Hanoi Bicycle and Home Stay Tour 3Days

Hanoi Bicycle and Home Stay Tour 3Days
Brief description:
* Duong Lam Village: The ancient village of Duong Lam on the outskirts of Hanoi, being home to around 300 houses built three and four centuries ago with lateritic bricks, is also known as "The museum of laterite" . The village has also been described as the last stronghold of wet rice farming culture in northern Vietnam. A journey to Duong Lam village is a trip to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and Vietnam's traditions. This is also a wonderful chance explore architecture of ancient houses while wandering along its narrow alleyways, visiting beautiful and exotic temples dedicated to the two kings born there and, most interesting of all, chatting with locals in their ancient ancestral homes.

* Ba Vi: Ba Vi is located on a scenic hill comfortably nestled between the Ba Vi Mountains. The Homestead is situated to the west of suburban Ha Noi in a traditional and diverse agricultural landscape (with ponds, streams, lakes and rivers), among some of the most ancient wet rice civilisations in the world.

* Hoa Binh: Hoa Binh has great potential of tourism that is endowed with many famous landscapes and scenic beauties with gigantic chains of mountains stretching to the horizon, fanciful grottoes, tortuous and rocky stream and impressive waterfalls that look like a fairly land on earth. One day riding to Hoa Binh, you will be impressed.

Day 1: Hanoi – Duong Lam village
Day 2: Duong Lam village - Ba Vi National Park
Day 3: Ba Vi National Park (Ba Trai Tea Village) – Hoa Binh – Hanoi

Join - in Group Bike Tours

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Duong Lam village (Cycling Distant: 40 – 55km) (L, D)

Option01: Duong Lam Homestay
Our tour starts at 08.00am, we travel west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Have some talks with the locals in their ancient houses by visiting the ancient houses of Mr Lam, Mr Ha and Mr Huyen. Enjoy your special lunch with Vietnamese foods in an ancient house.

After resting, we continue driving to visit Mia Pagoda (other hamlet in Duong Lam village), is built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, among with are famous sculpture such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities. Then visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Homestay

Option02: Moon Garden Homestay

You start the day from your hotel at 08.00am and travel west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where there are, still preserved and in use as family homes, houses - some over 400 years old.. It is a unique experience to walk along tiny ancient alleys and visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet - the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Have a talk with the locals in their ancient houses by visiting the ancient houses of Mr Lam, Mr Ha and Mr Huyen. Enjoy your special lunch of the most authentic Vietnamese food in an ancient house.

After resting, we continue driving to visit Mia Pagoda (other hamlet in Duong Lam village), built in 15 th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, among with are famous sculptures such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities. Then visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung.
Continue to Ky Son village (4 km). Welcome to the old mandarin house.
- Take shower with fresh herbs perfumed leaves (lemon grass, pommelo, huong nhu, etc.. that you can chose and pick yourself in the garden)
- Dinner and talk with the owner of the house about Vietnamese culture
- Traditional "Foot spa" before sleeping (put your foot in the warm water with traditional medicinal leaves)

Day 2: Duong Lam village - Ba Vi National Park (Cycling Distant: 40 – 55km) (B, L, D)

We leave from Duong Lam Village at 7.00am, bikes packed in the minibus. After a 2-hour highway drive out of the bustling capital, we reach a small tea village bordering Ba Vi National Park. Time for a cold drink if you like while your guide preps the bikes.

The tea village lies within a woven network of surrounding various plantations connected by a web of small roads and trails that make up our biking route. We start our ride around the lush green of the tea plantations. Tea is everywhere in these surroundings with various other farms scattered across the emerald landscape. We then cycle through other areas where lychee, cassava, corn, rice and pineapples are grown, stop by the big old tree standing like a lighthouse alongside the Da river, and finally end the loop on a small road that winds between corn fields along the river. Ba Vi Homestead or Tan Da Resort

Day 3: Ba Vi National Park – Hoa Binh – Hanoi (Cycling Distant: 15 – 30km) (L, D)

Option01: Ba Trai Tea Village

There are nine villages within an area of 500 hectares specialising in growing and making traditional dried tea from fresh, tender tea leaves. You are welcome to pick and help process the tea in a typical northern house. After enjoying the tea experience, you may like to ride by bicycle through the tea villages to see the laterite houses and take pleasure in seeing the Da River with its gigantic red silk cotton trees (Bombax Ceiba) and corn fields on the sandbanks.

In any season, you can witness the wet rice cultivation that has been going on for here thousands of years thanks to the Red, Lo, Thao and Da Rivers.

Option02: Ba Vi National Park

Ba Vi National Park features three prominent mountains: Hung King, Son Tinh Mountain God and Ngoc Hoa Princess. Legend has it that Son Tinh Saint’s family lived here after defeating Thuy Tinh to marry the youngest princess of Hung King. Son Tinh preserved Ba Vi Mountain for the everlasting life of the nation and is one of four immortal saints of Viet Nam.
Sightseeing locations include:
- Son Tinh Saint Temple (Thuong Temple) at the height of 1,200m
- Ancient French church at a height of 800m
- Visit the primeval forest and take pictures of Da and Red Rivers from 700m
- All see the Cactus Garden at 200m.

Option03: Herbs village of Dzao Minority

Ba Vi Mountain was settled by the migrating Dzao Minority people over 800 years ago. Originally from Tibet they followed their ancestor’s skills and earned their living by growing herbs for popular Vietnamese traditional medicines which are plentiful in the forest of Ba Vi Mountain. The Ba Vi commune has 450 households and 2,000 people who specialised in collecting, planting, trading and processing natural herbs which are successful in treating many kinds of disease such as, rheumatism, calcification of the vertebra, haemorrhoids, hepatitis, nephritis. They also produce, bath herbs for lactating woman in order for them to have good health.
Sightseeing locations: Visit the herb gardens and Chinese transcribed Dzao bibliographies, and see hand-made embroidery products. You have the opportunity to purchase popular herbs (Vietnamese traditional medicine) for the treatment of ailments and diseases

Option04: Lotus Lake

Take a ferry boat across the lyrical Da River to take in the view and aromas of the vast lotus lake. With an area of more than 89 hectares, this is the biggest lake in the region. Visitors could try to use a local coracle to collect lotus flowers during the blooming season (April to July), or fish, or just relax on the thatched watchtower houses during other seasons. No matter what time of year, visitors will still enjoy the sweet aroma of the lotus flowers.
Sightseeing opportunities include:
Lotus Lake.
- Hoang Xa church - most ancient wooden church of Vietnamese pagoda architecture.
- Thanh Thuy Hot Spring Spa: Its temperature ranges from 50°C to 60°C. This rare and valuable hot spring is considered among the top 200 hot spring spas in the world, and helps in the treatment of skin-disease, bones, digestion, and stress

Option05: Ba Vi – Da River – Hoa Binh

we continue cycling to Military K9 - Da Chong to ferry boat where we will cross Da River after riding along the highland of HoaBinh, discover the beautiful landscape such as rocks, river and rice fiels after arrival Hoa Binh we finish cycling. Driving back Hanoi.

To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:
Vietnam Bike Tours - http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

 

Vietnamese food for beginners

Take a gastronomic tour of Vietnam, but be warned – do not read this article if you are even slightly hungry.

