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Misty Hills to the Colourful Coast of Vietnam
A trip that takes in the misty hills of Dalat, cruises down to the ocean at Nha Trang then follows the coast north ending in the ancient trade town of Hoi An.
A varied and highly enjoyable ride, this tour starts with a short flight from Saigon to the highland town of Dalat, where some of the best coffee in Asia is grown. Here we explore the colonial-era architecture while enjoying the cool temperate climate, before an exhilarating ride down to the sub-tropical environment of the coast. After a short interlude to enjoy the beach at Nha Trang we head north up the coast, through farming and fishing towns little changed over the generations, that few travellers get to experience. The coastline is a pretty mix of headlands, dunes and colorful fishing boats, with the wonderful Hoi An as the prize waiting to greet you at the end of the ride.
This journey is in the most part a coastal ride, but with a fun downhill section at the start. With the exception of a couple of longer days, the ride is very achievable for anyone who cycles recreationally. The riding is mostly on paved roads, with minimal traffic, with only a couple of unsealed roads throughout the whole route. There are a few small hills, as the coastal road crosses headlands, but the support vehicle is always on hand to give tired legs a break. The accommodation is a mix of extremely comfortable properties in Dalat and Nha Trang, with three nights in 3 star properties in the smaller towns along the coast and one night in a simpler hotel, which still offers private bathroom and air-conditioning.
Misty Hills to the Colourful Coast of Vietnam itinerary
Day 1: Fly from Saigon to Dalat. Cycle the surrounding area – 40km
Take a morning flight from Saigon to Dalat. A popular place to escape from the heat during the French colonial times, Dalat has more recently become fashionable with the middle classes of Saigon. It is also known for producing some of the best coffee in Asia. After lunch and a briefing, we explore the town, surrounding pine forests and coffee plantations by bike, on sealed and unsealed roads.
Meals: L, D
Day 2: Cycle to Nha Trang – 95km
Today offers a very enjoyable ride, along a quiet road, descending from the highlands all the way down to the ocean. Some of the distance will be covered by van to allow a little time to enjoy the beach this afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Train to Quy Nhon
Today sees a break from cycling with a very early train ride up the coast. The train is a fun and leisurely way to travel, allowing wonderful views of the coast and the chance to sample local snacks at one of the station stops made along the way. Vendors selling steamed corn, sticky rice and fresh fruit patrol the station platforms offering you treats through the train windows, so you don’t even need to leave your seat! Arriving into Quy Nhon late morning you will have ample time to explore the town or visit the beach. Here we can also visit a centre for vocational training for the disabled, run by the dedicated Nga, a lady who cares passionately about her cause.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Cycle to Tam Quan – 80km
Depart Quy Nhon this morning to start our ride up the coast, leaving town on a quiet back road, along a peninsula of sand dunes, offering great views back over the bay and the mountains. The well-made road undulates along the coast and we pass through villages full of friendly locals, cheering us on. The day ends with a short drive to the tiny village of Tam Quan.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Cycle to Quang Ngai – 95km
Today offers varied and enjoyable cycling as we spend the morning riding along the coast then head inland to see a different kind of landscape: farmers tending to their rice fields and water buffalo. There are a few hills today and some fun river crossings over small wooden bridges. The destination of the day is the small city of Quang Ngai, which although non-descript, offers a comfortable hotel and a pleasant river view.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Cycle to Tam Ky – 98km
Starting the day with a visit to the sobering My Lai Massacre Memorial, a monument to a tragic event that became a turning point in American public opinion to the American-Vietnam war, we continue on along the coast. Here can be found many traditional forms of the village industries that are becoming less common in cities, including rice paper making and mat weaving. Stopping to see how these products are made we then take a fresh seafood lunch before heading to our home for the night: a pleasant small scale hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Cycle and Boat to Hoi An – 60km
Starting with a visit to a fresh market where the fish are literally straight from the ocean, and the stall holders will be just as interested in you as you are in them and their wares, we ride dirt back roads through sleepy fishing villages with many a friendly face popping out to say hello. Our journey ends with a boat ride to Hoi An, a wonderful way to enter this ancient port town and to conclude our adventure.
Meals: B, L
With its 3000+kms of coastline Vietnam has a mixed climate which varies considerably throughout the country, making it a year-round destination. That being the case, typhoons are common in the central coastal areas during the months of October and November. While temperatures in Dalat are usually in the mid 20s (degrees centigrade), the coastal areas are around 10 degrees warmer.
Best time to go
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
December
Base price per person $2100
Single supplement $380
Services
An air-conditioned support vehicle is always on hand for tired riders. Groups are accompanied by an English speaking local tour leader and a bike mechanic will also be provided for groups of 5 people or more.
What is included
High quality mountain bikes and helmets
All transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Backup vehicle for cycling
Flight from Saigon to Dalat
Snacks, water and fruit during cycling
Twin share accommodation (single room option available at a supplement)
All meals as listed (including water)
Entrance fees at sights visited as part of the itinerary
