Day 01: Hanoi Arrival & fitting bike & city tours
Greetings from Vietnam. When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, a driver and guide from Golden Trail Travel will meet you and take you to the hotel located in the center of Hanoi. Hanoi, the historic and vibrant capital of Vietnam, is home to some of Asia's most remarkable colonial buildings as well as a distinct old world charm. Following check-in, unwind on your own while discussing the schedule for the next few days with our guide. Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter's busy streets to explore Hanoi's blend of modern and historical charm. You will be greeted with a special welcome meal at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant following the trip. Spend the night in Hanoi.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:D
Cycling distance: No

Day 02: Hanoi – Bike Tours to Ha Long Bay
Greetings and welcome to Golden Trail Travel's 15-Day Bicycle Tour of Hanoi and Hoi An. We go to Halong Bay via Hai Duong in our supported vehicle, and along the route, you have the opportunity to explore and take in the expansive rice farms of Northern Vietnam.
Once you reach the cycling station, check the gear, adjust your bike, and familiarize yourself with the safety standards for Vietnamese roads. We push off to begin the Hanoi - Halong Bay Bicycle Tour, riding through the countryside, past numerous tranquil villages, across a river, and saying "hi" to schoolchildren along the way. You can also visit the local market to talk to friendly locals about their everyday lives and local productions.
We ride our bikes to the Phu Lang Traditional Ceramic Village, where you can admire exquisite hand painted ceramics, vases, and paintings. You will be particularly enthralled by the diverse themes and motifs of the ceramic paintings. We continue riding along the riverbank on our Ha Long - Cat Ba bicycle tour before turning onto a small road to reach the break point. We board the bus once more and travel to Halong Bay. We meet our cruise team at the checking point so we can check in. During this thrilling five-hour voyage, we will be treated to an incredible view of the gorgeous landscape that blends with the sky and the about 3,000 limestone islands that rise spectacularly out of the emerald-colored water. There are numerous beaches, grottoes, and stunning caverns among the limestone karst rocks. We will dock along the route for a relaxing swim in a quiet cove and a fun visit to one of the many secret grottoes hidden beneath towering cliffs. Take a sleeper on the Junk Cruise.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer 2 hours, Cycling and Boat Trip
Accommodation: on Night Cruise
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 km

Day 03: Halong bay  - Gia Luan – Cat Ba National park
07.30–08.00: Savor the morning's mild breeze and the fresh air from the bay. Eat breakfast when traveling.
8.30 to 9.30: Unstructured time for swimming and unwinding.
Check out of the cabin by 10:00. As lunch is being served à la carte, begin sailing in the direction of the harbor. Our dayboat trip to the Gia Luan wharf has changed. When you arrive, our bike is all ready for you. We begin our fantastic second day of cycling in Ha Long - Cat Ba from the Gia Luan wharf and return to the Town through Cat Ba National Park, conquering several difficult passes along the way. You are, nevertheless, rewarded with breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating ascent of a mountain. After you arrive in Cat Ba town, you are free to go around and enjoy a dip on the beach. Spend the evening and next day on Cat Ba Island.
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Boat Trip
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 km.

Day 04: Cat Ba – Cai Vieng – Hai Phong – Tam Coc.
We get on our bikes and tackle a short climb out of the town, then continue cycling on the same route for 16 kilometers on the island as we replenish for our next day of cycling adventure in Northern Vietnam. When we reach the part, we take a left turn and follow the coastline as it winds its way past the mountain and the ocean to the Viet Hai fishsauce villages and the commune of Cai Vieng. We arrive in Hai Phong city by public ships. When you arrive at the international seaport of Dinh Vu, have lunch at a seafood restaurant. We make a quick shift to Tam Coc after lunch in order to avoid heavy traffic. following a two-hour supported vehicle relocation. We get to the hotel. Please verify as we proceed through little towns and gorgeous limestone mountain ranges interspersed with rice fields. Go on a three-hour boat excursion to discover Trang. A recently declared Natural World Heritage site, a compound of natural beauty. Ride your bike on the village road and the single-track trail through the rice paddies. Return to the lodging.
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Transferring
Accommodation: Hotel 
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 55 km