1. Pho
They call it beef noodle soup, and such it is, but it is also so much more. It is Vietnam in a bowl. Pronounced like "fur" without the  "r", it is beef noodle soup raised to the nth degree. You can have pho everywhere in Vietnam, but it is almost a cult in Hanoi. Try it Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi's Old Quarter for a taste of the really good stuff.


From the garnish tray, add a squeeze of lime juice. Nibble at the bean sprouts to test their crispness. If they pass the test, add a few to the soup. And a dash of chilli sauce and garlic sauce or fish sauce. Lastly, sprinkle it with coriander leaves, mint leaves, or basil. Or all of them. With your chopsticks, thrust deeply to the bottom of the bowl. Lift the noodles above the surface and let the dressings you have added subsume into the body of the work. Lay the noodles back to rest. In the next minute the flavours will marry.
The more traditional beef variety of pho is called “pho bo”, while the chicken is “pho ga”.

2. Mon cuon (Rice rolls)
Rice rolls are produced everywhere in Vietnam, with the most well-known being “goi cuon” (known elsewhere as Vietnamese rice paper or summer rolls). But those that are made in Hanoi have their special characteristics. The wrappings of banh cuon are as thin as a sheet of paper, appearing as edible alabaster, soft yet offering something to the teeth. Ingredients may include grilled pork, fried bean curd or vegetables, which are served on top. If you are really lucky, they will add a drop of coleopterous essence (a highly aromatic secretion from the gland of a type of beetle).
Do not miss Hanoi's Banh Cuon Gia Truyen (located in the Old Quarter) for delicate and incredibly tasty banh cuon.


The basic tenets of the north's cookery are more closely aligned with China than that of other local regions. Fewer spices are available than in the south, but the people could not do without black pepper. They use a superior grade that is mild, yet intensely aromatic, and with a sweetness that is unique to this land. Equally important are the sweet and pungent herbs - basil, mint, coriander, spring onions and several other tasty leaves.

3. Bun cha
Bun cha is simply grilled pork served on a bed on of cold rice noodles and dressed with a few herbs. The meat is always cut from a piece of well-marbled pork and must be grilled with a pair of fresh bamboo tongs.

It is marinated in a mixture of sweet, hot, sour and salty, and the resulting product tastes like none of its constituent flavours, yet more than the sum of its parts. But, like so much of the north, what gives the bun cha its characteristic taste and smell are the minty herbs, most often from nearby Lang village.
Pay a visit to Hanoi's Bun Cha - they do the one dish, and they do it extremely well.

4. Snail dishes
In Hanoi there is a type of snail living in ponds and lakes that grows to the size of a golfball, has a streaked colour, and, while chewy, is very tasty. They are called "oc". Bun oc are boiled snails dipped in nuoc cham, placed in a bowl of rice vermicelli and snail consommé poured over. You can also get bun oc in many seafood restaurants.


Oc ngoi are minced snails mixed with onion, garlic and mushroom; rolled in ginger leaves and stuffed in the shell of the snail, then stewed. Pull the ginger leaf out and the rest comes along. Oc hap bia are snails are steamed in beer. Try alsooc xao ca vo (shelled stir-fried snails), oc cuon cha (rolled snail) and bun oc kho (dried noodle and snails).

To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:
Vietnam Bike Tours - http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

4 easy tips for unforgetable biking trip in Vietnam

4 easy tips for unforgetable biking trip in Vietnam
As a country with every terrain imaginable, Vietnam offers a memorable bicycling adventure for any and all peddlers, regardless of experience or condition. The flat expanse of the Mekong Delta grows to rugged mountains in the central expanse and then blends into the widest variety of difficulty north near Hanoi.

There are few considerations given to bicyclists, a decided lack of designated lanes is one example, and the crushing throng of traffic in some of the larger cities can seem intimidating, but then when has riding a bicycle not been intimidating? Luckily the traffic thins out everywhere else and a single rider will often find themselves peddling alone.

Traffic and Bicycle Laws
Along with standard laws like not causing traffic problems by racing or zigzagging, Vietnam has few laws targeted specifically toward the bicyclist. It is important to remember not to carry cumbersome loads, carry children over age seven with you or ride more than two abreast. No sort of helmet or lighting is required, but bicyclists are not allowed to ride with open umbrellas. One can only guess what happened to make this law.

  Vietnam has few laws targeted specifically toward the bicyclist

Common Trips
There are some routes that will take you through the backcountry while providing some modicum of modern amenities, or the option to rent a bicycle for a short time lends itself to impromptu day or overnight trips.

The easiest of these is around the Mekong Delta. With a terrain nearly devoid of any rise, these trips are easier, but by no means less scenic, than the others. Traveling through the expanse of rice paddies dotted with the occasional copse of trees, the rider will be joined by children cycling to or from school or women returning from the market. People in the villages will be pleasantly surprised to see a foreigner riding into town and a circuit from Ho Chi Minh to any of the surrounding villages is an easy ride. With the flat terrain and abundance of villages it is easy to take a trip of any length, whether only a day or two weeks, a rider can tour without backtracking.

 The northern provides travellers the more difficult routes

The northern area allows for more wooded scenery while still allowing for easier trips. For the more  bicycle adventurous, the northern area provides a greater degree of difficulty through the hills surrounding Hanoi. A typical trip would be a tour from Hanoi to Hoa Binh to Ninh Binh and then to Hanoi; an intermediate trip of about 200 km on good road conditions.

A new trip for the adventurous would be along the historical Ho Chi Minh trail. The Vietnamese government recently finished building a highway connecting north and south Vietnam that runs roughly the same track the Ho Chi Minh trail did. Traffic is light and the people who live in the mountains hospitable. This is an intermediate trip lasting multiple days.

Weather
Weather in Southeast Asia is a big consideration and it is recommended to go from Late September to December or March to late May. The weather in the southern area of Vietnam stays warm and humid averaging 26°C with its rainy season from June to September. BE WARNED: Vietnam sees monsoonal rains starting in June, peaking in August and tapering down in September. This season varies depending on location; Hanoi in the north generally has a rainy season that peaks earlier while Ho Chi Minh City may not see its rains slack until early October. Vietnam, especially central Vietnam, often floods and can hold up a trip for a week before the waters recede.
 The grapth which reveals the avarage temp and avarage rainfall

The hot season will see temperatures averaging 30°C, with the south staying warm all year round and the north seeing winter trends averaging 15°C. Depending on the time of year, it would be advisable to take a jacket to keep off the chill, especially if riding in the highlands, and a hat to protect against the sun.

Other Considerations
Visas must be applied for at least six months prior to entry date. Tourist visas are granted for one month, but may be extended after arrival in Vietnam, and only allow one entry into the country. Tourists must fill out arrival/departure papers and declaration papers, keeping both with the passport at all times. It is also recommended having a few extra passport-size photos with you as local authorities may request these and it is always a good idea to stay on the good side of authorities.

 Visas must be applied for at least six months prior to entry date

With over two-thirds of its roads unpaved and those paved roads sporting an abundance of potholes, the road conditions almost require a mountain bike. Most hotels, cafes and GHs will rent bicycles while also providing fairly dependable service options at the same time. Expect to spend about $20 a day renting a bike, or see your airline about their rules for taking your own with you.

