Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 14:13

Vietnam

Cycling Vietnam - Premium Adventure Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Vietnam
  • Programmes: Cycling, Premium Adventures
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 14 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MOM
  • Carbon Footprint: 63kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover Vietnam from south to north by bike, while staying in handpicked premium accommodation

Awaken your senses as you ride from lively Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, in the south to the alluring capital of Hanoi in the north. Cycle on paved roads through colourful fishing villages, folding rice terraces and jungle-cloaked mountains on this expertly guided two-week premium cycling adventure. White sandy beaches also await, with time to unwind and recharge on a tropical island at the tranquil MerPerle Hon Tam Resort. Continue to the ancient trading port of Hoi An, home to temples and unique architecture, and delve into the peacefulness of rural Vietnam before ascending the thrilling Hai Van Pass, riding along twisting coastal roads that lead to remarkable views before finally experiencing the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay as you enjoy sunset drinks on a traditional yet luxurious boat.

At a Glance

  • 11 nights in premium accommodation including one night on a handcrafted boat on Ha Long Bay, one night overnight sleeper train
  • Nine days of cycling (including one optional ride) with 90 percent vehicle support. Roads nearly all well paved
  • A generally flat route with some undulation with the exception of Dalat and the Hai Van Pass
  • Travel by private air-conditioned minibus; one overnight sleeper train
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader
  • E-bikes available for an additional cost

Highlights

  • Two nights to relax and indulge at an island paradise at MerPerle Hon Tam Resort
  • Cycle through the most epic landscapes in Vietnam, including the exhilarating Hai Van Pass
  • Explore the trading town of Hoi An
  • Spend one night aboard a Syrena Cruise in Ha Long Bay; enjoy sunset drinks on deck
  • Taste the much-venerated cuisine of Vietnam from north to south; many meals are included

Is This Trip for You?

This Premium Adventure is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and classified Road. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

  • Nine days of cycling (including one optional ride)
  • Average 43mi (70km) per day with 90 percent vehicle support

Terrain and route: The roads are mostly well-paved and the route is generally flat (with some undulation) except for Dalat and the Hai Van Pass. Vietnam can be very hot and humid, which can make cycling more demanding, but rests and water are readily available. You should be comfortable riding in traffic.

This is a busy trip with early departures on cycling days; anyone not wanting to cycle all day can use the support vehicle.

Please note, if your leader feels the itinerary is running behind schedule on cycling days and has concerns about arriving at the hotel on time, they may ask some or all members of the group to finish their riding for the day and transfer to the support vehicle. This will ensure the group still arrives on schedule around the approximate expected arrival times communicated to the group in your daily briefings with your leader.

Group

An expert cycling tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback, will accompany all groups from start to finish. A bike mechanic will assist and local guides will step in at various sites.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Cycling Vietnam – Premium Adventure

Land Only

  • Start City: Ho Chi Minh City
  • End City: Hanoi

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Ho Chi Minh City; welcome dinner in the evening

Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting, absorbing destination, where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh market and Notre Dame Cathedral are within walking distance from our hotel and are highly recommended.

This evening there will be a welcome briefing with your leader followed by a group welcome dinner where you can try local specialties.

Premium accommodation: The Odys Boutique Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City (four-star)

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2
Transfer out of the city; cycle to the Cu Chi tunnels

This morning we drive out of the city, before riding to the Cu Chi tunnels. This offers a great introduction to cycling in Vietnam and a chance to tune the bikes. The tunnels were Viet Cong sanctuaries, used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes. The network covers three levels and approximately 150mi (240km). Some parts have been widened for tourists, but the tunnels were originally very narrow and it is still necessary to crawl on hands and knees. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine.

If you prefer not to visit the tunnels, you can have an unguided free day in Ho Chi Minh City. Places of interest include the Emperor of Jade and Giac Lam pagodas, the former Presidential Palace (now the Reunification Hall), Ben Thanh market and the War Remnants Museum.