Day 05: Tam Coc Cycling tours  – Kim Tan – Ben Sung 
After a filling breakfast, we will set off on our bicycle excursion from the hotel. Leaving behind serene environments and breathtaking scenery. We get back in the saddle and head out to explore the Tam Diep mountain ranges by bicycle. We ride the Ho Chi Minh Trail for 25 kilometers to reach the highest point.
On this incredibly lengthy and exciting day of our journey, we will be cycling through verdant landscapes and quaint town life. The majesty and untamed splendor of the natural world will leave you speechless. We continue our journey from Vinh Loc to Tho Xuan for lunch via the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which has rolling terrain. Once our energy is fully restored, we hop back on our bikes and ride to Ben Sung through rice paddies and rural roads.
Summary:
Activities: Cycing from hotel
Accommodation: Hotel 
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 114 km

Day 06: Ben Sung Bike Tour Tan Ky 
It's a wonderful day to bike on an uneven tarmac road through Ben En National Park and arrive in Thai Hoa. The 105 km bike ride today was rather easy, with a flat road through the fields. We will have a dip where we will see farmers planting wet rice, which is a typical Vietnamese practice. Of course, we can take a brief break to capture some stunning images of Vietnam's landscape and populace. After treating ourselves, we rode on a paved road to Thai Hoa for lunch before continuing on the saddle. We proceed to Tan Ky on the newly paved route after lunch. Tan Ky is where the important Hochiminh trial during the war began.During the war, it served as the primary supply line junction. In a persistent attempt to destroy the connection, American aircraft repeatedly blasted the region hard. When we got to the hotel in the late afternoon. Spend the evening and the next day in Tan Ky.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 110 Km
Transfer distance: no

Day 07: Cycling route  Tan Ky – Pho Chau – Huong Khe
We begin our fantastic cycling day at the hotel and ride along the Hieu River to see the breathtaking rice paddies. After that, we veer off along single-track connections between villages to observe how the locals are evolving until we arrive at the Zezo Kilometer on the Hochiminh Trail in Tan Ky.
Tan Ky is where the supply line met during the conflict. In a persistent attempt to destroy the connection, American aircraft repeatedly blasted the region hard.Following our historical education on the Hochiminh Legend Road, we strap on our pedals and ride through the Native population of Hochiminh and the Dong Loc T junction, which was once the primary target of American aircraft bombing sorties. In 1967 and 1972, they seek to eliminate and cut off the communist force in Vietnam's supply lines. Though you will soon cycle through tranquil towns and verdant rice farms and see friendly people, you will quickly forget any unpleasant memories of the conflict. or converse with a student while traveling to and from school.
Summary:
Activities:Cycling from Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:133 Km

Day 08: Huong Khe Bike ride Phong Nha
After a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, we head off to begin our new day of riding adventure. We ride our bikes down the Ho Chi Minh Trail, passing through a charming town, verdant rice paddies, and a rocky tropical forest as it winds through the Truong Son Mountain Range. Even with the rising mountains and the road winding up, down, and along the hillsides, the route is still a pleasure to ride on. You'll be grateful for the nice asphalt. The drive is peaceful and the scenery is breathtaking. We rode for around 65 miles before arriving at Phong Nha National Park. With 65 kilometers of tunnels and underground waterways, the cave is one of Vietnam's most impressive natural wonders. Phong Nha, which was formed around 250 million years ago, was utilized throughout the conflict as a hospital and a munitions storage. There is still evidence of fighter aircraft raids at the entrance. Before the conclusion of the day, it might be able to visit local initiatives and discover more about the national park's woodlands. Additionally, community projects are being carried out in collaboration with Flora and Fauna International. Spend the night at Phong Na. 
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 133 Km

Day 09; Phong Nha – Bike and boat
Enjoy riding top-notch mountain bikes on both paved and unpaved roads as you pass through small villages along the Son River on your way to Phong Nha. Your guide will speak English and provide you with information about the history and culture of the region.While you ride a traditional dragon boat through the magnificent Phong Nha cave, marvel at its beauty. The 40-minute boat ride from the boat dock to the cave is made even more exciting by the chance to observe local life on the river.
Remounting the motorcycles and riding back to the resort via the surrounding villages and rice terraces after a filling lunch in Phong Nha. Get on one of our bike excursions and head back road to Paradise Cave for a fun and intriguing day out, complete with some fresh air and light exercise. Admire the breathtaking surroundings and magnificent stalagmites and stalagtiles within the cave as your reward.
Summary:
Activities: Bike and Boat
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 47 Km

