By bike and boat in the Far East

Vietnam by Bike and Boat

Tour Description: Guided

Vietnam is a country full of originality, overwhelming nature and mysterious monuments of times gone by. It is a country full of contrasts, with bustling, vibrant cities and rural districts where time seems to have stood still. Experience two weeks of Oriental flair, and discover this fascinating country at the other side of the world by bike and boat.

Explore the rocky fairytale world of the famous Ha Long Bay sailing on a traditional junk and get in touch with this unique landscape by bike and kayak. Admire the lush green rice fields and meet the friendly water buffaloes, visit colorful temples and pagodas, and let the emerald-green waters of the South China Sea and the incredible cave formations enchant you. Explore the impressive monuments of the Vietnamese emperors in Central Vietnam, as well as the historical town of Hoi An , a World Heritage site. In South Vietnam, visit the expansive water labyrinth of the Mekong Deltas.

Tour Description: Self-guided

Vietnam is a country full of originality, overwhelming nature and mysterious monuments of times gone by. It is a country full of contrasts, with bustling, vibrant cities and rural districts where time seems to have stood still. Experience two weeks of Oriental flair, and discover this fascinating country at the other side of the world by bike and boat.

Explore the rocky fairytale world of the famous Ha Long Bay sailing on a traditional junk and get in touch with this unique landscape by bike and kayak. Admire the lush green rice fields and meet the friendly water buffaloes, visit colorful temples and pagodas, and let the emerald-green waters of the South China Sea and the incredible cave formations enchant you. Explore the impressive monuments of the Vietnamese emperors in Central Vietnam, as well as the historical town of Hoi An , a World Heritage site. In South Vietnam, visit the expansive water labyrinth of the Mekong Deltas.

Highlights: Guided

• Attend the Vietnamese water-puppet theatre, a traditional art form
• Cycling among water buffaloes in fields untouched by tourism
• Pristine, white sand beachesKayaking among caves, lagoons and quiet bays
• Guided walks through forests with pristine flora and giant butterflies to high mountain peaks
• Cycling to the "Forbidden Purple City" with its more than 300 temples and pagodas
• Explore the farm life by cycling in Tra Que, a smal village
• Visit the Runification Palace and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights: Self-guided

• Attend the Vietnamese water-puppet theatre, a traditional art form
• Cycling among water buffaloes in fields untouched by tourism
• Pristine, white sand beachesKayaking among caves, lagoons and quiet bays
• Guided walks through forests with pristine flora and giant butterflies to high mountain peaks
• Cycling to the "Forbidden Purple City" with its more than 300 temples and pagodas
• Explore the farm life by cycling in Tra Que, a smal village
• Visit the Runification Palace and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival at Hanoi airport where a transfer bus is waiting to take us to our hotel in the heart of Hanoi's old town centre. Despite its 3 million inhabitants, Hanoi seems rural and traditional. The historical old quarter is considered one of the best-preserved in all of Southeast Asia. During a first walk through the colorful, lively streets we can let ourselves be captivated by the incomparable Asian flair. Late in the afternoon we have the opportunity to attend the famous water-puppet theatre, a traditional Vietnamese art form. We get to know our fellow travelers during a first communal dinner.
Overnight in the hotel in Hanoi. 

Day 2: Hanoi – Island of Van Don (21 miles/33 km)
After breakfast, the bus is already waiting to take us past extensive rice fields to Van Don Island. After a picnic lunch, we begin our first bike tour. Initially we bicycle on an asphalt road along the coast before crossing the heavily wooded island center on rural paths. Afterwards, we check in on our junk and enjoy the first crossing on the traditional wooden boat with the carved dragon head at the prow.
Overnight on boat.  

Day 3: Islands of Tra Ban and Quan Lan (6-18 miles/10-29 km)
In the morning, our ship takes us to Tra Ban Island. On small paths and through green rice fields we bicycle across the island entirely untouched by tourism. We can see the water buffaloes so typical for Vietnam and perhaps even chat with some farmers cultivating their fields and living in the small villages along the way. After this pleasant bike ride, we meet up again with our ship which, in a fairly long cruise during lunch, takes us to Quan Lan Island. We discover this island, famous for the brilliant white sand of its immense, pristine beaches, on the second bike tour of this day. Afterwards the ship leaves towards Ha Long Bay. 
Overnight on boat.  

Day 4: Ha Long Bay (kayaking day)
After a longer cruise during the morning, we reach the fabulous fairy world of the Ha Long Bay. With the kayak, we start a discovery tour in the afternoon. This is the best way to explore the caves, lagoons and silent bays. The lookout to the Titop Island is named after the Russian cosmonaut Titov who was once standing on this rock together with Ho Chi Minh. In the evening, this lookout point presents us the unforgettable vista of the wonders of Ha Long Bay.
Overnight on boat.  

Day 5: Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (kayaking day)
After breakfast, we take leave of our junk and move with our luggage onto a smaller ship taking us to the bay of Lan Ha. From there, we start once more on a kayak excursion that takes us to a picture-book beach. There we have lunch and then plenty of time for swimming in the emerald-green sea. In the afternoon, we are picked up at the beach and taken to a small landing on Cat Ba, from where a bus transfers us to our resort.
Overnight in resort.  

Day 6: Island of Cat Ba (13 miles/20 km)
Early in the morning, the transfer bus takes us back to the small landing, where we left the ship the previous day. A one-hour crossing brings us and our bikes to another small landing place. From there, we bicycle to a remote village inhabited by the Viet Hai, an ethnic minority. We leave our bikes there and continue on foot on a fascinating guided walk through this primary forest that will amaze us with its wild pristine flora and giant colorful butterflies. The destination is one of the island's highest mountains which, on a clear day, presents a grandiose view across Ha Long Bay and the entire island. Then we bicycle back to the boat and end the day quietly on the private beach of the Sunrise resort.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 7: Island of Cat Ba (21 miles/35 km)
After visiting the local market, the morning bike tour takes us to the center of the island and back to Cat Ba Town along the island’s panoramic coastal road.  Here we have lunch and enough time to refresh waiting for the Hydrofoil, which will take us back to the mainland. From there, a bus transfers us back to Hanoi. In the evening, we are free to stroll through the lively streets and lanes of the capital.
Overnight in hotel. 

