Our journey begins at the airport where we’ll meet our teammates and Charity Challenge representative. Any last minute nerves will turn to excitement as we touch down in Hanoi after the overnight flight.
After transferring to our hotel, we have the day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Our city tour takes in Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his old residence, one pillar pagoda and the Old Quarter. Time permitting, we will squeeze in a bike fitting and ride around Hanoi – otherwise this will be done tomorrow. All important is the full trip briefing, followed by team dinner and overnight in hotel.
Early risers may join our tour guide for lakeside Tai Chi. After breakfast the group heads off to the city’s outskirts for a morning ride that stretches along the Red River. Lunch will be back at the hotel, after which the afternoon is free. After an early dinner, we depart for the train station for an overnight train to Hué.
After the long journey, we have breakfast at our hotel. Once the bikes are ready, we cycle into town and across the perfumed river to Hué’s Imperial Citadel, to be explored on foot. We then ride to the Mausoleums of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh on part dirt tracks, part country lanes. The ride continues to the Thien Mu Pagoda, before returning to Hué for the night.
After a short transfer we ride for 40kms along a picturesque, peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. We then board a ferry to cross the Perfume River. Following two moderate climbs, we cruise down to Lang Co Beach for lunch before tackling Hai Van. Time permitting, we pedal on towards Danang from where we will be transferred to UNESCO World Heritage Site Hoi An.
The route from Hoi An to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son Sanctuary, is along traffic-free surfaced track through paddy fields. Thereafter, there is a 4km hill. Approaching the towers along the Song Tranh River, the road becomes rocky and steep, requiring motorbike support for around 12kms. Following a picnic lunch, transfer back to Hoi An for the night.
Yesterday’s hard work is rewarded with a leisurely breakfast and some free time. It’s then back in the saddle and through the Marble Mountains to Danang, from where we catch a flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, the group will check in at a hotel. The rest of the afternoon is then free to explore or relax before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in hotel.
It’s an early start before transferring to Khanh Vinh. The day begins with 25kms on flat road, then it’s up all the way. The ascent exceeds 1,000m, but it is possible to conquer with determination, a steady pace and the gears. We will be travelling along quiet and shady roads towards Bi Doup National Park, and eventually the popular Vietnamese holiday spot of Dalat. Overnight in hotel.
Early start for a morning ride around Dalat. En route we visit a flower farm and later push on for a fast downhill ride. From here it’s a five to six-hour transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the evening. Although recognized as Ho Chi Minh City, the people of Vietnam still lovingly refer to it as Saigon. Team dinner in town and overnight in hotel.
At Cu Chi we explore the network of tunnels, engineered and used by the native Viet Cong fighters. Then it’s a 25km ride along country roads to the city. Here we have the rest of the afternoon free to browse the central Ben Thanh market, visit the War Remnants Museum or take a leisurely ride. Now the hard work is complete, it’s time for a celebratory dinner.
There’s still time for some last minute exploring and souvenir shopping in the vibrant centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Later, we transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
We touch down on home turf, full of pride over our achievements. Saying goodbye to your new-found friends will be hard, so make sure to exchange contact details.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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