Day 10: Phong Nha – DMZ – Vinh Moc Tunnels – Cua Tung
After refueling for a new adventure, we set out on our bikes from the hotel to historically significant locations. We start at the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was built by the Viet Cong starting in 1959 and was used to move supplies and soldiers from the north to the south. Travel across the area that was demilitarized between 1954 and 1972, passing by rubber plantations. The 17th parallel, which divided North and South Vietnam, was the location of the De-militarized Zone, or DMZ. We can still see the remnants of the battle bases, observation posts, and air fields that were positioned along the DMZ as we ride around. Continue on the paved roads and stop at the Vinh Moc tunnels, also called the "Underground City" since residents of the area spent almost 2,000 days underground during the Vietnam War in order to avoid possible danger. Savor a dinner by the water,
Refueling for our next trip, we leave the hotel and ride our bikes through Ho Chi After lunch, we return to our bikes and ride along the coast, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and simple village life all the way to the hotel.
Summary:
Activities:  cycling from Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 145 km

Day 11: Cua Tung – Cua Viet -  Tam Giang Lagoon – Hue Cycling Tours
Having breakfast in the hotel or cycling to Cua Tung early in the morning to eat breakfast along the coast. Once our energy is fully restored, we set off on our bike on a fresh asphalt road and head south along flatter roads, passing through more cities and villages.We make a halt at Quang Tri and Ai Tu airfield; the 1972 "Battle of 81 Days and Nights" for the Citadel here is renowned for the massive quantity of artillery that the US dropped. We also go to Long Hung Church, a Catholic church where American soldiers unsuccessfully sought safety during the fighting. With bullet holes and grenade scars from the fighting, it has been preserved as-is and is a moving location for our wedding. As we ride south, we pass by several amazing and colorful ancestral temples while traveling on paved and concrete highways that connect the villages.We also ride by Tam Giang Lagoon and Dam Chuon Dam, which offer expansive views that are worth stopping at twilight to photograph.
Summary:
Activities: cycling from Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 92 Km

Day 12: Hue Back Road 
After a filling breakfast, we will set off on our bicycle excursion from the hotel. We get back in the saddle and let you explore Vietnam's former imperial capital.
Hue is a peculiar combination of busy streets and serene surroundings, and it is home to the treasures of Vietnam's royal history. You will travel through the fields for around 55 kilometers today, during which you will visit numerous noteworthy places in Hue, such as temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas, and breathtaking scenery. You will see the Forbidden Purple City and the Imperial Citadel during your cycling tour. The latter was nearly completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam conflict, but the atmospheric remains hidden in greenery and the large holes created by bombs convey the extent of the devastation the conflict caused to the nation.
You have plenty of time to pause along the route and take in the sights, and the timetable is adaptable. Later, relax in a restaurant or cafe.
Many Vietnamese regard Hue's food to be the best in the nation; it draws from its strong Buddhist heritage, which is evident in the region's large concentration of vegetarian eateries, as well as its imperial heritage, which emphasizes tiny dishes and beautiful presentation. There is a plethora of things and cuisines to view and nibble on at the busy Dong Ba Market. Try some Vietnam the regional specialties, such Hue's version of the pancake, called "banh khoai," which adorned the banquet tables of the Nguyen emperors.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and visiting
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 54 Km

Day 13: Hue – Cau ngoi  Cycle tour Lang Co
You will leave the hotel immediately after resting your energies and bike towards a few small towns close to the Tam Giang Lagoon that you saw yesterday. These villages have exquisite and elaborate architecture. Visit the Vinh Ve Museum in the late morning to gain knowledge about the customs and culture of the area. After traveling farther through the rice fields and lush countryside, get on a quick ferry to Tu Hien Beach, where you will have lunch. After you've eaten, keep pedaling until you reach the support truck. From there, you can either continue riding alone or accept a ride. Take a seat at the Lang Co hotel and get some much-needed rest.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling From Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/l/D
Cycling distance: 90 Km

Day 14: Lang Co – Hai Van Pass – Hoi An Bicycle Holiday
You will ride across Hai Van Pass, one of the most well-known mountain passes in Southeast Asia that links Hue and Hoi An, on one of the most amazing and exciting days of our journey! You should eat a substantial breakfast because the road today will be difficult. You will understand why this mountain route is regarded as one of the most stunning coastal mountain roads in the world as you begin your ascent to the highest point. You will travel by waterfalls and jungles, winding and hugging cliffs on one side and expansive beach views on the other. The region is made even more magical by the likelihood of misty weather. Enjoy a well-earned ca phe and a break at the summit while taking in the breathtaking views. You have two options from the highest point: either continue traveling to Hoi An by foot or hop on the support vehicle. Enjoy the captivating Hoi An!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:72 Km