Day 8: Hanoi – Hue (6 miiles/10 km)
In the morning, we fly from Hanoi to Hue which is prettily located between hills and rice fields at a bend of the Perfume River. The spiritual heart of Vietnam beats here, in more than 300 temples and pagodas. In the afternoon, we bicycle through this ancient imperial city to visit the expansive citadel with the “Forbidden Purple City” which was once exclusively reserved for the Ngyen dynasty. Afterwards, we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda which is part of one of the most influential monasteries in Vietnam. The day ends with a leisurely boat trip on the Perfume River.
Overnight in hotel.  

Day 9: Hue – Perfume River – Hoi An
In the morning, a transfer bus takes us to one of the famous Vietnamese Emperor’s tombs. Afterwards, we continue by bus to Hoi An. En route we make a brief stop at the Cloud Pass, the weather line between North and South Vietnam and at the Marble Mountain with its numerous little sanctuaries. Hoi An, once the most important port of Southeast Asia, has a delightful old centre inviting us to stroll around in the evening. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10: Hoi An (11 miles/17 km)
Today we have the possibility to take a closer look into the daily life of the local farmers. In the morning we cycle to Tra Que- a small village in the suburban area of Hoi Ans. The name of the place originates from a sweet vegetable often used by the locals as a spice for their meals: a totally new and special kind of specialty! Our host prepares the meal with us together and explains us this special ingredient. The afternoon can be designed individually: A stroll through the picturesque old town or a relaxing bathing afternoon at the white beach of Cua Dai.
Overnight in hotel.  

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning we will be transferred to Da Nang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The city is the vibrant heart of the south. On a guided tour through the rapidly growing metropolis, we visit the town hall, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum commemorating the Vietnam War.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (12 miles/20 km)
After breakfast, the transfer takes us to My Tho where we will check in on a boat which brings us to Cai Be. During the short trip, we cruise along the Mekong and can enjoy the ample growing nature of the delta as well as the river related life of the inhabitants. By boat, we move on north to Ben Tre. Here we have a relaxing cycle tour including some kilometers only. Back on board, lunch is served. In the afternoon the schedule includes the discovery of the green island Ngu Hiep and we have the opportunity to try exotic fruits while getting astonished by different local handcrafts.
Overnight on boat.  

Day 13: Mekong Delta – Islands of Vingh Long and Traon (19 miles/30 km)
In the morning we cross over to Vingh Long Island and under palm-shaded paths we cycle around the island. We continue by boat to Traon Island where we have once more the opportunity to explore the surroundings by bike. Later on we can enjoy the excellent cuisine on board and the wonderful evening atmosphere in the water labyrinth of the Mekong Delta.
Overnight on boat.  

Day 14: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City
During breakfast, the ship takes us to Can Tho, where we will be transferred to a small boat taking us to Cai Rong, the most famous floating market of the Delta. Make sure to have your camera at the ready before getting caught up in the unique atmosphere of the merchants on their gaily painted boats. The following cruise through the small tributaries of the Delta completes our visit in the south. After lunch on board of the Conchinchine, we check out and are transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City. Departure is possible from 8 pm on. 
Overnight in hotel.  

Day 15: Departure
Departure after breakfast or prolongation in Ho Chi Minh City or Siem Reap.

Alterations
On account of unpredictable wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to change routes. 

Additonal Module Angkor Vat
The extensive establishments of Angkor Vat are surely part of the world wonders and are perfect for an extension of your Vietnam holiday. The programme consists of less difficult cycle tours; some distances covered by foot and of course mostly of sight seeing of the impressing establishment. Use the opportunity and do not miss out on Angkor Vat.

Day 1: Flight Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap (25 miles/40 km)
In the morning, your tour guide will welcome you at the airport Siem Reap to bring you to the Hotel in the city center. Siem Reap is a small town in the French colonial style situated north of the biggest lake of south- east Asia: the Tonle Sap. The town with its charming houses and neat hotel resorts - which were built after the slow fallback of the Red Khmer - are worth a sightseeing round with the bicycle.  On calm country roads, we will cycle though villages along the pagoda, lakes full of lotus flowers and rice fields. After 9 miles, we will reach the temple group of Roluos which consits of the Bakong-, Preah Ko- and Loleitemple. Roluos was the former capital of the Angkor regime during the 9th century. After visiting the unbelievable architecture of the temple, we will cycle back to Siem Reap where we are free to decide how to spend the rest of the day.
Overnight in hotel  

Day 2: Siem Reap – Phnomh Kulen (31 miles/50 km; 2 hours by foot)
After breakfast, a cycle tour will lead us to Phomh Kulen.  Along a calm dirt road we will pass different temples and monasteries before parking our bicycles on the Rattanak Tey pagoda. From here, we will discover the hill Phnomh Kulen by foot. It is known as the cradle of Angkors culture. We will move all the way up the hill, partly climbing stairs. On the way, we will find many picturesque places for breaks. At the top, we will enjoy a picnic close to a waterfall where we can take a refreshing swim. Afterwards, we will hike back to our bicycles and a transfer vehicle will bring us back to Siem Reap.
Overnight in hotel.  

Day 3: Angkor Wat by bike (25 miles/40 km)
Today we will explore the wonderful temple of Angkor by bicycle. First, we will drive through the typical countryside of Cambodia to the temple of Ta Prohm Temple, known for its tree covered brickwork. Next stop is the Bayon temple with its 37 towers. More highlights of today will be the terraces of the so called Leprosy-King, the terrace of the elephants and, of course, the Angkor Vat temple. It was built during the years 800 and 1200 A.D. and displays one of the most astonishing architectural mankind achievements. The evening is free and can be enjoyed howsoever in Siem Reap.
Overnight in hotel.  