The lush landscapes and warm hospitality provide anyone with a good biking tour of Vietnam. Take the time to look around and smell the proverbial “roses”.

To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:
Vietnam Bike Tours - http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

Karst Mountains in the Sea: Halong Bay

Karst Mountains in the Sea: Halong Bay
Halong bay is where the karst mountains, the same we saw in Yangshuo and near the Perfume Pagoda, rise from the sea, resulting in more amazing scenery. We took a 3 day Halong Day tour from Hanoi


It takes 4 hours for the bus to take us to Halong city, where we step on board for a tour through the bay. Despite the mediocre weather, the scenery is great. We are most amazed by the erosion at the base of the karst structures. Some of them look as if they might collapse anytime.


Halfway through the boat trip, we set foot on one of the 3000 islands in the bay. Here we visit a cave with numerous stalagmites and stalagtites, underground rivers, and lakes. And after the second half of the boat trip, we arrive at Cat Ba island, where we will stay for two nights.

Cat Ba town

Cat Ba town is a small village on Cat Ba island in Halong Bay. It has a harbor and lots of hotels. But in the low season, there are few tourists and little action. We attempt visiting some bars and discotheques, but they are as good as deserted. So we head back to the hotel where we chat with our fellow tour companions.
Cat Ba island consists of a National Park covering half the island. The second day of the tour start with a hike through it. We are put in an old, uncomfortable Russian bus. It first brings us to a cave, where a hospital was situated during the American war, and where the Vietnamese army stayed to attack American airplanes. A war veteran comments on life in the cave in these days. He also starts singing some war songs, accompanied by the Vietnamese clapping their hands. We are amazed by the enthusiasm, after all those years.

Hiking in Cat Ba National Park

After the musical intermezzo we move on to the Cat Ba National Park. We have a choice of a long or a short route, and choose the short one. It leads us up some steep, slippery paths, and we have to climb with hands and feet at some points. In the end we reach one of the highest peaks on the island with a nice view over the mountains. After enjoying it, we climb down, which is more difficult than up, but less exhausting. When we come back, we are glad not to have chosen the long route.

Hiking on moutain

The afternoon is planned for a trip to the beach. Although the sun doesn't shine, we take a look around and we find two lovely bays with beaches and rocks. On our way to the beaches, we find a number of used injection needles. According to the bartender in the hotel, though, there is no drugs problem on the island

The third day of the tour is mostly spent by the trip back from Halong Bay to Hanoi. On the boat, we see the many floating houses in the harbor and around the islands. Our estimate is that half the population of Cat Ba lives in the water, close to the nets with which they earn their money. Some floating houses have an electricity wire to the shore, and even an antenna for TV reception.

Back in Hanoi, the weather got even colder. We are glad to move on to Hue the next day. Besides a little warmer, we hope this town is a little less crowded with motorbikes.

To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:
Vietnam Bike Tours - http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

Embracing adventure in Vietnam

 Embracing adventure in Vietnam
I clung white-knuckled to the back of my friend's motorbike as the two of us zipped around the streets of Hanoi. We buzzed past a man sitting in a barber's chair on the sidewalk of a main road. The man was peering into an oval mirror tacked to a tree as the barber clipped away.
"See! O.I.V!" my friend said.
"What?" I asked, trying to figure out what I had seen as much as what he just said.
"O.I.V.," he repeated. "Only in Vietnam."
It was the first day of my 11-day tour through northern and central Vietnam, and the adventure had just begun.
Vietnam was never at the top of my list of places to visit -- that is until my old roommate from Atlanta took a job in Hanoi. When my rock-climbing partner, with a level of sanity as questionable as my own, found out climbing was on our itinerary, he decided to join in. We'd start in Hanoi and take in the city sights, make our way to Cat Ba Island for a little climbing and finally to Hoi An along the central coast for some relaxation.
Hanoi at street level
We flew in to the capital, where traffic signals and street signs, if they exist, seem more like suggestions than law. The streets are the heart and soul of Hanoi. They're where people gather for everything from dinner to shoe repair, and the only way to take in the city is to plunge into the traffic. So we did, starting with a walking tour of the Old Quarter.
The narrow streets at Old Quater, Hanoi

Roughly 1,000 years old, the Old Quarter developed as craftsmen gathered around the old palace to peddle their wares. The narrow streets eventually became the central marketplace and business area, but it retains much of its ancient charm. The buildings are only a few stories tall, narrow and deep, and artisans and merchants still line the sidewalks. The streets are named after what you may find on them -- tinwork on Hang Thiec and silk on Hang Gai. Hang Dau was once home to fragrant oil merchants, but now tourists and locals walk the street looking for a great deal on shoes.
After watching a tinsmith melt and mold what appeared to be a sprinkler head, another wonder of the Hanoi streets caught my eye, or rather my taste buds. On the balcony of a coffee shop near the Old Quarter, I had my first sip of café sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee). It is dark and thick like espresso, but served iced and creamed with a couple of spoonfuls of sweetened condensed milk. I was addicted at first sip.

Vietnamese iced coffee
Climbing on Cat Ba Island
One taxi, three buses and a speedboat away from Hanoi we found the small island of Cat Ba in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay was named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011 and is easily recognized by the hundreds of limestone karsts that jut sharply out of the turquoise waters.
Where much of the area has watered down the wilderness experience to cater to tourists, Cat Ba attracts a more low-maintenance traveler -- the "Tây ba lô. "It means 'Western backpacker,' " my friend explained. Cat Ba is a popular spot for backpackers from all over the world who have developed a reputation for their stinginess. Accommodations are basic, and prices are low. Tall, narrow hotels line the main road, each with an amazing view of the harbor. Rooms go for dollars a day, and the cafes feature fresh seafood on the cheap. But the real draw of the island is away from the main drag, so our first morning we caught a ride on a tourist boat to a beachside climbing site.
Take a cruise and relax in Ha Long Bay

As we meandered through the waters of the bay, a unique nautical culture revealed itself. Because the land is often too rocky to cultivate but the bay is rich in sea life, locals have made the water their home.
Large networks of floating villages hide in the shadows of the karsts. Brightly colored huts are built on grids of floating barrels and beams with frontyards made of fishing nets.
Our boat dropped anchor off the shore of a deserted beach. We loaded our climbing gear onto kayaks and paddled over. We scaled the jagged walls of Tiger and Moody's beaches in solitude, taking in the beauty of Halong Bay from the top of the vertical cliffs.
In addition to experiencing the bay's natural beauty, you can't help but stumble upon history.We explored the island during a break between climbing routes and found a natural cave with a man-made concrete slab for a floor, most likely created as a hideout during the Vietnam War (or the American War, as it's known in Vietnam). Although I never discovered the history of that exact cave, back on Cat Ba we toured another war-era relic with a local guide.
Hospital Cave is a three story, bomb-proof structure built into a natural cave. It was a hospital and a safe house for the Viet Cong during the war, complete with a kitchen, surgical rooms and a theater.
We also traded $8 cash for two motorbikes (no rental agreement required) and sped up the windy, lush road to Cannon Fort. Cannon Fort was built in the 1940s and later used during the war. Two cannons remain hidden in its crevices, and it's a spectacular place to take in a sunset.
High class in Hoi An
After braving the traffic in the city and the cliffs (and jellyfish) of the bay, I deemed the last part of our trip as R&R time, and the ancient city of Hoi An did not disappoint. Most port cities in Vietnam have met one of two fates: They have either grown into large industrial harbors such as Da Nang or shriveled over time.
Hoi An is different. Its narrow streets with lantern-lit storefronts and a fusion of various styles of traditional Asian architecture give it a quaint feel.
Hoi An at night with many lanterns

