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The day has arrived for the challenge to start! We’ll the meet the rest of the team at the airport to our flight to Hanoi. The flight is approximately 12 hours so hopefully we’ll have some time to relax and enjoy the in flight entertainment as well as get to know each other!
We’ll arrive into Hanoi as the day breaks (05:10AM) and our local team will whisk us away for a refreshing coconut juice and some breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast we’ll be taken on highlights tour and as the city wakes up we can soak up the vibes of the bustling and historic city.
After our tour we’ll check into our hotel and have some time to rest, relax or grab some lunch. In the afternoon we’ll get to grips with our bikes and the road rules! After what will feel like a hectic first day we go for dinner in one Hanoi’s most famous restaurants.
Depending on how you feel you could limber up for your days cycle with some Ta Chi around the Hoan Kiem Lake before your traditional breakfast of a choice noodle soups in town, or you could opt for the lie in and breakfast at the hotel.
Our first cycle of the trip will take us on a loop to the outskirts of Hanoi along the Red River to make sure we are well acquainted with our steeds. Lunch will be back at the hotel and the afternoon free as our bikes are transferred to the train station for the journey to Hue. We’ll join our bikes on the train later in the evening and enjoy the romance of overnight train travel.
Cycle distance: 35km
When we arrive in Hue, we’ll transfer to the hotel and start our days cycling from here. We’ll cycle through town and across the perfumed river to Hue’s Imperial citadel for some cycle exploration along the dirt tracks. Our cycle continues into the country side where we’ll see the unique Hue architecture. This evening you’ll enjoy some traditional Hue cuisine at a local restaurant.
Cycle distance:45km
The day starts with a short transfer and then a 40km cycle to the local ferry which will take us across the Perfume River where on the other side we’ll begin the first of three hill climbs for the day. After the first 2 climbs we’ll rejoin the boat and cruise down the river whilst having lunch before meeting our final challenge for the day, the Hai Van (pass of the Ocean Clouds). As we climb that hill hopefully the breathtaking views will distract us from the 11km climb. If we have time we can carry on the cycle to Danang along the coastal road. The evening will be spent in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An town.
Cycle distance: 100km
Today’s ride is the most remote cycle of the trip with some challenging terrain. We’ll transfer out from Hoi An to the start of our cycle which is along narrow country roads to the famous Cham Towers of My Son; an imperial city of the Cham dynasty between the 4th and 12 centuries. The ride is undulating and steep in parts and along the Song Tranh River, where we will only have motor bike support for part of the way. We’ll have a picnic lunch at the towers and then transfer back to the hotel.
Cycle distance: 50km
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.
Cycle distance:30km
After an early breakfast we’ll head inland from Nha Trang to Khanh Vinh where we will start our cycle. Today we’ll start with a lovely stretch of road for approximately 25km through tropical forest and towards the Bi Doup National Park. As we climb the hill via the Hon Giao pass, we’ll be pleased of the cooler air temperature as we ascend more than 1000ms. Hopefully by now we will have all mastered the use of our gears as we’ll need them! After lunch we’ll continue to Dalat and sample some local delicacies.
Cycle distance:80km
This morning will be an early rise to start the Dalat loop. Today’s cycle will see us cycling in the shadow of the Langbian Mountain and depending on how fast we are we’ll ride as far as we can towards Saigon. It’ll be an exhilarating downhill ride all day!
We’ll transfer the last 4 hours to Saigon.
Cycling distance: 80km
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.
Cycle distance: 25km
There’s still time for some last minute exploring and souvenir shopping in the vibrant centre of Saigon. 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