Day 4: Farewell
Breakfast and afterwards free time until airport transfer.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Oct 28; Nov 11, 25, 2012

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
When you book, please enter the citizenship of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per person, double occupancy €2490 Additional Module Angkor Vat (per person, double occupancy) €550 Bike rentals (included in tour price) Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €0 Equipment included free with all rentals €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• 15 day trip / 14 nights of which are 5 overnight stays on comfortable ships in air conditioned double cabins and 9 overnight stays in very good hotels (at least 3 stars ranking)
• Catering as specified in the itineraryDomestic flights (see description)
• Guided bicycle tours, walks and kayak tours
• All city tours and entrance charges to National Parks, museums, etc.
• English speaking guides
• Rental bikes (the bikes vary from destination to destination)

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

Hotels in Vietnam
In Hanoi, on Cat Ba Island, in Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City you spend the nights in good to very good hotels or resorts. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have their own bathroom/toilet. We will send you a list of the hotels and telephone numbers shortly before the tour begins.

Meals in hotels and restaurants
Concerning food allergies or vegetarian meals, what has been said about meals on board applies here as well. In contrast to meals on board, you will not always receive full board while on land. From experience we know that having meals in restaurants takes quite a bit of time due to the Vietnamese way of serving food. It is generally served in numerous small courses so that everybody has a chance to try out many different things. We have decided to let you choose yourself especially in the cities, whether you want to dine out or rather spend the time doing something else.

Breakfast in the hotels is usually served in the form of a buffet and, as a rule, includes both western and eastern cuisine. Lunch or, respectively, dinner is taken either individually or in the group in selected restaurants. If the program of the tour requires it there may also be an occasional picnic.

Beverages in hotels and restaurants
At hot meals eaten in hotels or restaurants, drinks are paid separately. The easiest way is to agree on a group kitty. Water consumed on the bike tours is included in the tour price.

Hotels: Self-guided

Hotels in Vietnam
In Hanoi, on Cat Ba Island, in Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City you spend the nights in good to very good hotels or resorts. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have their own bathroom/toilet. We will send you a list of the hotels and telephone numbers shortly before the tour begins.

Meals in hotels and restaurants
Concerning food allergies or vegetarian meals, what has been said about meals on board applies here as well. In contrast to meals on board, you will not always receive full board while on land. From experience we know that having meals in restaurants takes quite a bit of time due to the Vietnamese way of serving food. It is generally served in numerous small courses so that everybody has a chance to try out many different things. We have decided to let you choose yourself especially in the cities, whether you want to dine out or rather spend the time doing something else.

Breakfast in the hotels is usually served in the form of a buffet and, as a rule, includes both western and eastern cuisine. Lunch or, respectively, dinner is taken either individually or in the group in selected restaurants. If the program of the tour requires it there may also be an occasional picnic.

Beverages in hotels and restaurants
At hot meals eaten in hotels or restaurants, drinks are paid separately. The easiest way is to agree on a group kitty. Water consumed on the bike tours is included in the tour price.

Boats: Guided

Please note that the tour uses both boats.

Vietnamese junks (Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay)
Carved dragon heads decorate the prow of the junks in the Bai Tu Long Bay. Dragons belong to the circle of four animals sacred in Vietnam. Proudly, they direct the traditional wooden boats on their way through the rocky fairytale world of the South China Sea. It is easy to feel right at home on the junks. The saloon is furnished like a living room with upholstered wicker furniture and colorful rugs. The table is lovingly laid for each meal, the table napkins folded like a piece of art. The crew in their snow-white uniforms welcomes you aboard with a drink – hospitality is very important in Vietnam.

The boats have 6 – 9 guest cabins, furnished with Far Eastern flair. All cabins are equipped with individually regulated air conditioners and are located on mid-deck with doors opening to the outside. The large cabin windows allow a good view at all times. Each cabin has its own tiled bathroom with shower and restroom. On the spacious sundeck, lounge chairs with comfortable upholstered matting are waiting for you. Here you can relax while the boat cruises through the fascinating island world and Vietnam’s red flag with the yellow star flutters high above you.

Le Cochinchine (Mekong-Delta)
In the Mekong Delta you travel on the Cochinchine one of the largest and most modern ships in this region. In appearance the boat resembles the traditional travel barques of the famous river delta in the south of Vietnam. The name Cochinchine is probably a bowdlerization of the Chinese name for Vietnam: Gia Chi. Depending on the colonial rulers the name was sometimes used for all of Vietnam but usually only for the south or the Mekong Delta. Since 1954 when Indochina ceased to be a French colony the name is no longer in use. The journeys of the comfortable wooden ship are protected by the dark eyes on a red background painted on the bow.

The spacious wood-paneled saloon turns 3 times a day into a dining room with beautifully set tables. The ship has up to 10 completely wood-paneled small double cabins with a French bed or 2 separate beds. (There are meanwhile 3 Cochinchines of different sizes). Each cabin has a tiled bath with shower and restroom.There is, of course, a large sundeck with lounge chairs – without doubt the best place for experiencing close-up the lively activities on the many tributaries of the Mekong Delta.

Cabins
The size and shape of the cabins may vary according to the shape of the ship, but all cabins have comfortable, functional equipment, a shower/toilet, a window and 2 beds side by side or one French bed. They offer enough space for sleeping and storing a travel bag or sea bag. Allocation of the cabins is the responsibility of the tour organizer and cannot be influenced.  The beds will be made upon your arrival. Please bring your own bathing towels (even though there are towels available for use in the cabin). Please refrain from smoking in the cabins or the saloon.

