the delta as well as the river related life of the inhabitants. By boat we move on north to Ben Tre. Here we have a relaxing cycle tour including sonly a few kilometers. Back on board lunch is served. In the afternoon the schedule includes the discovery of the green island Ngu Hiep and we have the opportunity to try exotic fruits while being astonished by different local handcrafts.

In the morning we cross over to Vingh Long Island and under palm-shaded paths we cycle around the island. We continue by boat to Traon Island where we once more have the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on we can enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta.

During breakfast the ship takes us to Can Tho, where we will be transferred to a small boat taking us to Cai Rong, the most famous floating market of the Delta. Make sure to have your camera ready before getting caught up in the unique atmosphere of the merchants on their gaily painted boats. The following cruise through the small tributaries of the Delta completes our visit in the south. After lunch on board of the Conchinchine we check-out and are transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City. Departure is possible from 8 pm onwards.

Departure after breakfast or prolongation in Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap.

Alterations
On account of unpredictable wind and weather conditions as well as organisational requirements we reserve the right to change routes.

Requirements (Level 1-2)
The cycle routes require a certain level of fitness which one should have required by regular cycling trips. The bike routes have a length of approx. 25 / 16 mi. and lead through hilly or mountainous areas and will be completed without time constraints. The roads are mainly asphalted, but good accessible natural roads are crossed as well.

Helmet Use
Helmet Use is mandatory on all bike rides. You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet.

Children
We believe that only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and with previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5 ft.)

Hotels
In Hanoi, on Cat Bay Island, in Hue and Hoi An (Central Vietnam) and in Ho Chi Minh City you spend the night in very good 3 - 4 star hotels.

Catering
The price includes catering as specified in the itinerary which at all stages of the journey comprises local and regional cuisine (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner).

Participants

• Minimum 10 participants
• Maximum 20 participants