BIKING 12days/11nights HA NOI to HOI AN along HOCHIMINH TRAILS
Highlight: The system developed into an intricate maze of 18-foot (5.5 m) wide dirt roads (paved with gravel and corduroyed in some areas), foot and bicycle paths, and truck parks. There were numerous supply bunkers, storage areas, barracks, hospitals, and command and control facilities. All of this was concealed from aerial observation by an intricate system of natural and man-made camouflage that was constantly expanded and replaced. By 1973, trucks could drive the entire length of the trail without emerging from the canopy except to ford streams or cross them on crude bridges built beneath the surface of the water.
The popular conception of the logistical arrangements on the trail sometimes bordered on the romantic. The image of barefoot hordes pushing heavily-loaded bicycles, driving oxcarts, or acting as human pack animals, moving hundreds of tons of supplies in this manner was quickly supplanted by trucks (especially Soviet, Chinese, or Eastern Bloc models), which quickly replaced the human as the main method of supply transportation. As early as December 1961, the 3rd Truck Transportation Group of PAVN's General Rear Services Department had become the first motor transport unit fielded by the North Vietnamese to work the trail and the use of motor transport quickly escalated.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau – Pu Luong 25km (B,L)
The day will begin with a transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau. In Mai Chau, we’ll begin riding on the old, hilly supply route of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We’ll continue cycling along the spectacular river valley toward Hoi Xuan and Pu Luong. Then, we’ll settle down in a Pu Luong Nature Reserve homestay for the evening.
Day 2: Pu Luong - Ngoc Lac 70km (B,L)
We’ll leave Pu Luong and take an undulating route, on tarmac terrain, to Ngoc Lac. We’ll remain in this city overnight.
Day 3: Ngoc Lac – Kim Lien – Vinh 60km (B,L)
We’ll cycle on the newly built, two-lane Ho Chi Minh Highway to Kim Lien. There, we’ll take some time to visit the birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh. Then, we’ll drive out of the mountains to Vinh for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Vinh – Huong Khe 80km (B,L)
Again, we’ll take the Ho Chi Minh Highway and cycle along the increasingly mountainous path to Huong Khe. We’ll stay overnight in Huong Khe
Day 5: Huong Khe – Phong Nha 80km (B,L)
In the morning, we’ll ride from Huong Khe to Phong Nha via the tranquil Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mountains and valleys will surround us as we leisurely cycle up and down the path. Vietnam Bike Tours’ll stop overnight in Phong Nha.
Day 6: Phong Nha – Camlo – Khe Sanh 80km (B,L)
On the sixth day, we’ll take a smoother cycling route on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Cam Lo before transferring to Khe Sanh near the Laos border. We’ll stay in Khe Sanh overnight.
Day 7: Khe Sanh – Aluoi 65km (B,L)
We’ll ride through spectacular scenery to Khe Sanh combat base and head to Aluoi along the traffic-free, undulating terrain of the southern part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We’ll stay overnight in Aluoi.
Day 8: Aluoi – Hue 60km (B,L)
Our ride on the eighth day will cut across the trail to Hue, avoiding the bad roads south of Aluoi. We’ll stay at a hotel in Hue overnight.
Day 9: Hue (B)
You’ll have a chance to relax with a rest day in Hue. We’ll take a sightseeing trip around Hue, visit the Forbidden Purple City, and take a boat ride along the Perfume River.
Day 10: Hue – Hoi An 100km (B,L)
We’ll begin the day with an uphill ride to the Hai Van Pass (pass of the mountain clouds). Then, we’ll embark on an epic motorbike journey down the coast to Da Nang and remount our bikes for a cycle to Hoi An. Vietnam Bike Tours’ll stay overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - My Son – Hoi An 100km (B,L)
We’ll ride to My Son on scenic back roads passing paddy fields and villages as we cycle through eucalyptus forest and lush jungle along the Song Tranh River. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Hoi An and settle down for the night.
Day 12: Hoi An – Da Nang Departure (B)
On the last day of our trip, you are free to explore Hoi An until your transfer to Da Nang to catch your onward flight.
Inclusive of:
- Air-conditioned bus
- Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
- English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees/ motorbike support
- Boat trips and ferries
- 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*
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