Electricity and water on board
Water and electricity are available on board but not unlimited. The voltage is 220 or 110, respectively. On board, a generator is in use which is, however, not always turned on, partly to assure nighttime silence. The generator is normally turned off after all guests have retired for the night. So it makes sense to come to an agreement beforehand at which time this should be, because in Ha Long Bay at least a turned off generator means no more electricity and, consequently, no lights and air-conditioning. The pump for flushing the toilet also does not work when the generator is turned off. That means that once the generator is off, toilets can be flushed only one last time before the electricity comes on again. The ships usually have wall-sockets suitable for plugs used both in Germany and the USA. It is therefore not necessary to bring adaptors.

The water tanks on board are calculated to hold enough water for washing and showering for the respective number of people on board, even if there should be no opportunity to refill the tanks for several days. This presumes, however, that all guests are sensible in the use of this precious commodity. The ships also have their own warm water system for the showers. That means that each shower has its own small boiler whose supply of warm water will again last long enough only if used sensibly (for example, turn off the shower briefly while soaping and shampooing).

Catering on board
The full board on the ships includes, besides the breakfast, two warm meals or one picnic and one warm meal per day.  The food served on board is typically Vietnamese and higher nutritional demands of bikers are taken into account. Warm meals are mostly meat or fish dishes. Especially on the junk boats in Ha Long Bay the propos- ion of fish and seafood dishes is high.  If you are a vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please make your wishes known when booking.  Please note that it is not always possible to meet special demands in every detail.

Beverages
The saloon on the ship is a restaurant, lounge, and bar all in one. Here you can always get cool drinks – with or without alcohol. Generally, the crew keeps track of your drinks in a list that is tallied up for payment at the end of the trip. Naturally, the drinks on board are slightly more expensive than in the supermarket around the corner, but after all you are in a small "floating restaurant." Just as in every bar or restaurant, it is not allowed to bring your own drinks on board. Beverages in hotels resp. restaurants are paid separately by the guests. The most uncomplicated way is to organize a cash box for the complete group, which can be done by your tour guide. The water you need during the cycling is included into the tour price.

Boats: Self-guided

Please note that the tour uses both boats.

Vietnamese junks (Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay)
Carved dragon heads decorate the prow of the junks in the Bai Tu Long Bay. Dragons belong to the circle of four animals sacred in Vietnam. Proudly, they direct the traditional wooden boats on their way through the rocky fairytale world of the South China Sea. It is easy to feel right at home on the junks. The saloon is furnished like a living room with upholstered wicker furniture and colorful rugs. The table is lovingly laid for each meal, the table napkins folded like a piece of art. The crew in their snow-white uniforms welcomes you aboard with a drink – hospitality is very important in Vietnam.

The boats have 6 – 9 guest cabins, furnished with Far Eastern flair. All cabins are equipped with individually regulated air conditioners and are located on mid-deck with doors opening to the outside. The large cabin windows allow a good view at all times. Each cabin has its own tiled bathroom with shower and restroom. On the spacious sundeck, lounge chairs with comfortable upholstered matting are waiting for you. Here you can relax while the boat cruises through the fascinating island world and Vietnam’s red flag with the yellow star flutters high above you.

Le Cochinchine (Mekong-Delta)
In the Mekong Delta you travel on the Cochinchine one of the largest and most modern ships in this region. In appearance the boat resembles the traditional travel barques of the famous river delta in the south of Vietnam. The name Cochinchine is probably a bowdlerization of the Chinese name for Vietnam: Gia Chi. Depending on the colonial rulers the name was sometimes used for all of Vietnam but usually only for the south or the Mekong Delta. Since 1954 when Indochina ceased to be a French colony the name is no longer in use. The journeys of the comfortable wooden ship are protected by the dark eyes on a red background painted on the bow.

The spacious wood-paneled saloon turns 3 times a day into a dining room with beautifully set tables. The ship has up to 10 completely wood-paneled small double cabins with a French bed or 2 separate beds. (There are meanwhile 3 Cochinchines of different sizes). Each cabin has a tiled bath with shower and restroom.There is, of course, a large sundeck with lounge chairs – without doubt the best place for experiencing close-up the lively activities on the many tributaries of the Mekong Delta.

Cabins
The size and shape of the cabins may vary according to the shape of the ship, but all cabins have comfortable, functional equipment, a shower/toilet, a window and 2 beds side by side or one French bed. They offer enough space for sleeping and storing a travel bag or sea bag. Allocation of the cabins is the responsibility of the tour organizer and cannot be influenced.  The beds will be made upon your arrival. Please bring your own bathing towels (even though there are towels available for use in the cabin). Please refrain from smoking in the cabins or the saloon.

Electricity and water on board
Water and electricity are available on board but not unlimited. The voltage is 220 or 110, respectively. On board, a generator is in use which is, however, not always turned on, partly to assure nighttime silence. The generator is normally turned off after all guests have retired for the night. So it makes sense to come to an agreement beforehand at which time this should be, because in Ha Long Bay at least a turned off generator means no more electricity and, consequently, no lights and air-conditioning. The pump for flushing the toilet also does not work when the generator is turned off. That means that once the generator is off, toilets can be flushed only one last time before the electricity comes on again. The ships usually have wall-sockets suitable for plugs used both in Germany and the USA. It is therefore not necessary to bring adaptors.

The water tanks on board are calculated to hold enough water for washing and showering for the respective number of people on board, even if there should be no opportunity to refill the tanks for several days. This presumes, however, that all guests are sensible in the use of this precious commodity. The ships also have their own warm water system for the showers. That means that each shower has its own small boiler whose supply of warm water will again last long enough only if used sensibly (for example, turn off the shower briefly while soaping and shampooing).