Premium accommodation: The Odys Boutique Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City (four-star)

Distance covered: 22mi (35km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3
Cycle towards the coast and drive to Mui Ne

After an early breakfast, we head out of Ho Chi Minh City by bus and then cycle towards the coast. We hit the backroads and head through tropical fruit and rubber plantations, passing fishing villages as we make our way closer to the coast, finishing our ride in time for lunch. We then transfer approximately three hours to Mui Ne, a tranquil white-sand beach where we could witness our first sunset over the Eastern Sea. We spend approximately four to five hours on the bus today.

Premium accommodation: Sea Links Beach Hotel, Mui Ne (four-star)

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4
Cycle to Dalat in the Central Highlands

We cycle towards Dalat; the route is undulating with occasional climbs. Along the way, we pass coffee and tea plantations, flower gardens and pine forests as we reach higher altitude. We rejoin the bus before the road climbs steeply to the mountain town of Dalat. We spend approximately 3hr 30min on the bus today.

Dalat is a pleasant hill station, formerly known as Le Petit Paris, and has been described as the most beautiful town in Vietnam. It was favoured by the French for its climate and is now a popular honeymoon resort for the Vietnamese.

Premium accommodation: Du Parc Hotel, Dalat (four-star)

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
Cycle through Bidoup Ba National Park to the coast and a short boat transfer to MerPerle Hon Tam Resort

Today’s ride is predominantly undulating and approximately 18.5mi (30km) downhill through pine forests and paddy fields as we descend nearly 4,920ft (1,500m) travelling through the Bidoup Ba National Park. This area is home to rare pine forests plus villages inhabited by the minority ethnic people of the central highlands.

Once we arrive at the coast, we head by bus (approximately 1hr 30min) to the coast near Nha Trang before boarding a boat (approximately a 10-minute transfer) to our tropical island paradise of MerPerle Hon Tam Resort where we stay for the next two nights. Dinner is included at the Sea Breeze restaurant in the resort, which offers views of the ocean and islands.

Today you can cycle up to 62mi (100km) according to preference.

Premium accommodation: MerPerle Hon Tam Resort, Hon Tam Island (five-star)

Distance covered: 62mi (100km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Half-day cruise around islands with seafood lunch and snorkelling; unwind at MerPerle Hon Tam Resort

Having a rest from the bikes today, we can relax and unwind. We will join a boat trip in the morning for snorkelling and swimming in the turquoise sea before a seafood lunch. Returning to the resort, the afternoon and evening is then free for you to relax and enjoy the world-class service and facilities at the resort.

Premium accommodation: MerPerle Hon Tam Resort, Hon Tam Island (five-star)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7
Coastal ride to Quy Nhon

We set off early, taking a short boat transfer from Hon Tam Island back to the mainland. We then transfer through Dai Lanh and Ca Pass before setting off on our bikes at Vung Ro Bay, where we ride along the coast to Tuy Hoa and O Loan Lagoon to Chi Thanh. In Chi Thanh, we stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing to ride to La Hai where we complete today’s cycling. From La Hai, we then transfer one hour to our hotel in Quy Nhon.

(We spend approximately two hours in the bus today).

Premium accommodation: Seagull Quy Nhon Hotel, Quy Nhon (four-star)

Distance covered: 56mi (90km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
Further coastal ride stopping en route at dunes; then transfer to Hoi An

Leaving Quy Nhon, we travel through a new economic zone over the Thi Nai Peninsula and Nhon Hoi Bridge, the longest sea bridge in Vietnam. The coastline features secluded bays, dunes and beaches with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the Eastern Sea. We cycle to Phu Ly and then drive to Hoi An. If time permits, we will cycle the last 7.5mi (12km) once we turn off Highway 1 into Hoi An.

Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also an atmospheric place to explore and enjoy the thriving riverside market.

This evening, the group will dine at a local restaurant with a fusion menu of central Vietnamese dishes. We spend two nights in Hoi An, a fantastic location to buy local art or tailor-made clothes. It’s best to bring a picture or a sample of what you want made. We spend approximately six hours on the bus today.

