Your holiday starts at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Airport transfers are not provided - there is a safe and reliable taxi service from Saigon's Tan Son Nhat Airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore this bustling city. In the evening the guide will take the group to dinner at the splendid Temple Club Restaurant.

Rested and ready for riding, we avoid the morning traffic by taking a private transfer a little way out of the city and begin our exploratory day ride to the famous Cu-Chu Tunnels. Although well known as the primary base for the North Vietnam Army (NVA), during the American War, the tunnels were dug out over a period of 25 years starting in the late 1940’s during the Vietnamese War of Independence from the French. In the 1960’s, during the American War, the tunnels expanded over a distance of 250km and became an elaborate underground world from which the NVA and Viet Cong troops would torment their American opponents. After our visit we head back to Saigon by bus and with time permitting, visit the macabre museum of war crimes in Saigon. Returning to our accommodation, the rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish. Approximately 3 hours transfers in total today.

After an early start to the domestic airport, we board the short (50-minute) flight to the charming central highlands hill-station of Dalat. Quite the contrast to Saigon, Dalat has charmed many visitors over the years, including French who nicknamed it ‘Le Petit Paris’ as they flocked here to escape the searing Saigon summer temperatures. With a fresh climate, the cool air of Dalat is the perfect place to stretch our legs and begin our day ride. Set against the forest dappled hilltops our circular route out of Dalat winds its way past picturesque French-colonial churches, market stalls and country village life as we head onto Dalat’s backroads. Enjoying near-enough traffic free cycling, we can appreciate the far reaching views across the highlands, which include Mount Langbian. According to legend, Langbian is named after two young lovers from opposing tribes who were not allowed to marry. Riding back to Dalat in the late afternoon, you are free to kick back and relax the laid-back town atmosphere before meeting again for dinner.

Cycling from the hotel, we start with a picturesque ride via the lakes of Xuan Hong and Than Tro, located in the heart of Vietnam’s premier agricultural regions. As we ride, our route passes through colourful flower plantations, tea, coffee beans and terraces of fruits and vegetables. With our legs warmed up we turn our attention to our challenge of the day as we take the steady cycle up and over the stunning Hon Giao Pass (2062m). Said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Vietnam, the pass links lush highlands with paradise like coastal resorts. Flanked by emerald green fields, homes of the Raglai people dot the countryside as we ride into the atmospheric mist atop of the pass. Having accomplished Hon Giao, to reach Nha Trang in good time, we transfer by private vehicle to our hotel accommdatoin.

The sweeping sandy crescent beach and turquoise waters of Nha Trang deserve a least a day of appreciation! In such a beautiful setting it is quiet acceptable to chill out and take a day of R&R. With a number of tropical islands in the distance and the junk boats goings about their daily business, Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s finest beach destinations and there are plenty of swimming opportunities in the clear waters of the bay. In the evening, there is plenty of opportunity to explore this lively town and sample local cuisine in one of the many excellent bars and restaurants.

After morning sea views and breakfast, we cycle 15 kilometres out of Nha Trang where we board our private vehicle. Transferring to the traditional fishing village of Vung Ro we have plenty of time to take advantage of the quiet beach at Dai Lanh and see the fishermen returning with their morning catch. Back in the saddle we ride rolling roads along the Ba Dia Mountain to reach our lunch spot. After lunch we start again with a private transfer to the quiet town of My Thanh. Cycling the last stretch of the day to Tuy Hoa through rice paddies and friendly villages on quiet country lanes is a delightful way to round off our day’s ride.

A real day of rural riding today! We start by cycling on a remote and peaceful road running parallel to the railway. As we progress, the terrain rolls gently as we pass through Viet village settlements. As we appreciate gorgeous views across the highlands, the rice paddies is a hive of activity as we see conical hats bobbing around and animals wandering the farmland - including the iconic pot bellied pig! As our ride meets the highway, we transfer a short distance to the resort of Quinhon.

Today we follow the coastal road to Tra O Lagoon, the largest wetland in Binh Dinh Province and also a principal food source for the locals. While rolling we also take in the sea breeze and spot tranquil fishing villages lined along the coastline. After lunch at a local restaurant, the ride continues to Highway 1 and Quy Nhon, where we board our transport for the 3-hour transfer to our overnight hotel in Quang Ngai.

This morning we head to the interesting and ancient Thien An Pagoda as we make our way to the war memorial site of the My Lai massacre. Sadly, My Lai was to become one of the most tragic and shocking events of the Vietnam War. After our tour of the museum we drive for around 1.5 hours to the start of today’s ride. Our ride today leads us through the countryside of Quang Ngai as we enjoy Vietnamese rural roads and village encounters. On reaching Ha Lam, we take another short vehicle hop to the ancient trading port of Hoi-An. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Hoi-An was one of South East Asia’s most significant trading ports and still retains the charms of an ancient architectural influences from Japan, China and even Portugal. With over 844 structures of historical significance, the streets of this UNESCO listed town are a delight to explore.