Catering on board
The full board on the ships includes, besides the breakfast, two warm meals or one picnic and one warm meal per day.  The food served on board is typically Vietnamese and higher nutritional demands of bikers are taken into account. Warm meals are mostly meat or fish dishes. Especially on the junk boats in Ha Long Bay the propos- ion of fish and seafood dishes is high.  If you are a vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please make your wishes known when booking.  Please note that it is not always possible to meet special demands in every detail.

Beverages
The saloon on the ship is a restaurant, lounge, and bar all in one. Here you can always get cool drinks – with or without alcohol. Generally, the crew keeps track of your drinks in a list that is tallied up for payment at the end of the trip. Naturally, the drinks on board are slightly more expensive than in the supermarket around the corner, but after all you are in a small "floating restaurant." Just as in every bar or restaurant, it is not allowed to bring your own drinks on board. Beverages in hotels resp. restaurants are paid separately by the guests. The most uncomplicated way is to organize a cash box for the complete group, which can be done by your tour guide. The water you need during the cycling is included into the tour price.

Bike Rentals: Guided

Since the different destinations of this tour are connected by inland flights, you ride on three different bikes. In Halong Bay you have a 24-gear mountain bike (mostly by Trek). Also by Trek are the bikes that you receive at the Mekong. They have 24 gears, trekking tires and a suspension fork but no luggage rack (see example). In Central Vietnam, you use the simple bikes of a local agent, because the routes are undemanding and the bikes used only to get to the various sightseeing spots. If you do not want to ride without your own accustomed saddle (without post) or your click-on pedals, you can bring them with you and have the tour guide attach them to the rental bike.

We kindly request, in your own interest, that you treat the rental bike with care and always make sure that it is safely parked and protected from falling over (especially into salt water). Also, please keep in mind that you have to pay for damages caused by you since they are not covered by the rental fee included in the tour price. Since the bicycles usually do not have a luggage rack and since it is important that you drink enough while biking, we recommend that you bring a hydration pack.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Since the different destinations of this tour are connected by inland flights, you ride on three different bikes. In Halong Bay you have a 24-gear mountain bike (mostly by Trek). Also by Trek are the bikes that you receive at the Mekong. They have 24 gears, trekking tires and a suspension fork but no luggage rack (see example). In Central Vietnam, you use the simple bikes of a local agent, because the routes are undemanding and the bikes used only to get to the various sightseeing spots. If you do not want to ride without your own accustomed saddle (without post) or your click-on pedals, you can bring them with you and have the tour guide attach them to the rental bike.

We kindly request, in your own interest, that you treat the rental bike with care and always make sure that it is safely parked and protected from falling over (especially into salt water). Also, please keep in mind that you have to pay for damages caused by you since they are not covered by the rental fee included in the tour price. Since the bicycles usually do not have a luggage rack and since it is important that you drink enough while biking, we recommend that you bring a hydration pack.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

We have rated the physical demands of the bicycling as grade 1 – 2 (leisurely). This is based mainly on the topography which is rather less demanding. The hilliest stretches are the first one on Van Dong Island, Tra Ban and the bike tours on Cat Ba.

All other tours are without appreciable inclines. The difficulty of biking in Vietnam lies mainly in the climatic conditions. To these you can easily adjust by taking your time, using sufficient sun protection and drinking enough water. After a rainfall, some routes, especially on the first bike trip, are difficult to negotiate, so that an alternative route may have to be used.

Only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and with previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 4 ft. 6 in.

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

We have rated the physical demands of the bicycling as grade 1 – 2 (leisurely). This is based mainly on the topography which is rather less demanding. The hilliest stretches are the first one on Van Dong Island, Tra Ban and the bike tours on Cat Ba.

All other tours are without appreciable inclines. The difficulty of biking in Vietnam lies mainly in the climatic conditions. To these you can easily adjust by taking your time, using sufficient sun protection and drinking enough water. After a rainfall, some routes, especially on the first bike trip, are difficult to negotiate, so that an alternative route may have to be used.

Only children in a good physical condition and of a minimum age of 10 and with previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the bike-tours on their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 4 ft. 6 in.

This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Feedback: Guided

"This was a wonderful tour!!!!!! The tour was well organized and well executed. The accommodations were all first grade. Nothing was left to chance or ignored. I was very impressed with Inselhupfen, as well as with Indochina Trekking Co. The guides from both companies were excellent, knowledgeable, good communicators and very accommodating. I felt that we were on a first class tour all the way. 

"This was my fifth tour to Asia and it was right there as one of the best. Everything was provided for, and when a service was scheduled it happened right on time. The tour’s promotional literature says that “hospitality is important in Vietnam” and this is definitely true. We were always treated like royalty and made to feel very welcome. The Bai Tho Junk at Ha Long Bay and the Le Cochinchine on the Mekong were excellent boats. Both had a lot of character and charm. Accommodations on both boats were excellent. 

"The diversity of the tour was phenomenal. We had a wide variety of activities and saw a wide variety of country. We never had time to get bored. The difference between north and south is amazing - and each is impressive. I will give particular praise to our guides Nguyen Nam and Hien Le from Indochina Trekking and to Sascha Wiese and Tobias Lohmann from Inselhupfen. They all provided a fist class tour!! 

"Vietnam is a beautiful country, and our 1000 pictures can testify to that. And you haven't lived until you have devoured half-a-dozen huge prawns as an ‘appetizer’. I will recommend this Bike and Boat tour to anyone who likes adventure and ‘different’ cultures."
- Karl S.
2010 

Feedback: Self-guided

"This was a wonderful tour!!!!!! The tour was well organized and well executed. The accommodations were all first grade. Nothing was left to chance or ignored. I was very impressed with Inselhupfen, as well as with Indochina Trekking Co. The guides from both companies were excellent, knowledgeable, good communicators and very accommodating. I felt that we were on a first class tour all the way. 

