Compare Vietnam Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Magical Vietnam in 11 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1

Following breakfast at the hotel, we say farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and head to the stunning land of Can Tho, where we'll ride along the Mekong canals and past local farmers who mostly grow dragon fruit.

Day 2

Catch the local fishermen and plantation farmers trade their catches and crops at the Cai Rang floating markets on the Hau River. From the market, we set out to discover the back alley paved roads by bike.

Day 3

This morning we fly north to Da Nang. Our bikes await for a ride through the countryside before we head to the exciting town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, we'll taste Vietnam’s best fusion cuisine.

Day 4

Pedal past fish farms, water buffalo and ancestral tombs to a Vietnamese cooking class led by our local host. Tonight is yours to explore the culinary delights of Hoi An’s charming, lantern-lit streets.

Day 5

Stroll through Hoi An's morning market, taking in the sights and smells of the bustling street vendors. This afternoon, we'll lend a helping hand at a local herb and organic vegetable garden.

Day 6

We travel by car beneath the spectacular ‘Pass of the Clouds’—those who prefer to pedal over the mountain pass can take on the challenge. Enjoy downtime at our next hotel, and be sure not to miss the spa!

Day 7

We lunch aboard a private boat as we cruise down the Perfume River to the tomb of Minh Ming. This evening, our friends Mr. and Mrs. Vinh invite us over for a traditional homemade dinner.

Day 8

We will drive you either 20 minutes to the Hue Airport, or 2.5 hours to the Danang Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

Day 1 Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Explore The Charms Of Vietnam's Capital (B/L) - group tour

Today you will have a full-day exploration of a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and oriental pagodas and temples dating back thousand years ago.
The guide will pick you up at your hotel from 8:00-8:45 am. Start your exploration by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father and President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he lived and worked from 1958 to 1969. Then visit Ho Chi Minh Museum where you will learn about his devotion to Vietnam. Then continue to Tran Quoc pagoda, a Buddhist temple, and national heritage, lying on one side of West Lake.
Then proceed to the Ethnology Museum (apply on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat). Here you will find the diversity of the culture of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to the Temple of Literature, which is the first university in Vietnam. It is an ancient architecture, constructed in 1073 to worship Confucius and the Chu Van An - headmaster of the Imperial College - representing the high moral philosophy and ethics of Vietnamese education. After an amazing time in the Temple of Literature drive back to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple and see the Vietnamese and French architecture around the lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 Escape To The Spectacular Nature Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L) - group tour

Today you will experience the ancient culture and history of Vietnam together with seeing the stunning landscape and beautiful scenery when we travel to the Ninh Binh Province. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30-8:00 am and depart to Ninh Binh.
The first destination to visit is Hoa Lu ancient capital. Here you will explore the outstanding architecture of King Dinh and King Le temples, the first emperors of ancient Vietnam.
Then move to Tam Coc wharf, where you will have lunch with Vietnamese food. And then board the rowing boat and cruise along the river through the limestone caves. After the boat trip, you will take a cycling trip around the idyllic village through the rice fields to explore the surrounding sceneries.

Then come back to the shuttle bus to return to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 Discover The Natural Wonder Of The World - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - shared cruise, bus

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.
On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.
The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

Day 5 Sunrise From The Cruise Deck - Fly To Hue (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred back to Hanoi, from where you will take your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 6 Immerse Yourself In The Royal City Of Hue (B/L) - group tour

Hue City is the cultural, political, and economic center of the Thua Thien Hue province, and used to be an old imperial city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. During this time, the most remarkable architectural monuments were constructed, which now are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 8:00-8:30 am.
Start your exploration with the boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda, which is the oldest pagodas in Hue. Then visit the Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Here you will also visit the Royal Antiques Museum to see the collection of ornaments from the Nguyen dynasty. Then head to the bustling Dong Ba market.
Have delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, which combines traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, which represents the Confucian style. On the way, you will also visit conical hats and incense sticks villages.
You will be back at your hotel around 16:00-17:00.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 7 Transfer from Hue To The Lantern Town Hoi An (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer from Hue to Hoi An by private car. You will drive through one of the most beautiful roads in the world - Hai Van Pass. You will be blown away by the stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Hoi An check in the hotel and have free time to explore the surrounding area.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8 Travel From Hoi An To Ho Chi Minh (B) - flight included

Relish the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to the Da Nang airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the city center. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day  9 Cruising At The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L) - group tour

Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.
Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.

Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farm, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.

Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10 Spend Amazing Time In Discovering French Colonial Buildings And Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L) - group tour

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, which has a vast display of both the Indochina wars.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, depart for Cu Chi tunnel. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems. The tunnels include specially constructed living areas with kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, try a special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war). Later you will be back at your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 11 Biggest Farewell And Warmest Thank You - Ho Chi Minh Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Trip Ends.