Premium accommodation: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoi An (four-star)

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9
Sightseeing in Hoi An; free afternoon

This morning we take a guided walking tour of Hoi An to explore some of the structures of historical significance in the Old Town, including bridges, temples, wells and houses. Alternatively, you can cycle the 3mi (5km) to the lovely Cua Dai beach or Marble Mountains, which are 12mi (19km) from town. These five marble hills, formerly islands, contain many caves, some of which were used as Buddhist (and Viet Cong) sanctuaries.

Also nearby is My Khe beach, an R&R spot for the US military during the war, and Da Nang, home to a Cham museum, which is very interesting despite being in poor condition. It is also possible to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham temple sites in Vietnam, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. Although bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.

Premium accommodation: Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoi An (four-star)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10
Ride over the exhilarating Hai Van Pass; cycle and drive on to Hue

Today we turn north again for the drive/cycle to Hue. The route traverses the spectacular Hai Van Pass – the Pass of the Ocean Clouds. The views are stunning. Those who prefer to avoid the 1,900ft (580m) climb can always take a lift in the support vehicle. It will all seem worth it at the top, as you cruise back to the ocean, then continue through small villages and timeless rural scenes to the outskirts of Hue, from where we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, the group will enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Hue.

We spend approximately 2hr 30min in the bus today.

Premium accommodation: The Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel , Hue (four-star)

Distance covered: 50mi (80km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11
Explore Hue and surroundings by bike and boat; overnight train to Hanoi

Hue is often named the cultural and historic centre of Vietnam. We take a guided tour of the city and surrounding tombs – the most memorable site is the citadel, which has 6mi (9.5km) long walls: inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed.

We then take a boat along the Perfume River to the elaborate tombs of the Nguyen emperors, who ruled Vietnam from Hue. Tu Duc’s Tomb is particularly intricate and set in beautiful gardens. Along the way, we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a centre for anti-government protests in the early 1960s. It houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Ho Chi Minh City in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers around the world.

In the evening, we board the Reunification Express for the overnight ride to Hanoi, 428mi (688km) to the north.

Accommodation: Overnight train (four-berth cabin)

Distance covered: 16mi (25km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12
Arrive Hanoi; drive to Ha Long Bay; cruise followed by sundowners on deck; overnight on a Syrena Cruise

We usually arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and stop for a local breakfast of pho and a chance to taste delicious Hanoi coffee (while also stretching our legs) before we are met by our bus for an approximate four-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. This is one of the most beautiful sights in Southeast Asia with around 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the emerald sea. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak in the sea and reach places inaccessible by the boat (weather permitting), before a seafood lunch on board.

Later in the afternoon, join your expert leader and group for a drink or two on the top deck while watching the sun set in the bay before spending the night in twin-share cabins.

Premium accommodation: Syrena Cruises (join-in basis), Ha Long Bay

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13
Continue cruise; visit Ha Long Women's Association then return to Hanoi for a farewell dinner

We continue our Ha Long Bay cruise this morning before returning to port. Your leader will then introduce the group to the Ha Long Women’s Association in the Hon Gai township, a local sustainable initiative committed to cleaning waste in Ha Long Bay and upcycling usable waste into items of value. You’ll meet the local women and witness how they turn trash into beautiful, handcrafted products and may have the chance to try upcycling as well.

We then drive back to Hanoi for our final evening together with a farewell dinner at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), a well-established training restaurant for disadvantaged youths where you’ll be served a blend of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian foods.

Premium accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi, Hanoi (four-star)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14
End Hanoi

The tour ends this morning in Hanoi after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay and discover more of this charming city, please enquire with your sales representative about additional accommodation after your tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Premium accommodation, boat and overnight sleeper train

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort- Hon Tam island

Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its location, comfort, style, and unique characteristics.

The Odys Boutique Hotel (four-star), Ho Chi Minh City. Two nights.

Superior double- The Odys Boutique Hotel

  • Featuring the Sky Lounge, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Tastefully designed rooms combining Vietnamese and European aesthetics
  • In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, close to many key attractions
  • Enjoy a massage or treatment at the Nu Spa

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort (five-star), Hon Tam Island. Two nights.

