Code BT 14 : 3 Days / 2 Nights • Cycle Tour of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Hochiminh city - Vinhlong  - Cantho - Hochiminh

TOUR SUMMARY

The bicycle is a perfect way to discover the distinct scenery of the Mekong Delta the “bread Bowl of Vietnam”. The adventure begins in VinhLong  and takes us to the old Khmer temple and lotus pond of Can Tho and the floating market of Phong Dien over water and quiet backroads. Visit the Vietnamese killing fields at Ba Chuc and hike up the Sam Mountain before we head back to Hochiminh city.

RIDING PROFILE

This trip covers 260 kilometres on well surfaced roads. The daily distances are not too long and the terrain is gentle so this trip suitable for most people, but it’s advisable to have a modicum of fitness to enjoy the riding! Fast cyclists can ride at their own pace, as detailed directions are available from the leader. Our route is designed to take us off the main roads as much as possible. And we explore scenic back roads on the way to all our destinations. An air-conditioned bus will travel behind the group to support us.

ITINERARY

Day1: Saigon to Vinh Long. (Lunch, dinner) We travel two hours from Saigon to My Tho where we board our boat. Late morning finds us drifting down bustling arteries of the Mekong from where we veer off to travel down the tranquil canals. Our sightseeing on the island includes a visit to a traditional Mekong Delta home and its kitchen, where we sample seasonal fruit along with tea and honey and even local wine. We then walk to the village's boat landing where we board small sampans and paddle along narrow arroyos (waterways). We will break for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we enjoy a leisurely, two-hour afternoon bicycle ride along a narrow dirt road during which we traverse bridges and pass through local farms. Arriving in Cai Be, we board a boat then cruise over 1.5km-wide Mekong river to Binh Hoa Phuoc. You can expect spectacular sunsets along the Mekong. We have dinner at and spend the night in a guesthouse on Binh Hoa Phuoc island. Day 2: Vinh Long to Can Tho. (Breakfast, lunch,) Following breakfast, under the cool shelter of the green canopy, we bike half an hour to the ferry crossing for Vinh Long. We then have an extended ride to Can Tho. While our exact route will vary (depending on our group's cycling abilities), you can expect to pass through villages (with brick kiln and terracotta roofs), past rice fields, and by innumerable rural riverside villages. We will break for lunch at a local restaurant. Late afternoon will be reserved for promenading production along the city quay or, if time permits, yet more cycling along riverside to Can Tho. We will stay in Can Tho. Day 3: Can Tho to Saigon. (Breakfast, lunch) We embark on a morning boat trip to Cai Rang's floating market before heading up a quiet canal for more cruising along winding waterways. We then bike for two hours along backcountry roads taking in the breathtaking Mekong Delta scenery and greeting locals (many of whom will also be on bicycle). Following lunch we head back to Sai Gon where our tour ends.

** B - Breakfast; L - Lunch; D - Dinner

TOUR INFORMATION

Total Distance 128 km Number of cycling days Three full days and one half-day Road Surface This tour follows a mixture of well-surfaced roads and the option to go off road onto single track Support One or two air-conditioned minibuses specially rigged to take bikes and bikers. Group Minimum  2 . Maximum 12. Staff Cycling leader for group over 6 persons, English speaking Vietnamese cycling guide, driver/mechanic and assistants. For groups of ten or more an extra local bike guide also joins. Food All meals are included except for the breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 5.

ACCOMMODATION ON SCHEDULED TOURS (STANDARD ACCOMMODATION) CITY HOTEL STANDARD Vinh Long Home stay Tourist class Can Tho Kim Tho 3 star Rate in USD per person Valid to 30 April 2013 Currency Converter PRIVATE GROUPS Validity 2 Pax 3-5 Pax 6-8 Pax 9-12 Pax SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 315 USD 256 USD 209 USD 199 USD  40 USD

Tour Cost includes: * Bike for the journey • All hotels (twin share or dorm ) and meals specified • Cycle support by a/c vehicles • All water and snacks while riding ( 4 small bottles / pax/ day) • All entrances to museums and sites mentioned • Vietnamese English speaking guide • 1 Diner, 2 lunches , 2 breakfasts Tour Cost excludes: • International Flights • Departure Tax • Visa Fees • Alcoholic, and other beverages in the evenings • Tips for guides. • Personal travel insurance • Any services not mentioned in itinerar