"This was my fifth tour to Asia and it was right there as one of the best. Everything was provided for, and when a service was scheduled it happened right on time. The tour’s promotional literature says that “hospitality is important in Vietnam” and this is definitely true. We were always treated like royalty and made to feel very welcome. The Bai Tho Junk at Ha Long Bay and the Le Cochinchine on the Mekong were excellent boats. Both had a lot of character and charm. Accommodations on both boats were excellent. 

"The diversity of the tour was phenomenal. We had a wide variety of activities and saw a wide variety of country. We never had time to get bored. The difference between north and south is amazing - and each is impressive. I will give particular praise to our guides Nguyen Nam and Hien Le from Indochina Trekking and to Sascha Wiese and Tobias Lohmann from Inselhupfen. They all provided a fist class tour!! 

"Vietnam is a beautiful country, and our 1000 pictures can testify to that. And you haven't lived until you have devoured half-a-dozen huge prawns as an ‘appetizer’. I will recommend this Bike and Boat tour to anyone who likes adventure and ‘different’ cultures."
- Karl S.
2010 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Hanoi, Vietnam
Nearest trains station: Hanoi, Vietnam

Tour end
Nearest airport: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Nearest train station: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Arrival by plane
On most Vietnam flights you have to transfer at one of the larger airports in the Far East (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong etc.). When booking your flight, keep the time difference between your home country and Vietnam in mind. You should plan to arrive on arrival day around noon or afternoon, though later landings are possible too. Depending on the flight and stopovers, this generally means a departure in the afternoon of the previous day (starting from central Europe). If you have some extra time, we would even suggest arriving a day earlier. For one thing, that gives you some time to acclimatize yourself before the tour. For another, it would allow you to explore Hanoi for a bit on your own. 

The return flight should not depart before 8 p.m. on departure day, because there are still some activities on the program in the morning and the afternoon is needed for the transfer to the airport. Depending on the flight, you can then count on arriving at home in the morning of the following day. (These calculations are based upon the assumption that you have no stopovers longer than 3 hours and fly no detours and to central Europe).

When booking your flight keep in mind that the destination airport should be Hanoi but the departure airport Ho Chi Minh City.

It is recommended that you keep the luggage stubs on your flight ticket and on your luggage until you leave the airport, since both are checked when leaving the airport (as assurance against luggage theft). This also applies to the two domestic flights.

Transfer between airport and hotel
The transfers from and to the airport on the official arrival and departure days are included in the tour price. The tour company can gladly book transfers for you on any other days.

At the airport, a tour guide will wait for you with a sign bearing your name or the Islandhopping name. The tour guide takes you to your first hotel in Hanoi. The transfer takes about 45 minutes. Please understand that not every guest can be picked up individually. This may entail some waiting time, because not all guests arrive on the same flight.

In order to assure smooth transfers, the tour company will need to know your exact flight times. Please inform us in time about possible changes. The program of the tour begins on arrival day with a visit to the water puppet theatre and dinner afterwards. Unless you receive information to the contrary, the group and the tour guides meet on the official arrival day at 3 p.m. in the hotel lobby and leave together for the water puppet theatre.

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Hanoi, Vietnam
Nearest trains station: Hanoi, Vietnam

Tour end
Nearest airport: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Nearest train station: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Arrival by plane
On most Vietnam flights you have to transfer at one of the larger airports in the Far East (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong etc.). When booking your flight, keep the time difference between your home country and Vietnam in mind. You should plan to arrive on arrival day around noon or afternoon, though later landings are possible too. Depending on the flight and stopovers, this generally means a departure in the afternoon of the previous day (starting from central Europe). If you have some extra time, we would even suggest arriving a day earlier. For one thing, that gives you some time to acclimatize yourself before the tour. For another, it would allow you to explore Hanoi for a bit on your own. 

The return flight should not depart before 8 p.m. on departure day, because there are still some activities on the program in the morning and the afternoon is needed for the transfer to the airport. Depending on the flight, you can then count on arriving at home in the morning of the following day. (These calculations are based upon the assumption that you have no stopovers longer than 3 hours and fly no detours and to central Europe).

When booking your flight keep in mind that the destination airport should be Hanoi but the departure airport Ho Chi Minh City.

It is recommended that you keep the luggage stubs on your flight ticket and on your luggage until you leave the airport, since both are checked when leaving the airport (as assurance against luggage theft). This also applies to the two domestic flights.

Transfer between airport and hotel
The transfers from and to the airport on the official arrival and departure days are included in the tour price. The tour company can gladly book transfers for you on any other days.

At the airport, a tour guide will wait for you with a sign bearing your name or the Islandhopping name. The tour guide takes you to your first hotel in Hanoi. The transfer takes about 45 minutes. Please understand that not every guest can be picked up individually. This may entail some waiting time, because not all guests arrive on the same flight.

In order to assure smooth transfers, the tour company will need to know your exact flight times. Please inform us in time about possible changes. The program of the tour begins on arrival day with a visit to the water puppet theatre and dinner afterwards. Unless you receive information to the contrary, the group and the tour guides meet on the official arrival day at 3 p.m. in the hotel lobby and leave together for the water puppet theatre.

More About Vietnam : Guided

Vietnam is touted as the "hidden gem" of Asia, but it’s been unveiling its intriguing sites and stories to a growing number of visitors over the past decade. From its scenic landscapes to its bustling cities, visitors are enchanted by this beautiful country. Hanoi, the capital, is a fabulous destination, with ancient architectural wonders including temples and pagodas. The capital of Vietnam for more than a thousand years, its centuries-old cultural relics are remarkably well preserved. Along with its vibrant cities, visitors are amazed by Vietnam's wide range of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, forests, and rivers. Vietnam has a significant national parks system that offers visitors biking and hiking opportunities, and rural areas are also filled with architectural relics from ancient dynasties waiting to be explored.