Two of the city's specialties are clothing and food. The first you can get made to order. The second you can make yourself. Every other storefront in the old town is a tailor's shop where you can design your own clothing, pick the fabrics and have it sewn overnight. If you find the right tailor, you can walk away with quality, high-style clothing made to fit at big-box store prices.
As for the food, Hoi An is a unique blend of northern and southern flavors with specialties such as white rose dumplings and the Hoi An pancake. Many of the cafes offer cooking classes so you can master the flavors of the city and take them home with you.
Our cooking class started with a tour of the local market, where we picked up a few fresh ingredients and learned about the local food culture. It turns out turmeric will cure all that ails you, according to Vietnamese tradition, and durian -- a very smelly fruit -- is an acquired taste.
After a leisurely boat ride, we arrived at the Red Bridge Cooking School. Under its thatched portico, we learned to make rice paper and spring rolls, cook in a clay pot and fry Banh Xeo, a shrimp and rice pancake.
Trying to re-create that rice paper turned into an epic disaster back in the States, but for an afternoon, we were masters of the trade.
Not for everyone, not forever
From the madness of Hanoi to the untamed beauty of Cat Ba -- each of our destinations offered a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture. It's not for everyone, but for those willing to brave the unknown, the country is ripe with untapped adventures.
Hurry though. Sprawling resorts are popping up, and the booming tourism business has many young people learning how to cater to the nuances of Western culture more often than celebrating their own.
Vietnam is a country on the cusp. In another decade, it may be a cookie-cutter tourist oasis. But for now, the spirit of Vietnam remains.

To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:
Vietnam Bike Tours - http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

cycling tours from Hanoi to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)

Northeast Vietnam Cycling Tours 6Days

Destinations: This cycling trip through the remote north of Vietnam is a rugged little adventure that explores a beautiful part of the country. Scenically, this is one of the most spectacular trips. The legendary lake of Ba Be surrounded by primeval forest, the scenic Ban Gioc Waterfall, the historical b. All exposed to your sight.

Cycle through the breathtaking north-east region of Vietnam. Explore tranquil Ba Be National Park and enjoy a cruise on the crystal clear waters of Ba Be Lake. Make a visit to the beautiful Ban Gioc waterfalls and enjoy the unforgettable hospitality of the minority groups that make the region their home.

Read more...

perfume pagoda cycling tour

Destinations: Perfume cycling tour The Pefume Pagoda is one of beautiful place in north of Vietnam, it took about more than 3 hours to get there by car and cycling tour conbine. Not worth if we do not travel travel there by cycling, after cycling time, we can to go pagoda by boating to watch the view along Yen stream, on off season (out of festival), the river time seem is perfect, became reflective due to having few boats traveling along the stream. What a peaceful view. On this trip, We took alot of shots.

Read more...

Ba Vi National Park Biking Tour

Destinations: Ba Vi National Park, 48 kms west of Hanoi, covers an area of 7, 377 ha on a range of high mountains. The park is famous for its rich and diverse flora and fauna comprising tropical and subtropical species. Wandering about the forest, you seem to live in a fairyland surrounded by cloud-capped mountains and roaring waterfalls. Climbing up to the top of the mountains, you will find a temple dedicated to the Tan Vien God and can take an enthralling bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.

Read more...

Bike Hanoi Duong Lam village one day

Destinations: Just north of Ha Noi, Duong Lam is a small village that has somehow managed to escape the winds of change sweeping through the country. A journey to Duong Lam village is a trip to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and Vietnam’s traditions. This is also the great chance to explore architecture of ancient houses while wander along its narrow alleyways, visit temples dedicated to the two kings who were born there, and most interesting of all, chat with locals living in the ancient houses.

Read more...

Bicycle to visit the villages around hanoi

Destinations: A half day bicycle tour around Hanoi takes you to the Hanoi countryside, rural area where you will experience the real, authentic life. The one-day cycling tour is customized for both amateurs and professional cyclist. Kids, and family can also join the easy biking trip. We will chose the suitable places for you to cycle making the

Read more...

View Similar Tours

1. Bicycle to visit the villages in Bac Ninh Province
2. Bicycle to visit the traditional villages
3. Cycling Tour in and around Hanoi Day Trip - Visit But Thap pagoda and Dong Ho village
4. Red River Handicraft Village On Bike
5. Hanoi bicycle tour one day

More Cycling Categories

• Day Trips
• 02 days
• 03 days
• 04 days
• 05 - 09 days
• 10 - 14 days
• 15 - 19 days
• 20 and more days

Cycling the Back Roads of Vietnam

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport Green Trail Tours guide who will accompany you to your hotel will welcome you, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L, D)

Sightseeing Hanoi (full day)

Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings and less traffic than other cities in Asia.

ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom.

TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment.

HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star.

HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: in the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. (Closed Mondays and Fridays).

OPERA HOUSE: a magnificent 900-seat opera house built in 1911. (May be viewed from the outside only).

ST JOSEPH CATHEDRAL: a neo-Gothic cathedral finished in 1886, it is noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows.

BAO TANG LICH: once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, is a building constructed of reinforced concrete completed in 1930. Exhibits include artefacts from Vietnam's turbulent history including some from prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. (Closed on Monday's). evening we join water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

Heading out of town we make our way towards Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam 's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival in Halong we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. Along the trip we learn some kayak orientation and instruction in paddling technique. We begin our first kayaking experience to discover the limestone karst formations which are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves, and visit one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. At the end of afternoon we return to our escorted boat for relaxation and dinner. The night paddle is available for kayaking fervor. O/N on board

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B, L, D)

The views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. After breakfast on board we continue cruising and make stop for second paddle. We circumnavigate the island, observing some secluded lagoons and enjoying last swimming opportunity. In late morning we regroup at our escorted boat for two hour cruise to Halong Pier. Here we meet up with out waiting for vehicle for return journey. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi - Mai Chau (80km cycling) (B,L,D)

After breakfast, check out and drive by air-conditioned vehicle to visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (A must-see for any visitor to Vietnam). Spend an hour touring the mausoleum complex and one pillar pagoda. From the mausoleum, board the bus and drive 3.5 hours south east to Hoa Binh province. Stop for refreshments at Hoa Binh before continuing to the wonderful Mai Chau Valley. Lunch in a local Thai family home (house on stilts) before riding in the afternoon on a great single tack trail following a mountain stream to the Thai village of Sam Khue (or Cun Pheo a little further on ) nestled in a deep valley surrounded by rocky limestone outcrops. The bike ride is approx 16km and involves short sections of village single track motorbike/cycle trails. The trail is fun, passing through villages untouched by tourists, across rice paddy fields. The route is pretty much flat, the trail hard pack clay and is not technical. Though on one or two sections there are a couple of sections where the cycling is technical (easy to walk with bikes.) Cycle past hot springs, across clacking suspension bridges; stop to visit a small school, through villages and countryside. The trail is never more than a couple of hundred metres from the main support vehicle, so the jeep will always be within contactable distance. 55% village tracks, 45% tarmac. No support on single-track sections.

