ALONG THE RED RIVER DELTA

DISCOVERING NORTH VIETNAM ON BICYCLE

Vietnam is truly a multi-sport country. It’s geography is incredibly diverse, with expansive mountain ranges and magnificent Halong Bay in the north, flatter areas in the center that include pristine beaches and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the charming rural countryside of the mighty Mekong Delta in the south. In this 10 days cycling tour you will explore the Northern Vietnam, and in particularly the region of Red River Delta which is undoubtedly famous for its bamboo waterwheels, beautiful rice terraces, and the towering limestone karst islands and emerald waters of Halong Bay. What makes this region and tour so great and perfect: Balance tour with 5 days cycling and 5 days relaxing and exploring the various cultural sights; Roads vary from tarred to off-road dirt paths that meander through villages; Chance to meet and learn about diverse ethnic tribes.

Itinerary

OVERVIEW

To	Vietnam
Length	09 nights/ 10 days
Start	Day 1 (with arrival in Hanoi)
Finish	Day 10 (at Hanoi airport)
Type	Good for Individuals, Small Groups, / possible to privatize the tour. Precisely For people who practice sport all year long, in good physical condition and like cycling /
Skill	3 ? (Average of 5 to 6 hours cycling including visits)
Route	Hanoi, Mai Cau, Pu luong, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hanoi
Season	Best From September to mid December & February to mid March/April. Possible from April to September but is pretty hot with high humidity with during the summer occasional rainfalls.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter and discover the city’s rich culture and history.

Cycle through Vietnam’s lush green valleys and spectacular mountains.

Visit the serene Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Vietnam’s first and largest national park, Cuc Phuong National Park- a truly immersive experience offering travelers insight into the authentic way of life in northern Vietnam.

Experience a lunch in a homestay, interacting with a local family and learning about their culture and traditions.

enture into the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve - the ‘Halong Bay on Land’ - and glide along its lake in a traditional sampan raft.

Relish an overnight cruise on the world renowned Halong Bay, enjoying delectable seafood dishes and spectacular sunset views.

SKETCH ITINERARY

Day 1:	Arrive at Hanoi International Airport, travel to your hotel and meet your guide in the late afternoon. Easy walking tour in the center. Overnight Hanoi.
Day 2:	Hanoi – Walking tour in Hanoi, visiting the temple of Literature and the famous Old Quarter. Afternoon bike fitting. Overnight Hanoi
Day 3:	Early morning transfer to the starting point, then start your cycling through Hoa Binh, Thung Khe pass and your final destination will be Mai Chau. En route you will admire the Hoa Binh Lake, pedaling through karst mountains, green valleys and traditional Thai minority villages
Day 4:	Mai Chau – today you will cycle all day around Mai Chau valleys crossing various local villages and learning about the ethnic tribes living in this area
Day 5:	Mai Chau – Pu Luong / 40, easy-going kilometers, that will have you crossing rice fields, passing wooden stilt houses and explore the Pu Luong National park
Day 6:	Pu Luong – Ninh Binh / Travel to the starting point and then start cycling along back roads through pineapple and tea plantations. Today, the main highlight will be the boat tour at Van Long Nature Reserve, also nicknamed the "Halong Bay on Land”.
Day 7:	Ninh Binh – Explore the area around Ninh Binh and visit the impressive Cuc Phuong National Park
Day 8:	Ninh Binh – Halong Bai / In the morning, you will head towards the famous Halong Bay. You will arrive at the pier at noon and embark on a cruise around the bay. Enjoy the activities offered and overnight in the cruise
Day 9:	Halong Bai – Hanoi / Wake up and enjoy the incredible landscape and the cruise around the bay until you disembark and travel back to Hanoi
Day 10:	Departure

Need a detailed itinerary? Write to us at info@offbeat.travel

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1 Relaxed :	Some physical stamina necessary, mostly relaxed pace of activity
2 Easy :	Up to 3 hours of (generally easy) physical activity a day
3 Moderate :	3 to 5 hours of activity a day and/or elevation gain, higher altitude, longer distance, uneven terrain.
4 Challenging :	5 to 7 hours of sustained physical activity, good levels of fitness and technical ability required.
5 Extreme :	More than 7 hours of activity and/or involving high levels of technical ability and stamina. Involves long days and distances, extended camping, high altitude or ascent for extensive days.