Day 15;  Hoi An   Cycling Loop My Son  - Hoi An
From the Hoi An suburbs, embark on a strenuous journey down a peaceful side road to the well-known Cham Towers of My Son. During the Cham dynasty, My Son Holy Land—a singularly lovely sanctuary world of the ancient Cham religion—was an imperial metropolis.
We're going to leave your hotel. Ride your bike to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, where the residents make their living mostly from building boats and creative wooden goods. We cycle through verdant countryside and river coconut palms after visiting the community. After stopping to watch a local family weave rice paper, ride your bike on a back road to My Son World Heritage Site to witness the Cham people's pinnacle of culture. Lunchtime in My Son at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, our guide will take some time to visit My Son Sanctuary, an ancient site with ruins dating from the 4th to the 13th century, as part of My Son World Heritage. With its 70 houses, the striking complex serves as a reminder to tourists of the Champa culture that formerly inhabited the area. Experience the spiritual enchantment of the sanctuary as you meander along pathways adorned with lush jungles that link each location. After the visit, you can take the same route to the hotel by bicycle or, if you'd rather have a rest from your legs, get into the support vehicle.You are free to explore Hoi An or unwind at the hotel for the whole day. Hoi An will be your overnight stay.
Summary:
Activities:Cycling and Visiting 
Accommodations: Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 35 km

Tour included in:
Bicycling guide who speaks English (other languages by request).
The lodging is based on two or three people sharing.
Meal information (14 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 14 dinners) are included in itineraries.
Transportation and A/C transfer.
Bus or van assistance is provided during cycling hours.
Truck supported for groups larger than six.
Trek 4300 mountain bikes with disc brakes and helmets are available.
excursions for sightseeing according to the itineraries.
Bike tour pump, tools, tubes, and extra bikes.
first aid package.
Box of cold water, little towel.
Drinkable mineral water.
Fruit and a snack on days when you cycle.
A one-night cruise through Ha Long Bay.Gia Luan whart via boat transfer.

Tour excluded in:
airfare abroad.
insurance for travel.
things that are personal in nature.
soft drinks and alcoholic beverages throughout meals.
Mineral water above and beyond what is provided.
optional travels.
Any emergency circumstance necessitates additional transportation.
Personal costs include phone and laundry bills.
Visa charge.
Tax on departure.
A team and guidance tip.

Availability
Tours and services may not be available on public holidays, or may be available at an additional surcharge.

Pick-up location
Most of our trips begin from our bike garage (both private and group tours), so transportation from your hotel to our bike shop (or v.v) is not included in the quote. We can arrange the service (with extra charge), and reservation needs to be made in advance.

Itinerary
Occasionally our tour itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the service proposal. It’s very important that you print and review a final copy of your itinerary prior to travel. If you have any queries, please contact us.

Please note that while we operate successful cycling holidays in Vietnam throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time.

Price
Negotiating prices is a common practice in Vietnam, particularly in open-air markets, street shops, and rural areas. However, we are not good at bargaining and do not prefer this practice. Instead, we focus our time and efforts on tour arrangements, and our prices are fixed.

Safety
Wearing a helmet is compulsory on all our biking adventures. Our tour guide often carry first aid kit while riding. Please follow your guide while biking, and much attention is required while you cross streets.

Difficulty levels
To assist you visualize how our bike trip is difficult, we have graded our Vietnam cycling tours into three categories, easy, moderate, and challenging. We group many factors into consideration into this grading, including distant covered, terrain, altitude, and vehicle support.

Easy
Involves cycling for up to two to three hours a day at easy pace and usually, less than 3 days in duration. The cycling distances is around 15 – 30 km per day. There are likely to be no steep and sustained descents as well as demand for technical riding. We will normally ride on flat roads. Suitable for bikers who enjoy occasional weekend riding on trails at home. Push bikes are sometimes used for these itineraries.

Moderate
Involves biking for up to six hours a day at a steady pace and are usually between three to five days in duration. The cycling distance is about 35 – 55 km per day. Sometimes it can be long flat rides or medium ride with few up and downhill climbs. The support vehicle will not always be available. We will need a good level of fitness. We use either mountain bikes or road bikes for these itineraries.