The local people in Mai Chau have been welcoming tourism for some time but still keep to their traditions and customs. They are friendly and hospitable. Normally clients will be invited to drink clay pot fermented rice wine through a bamboo pipe. It tastes very sweet, but is delicious and can be very ''moreish'' !. Sleep in the Thai long house dormitory style under mosquito net, on bamboo floor (remarkably soft) Clients will be provided with a bed roll and silk sheet sleeping bags. Toilets are basic French style but clean. The shower is a ''sluicing'' affair. Overnight in local minority village.

Day 6: Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve (48km cycling) (B,L,D)

After breakfast ride along a rough jeep track out of the valley. Cycle a spectacular country lane - once an old army feeder supply line to the Ho Chi Minh Trail - following the stunningly turquoise Ma River. The route is satisfyingly undulating, with some short steep ups and downs. There is still virtually no traffic on this section of road and contrasts to the valley ride. The views down to the river are lovely.

After approx 30km reach the gateway to the reserve and once more head off-road along vehicle width track s and single-track trails. There are two stream crossings to negotiate, and hidden villages to contour around. After 8km into the reserve, stop for noon lunch at Hang Village. (Total 38km) (Photo is hang Village ' lunch stop) The Pu Luong '' Cuc Phuong limestone landscape is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau in the North West to Cuc Phuong National Park in the south east. It is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery. Experience the everyday life and culture of Thai and Muong people and stay in scenic villages and in traditional home stay accommodation.

Pu Luong is a globally important example of a lowland limestone forest ecosystem and recognized as a global centre for plant diversity. The forests support many unique species, including the Delacour's langur, one of the most threatened primate species in the world, found only in this area. Many other threatened species inhabit the forests including bear, clouded leopard, Owstons civet, Loris and many orchid species. These are threatened because of illegal hunting or collecting for the wildlife trade. The forests of Pu Luong are of immense wealth to local communities, for retaining water resources for farming, providing forest products and for cultural value. However, these forests are threatened due to illegal hunting, logging and fire. A community-based ecotourism initiative recently set up by Flora and Fauna International provides income for the local communities, leading to improved livelihoods, and helping encourage support for forest conservation. Initially, seven pilot villages are participating in the ecotourism project. Please note that a portion of the accommodation fee comprises a community levy for the village fund, it is hoped to extend scheme this to other areas in the Reserve. After lunch cycle on the main jeep trail- a mix of hard pack gravel and clay to Kho Muong village nestled at the base of limestone hills. There are some steepish climbs and the riding becomes more remote yet one is never far from a villager tending fields or walking back from early morning market. On arrival at the village, settle into the home stay. Time permitting, trek on paddy fields to an incredible cave, only recently discovered and now protected by the Forest rangers, due to its unique species of bats living inside.

Overnight accommodation is an ecotourism home stay type. The house is on stilts and bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Sleep dormitory style, as is the tradition of these villages. Facilities include 2 western style toilets. Shower facilities are simple, (a private area to sluice water) dinner is cooked by the local hosts and our cook in a small kitchen attached to the main sleeping quarters.

Day 7: Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Cuc Phuong National Park (20km cycling) (B,L,D)

Today there are two options for riding available. Cycle a challenging but glorious downhill single track trail to the Nature Reserve's only market. (12km) (some technical sections '' namely a 3km steep downhill and some short sharp ascents, and stream crossings) Or take the jeep trail to the nature reserveâ's only market. (Market day is Thursday and Sunday only) Stop at a local cafe for noodle soup before riding to the end of the reserve at la Han. Cross the Ma River by local ferry and cycle to the Vietnamese small town of Canh Nang for lunch. After lunch drive 2-3 hours to Cuc Phuong National Park, some sections will be along the newly built Ho Chi Minh Highway which makes for a fascinating transfer (no traffic there yet!). Cuc Phuong National Park lies at the South Eastern end of the limestone range that runs north-west to Son La province. The limestone is a marine in origin and dates back 2000 million years. The vegetation of the park is dominated by primary and secondary limestone forest. There are 1.980 plant species recorded as well as 248 species of bird. It is home to the endangered Delacour’s Langur. Tigers and the White Cheeked Gibbon are believed to have become recently extinct. Arrive at Cuc Phuong in time to visit the Primate Rescue Centre where a German conservation agency has been working for several years to protect and breed some of the most endangered primates such as the Cat Ba Langur, Gibbons, Delacour’s langur and many more.

After visiting the centre, check in to simple National Park guesthouse rooms for overnight. Overnight National Park Guesthouse. Dinner at National Park Restaurant.

Day 8: Cuc Phuong National Park - Hanoi - Hue (56km cycling) (B,L,D)

Spend the morning exploring the park at leisure (ride to the centre and back, or hike out to a 300 year old tree, or visit some of the many prehistoric caves or hike one of the forest trails. Return to the gateway of the park for lunch then hit the road. Cycle mainly downhill along a narrow country lane out of the mountains (with great views) and onto the plains towards Hoa Lu- the ancient capital of Hanoi, located in a setting known as the 'Halong Bay of Rice paddies'. The cycling is easier today '' great smooth tarmac, - note the contrast with the previous day rides ride. Now the scenery is a quintessentially Vietnamese experience, people are everywhere, a veritable working ''countryside'' type of landscape, gone are the forests and hills, replaced by buffalo, vast expanses of rice and small tons and villages. Transfer back to Hanoi at about 3.30pm. The afternoon is free to discover the nooks and crannies of this fascinating city. Meet for dinner in the early evening before taking the 7pm overnight train to Hue. Overnight on board the train in 4 berth cabins (air-conditioned and lockable). Overnight on board the train.

Day 9: Hue Cycling Backroad (30km cycling) (B,L,D)

Arrive at Hue at 8am. Drive to the hotel for breakfast. As it will not be possible to check in until 12 pm, so you will take a cyclo to explore the Imperial Citadel. Enjoy early lunch at a local restaurant near to the citadel. Try special Hue pancakes and more specialties. In the afternoon, cycle along the banks of the Perfume River to Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda (famous in Vietnam for the protests against the communists at the time of the American war. Continue on along the river side along country lanes accompanied only be light local traffic ''(mainly bicycles, buffaloes and Hondas!) Ride to the tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, with some sections of off road through lush countryside eventually looping back to the hotel. Hue is one of the main cultural, religious and educational centres of Vietnam. Hue became the nation's capital under the Nguyen Dynasty when Emperor Gia Long, the first of the Nguyen emperors, chose the location for the imperial city in 1802. The city remained Vietnam's capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated. Many of Hue's attractions are found along the banks of the romantically named Perfume River that flows through the centre of town. On the north bank of the river is the Imperial Citadel, built along the lines of Peking's Forbidden City, enclosed by 10-metre thick walls and surrounded by a moat. A few kilometers further up the river is perhaps Hue's best known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. The elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, more like palaces than tombs, are scattered around the rural areas surrounding the city. The mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc, Khai Dinh are particularly impressive being extravagant complexes of pavilions, temples, courtyards and lakes. Hue is also famous for producing the best non la or conical hats in Vietnam and the place to buy these is at the enormous Dong Ba Market. Dinner is free to choose. Overnight in Standard Festival Hotel.