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort- Tropical deluxe garden room

MerPerle Hon Tam Resort- beach view

  • On Hon Tam Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Nha Trang
  • Five-star resort with a private beach, beautiful scenery and gardens
  • Spacious and carefully designed rooms with nature and tranquillity in mind
  • Large outdoor pool and pool bar
  • Relax and indulge at the MerPerle Hon Tam Spa

Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa (four-star), Hoi An. Two nights.

Double room

Pool

  • This modern boutique hotel has a rooftop bar
  • Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and day spa
  • Spacious rooms decorated with attention to comfort in mind

Syrena Cruises, Ha Long Bay. One night.

Syrena Cruises

Deluxe twin balcony- Syrena Cruise

  • A 34-cabin ship built with traditional Vietnamese hardwood
  • Featuring deluxe cabins that are well appointed, using light materials and clear windows to ensure cabins are bright and airy
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at the Lotus Restaurant; serving modern and traditional dishes
  • Have a drink at the sundeck bar; a prime spot for sunset and soaking up the bay atmosphere
  • Please note, groups will be joining a Syrena Cruise that may have other guests on board at the same time

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi (four-star), Hanoi. One night.

Double Room- La Belle Vie Hotel, Hanoi

  • A modern, elegant boutique hotel with stylish guestrooms
  • Rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of Hanoi
  • Conveniently close to the old quarter and West Lake

The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Overnight sleeper train

To travel from Hue to Hanoi, we spend the night on a comfortable sleeper train. Despite being first class, it is still quite basic. You will be in a four-berth cabin with bedding provided, although you may prefer to bring your own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with people outside your group. Most trains have a dining carriage, but people generally stock up on snacks before the journey.

Additional accommodation

You can book additional nights before or after the tour, subject to availability – please enquire for details and prices.

Single accommodation

Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for 11 nights of the trip (hotel nights only – not available for the one night on the boat in Ha Long Bay or the one night on the overnight train from Hue to Hanoi). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like a single supplement.

Single supplement from CAD 1,140

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, nine lunches and seven dinners are included.

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with a large variety of culinary offerings – maintaining a reputation as one of the healthiest, most delicious cuisines in the world.

Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup).

Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing (five elements) in mind; meaning the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs perfect for sharing.

Food is cheap and you can generally avoid the spicier dishes if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.

Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Please note that in Southeast Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets (eg gluten-free or dairy-free) is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.

You may find it beneficial to bring some cycling snacks with you from home if you have energy bars or gels you like to use during a ride.

For those who wish to contribute, a kitty is normally arranged – fresh fruit, nuts, biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with homemade lemonade if the season is right.

Transport

Throughout the tour, we use a private air-conditioned coach/minibus. The coach will always accompany riders, allowing you substantial flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support truck for the bikes and baggage.

There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to six hours). Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam; however, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic.

The overnight sleeper train journey is normally on time; delays rarely happen, but departure times can change without notice.

Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; we take a short boat ride (and return) to Hon Tam Island from Nha Trang for our two-night stay at the MonPerle Hon Tam Resort and spend one night on a boat in Ha Long Bay. Please note, there may be other guests on the overnight Ha Long Bay cruise.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually between 28C and 34C (82F and 93F). It is only a little cooler at nights.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short, heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam, it is quite pleasant year-round; however, due to the shape of the country, it is unlikely the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

The Ha Long Bay boat trip can be subject to change at short notice if certain adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October to April). Ha Long Bay boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Ha Long Bay for your group or (less likely) the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You should aim to arrive by late afternoon to catch the welcome dinner
Airport: Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN)

Getting to the start hotel

Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Hanoi Airport (HAN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Ho Chi Minh City
Location end: Hanoi

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat and trousers if you are travelling at that time
  • Cycling helmet (compulsory)
  • A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters and a blister-treatment kit
  • Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is thought to be highly effective
  • Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months
  • Large refillable water bottle
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho/umbrella
  • Strong sunscreen and sun hat
  • Swimsuit

There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very affordable price, so it’s fine to pack light.

