Northern Cultural Road Bicycle Tour
Destinations: Ha
Long literally means descending dragon(s) and, according to local myth,
the story goes as follows: Long ago when their fore-fathers were
fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a
family of dragons to help defend their land. This family of dragons
descended upon what is now Ha Long bay and began spitting out jewels and
jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into the various
islands and islets dotting the seascape and formed a formidable fortress
against the invaders. The locals were able to keep their land safe and
formed what is now the country of Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so
much in love with this area for its calm water that they decided to
remain on earth to show reverence for the people of Vietnam. Mother
Dragon lies on what is now Ha Long, and her children lay in Bai Tu Long.
The dragon tails form the area of Bach Long Vi, known for the miles of
white sandy beaches of Tra Co peninsula. Ninh Binh is 90 km south of
Hanoi. This city is famous for the Tam Coc cave, for its rice fields.Join - in Group Bike Tours
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi - Kim Boi - (cycling around 60km) (L, D)
Today, after breakfast, we drive out of Hanoi then gear up for our first day of riding. We will also meet our
additional
cycling crew. One vehicle is our bus, which will act as a support
vehicle and carry our luggage. The other is a truck for carrying the
bikes. We are also introduced to our bicycles, each designated bike then
being adjusted and fitted with our own equipment as required. We will
receive a briefing on how to ride the bikes and how to handle the
traffic in Vietnam. We will then set out for our first ride in Vietnam
through the valley of sugarcane and rice fields along Highway 6 until we
reach the biggest hydropower station in Vietnam. After lunch we keep
riding on Highway 6 and the first challenge is up to the top of Doc Kun.
The pass is open to Hoa Binh town and the Black River. Tonight we stay
in one of the best resorts in the northwest with its own hot spring.
Day 2: Kim Boi - Perfume pagoda - (cycling around 60km) (B, L, D)
Today's
part - cycle is on an excellent road through many Muong and Viet
villages with rice fields and children who will no doubt try to do
hi-fives with you. Stay in guesthouse.
Day 3: Perfume pagoda - Ninh Binh - (cycling around 60km) (B, L, D)
Following
breakfast we cycle through more superb mountain country en route to Phu
Ly. Along the way we pass through several different villages and are
able to see at close quarters how people go about their daily lives.
Day 4: Ninh Binh - (cycling around 40km) (B, L)
After
early breakfast we transfer to Dong Dao plantation, where we start
cycling. Today we cycle about 30 km on the panoramic road to Cuc Phuong
National Park. We will go through the pineapple plantations, valleys,
villages, and meet friendly locals along the way. We arrive at Cuc
Phuong National Park at around noon, and enjoy our packed lunch here.
Afterwards, we cycle about 2 hours through the National Park and make a
couple of stops to visit the Cave of Ancient Men, and take a walk before
heading back to Ninh Binh.
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Hai Phong - (cycling around 80km) (B, L, D)
Leaving
Ninh Binh after breakfast, we head northeast by bus and bike through
the spectacular villages and landscapes to Hai Phong on Highway 10.
Overnight in Hai Phong.
Day 6: Hai Phong - Cat Ba - (cycling around 40km) (B, L, D)
Leaving
Hai Phong on bike for the final day’s riding, we board 2 ferries which
take about 3 hours to get to Cat Ba island, which looks toward the the
largest seaport in North Vietnam. After a picnic lunch at the entrance
of the National Park, we will trek through the Park to the top of the
mountain, where you can see the excellent view. We continue on biking to
Cat Ba town where the view is so beautiful and the road open to the
ocean. Overnight stay in Cat Ba.
Day 7: Cat Ba Island (B)
Free day at your leisure
Day 8: Cat Ba - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Today
is a free day during which you can relax completely on the boat to
Halong bay. This is the big chance to enjoy the World Natural Heritage
site and the seafood dishes served on board. If the weather is nice we
will have time to kayak and explore the tranquil Bay with its open
caves. Tonight we stay on board and at anchor in the bay.
Day 09: Halong - Hanoi (B, L)
As
the sun rises, another wonderful day starts. After breakfast, we will
continue on kayaking or take a bamboo boat to visit a floating village
on HaLong bay and see how the people live between a thousand islands and
ocean. After one hour we return to our boat to cruise to Bai Tu Long
bay, where we will see Turtle islet, Human Head islet, Teapot Islet, Bai
Tho Mountain as well as the other side of Halong city. At 11:00AM we
have our last lunch on board before taking the bus back to Hanoi. Tour
Ends.