Day 10: Hue - Hoi An (80km cycling) (B,L,D)

A classic day cycling, ride as much or as little as desired. Drive by bus beyond the city limits of Hue 18km out to the coast. (20 minutes only) Begin riding off the beaten track for 40km along a picturesque, very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Cycle in the shade of coconut trees, stop to explore the hundreds of ancestral tombs scattered in the large sand dunes. At the end of the peninsular, hop on a local ferry to cross the estuary of the Perfume River and ride a further 11km along this spectacular trail to loop to Highway 1. From here there are no other options but to hit the highway. Transfer or cycle the start of today's three hill climbs! After the first two moderate climbs of 2-3km a piece, cruise down to stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/ swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day '' the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Now that the new tunnel through the mountain is completed the 11km of uphill will be on a very quiet section of highway. The gradient is manageable and the views breathtaking! Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening dine at a new restaurant 'Mangoâ' in Hoi An, the chef is a returned Viet Kieu who cooks fantastic seafood and vegetable dishes, the ambiance by the river is lovely. Overnight in the atmospheric Hoi An Ancient House. Located on the road to Cua Dai beach, the Ancient House resort has 42 guest rooms housed n a stylish complex of villas set amid a tropical lush garden with swimming pool.

Day 11: Hoi An Free Day or guided morning ride (B,L,D)

Free time or after leisurely breakfast take to the bikes to explore Hoi An ancient town stopping to visit the central market, Japanese bridge and a merchant's house. Ride into the villages in the surrounding countryside such as the lovely village of Thuan Tinh, set among rice fields and coconut groves. Stop to check out the strawberry garden and meet local villagers, have tea and perhaps buy some strawberry homemade wine. Cycle to Thanh Ha ceramic village. Return from Thanh Ha ceramic village on a relaxing cruise two hours by local wooden boat along the river all the way back to Hoi An. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax in town, or at the beach. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was one of the orient's major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. After the Thu Bon River linking Hoi An to the sea silted up, ocean going ships were no longer able to sail into town and trade moved 30km up the coast to Tourane, known nowadays as Danang. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Today there will also be the option to cycle a full day to My Son Cham Towers, the former capital of the ChampaKingdom dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries, or charter a local boat out to the beautiful Cham Island set in pristine seas or optional cookery class. (Not included in cost of tour) Overnight Hoi An Ancient House Resort.

Day 12: Hoi An - My Lai (47km cycling) (B,L,D)

Depart by bus early for the busy drive south along H1 to Quy Nhon. Check into the My Tra hotel (the best one in this very poor province) and hit the road. Cycle once more, on quiet country lanes out towards the coast through fishing villages. Begin with a short steady 2km ascent to the top of Thien An Mountain where there are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and visit an ancient (c.1650) working Pagoda. (There are some interesting monks living in the pagoda and guests are always welcome. Have a small donation ready)! From here cruise downhill and on to the site of the My Lai massacre, now a shrine and memorial museum dedicated to the families who lost their lives. The memorial museum and gardens remember the 550 villagers mainly women and children who were massacred by the Americans in the late 1960's. After a guided tour around the site and museum we continue on quiet roads to the beach for a chance to swim and relax, with picnic lunch at the beach. Return to the hotel or continue looping round through fishing villages back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at My Tra hotel.

Day 13: My Lai - Quy Nhon (73km cycling) (B,L)

Depart early from the hotel and drive to the start point of the ride (99km south of My Lai.) This section is a new route meandering along the coast from Binh Duong to Tung Giang and Ty Phuoc. The road is a small provincial road (632 and 640) passing through many villages, far from the maddening traffic of H1. Another incredible ride, take time to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. The cycling is on mixed quality surface, and some sections the bus may not be able to follow. Arriving at Tuy Phouc, cycle or transfer the last busy section of 9km to Quy Nhon. Overnight in a standard sea front hotel and dine at a local restaurant in town.

Day 14: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (67km cycling) (B,L,D)

Today’s ride is along on a great little road that follows the reunification express railroad. Again we transfer out of town to avoid the main highway. We start riding along a remote but well surfaced road running alongside the railway. The terrain is gently rolling, with beautiful views of the foothills of the highlands. We pass a mix of tribal and Viet villages. Ubiquitous potbellied pigs and barefooted children dash across your trail. This is the rural Vietnam that all those other tours miss on Highway One!

At the end of the ride settles down for a drive to Nha Trang. En route, stop at Dai Linh Beach for refreshments and a dip in the sea before continuing to Nha Trang and overnight. Dinner at a great open air BBQ DIY Vietnamese restaurant. Very busy!! Nha Trang does not have a good selection of character hotels. Overnight in the standard Green Hotel.

Day 15: Nha Trang - Dalat (80km cycling) (B,L,D)

Depart early, drive short leg south to Cam Ranh. (2 hours drive) From here pick up a remote mountain road and cycle up into the central highlands to Dalat. (route 27b) This ride is possibly the highlight of the trip with long hill climbs and descents, winding forest roads and wild scenery. Ascend from the coastal plains up to over 1000m where the vegetation gives way to pine forest and semi arid environment. The rugged countryside offers an epic on road biking experience and is a complete contrast to al the cycling completed so far. Dalat was established as a hill resort at the beginning of the last century by homesick French colonials who were attracted to its cool, spring-like weather, pine forests, waterfalls and lakes. Many reminders of Dalat's colonial past can be seen in the hundreds of European style villas, chalets and other buildings still standing around town. One fine example is the cream-colored art deco villa that was once the summer home of Vietnam's last emperor, Bao Dai. Another slightly grander example of Dalat's colonial architecture is the superbly restored Dalat Palace Hotel overlooking the central Xuan Huong Lake. Overnight in the 4 star Dalat Novotel Palace, a completely renovated former French colonial hotel. Dinner in town.

Day 16: Dalat - Phanthiet (90km cycling) (B,L,D)

Today's ride is predominantly downhill through some dense jungle forests, villages and tea plantations from Dalat to Phanthiet. There are over 900 meters of descent on this 90+ km ride to Mui Ne as you wind through pine and jungle forested valleys into the tropical climate below.

Travel by vehicle (60 km) from Dalat to Di Linh where we bike down to Mui Ne through small minority villages and jungle forested valleys to the beautiful beaches below. Overnight in standard Blue Ocean Resort – bungalows and guest rooms, Irish pub and swimming pool with a bar friendly staff and well recommended.