More on bicycling in Vietnam > 

View all Vietnam bike tours >

More About Vietnam : Self-guided

Vietnam is touted as the "hidden gem" of Asia, but it’s been unveiling its intriguing sites and stories to a growing number of visitors over the past decade. From its scenic landscapes to its bustling cities, visitors are enchanted by this beautiful country. Hanoi, the capital, is a fabulous destination, with ancient architectural wonders including temples and pagodas. The capital of Vietnam for more than a thousand years, its centuries-old cultural relics are remarkably well preserved. Along with its vibrant cities, visitors are amazed by Vietnam's wide range of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, forests, and rivers. Vietnam has a significant national parks system that offers visitors biking and hiking opportunities, and rural areas are also filled with architectural relics from ancient dynasties waiting to be explored.

More on bicycling in Vietnam > 

View all Vietnam bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Inselhuepfen (Island Hopping): Guided

Island Hopping by bike and boat has been organized by Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH since 1998. Since then we have been expanding our program continuously. In Croatia we are meanwhile organizing tours in Istria, the Kvarner Bay as well as Central and South Dalmatia. Since 2002 tours in Greece and Turkey have also been part of our program. 

We look forward to seeing you on our ships!

Tour Company Background: Inselhuepfen (Island Hopping): Self-guided

Island Hopping by bike and boat has been organized by Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH since 1998. Since then we have been expanding our program continuously. In Croatia we are meanwhile organizing tours in Istria, the Kvarner Bay as well as Central and South Dalmatia. Since 2002 tours in Greece and Turkey have also been part of our program. 

We look forward to seeing you on our ships!

Terms and Conditions: Inselhuepfen (Island Hopping): Guided

These terms and conditions, which you agree to by booking your trip, govern the contractual relationship between you as traveler and us as tour operator.  The terms and conditions supplement Paragraph 651 and those following in the German BGB (Buergerliches Gesetzbuch) that govern travel contract law. Please read all the following terms and conditions carefully.Trip CancellationIf the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (18 participants for bus and boat trips, unless otherwise noted), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about whether the trip will take place or not will be made as early as possible, three weeks before the beginning of the trip at the latest. In case of trip cancellation, all payments you have made will be fully refunded. There can be no additional claims made against us.  As the tour operator, we have the right to cancel the tour if the trip is jeopardized, made difficult, or impaired due to an act of God.

Cancellation and Changes in Reservations by Customers
(Different conditions apply for flight bookings through Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH)You can withdraw from the travel contract up until the beginning of the trip.  Your cancellation is valid when your written notification reaches us. If you cancel before the 60th day before the start of the trip, we will refund the amount paid so far, minus a cancellation handling fee.

Our cancellation fees are:

• 60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 10% of the trip price
• 59 – 31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
• 30 – 21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
• 20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price
• 10 – 1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price

If you cancel on the day of the trip or if you do not appear for the start of the trip, we charge the full trip price.  

If you miss the start of the trip or are prevented from traveling due to incomplete travel documents, this will be considered as a cancellation.  

Reservation changes are handled the same way as cancellations.  For changing your reservation, we will charge 50 € changing fee  for changes made 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip.  Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a cancellation and new registration. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately.

Services
The foundation upon which the trip is organized is the description of the services, which is available in the brochure, in official pamphlets and on our website, and confirmed in your travel contract. Alterations that become necessary after the finalization of the contract and that are made in good faith are permitted if they are not substantial, and do not change the overall character of the trip.  We assume no liability for information in the brochures of our partners or in our own brochure, even if we issued them.

Liability
We are liable within the scope of a merchant’s duty of care for diligent trip preparation, careful selection and supervision of participating agencies, accuracy of service and activity descriptions, and standard provision of the services agreed upon. Our liability for damages other than personal injury is limited to three times the cost of the trip, provided the damages are neither intentional nor due to gross negligence. This limitation is still in effect if we are responsible for the damage due to the fault of a service provider.  If we are solely procurers of foreign services, we are liable only for proper procurement, not for the services.We are liable for damage or loss of luggage up to the amount of 250 € only if the damage was caused by us and was indicated to us immediately.  Scratches on luggage, torn luggage handles, and damaged wheels are excluded from any liability.  Upon delivery of luggage at the accommodation facilities, the liability is transferred according to § 701 BGB to the officer of the accommodations.  Services that were not made use of will not be reimbursed.

Participation
A vacation that involves exercise and physical activity requires greater commitment than a conventional package tour. It is your duty to make certain that you are up to the physical challenges of such a trip.  The pre-condition for a bike-tour is that you are able to handle a bicycle in street traffic and on unpaved paths under any weather conditions.  If you rent a bike, it is your responsibility to check the condition of the bike, particularly the brakes.  You bear sole responsibility for adhering to all legal regulations at home and abroad, particularly regulations about travel documents and cross-border trade.  When traveling across the exterior borders of the EU, your luggage must remain unlocked, to facilitate passage through customs.  If your baggage is searched, you will be notified about it upon arrival at the destination.  If problems with the procurement of the services occur, you are required to help within the scope of legal regulations, in order to avoid potential damages or keep them at a minimum and report any complaints to us immediately.

Duty of Care
During the duration of the trip, you are liable for damage to or loss of bicycles and any equipment entrusted to you.  For guided tours, this is only valid if you have separated yourself from the group, have disobeyed instructions from the tour guides, or caused the damage or loss intentionally, through negligence or gross negligence.

Warranty
You can demand redress if the trip services are not rendered according to the contract. This can be solved by us providing compensation of equal or greater value.  In the case of disproportionate effort, corrective action can be denied.  For the period in which the services that have not been rendered according to contract, you can request a reduction in travel price after your return. The pre-condition for this is the immediate notification of our deficiencies or those of our tour guides, so that we have the opportunity to find a remedy.  Tour guides are not authorized to recognize claims.  Independent of a reduction in travel price, you can demand compensation due to non-compliance with the travel contract, unless we are not responsible for the defect.