Challenging
Involves biking in mountainous areas with big climbs for up to seven or eight hours a day and usually more than a week in duration. Cycling distance is about 60 – 80 km per day. There will be steep and sustained ascents and descents. The support vehicle will not always be available. These trips will provide a real sustained workout even for fit and experienced mountain bikers.

Accommodation
When cycling we mostly stay in small hotel, guesthouse or homestay. Some are more basic than others! Bear in mind that some of the places we overnight in are not on the standard tourist trail. In larger cities and towns, our hotels are generally more western style and are three or four star hotels (price option).

Camping is not available on cycling tours in Vietnam unless it is required and this should be booked months in advance. Camping is only available in a limited number of places such as Cat Ba island beach, Cuc Phuong national park…Please see the details on the quote.

Tour guide
Most of our tour guides speak English. Some other speak French. Few speak other language such as German, Russian, Spanish. All our guides have great knowledge of history, local culture, and religions of the area where you are cycling. Our guides have been trained in this field and is fully licensed in tour guiding.

Bike mechanic
We arrange a bike mechanic only for large groups or when it is required (with surcharge). When there is no mechanic, our guide will take care of problem which may occur during the bike ride.

Transportation
Depending on the nature of the tour, our cycle journeys will be accompanied by an air-conditioned car/minibus cover the larger overland sections. We often use mini bus or bus for transfer and back up (guided tours).
1 – 2 travelers: we use minivan to support and carry bikes. Sometimes we use a car for passengers and a truck for transport of the bikes.
3 – 6 people: we use one minivan for passengers and one truck for the bikes.
7 – 12 people: we use one bus (coach) for passengers and one truck for the bikes.
We provide bike rental and truck for self-guided bike tours.

We sometimes use local push-bikes (single-speed bicycles) where possible or when it is required. In this case, our cars will be arranged as follows.
1 – 2 passengers (with a tour guide): 4 seat car.
3 – 6 passengers (with a tour guide): 15/16 seat minivan.
7 – 12 passengers (with a tour guide): 29 seat coach/bus.

Bikes repairs
Basic spares and tools kit are generally carried by our guide or bike mechanic or on the support vehicle, although we can not guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem.

Food and drinks
All the meals which, are mentioned in itinerary (B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner), are included in the tour price. Most of meals are Vietnamese local food. Vegetarians are certainly welcome and are always accommodated, please let us know of any dietary concerns at time of booking. Beverage and alcoholic drinks are not included at mealtime or in restaurants.

Snacks and water
When we transfer, ride by minibus (no cycling day), our bottled waters are always available for you in the car/van. When we have cycling days, we will offer cold water (summer) plus fresh tropical fruits, soft drinks are also available in the car/van. Please take a look at the “Inclusions” section on our our service proposal to see whether the service is included in the price. Please note drinks are not included at mealtime or in restaurant.

Packing
Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings such as pagoda, temple and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.
What you take will naturally depend upon where you are traveling and the style of journey you are undertaking, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack. Nevertheless, the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking.

Clothing
2 pairs of riding shorts
2 riding jerseys (quick-dry)
2 pairs of quick dry socks for cycling
Comfortable shoes for biking and walking
Riding gloves
2-3 t-shirts or casual shirts
Trousers or jeans
1-2 pairs of casual socks for non-cycling activities
3-5 sets of underwear (quick-dry)
Cool-weather jacket or rain jacket
Extra layers and gloves for cooler season or climate (thin, thermal, water-wicking)
Bathing suit
Sandals

Toiletries
Tooth brush and tooth paste
Razor
Hair brush
Shampoo
Deodorant
Hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous
Passport, wallet and ID
Health insurance card
Travel insurance card
Cash and/or credit cards
Camera (with spare battery)
Plastic bags (for dirty laundry, wet clothes)
Electronic chargers (for camera, e-reader, cell phone)
Adaptors or convertors

Tipping
Tipping for good services is always appreciated. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of the tour. Hotels and station porters should also be tipped a small amount for.
We recommend about 4-6 USD/traveler/day for the tour guide, about 2-3 USD/traveler/day for the driver (or the mechanic). Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality, the length and the difficulty of your trip.

Community
Prior to our tours, we contact and work with local community leaders to make sure we are welcome and in a manner that minimizes negative social and cultural impacts. We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging customers to donate and assist such a projects in appropriate and sustainable manner.
Where make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. We stayed at locally owned accommodation and visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenir, generating income for local business. We often employ, hire support team such as local guide, motor-taxi drivers, cook assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefit not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future.

Need further information? Check our FAQ page here or contact us.