Day 17: Phanthiet - Saigon (80km cycling) (B, L, D)

Drive to Ho Chi Minh City. (Approximately 4 hours) On arrival (time permitting), spend the rest of the afternoon on a fascinating tour of the historical sites of downtown Saigon. Not to be missed is the War Remnants museum, a gruesome reminder of the effects of the war with America. There are old helicopters, aircraft, replica French goals as well as a photographic display of the environmental and human consequences of Agent Orange. Visit the Presidential Palace, a fascinating building trapped in time - the architecture and décor is pure 60's kitsch. View the place where the last Americans departed Vietnam and explore below ground an air raid shelter where a sense of history still lingers in the air. Dine on the Saigon River on the deck of an old passenger boat. Enjoy the glittering lights of downtown Saigon. Overnight in the standard but comfortable Bong Sen Annex hotel. Enjoy a celebratory farewell meal at one of Saigon's top restaurants.

Day 18: Depart Saigon (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for an onward flight.

http://www.vietnambiketours.asia/en/vietnam-bike-tours/cycling-from-ha-noi/109-15-19-days/555-cycling-the-back-roads-of-vietnam.html  

Ho Chi Minh Trails Biking Tour

Destinations: The Ho Chi Minh Trail was an elaborate system of mountain and jungle trails linking North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War against the United States. Today, the many paths of the Ho Chi Minh trail criss-cross the newly built Ho Chi Minh Highway. This wide, smooth undulating highway is a bikers dream as there is little traffic on the road. And it conveniently will take us through farms, orchards, tribal villages and offers us easy access to some of the country's top attractions — one of Vietnam’s most spectacular caves, the ancient royal seat of Hue, the picturesque trading port of Hoi An and South China Sea beaches.

Read more...

Cycling in Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour

Destinations: The Ho Chi Minh Trail was an elaborate system of mountain and jungle trails linking North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War against the United States. Today, the many paths of the Ho Chi Minh trail criss-cross the newly built Ho Chi Minh Highway. On this tour we explore the northern section of the Ho Chi Minh trail, which was previously inaccessible, from Ngoc Lac to the Hai Van Pass in Danang. This wide, smooth undulating highway is a bikers dream as there is little traffic on the road. And it conveniently will take us through farms, orchards, tribal villages and offers us easy access to some of the country's top attractions - one of Vietnam’s most spectacular caves, the ancient royal seat of Hue, the picturesque trading port of Hoi An

Read more...

The Big Challenge on Ho Chi Minh Trails

Destinations: The so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the most renowned legends of the American War. The complicated road system winds along the Truong Son Range, which that facilitated movement of soldiers and war supplies from North Vietnam to battlefields in South Vietnam. Now the historic trail is being turned into a highway and hotels and towns are springing up speedily beside it. The route is incredibly beautiful with new mountain views around every corner, very little traffic, and virtually no tourists.

We start our great adventure with overnight train to Vinh then head south following the new highway. This trip brings you a great chance to learn about the Vietnamese modern history and see it beautiful nature. The trip concludes in Hoian, a charming ancient town in centre Vietnam.

Read more...

Vietnam Biking Ho Chi Minh Trails Tour

Destinations: The so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the most renowned legends of the American War. The complicated road system winds along the Truong Son Range, which that facilitated movement of soldiers and war supplies from North Vietnam to battlefields in South Vietnam. Now the historic trail is being turned into a highway and hotels and towns are springing up speedily beside it. The route is incredibly beautiful with new mountain views around every corner, very little traffic, and virtually no tourists.

We start our great adventure with overnight train to Vinh then head south following the new highway. This trip brings you a great chance to learn about the Vietnamese modern history and see it beautiful nature. The trip concludes in Hoian, a charming ancient town in centre Vietnam.

Read more...

Ho Chi Minh Trail Legend Biking Tour

Destinations: The Ho Chi Minh Trail was an elaborate system of mountain and jungle trails linking North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War against the United States. Today, the many paths of the Ho Chi Minh trail criss-cross the newly built Ho Chi Minh Highway. On this tour we explore the northern section of the Ho Chi Minh trail, which was previously inaccessible, from Ngoc Lac to the Hai Van Pass in Danang. This wide, smooth undulating highway is a bikers dream as there is little traffic on the road. And it conveniently will take us through farms, orchards, tribal villages and offers us easy access to some of the country's top attractions — one of Vietnam’s most spectacular caves, the ancient royal seat of Hue, the picturesque trading port of Hoi An.

Read more...

View Similar Tours

1. Biking Ho Chi Minh Trails from Hanoi to Hoian
2. Biking in Legend Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour
3. Legendary Cycling In Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour

More Cycling Categories

• 05 - 09 days
• 10 - 14 days
• 15 - 19 days
• 20 and more days

Hue Royal Citadel offer oriental medical services

Several traditional Eastern style medical services became available to tourists visiting Binh An Duong, one of relics within the Hue Ancient Imperial Citadel on March 20.
The medical exams and treatments are being offered by the Hue Relics Preservation Center in cooperation with the Thua Thien Hue Pharmaceutical Company.
Located in the northeast corner of the citadel built in the early 19^th century, the Binh An Duong building was used as a health care facility and morgue for royal palace maids.
Now in addition to the medical services, the Binh An Duong exhibits artifacts related to the daily lives of Nguyen Dynasty maids.
whereas, the relic’s outer area is being used as coffee and tea shops for tourists.
Binh An Duong, built under the reign of 3^rd Nguyen Dynasty Minh Mang, locates on 1 Dang Thai Than Street, Hue town.

Reported by Bui Ngoc Long, Thanh Nien News

A corner of Binh An Duong, which was used as health care area and dead bodies of royal palace maids

 

http://www.vietnambiketours.asia/en/vietnam-bike-tours/cycling-from-hue.html

Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay officially named New Wonder of Nature

A Switzerland-based foundation, which initiated a four-year global poll to select seven new natural world wonders, has announced that Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is among the winners that has passed its validation process.
According to New7Wonders Foundation’s website, Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh has been officially named a new wonder of nature together with Iguazu Falls at the border of Brazil and Argentina, Jeju volcanic island off South Korea, and Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines.
Recognition of the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, South Africa’s Table Mountain, and the Amazon Rainforest in South America is still provisional as the foundation’s vote validation process is underway, the website said.
A Vietnam News Agency report Friday quoted New7Wonders Chairman Bernard Weber as saying that they hoped the victory will help heighten Vietnamese people’s awareness of the need to protect their natural landscapes.
Asked if Vietnam will have to pay monthly fees to the organization, Nguyen Van Tinh, chief of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, replied in the negative.
Meanwhile, Jean Paul De La Fuente, director of New7Wonders, said in the report that they have never charged any country that has won the recognition.
They only charge paid by countries or localities that participated in the campaign was the US$199 registration fee when it was launched, Fuente said.
Ceremonies marking the recognition will be organized in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay on April 27 and May 1 respectively, the news agency said.
Launched in 2007, the New7Wonders of Nature campaign started with more than 440 locations from about 220 countries. Finalists were chosen by phone and SMS voting. Thanh Nien News  

http://www.vietnambiketours.asia/en/vietnam-bike-tours/cycling-from-ha-noi.html

Uniquely Vietnamese

The Do Temple in Bac Ninh Province is a uniquely Vietnamese temple.
Situated around 20 kilometers from Hanoi, it is the best known and most visited temple in the country by far, which is not really surprising, as even a cursory study of its history shows.
The temple preserves most the traditions of Vietnam and also keeps almost everything people need to know about the Ly Dynasty (1009 – 1225), the first Vietnamese ruling family able to hold onto power for more than several decades, allowing them to secure and expand the territory.
“Do” means the capital city. It has as its deities eight kings of the Ly dynasty. The temple’s other names are Thai Mieu, Co Phap Dien and Ly Bat De.
It is still not explained why or how the ninth and last ruler of the dynasty, Ly Chieu Hoang, the only female one, has been left out.
Ly Chieu Hoang was enthroned when she was just eight and handed over the reins to her husband Tran Canh after two years, effectively ending the Ly Dynasty.
It has also been said that feudalism valued men more than women and that they were not to be worshiped equally.
The temple was built in 1010 by Ly Thai To, the founder of the dynasty, and restored by his son Ly Thai Tong in 1030.
Its latest renovation happened in 1989, when the temple area was expanded to more than three hectares.
Ly Thai To established the capital of his kingdom in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Province and then moved it to Thang Long, now Hanoi. But the temple was built in his birthplace, Dinh Bang Ward, Tu Son Commune.
At the gate of Do Temple is the full version of the written proclamation to move the capital and the change of its name from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.
Besides the main house that worships eight kings, there is one for their mothers, and two other houses for leading officials of the dynasty.
The worshipped are prominent figures in the history of Vietnam who made big contributions to the country’s stability. One of them is Ly Thuong Kiet, who in 1077 penned what is considered the first Vietnamese declaration of independence after Vietnam’s victory over Chinese invaders during the reign of Song Dynasty.
“Nam Quoc Son Ha,” the declaration, and the proclamation about moving the capital of the country are kept in the temple library.
At the back of Do Temple are a number of steles paying tribute to the contributions of the dynasty. The steles were built in 1604 by Phung Khac Khoan, a noted Vietnamese military strategist, politician, diplomat and poet during the Le Dynasty.
The temple also has many parallel sentences and horizontal lacquered boards honoring the dynasty and telling its history.
Some scholarly visitors to the temple have said there is enough material here to write a doctoral thesis.
Do Temple is among the worshipping places in Vietnam that preserves a maximum number of the country’s traditions and rituals.
One tradition is that of communal harmony, as every person in the ward joins in the temple festival.
The annual festival lasts four days around the full-moon of the third lunar month.
People in charge of the festival’s rituals are selected carefully, and great care is also taken in other aspects of the preparation including the collection of offerings and other items.
Offerings usually include a roasted bull, sticky rice and traditional cakes made from the rice – bánh chưng and bánh dày, fruits, flowers, incense sticks, rice wine, betel leaves and areca nuts.
All the offerings have to be homemade or homegrown by local people.
The festival starts in the evening of the 14th day of the lunar month with a parade to commemorate the mother of Ly Thai To.
On the main day, the next morning, which this year falls on April 5, there is a colorful and impressive parade attended by around 10,000 people.
It is followed by a series of offerings made to the accompaniment of drums and gongs.
An incense offering ritual is performed on the 16th day, when traditional games like wrestling, cock fighting, cooking and poem reading contests take place.
In 1994, the Do Temple Festival received a 31st generation descendent of Ly Thai To from South Korea.
Lee Chang Kun came to acknowledge and pay homage to his ancestors almost 800 years after the Ly family was scattered.
He wrote in a visitors’ book at the temple’s library: “With unstoppable emotions, today I return and have felt the glory of my ancestors. I swear I will never do anything harmful to the noble souls of my ancestors.”
The separation dated back to 1226 when Ly Long Tuong, a prince of the Ly Dynasty, left Vietnam to avoid the massacre of family members ordered by Chancellor Tran Thu Do, who overthrew the Ly Dynasty after arranging the marriage of the incumbent Empress Ly Chieu Hoang and his nephew Tran Canh.
Ly Long Tuong served as a general in Korea, where he was known as Yi Yong Sang, helping the king there defeat the Mongol invasion of 1253. He was also allowed to establish his own village, where the Ly generations continued to grow and several Vietnamese traditions were maintained.
The Ly family book, kept since Ly Long Tuong, proclaims on the cover: “Born in Korea, soul in Vietnam.”
Lee Chang Kun has given the book to the Do Temple. He has settled in Vietnam and gained Vietnamese citizenship.

By Nguyen Van My
The writer is the director of Ho Chi Minh City-based Lua Viet Tour Operator

The gate of Do Temple in the northern province of Bac Ninh. Photo: Nguyen Van My

Share this: http://www.vietnambiketours.asia/en/vietnam-bike-tours.html

CNN lists Hanoi among Asia’s top ten street food cities

Hanoi has been named by CNN as one of ten greatest street food cities in Asia.
The list, published March 23 on the US agency’s travel page CNNGo, introduced ten typical street foods in Hanoi, including the famous “pho” – noodle soup with either beef or chicken, best had at 112 Van Phuc Street, and Vietnam’s popular drink, iced coffee, at 6 Hang Bac.
It described Hanoi as “a street-eater’s paradise, with a plethora of options for those who want to eat like a local.”
Other Asian street food destinations introduced are Penang, Taipei, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Singapore, Seoul, Xi’an, Manila and Phnom Penh.
The list mentions Hanoi’s “bun cha,” grilled meat eaten with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs as “the most delicious food available to man.”
The popular lunch choice, recommended at 34 Hang Than Street, is made from pork patties and slices of pork belly which are grilled over hot coals and served with fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar and lime.
“Bun rieu cua,” a tangy tomato soup with freshwater crab flavor, rice vermicelli, pounded crabmeat, deep-fried tofu and congealed blood is suggested at 11 Hang Bac Street.
Other delicious options for Hanoi travelers are barbecued kitchen on Ly Van Phuc Street, sticky rice at 6 Hang Bac, spring roll with fresh crabmeat at 58 Dao Duy Tu, fish porridge at 213 Hang Bang, grilled dried squid at 36 Hang Bo, and “banh cuon” which is steamed rice flour pancakes filled with minced pork and cloud ear mushrooms at 14 Hang Ga.
Hanoi street food has been delightful to many foreigners worldwide.
The emotion was enough to also inspire Tracey Lister, a Melbourne chef for over 20 years, to publish two books about it, including “Vietnamese Street Food” in September last year and “KOTO: A Culinary Journey through Vietnam” in 2008. KOTO is the name of a charity vocational training project that she is a member of.
Both books were published in Australia.

Thanh Nien News

MORE DETAIL CHECK OUT WEBSITE : http://www.vietnambiketours.asia

Truong Son Road in the Highlands (Ho Chi Minh trails)

Autumn travelers on the famous Truong Son Road, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, can enjoy magnificent views of the Central Highlands without leaving their bus seats.
Here are some shots by photographer Huynh Nam, taken along the road as it passes through Kon Tum and Quang Nam provinces. SGT

The road passes this waterfall in Lao Du Hamlet, Phuoc Xuan Commune, Phuoc Son District, Quang Nam Province


Thanh Nhan Tourist Area near Thac Nuoc Bridge is an ideal rest stop for tourists


Lo Xo Pass on Truong Son Road through Dak Glei District, Kon Tum Province. The teams of workers carry material up the stairs to reinforce the embankment.

MORE DETAIL CHECK OUR WEBSITE:
http://www.vietnambiketours.asia/en/vietnam-bike-tours/biking-ho-chi-minh-trails.html