Limitation of claim
Claims must be made in writing within one month of the contractual end of the trip. The statute of limitation for claims based on the contract expires six months after the contractual end of the trip.  The statute of limitations for all claims of civil offence expires three years after the end of the trip.

Privacy of Personal InformationAll personal information that you give us for the processing of the trip is protected against misuse under German personal data protection law.

Travel ProtectionWe urge you to consider effecting a travel cancellation cost insurance.  Before the trip, please also find out about your medical and accident insurance and about luggage insurance or travel liability insurance, if necessary.

Severability Clause
The nullification of individual clauses in the travel contract or the travel terms does not result in the nullification of the entire contract or the travel terms.

Court of Jurisdiction
The court of jurisdiction is Konstanz, Germany

Terms and Conditions: Inselhuepfen (Island Hopping): Self-guided

These terms and conditions, which you agree to by booking your trip, govern the contractual relationship between you as traveler and us as tour operator.  The terms and conditions supplement Paragraph 651 and those following in the German BGB (Buergerliches Gesetzbuch) that govern travel contract law. Please read all the following terms and conditions carefully.Trip CancellationIf the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (18 participants for bus and boat trips, unless otherwise noted), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about whether the trip will take place or not will be made as early as possible, three weeks before the beginning of the trip at the latest. In case of trip cancellation, all payments you have made will be fully refunded. There can be no additional claims made against us.  As the tour operator, we have the right to cancel the tour if the trip is jeopardized, made difficult, or impaired due to an act of God.

Cancellation and Changes in Reservations by Customers
(Different conditions apply for flight bookings through Radurlaub Zeitreisen GmbH)You can withdraw from the travel contract up until the beginning of the trip.  Your cancellation is valid when your written notification reaches us. If you cancel before the 60th day before the start of the trip, we will refund the amount paid so far, minus a cancellation handling fee.

Our cancellation fees are:

• 60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 10% of the trip price
• 59 – 31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
• 30 – 21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
• 20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price
• 10 – 1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price

If you cancel on the day of the trip or if you do not appear for the start of the trip, we charge the full trip price.  

If you miss the start of the trip or are prevented from traveling due to incomplete travel documents, this will be considered as a cancellation.  

Reservation changes are handled the same way as cancellations.  For changing your reservation, we will charge 50 € changing fee  for changes made 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip.  Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a cancellation and new registration. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately.

Services
The foundation upon which the trip is organized is the description of the services, which is available in the brochure, in official pamphlets and on our website, and confirmed in your travel contract. Alterations that become necessary after the finalization of the contract and that are made in good faith are permitted if they are not substantial, and do not change the overall character of the trip.  We assume no liability for information in the brochures of our partners or in our own brochure, even if we issued them.

Liability
We are liable within the scope of a merchant’s duty of care for diligent trip preparation, careful selection and supervision of participating agencies, accuracy of service and activity descriptions, and standard provision of the services agreed upon. Our liability for damages other than personal injury is limited to three times the cost of the trip, provided the damages are neither intentional nor due to gross negligence. This limitation is still in effect if we are responsible for the damage due to the fault of a service provider.  If we are solely procurers of foreign services, we are liable only for proper procurement, not for the services.We are liable for damage or loss of luggage up to the amount of 250 € only if the damage was caused by us and was indicated to us immediately.  Scratches on luggage, torn luggage handles, and damaged wheels are excluded from any liability.  Upon delivery of luggage at the accommodation facilities, the liability is transferred according to § 701 BGB to the officer of the accommodations.  Services that were not made use of will not be reimbursed.

Participation
A vacation that involves exercise and physical activity requires greater commitment than a conventional package tour. It is your duty to make certain that you are up to the physical challenges of such a trip.  The pre-condition for a bike-tour is that you are able to handle a bicycle in street traffic and on unpaved paths under any weather conditions.  If you rent a bike, it is your responsibility to check the condition of the bike, particularly the brakes.  You bear sole responsibility for adhering to all legal regulations at home and abroad, particularly regulations about travel documents and cross-border trade.  When traveling across the exterior borders of the EU, your luggage must remain unlocked, to facilitate passage through customs.  If your baggage is searched, you will be notified about it upon arrival at the destination.  If problems with the procurement of the services occur, you are required to help within the scope of legal regulations, in order to avoid potential damages or keep them at a minimum and report any complaints to us immediately.

Duty of Care
During the duration of the trip, you are liable for damage to or loss of bicycles and any equipment entrusted to you.  For guided tours, this is only valid if you have separated yourself from the group, have disobeyed instructions from the tour guides, or caused the damage or loss intentionally, through negligence or gross negligence.

Warranty
You can demand redress if the trip services are not rendered according to the contract. This can be solved by us providing compensation of equal or greater value.  In the case of disproportionate effort, corrective action can be denied.  For the period in which the services that have not been rendered according to contract, you can request a reduction in travel price after your return. The pre-condition for this is the immediate notification of our deficiencies or those of our tour guides, so that we have the opportunity to find a remedy.  Tour guides are not authorized to recognize claims.  Independent of a reduction in travel price, you can demand compensation due to non-compliance with the travel contract, unless we are not responsible for the defect.

Limitation of claim
Claims must be made in writing within one month of the contractual end of the trip. The statute of limitation for claims based on the contract expires six months after the contractual end of the trip.  The statute of limitations for all claims of civil offence expires three years after the end of the trip.

Privacy of Personal InformationAll personal information that you give us for the processing of the trip is protected against misuse under German personal data protection law.

Travel ProtectionWe urge you to consider effecting a travel cancellation cost insurance.  Before the trip, please also find out about your medical and accident insurance and about luggage insurance or travel liability insurance, if necessary.

Severability Clause
The nullification of individual clauses in the travel contract or the travel terms does not result in the nullification of the entire contract or the travel terms.

Court of Jurisdiction
The court of jurisdiction is Konstanz, Germany