BIKING 10days/9nights HA NOI to CENTRAL HIGHLAND(kontum) along HOCHIMINH TRAILS
Highlight: The Ho Chi Minh trail was a path that ran from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) to the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) through the neighboring kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia. The system provided support, in the form of manpower and materiel, to the Vietcong, or National Liberation Front, and the North Vietnamese Army, or People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), during the Vietnam War (1959-1975).
The trail was not a single route, but rather a complex maze of truck routes, paths for foot and bicycle traffic, and river transportation systems. The name, taken from North Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh, is of American origin. Although the trail was mostly in Laos, www.vietnambiketours.com the communists called it the Truong Son Road, after a mountain range in central Vietnam. According to the U.S. National Security Agency's official history of the war, the Trail system was "one of the great achievements of military engineering of the 20th century.
Parts of what became the Ho Chi Minh trail had existed for centuries as primitive footpaths that facilitated trade in the region. The area through which the system meandered was among the most rugged in Southeast Asia: a sparsely-populated region of rugged mountains (1,500-8,000 feet), triple-canopy jungle and dense primeval rain forests. During the First Indochina War the Viet Minh maintained north/south communication utilizing this system of trails and paths.
In 1959, Hanoi established the 559th Transportation Group under the command of Colonel (later General) Vo Bam to improve and maintain a transportation system to supply the Vietcong uprising against South Vietnamese government. Originally, the North Vietnamese effort concentrated on infiltration across and immediately below the Demilitarized Zone that separated the two Vietnams.
As early as May 1958 PAVN and Pathet Lao forces had seized the transportation hub at Tchepone, on Laotian Route 9. This had been accomplished due to the results of elections in May that had brought a right-wing government to power in Laos, its increasing dependence on U.S. military and economic aid, and an increasingly antagonistic attitude toward North Vietnam.The 559th Group then "flipped" its line of communications to the western side of the Truong Son Mountains. By the following year the 559th had a complement of 6,000 personnel in two regiments, the 70th and 71st.
This figure does not include combat troops in security roles or North Vietnamese and Laotian civilian laborers. In the early days of the conflict the trail was used strictly for the infiltration of manpower. This was due to the fact that Hanoi could supply its southern allies much more efficiently by sea. After the initiation of U.S. naval interdiction efforts in coastal waters Operation Market Time, the trail had to do double duty. Materiel sent down from the north was stored in caches in the border regions that were soon retitled Base Areas, which, in turn, became sanctuaries for NLF and PAVN forces seeking respite and resupply after conducting operations within South Vietnam.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (L)
On the first day of our trip, we’ll cycle from Hanoi to Hoa Lu to visit the Dinh and Le temples. Later in the day, we’ll continue on to Tam Coc, a strikingly beautiful region of limestone cliffs and rice paddies. We’ll take small boats to explore the three fascinating caves of Tam Coc. Then, we’ll transfer to Ninh Binh for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Dong Loc Junction (via HCM trails) 40 km+ (B,L)
In the morning, Vietnam Bike Tours’ll transfer by bus to Vinh. Then, we’ll cycle along the former trails and stop to visit the famous Dong Loc Junction, a crossing that was extensively bombed by American forces during the Vietnam War.
Day 3: Huong Khe, Khe Ve, Khe Gat – Phong Nha 80 km+ (B,L)
In the morning, we’ll ride along the HCM trails to visit ethnic villages and experience mountain life. Later, we’ll arrive at Phong Nha UNESCO site and settle down for the night.
Day 4: Phong Nha - Dong Hoi 50 km+ (B,L)
We’ll begin the day with a cycle to the port where we’ll board a boat to explore the world-renowned caves of Phong Nha. After the boat tour, we’ll remount our bikes and cycle to another central town, Dong Hoi. There, you can swim or relax on the beautiful beaches of Nhat Le. Vietnam Bike Tours’ll stay overnight in Dong Hoi.
Day 5: Dong Hoi - Truong Son National Cemetery – Dong Ha 90 km+ (B,L)
We’ll cross a fierce area in the Vietnam War as we cycle to Thach Ban and Ben Tat. There, we’ll take some time to visit Truong Son National Cemetery, a famous burying grounds for Vietnamese who died defending their countries independence. Then, we’ll continue on to Dong Ha to settle down for the night.
Day 6: Dong Ha – Khe Sanh Combat Base- A Luoi 100 km+ (B,L)
On the sixth day, the morning will begin with a bus transfer to Rockpile, Khe Sanh combat base, and LangVei. We’ll go through the DMZ (demilitarized zone) where the 17th parole split Vietnam into two countries from 1954 to 1975. Then, Vietnam Bike Tours’ll continue on toward Hue’s remote village, A Luoi, for the night.
Day 7: A Luoi - A Sau - A Roang - A Tep - Prao 90 km+ (B,L)
In the morning, we’ll begin cycling to A Sau (Hamburger Hill) and continue uphill to A Roang and A Tep. This day will also be spent in the former war zone and along trails with beautiful mountain views. We’ll stay overnight in Prao.
Day 8: Phuoc Son 90 km+ (B,L)
In the morning, we’ll cycle uphill toward the central highlands of Vietnam. The highlands boast a number of tea and coffee plantations; the route will be scenic. We’ll settle for the night in Phuoc Son town.
Day 9: Phuoc Son - Dak Glei - Dakto Battlefield – Kon Tum 110 km+ (B,L)
On the ninth day, we’ll be cycling to Dak Glei, Dakto battlefield, and KonTum - 110km in total. We’ll take some breaks for lunch and, perhaps, a visit to a wooden church on stilts and a large French-built Seminary, which hosts a small museum on local hill tribes. We’ll stay overnight in Kon Tum.
Day 10: Kon Tum - Pleiku (B)
The tenth day will be spent sightseeing around tribal villages. We’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and take a tour around the village to visit locals of the central highlands. You’ll also have some free time to explore on your own before your departure flight.
Inclusive of:
- Air-conditioned bus
- Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
- English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees/ motorbike support
- Airport transfer in/out
- Pick up & drop off at your hotel
- Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All biking gear (bike, helmet, tool kit, water cage)
- Water, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on cycling days
- Accommodation
Exclusive of:
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Personal expenses
Departure Dates: Daily
Group Size: Minimum of two and maximum of ten cyclists
Price: Rates vary. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs*
License