Environmental considerations

We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

  • Spare or extra long-sleeved shirts and light trousers are good for helping to keep mosquitoes off during the evenings
  • Overnight bag for the night in Ha Long Bay – you will be required to leave your main bag at the previous hotel for the night
  • Torch/headtorch
  • Fingerless cycling gloves
  • Handlebar bag to carry personal items while cycling
  • Bandana/cloth to keep cool in the heat

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Giant Rincon Disc mountain bike with front suspension.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £130/US$185/250 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible­­ f­or any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride

Practical Information

Passport

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:

  • An expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive
  • A minimum of two blank pages
  • No water damage

Visa

Vietnam

UK passport holders normally do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for visits up to 45 days, while those with a US or Irish passport normally do need a visa to enter. Visa requirements for EU citizens vary by country.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

Vaccinations and Health

Vietnam

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to speak to your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may want to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Similarly, dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Vietnam. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Local Time

Vietnam's time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (UTC +07:00)

Electricity

Vietnam's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Vietnam's currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widespread in Vietnam and are the easiest way to obtain money, it is possible to draw a maximum of 2m Vietnamese (US$90) in major cities in one go. Some ATMs now allow a maximum withdrawal of 4m dong (US$180).

Credit card acceptance is now widespread in restaurants and shops catering to tourists in Vietnamese cities.

If you would like to bring cash, there will be ample opportunity for you exchange, both US dollars and British pounds are easily exchanged.

As you will likely be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need about 4.7m-6.5m dong (US$200-US$275) for meals not included, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs. Most groups also find it useful to operate a kitty system to buy snacks and drinks for the group on cycling days. If the group would like the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around 470,000-700,000 dong (US$20-US$30) per person depending on the group size.

Optional Excursions

Hoi An

  • Marble Mountain entry: Approximately 25,000 dong (US$1)
  • My Son excursion from 260,000 dong (US$11) depending upon numbers

Tipping

On this Premium Adventure, tipping for local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for any tipping kitty contributions or to make your own tips during the trip.

Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.

Tips for the Tour Leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around 61,000-125,000 dong (US$3- US$6) per person for the duration of the trip.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • The use of a local guide and cycling support team means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
  • There is the option to see a traditional folk dancing or water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City. This encourages local customs to continue and creates employment opportunities.
  • In Hoi An, we also stop by a shop called Reaching Out, which sells gifts handmade by artisans with disabilities – helping them to develop their talent and independence.
  • In Hanoi, we include a farewell dinner at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), an NGO that provides a two-year course in hospitality, English and life skills training to groups of 16 to 22-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students also receive accommodation, food, medical check-ups and treatment while they train. Many of the 400-plus graduates have gone on to continue developing their careers at KOTO restaurants or have gained employment elsewhere with their training so this is a great initiative to support.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
  • By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment. On this trip, some parts of the itinerary stay in smaller towns using accommodation outside of busy cities.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
  • During our time in the Ha Long Bay area, we visit the Ha Long Women’s Association in Hon Gai township. The association is a local sustainable initiative that is committed to cleaning up waste in Ha Long Bay and upcyling any waste where possible into items of value.  Our visit helps support the women who are involved and to help ensure the contiuation of this conservation initiative.
  • We provide clients with a reusable tote bag at the start of the tour (made in Hanoi), offering an alternative to single-use plastic bags and a souvenir to take home.

 Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
  • We choose to travel on the overnight train from Hue to Hanoi as opposed to taking an internal flight.
  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Vegetarian and vegan options are available at majority of accommodation and restaurants.

 Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
  • Cultural respect:
    • Please remember that you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to temples and sacred sites so packing a sarong or other suitable clothing is recommended. Also remember to remove hats when visiting a sacred site.
    • Do not rest your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this symbolises the burning of incense (which is usually reserved for times of mourning).
    • One should not show the soles of their feet or touch someone’s head, both are considered disrespectful.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Insurance – are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the UK, we strongly recommend the Exodus travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy, please ensure you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high-altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.