This morning we have a short transfer to avoid the highway before starting the ride to My Son, the ancient centre of the Cham Civilization dating back to the 4th century. We then cycle along scenic country backroads flanked by rice paddies, eucalyptus plantations and relaxing villages. Later the road stretches away from the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean as we head to My Son, once Champa’s most important city. After lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the site, and although many of the temples were destroyed by heavy bombing, enough have survived the war to impress most visitors. After the historical tour, we take the bus back to Hoi An. The rest of the day is free to explore sites such as the famous Japanese Covered Bridge or kick back and relax on the nearby beach.

Leaving the delights of Hoi-An, today we take on the historic Hai Van Pass (496m). With our legs in good shape, Hai Van is a steady climb, traversing the Annamite Range, with spectacular views across the South China Sea. Historically, the pass created a border between the kingdoms of Champa and Dai Viet. Nowadays the Hai Van has gained a reputation for its breathtaking beauty, with its lush green hillsides contrasting with the calm and colbalt-blue sea. The ride up Hai Van is well and truly worth it as we are rewarded with a superb stretch of downhill to the coast. In the afternoon we continue our coastal ride northwards to the town of Hue, the old capital of the Ngu Yen Dynasty where we overnight at a hotel.

Today, by bike and boat, we explore the rich history left behind by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. We start by cycling directly from our hotel along the An Cuu (Perfume) River and head up to the tombs of Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty, which were built between 1920 and 1931. After our visit, we continue to bike on a quiet route to Vong Canh hill, which is just 43 metres high, but is the best place to catch a panoramic view of the Perfume River. We finish the ride today at the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious building in Vietnam. Built in 1601, it has become the symbol of the city and you'll want to get a photo with the marble turtle! We then walk to the boat pier close to the pagoda to take a cruise on the Perfume River back to Hue. After refreshing ourselves and packing up we have a dinner at a local restaurant before boarding an overnight train to Ninh Binh.

We arrive in Ninh Binh around 10 am (arrival time may vary). Following a short transfer to the local restaurant for washing up, bike fitting (we have new fleet of bikes in the north) and an early lunch, we start cycling through a spectacular landscape. Limestone mountains tower over a blanket of rice paddies on our route to the ancient city of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. After touring the temples here we continue to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's first and largest natural reserve. One of the key projects at Cuc Phoung is the conservation of primates such as the Delacour langur and the Cat Ba langur at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. After a short visit and tour of the centre, we’ll learn more about these cheeky primates before heading off to our accommodation for the night.

The enchanting and mystical atmosphere of Cuc Phoung provides a unique day of riding as we cycle through pineapple plantations, agricultural terraces and thick forest that is home to some of Vietnam’s rarest plant and animal life. Located across two limestone mountain ranges, Cuc Phuong is also home to the Muong minority people. Making up a third of Vietnam’s population, the Muong people are well known for their friendliness and continue to maintain many traditions which have been handed down by their ancestors. During our ride we may have time to stop and meet local Muong communities as our route passes through several villages. Having enjoyed a rural day of riding we take a bus hop to Haipong, one of Vietnam’s major ports where we check into our accommodation. Approximately 3 hours transfers in total today.

This northern region of Vietnam is very much about getting out and exploring the extensive number of islands which are peppered across Halong Bay. Today we catch a ferry across to the largest of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Cat Ba Island. Riding across this island, its natural beauty and habitat encompasses some of the most diverse environments. From tropical limestone forests through to willow swamp forests, Cat Ba is also home to endangered Cat Ba langur. Stopping at the seafront town for lunch we hang up our pedals for the day and enjoy a free afternoon on this heavenly island.

We start the morning with a ride through the lanes of Cat Ba as we roll out to meet our cruise boat for the day. Having caught a few glimpses of the 3000 limestone islands of Halong Bay yesterday, today we take the water and spend a truly memorable day cruising amongst the islands and islets of this world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Draped in dense vegetation the rugged beauty of Halong Bay is a mesmerising experience. Sailing across Halong Bay, we discover secret beaches, hidden grottos as we navigate through a seascape of conical peaks that make up the one of the world's most iconic bays. As our day on the water draws to a close we head back to harbour and transfer to Asia’s most chic city, Hanoi. Sophisticated, atmospheric we come together for our celebratory evening meal in one of Hanoi’s many restaurants. Approximately 3 hours transfers in total today.

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight departure time, you may have time to explore Hanoi. Airport transfers are not provided - there is a safe and reliable taxi service to Hanoi Airport and we recommend that you arrange your transfer with the assistance of the hotel reception desk. Journey time is around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.