Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon take a tour of the sites in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, including the old Saigon post office and the well-known War Remnant museum.  Overnight in Saigon. (D)

Day 2: Saigon - Ben Tre -  Tra Vinh  (Bike approx. 50 Km)

We start the trip with a 2 hour transfer to My Tho. Here we change to a ferry to Ben Tre. On the ferry ride we pass Turtle Island and Phoenix Island, home of the "Coconut Monk" who practiced his own blend of Buddhism and Christianity. We dock at Ben Tre province some 10 km's from Ben Tre town and here we mount our bikes for our sojourn into the Mekong Delta. On our ride to Tra Vinh we ride beautiful tree lined roads, have the opportunity to sample singletrack and end in the delightful town of Tra Vinh. We'll stop at 153 Le Loi for some incredible "Bun Nem Nuong". Overnight in Tra Vinh. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tra Vinh - Can Tho (Bike approx. 70 Km)

A special ride today as much of the area is populated by Khmer people. The regional architecture is interesting and there are some Khmer temples to stop and admire en route. Cycle as much or as little as preferred; the road is peaceful, narrow and very pretty all the way to Can Tho! Pedal to Ba Om Pond with its magnificent lotus flowers, and if the timing is right, observe local women having their future predicted in the small temple nearby. En route, stop to visit a local Buddhist Temple School if possible. Arrive finally at Can Tho, the Mekong's largest town located at the confluence of the Can Tho and Hau Giang rivers. Enjoy a delicious dinner in hotel. Overnight in Victoria Can Tho hotel. (B,L,D) 

Day 4 Can Tho- Chau Doc (Bike approx. 60-70 Km)

Early morning take a local sampan (boat) tour to explore the interesting Cai Rangg floating market and enjoy the daily local lives along the riverbank.  After a very early breakfast, we'll ride on a narrow paved road via Can Tho floating market to Phong Dien floating market.  Weaving through morning market bustle along the banks of the very busy river, we absorb the sights of cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, and small boats loading/unloading rice, in this vibrant market. After reaching Phong Dien, take a quick boat trip on the river before continuing by bike on a narrow lane to the main road. Transfer in the afternoon to Chau Doc. Here we visit the famous Sam Mountain and witness spectacular panoramic views over the Cambodian border at sunset. (B L D)  

Day 5: Chau Doc-Phnom Penh

After breakfast, take a Victoria boat up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh.  This city was once considered one of the most beautiful in the Orient, and despite its turbulent history in the 1970's-1980's, it still retains a colonial charm. Visit the National Museum and the Royal Palace. In the evening, dine at a well know restaurant and stroll along the flag lined promenade on the banks of the Mekong River. Overnight in Phnom Penh. (B, L, D)

  Day 6: Phnom Penh- Siem Reap (Bike approx. 30 Km)

  In the morning we'll drive to the airport to fly to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is a small colonial town just north of Southeast Asia's largest lake, Tonle Sap. The town itself is charming and pleasant to roam around, with fine examples of French colonial architecture.  Meet for bike fittings in the afternoon to prepare for the cycle along country lanes to view early Angkor Roluos temples, (Preak Kho, Bakhong and Lolei). Overnight in Siem Reap. (B,L,D)

 Day 7: Siem Reap  (Bike approx. 45 Km)

After breakfast cycle to Angkor Wat temple. Continue pedaling to the Royal City of Angkor Thom stopping en route to visit Bayon temple.  Cycle on quiet country lanes to the Terrace of Elephants followed by Ta Keo and the tree-entangled Ta Prohm temple. Return to Siem Reap town in the late afternoon. In the evening enjoy a traditional Cambodian meal and performance by Apsara dancers. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B, L, D) 

Day 8: Cycle to Banteay Srei & Kbal Spean (Bike 50-100 Km)

Leave Siem Reap by bike after breakfast and cycle to Banteay Srei, 25km away, crossing Cambodian countryside lined with evergreen rice paddies, palm trees and local villages.  Continue to Kbal Spean (River of 1,000 Lingas), with a short hiking detour to view the riverbed carvings. After lunch at a beautiful botanical garden, return to Siem Reap via the Banteay Samre Temple. Dinner at Bayon II. Overnight in Siem reap. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Siem Reap - Hanoi

After breakfast, enjoy an exhilarating balloon ride to admire the great panoramic scenery of Angkor Temples.  The balloon ascent is extremely exciting and every few seconds reveals more of the famous Angkor Wat temple and its five towers. There are also great views of the lush countryside that surrounds the Angkor monuments.  Transfer to Siem Reap airport to catch the afternoon flight to Hanoi. In the evening enjoy the traditional water puppet performance at the theatre and afterwards sample local beer at the Brewery Biahoi shop.   Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 10: Hanoi - Halong

Depart for Halong Bay in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy the journey through rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Magnificent Halong Bay is one of the natural wonders of the world and one of Vietnam's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over three thousand jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song in the early morning. Upon arrival, transfer to a  wooden boat for a cruise among some of the 3, 000 spectacular limestone islands. The boat is one of the more traditional varieties that sail through this magnificent World Heritage Site. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board while the captain heads the boat out for the horizon.  Overnight on board Deluxe Huong Hai Junk. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Halong - Hanoi

Continue the cruise past rock formations named after their shape. Enjoy a short trip by sampan to Luon Cave (tunnel cave). Paddle through the tunnel and emerge into a crater lake, surrounded by impenetrable cliffs and gliding kites (dependent upon tidal conditions). Cruise out to Bai Tu Long Bay around Bai Tho Mountain and head back to dry land. After lunch transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi.  After check in, enjoy a guided historical walk through the Old Quarter, delving into the nooks and crannies of the back alleys of Hanoi. Have coffee at a  family home-cum-café with great sunset views over Hoan Kiem Lake and also visit Bach Ma Pagoda (White Horse temple) - hidden away in the Old Quarter.  We dine in one of Hanoi's top restaurants.  Overnight in Hanoi. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Sightseeing and departure

After breakfast, our guide and driver will meet you at hotel's lobby for a half-day excursion to explore the modern capital of Vietnam. Early morning exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake are a must for the more active. After breakfast, visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, One Pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature- the first National University since the 10th century. We then drive on to the Museum of Ethnology. The Museum of Ethnology is one of Vietnam's best with interactive displays and a wide collection of well-preserved objects and documents. It is also a great place to learn about Vietnam's 52 ethnic minority peoples. Enjoy lunch at High Way 4 restaurant before we transfer to airport for your onward flight. (B,L)

 This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances.