Vietnam - Beach, Bicycle, Backroads (13 days)

This 13 day cycling adventures takes you through some of Vietnam's most beautiful country. You will soak up the atmosphere of Vietnam by bike - the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country.

You will be challenged on the road, entertained at night by the local crew and taste the flavours that are Vietnam. A small percentage of your tour cost includes the purchase of a bicycle for your presentation to a charity along the way.

This is a fantastic trip that will warm your heart in more ways than one! Join us in June 2012.

DAY 1 - Hanoi Upon arrival at the Hanoi airport, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel. You will then have an opportunity to explore the exotic city of Hanoi. This evening we gather together for a poolside welcome barbeque dinner and pre-trip briefing.

DAY 2 - Hanoi City Tour - Flight to Hue In the morning we will spend some time preparing the bicycles. After a delicious lunch of Hanoi delicacies we will introduce you to Hanoi's sights. In the evening we take a flight to Hue.

DAY 3 - Hue - Lang Co (70km). This morning 20 riders will personally present bicycles to 20 disadvantaged children. This will be followed by a tour of Hue's ancient citadel and Forbidden Palace before we head south to the stunning beaches of Lang Co.

DAY 4 - Lang Co - Hoi An (80km). Your strength is required for today's challenge of Hai Van Pass, which rewards you with stunning coastal views. You will climb to 496 m (1,627 ft) on a road quoted in the Top Gear Program as "a deserted ribbon of perfection-one of the best coast roads in the world." Then you will enjoy a thrilling downhill ride into Da Nang, home of the busiest air base in the world at the height of the war in the 1960's. We ride past China Beach on our way to the paradise village of Hoi An.

DAY 5 - Hoi An. Hoi An is a charming World Heritage village that will captivate you immediately. No matter what you like you will find it here, whether it is shopping, restaurants, photography, history, architecture, handicrafts or lazing around. Your day here is free to enjoy. This evening we will celebrate with a beach bonfire, barbeque & band.

DAY 6 - Hoi An. Another day in paradise! You may choose to lounge by the pool of our luxury resort, swim on the beach in front of the resort or indulge in a massage, facial and pedicure. For those wanting action there is an optional easy ride into the surrounding countryside or a more challenging ride back up to the mighty Hai Van Pass. Other options include scuba, snorkeling, abseiling, sailing or tailoring and shopping. Cultural options include My Son ancient ruins, historical walking tour of Hoi An or Marble Mountain.

DAY 7 - Hoi An - Tam Ky (70km) Our adventure today begins with a boat trip to the back roads of the central coast. Away from the main highway we travel along a quiet road hugging the coastline and through sand dune landscapes. Upon arrival in Tam Ky another 20 riders will personally present bicycles to 20 disadvantaged children.

DAY 8 - Tam Ky - Quang Ngai (90km) Continuing on the back roads of the coast we cycle to the site of one of the darkest moments of the Vietnam War - the My Lai Massacre Memorial. At Quang Ngai, the final 20 riders will personally present bicycles to 20 disadvantaged children.

DAY 9 - Quang Ngai - Quy Nhon (158km) More remote back roads take us along the coast, passing beautiful secluded beaches. Our reward will be a swim at the stunning Dai Lanh Beach. Tonight we celebrate with a beachside barbeque and entertainment in Quy Nhon.

DAY 10 - Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (169km). With an early start, we begin our ride from Quy Nhon to Nha Trang. Partway through the journey our support vehicles will transport us for the remainder of the way to Nha Trang. This evening you will have a free evening to enjoy the tropical festive delights of Nha Trang.

DAY 11 - Nha Trang This morning we will have a well-deserved sleep in before boarding our bus to the remote pristine Bai Dai Beach, 19 km south of Nha Trang. Here you can swim, surf, run and play before feasting on a sumptuous barbeque on the beach.

DAY 12 - Nha Trang - Sai Gon Today we leave behind the beaches and fly to Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Also referred to by its previous name, Saigon, this city was once known as "The Pearl of The Orient' when it was the capital of the French colony of Cochin-China. It is definitely a case of big city, bright lights and is a marvelous contrast to the coastal scenery. A final dinner together completes your memorable adventure in Vietnam.

DAY 13 - Departure day - free to depart antime.

I nclusions

· Arrival and Departure Transfers

· 3 - 5 Star Accommodation

· 2 x internal flights

· Western leaders

· Local Vietnamese guides

· Qualified Medical staff

· Masseuse staff

· 8 Dinners

· 9 Lunches

· 12 Breakfasts

· Water and snacks supplied whilst riding

· 3 x Beach Parties

· Support vehicle

· Mechanics

· All entrance fees

· Tour T-Shirt

· 1 x Donation Bicycle per rider

· A small percentage of your tour cost includes a bicycle for your presentation to a charity along the way.

Exclusions

· Bicycle (BYO or available for hire upon request)

· International Airfares

· Visas (Visa on arrival available if requested)

· Spending money

· Tips & gratuities

· Drinks

Departs: 9th to 21st April 2012

Distance: 637kms

Cost: AUD $2,990 per person.

Group Size: Places Limited to 60

** Operated by Wide Eyed Tours