Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam

This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel at around 9am to begin the journey west to Hoa Binh. If you’ve arranged your own pre-tour accommodation, please make sure your reservations consultant has these details so we can coordinate your pickup. You'll bypass the town centre and head north, entering the mountains of the Song Da range. After a light lunch at a local restaurant, you'll start your afternoon ride. Today’s cycling is a solid introduction to the terrain ahead, covering around 26 km (6 mi) on sealed roads through hilly country, with climbs and descents. Your route winds through remote Muong ethnic lands near the Da Reservoir, ending in the small village of Mo Hem. It’s a strikingly peaceful setting, with a real edge-of-the-world feel. You’ll be hosted in a traditional Muong stilt house and, time permitting, can enjoy a swim in the lake before dinner. Driving: (±)92 km (57 mi) Cycling: (±)26 km (16 mi) | Sealed road | Hilly terrain | +936 m / -1078 m Overnight: Muong ethnic guesthouse (multishare)

Meals:  L,D

After saying farewell to your hosts, you’ll set off on a peaceful paddle across the stunning Da Reservoir, surrounded by jungle-covered mountains. Your bike will travel with you on the support boat as you kayak 7 km (4.3 mi), a journey that takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The kayaks are basic but reliable, and the best available in this remote area. Once you reach the far side of the lake, you’ll stop for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll jump back on your bike for a 30 km (18.6 mi) ride along a quiet road winding through the mountain foothills. After an initial climb to rejoin the old colonial road, it’s a long, scenic descent into the Mai Chau Valley. From there, you’ll ride through the small town and continue into a peaceful sub-valley to reach your guesthouse for the night in Mai Hich. Kayaking: (±) 7 km (4.3 mi) | 2–2.5 hrs Cycling: (±) 30 km (18.6 mi) | Sealed road | +334 m / -357 m Overnight: Mai Hich local guesthouse (multishare)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll travel by bus around 35 km (22 mi) towards the Laos border to reach the entrance of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You’ll begin your trek from Ban Bang village, setting off on foot through a landscape of limestone mountains, jungle, terraced rice fields and winding rivers. The walk takes around 4 hours and leads you through quiet hamlets and wilder stretches of the reserve. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the remote village of Kho Muong. From here, it’s a short walk up to the road where your vehicle will be waiting to take you on a brief transfer to your guesthouse for the night. Driving: (±) 35 km (22 mi) Hiking: (±) 14 km (8.7 mi) Overnight: Pu Luong guesthouse (multishare)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll depart Pu Luong and travel east towards the Ninh Binh region. After about 3 hours on the road, you’ll arrive in the lush Tam Coc Valley, often called the inland Halong Bay for its dramatic limestone scenery. Lunch is served in a peaceful garden house before you hop on your bike to explore the area. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 15 km (9.3 mi) ride along quiet backroads, weaving between rice paddies, lagoons and limestone karsts. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hang Mua and climb its 450 steps for panoramic views across the countryside. The ride finishes at the historic capital of Hoa Lu. From there, a short drive takes you to your hotel, where you can unwind with a swim in the pool. Driving: (±) 130 km (81 mi) Cycling: (±) 15 km (9.3 mi) | Sealed, flat roads Overnight: Le Clos du Fil Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L

After an early breakfast, you'll drive around 2-3 hours to the coast and catch a 20 minute ferry to Cat Ba Island. After lunch, you'll hike across the dense jungle of Cat Ba National Park. Today's hike covers three peaks with significant ascents, descents, and steep, uneven trails. Conditions may be slippery in wet weather, so be prepared for a challenging day on the trail. If you prefer not to trek, a non-trekking option is available at an additional cost and needs to be booked in advance. This includes an boat transfer instead of hiking in the park. A local guide will meet you at Cai Vieng pier where you will transfer via bus, boat, and basic local bike to our guesthouse. The journey takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will have free time to relax for the rest of the day, with lunch provided at the guesthouse. Hikers will return in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset of Viet Hai village - a secluded hamlet tucked away between the sea and the forest. Check into our rooms in a local guesthouse, and relax before dinner. Driving: (±) 190 km (118 mi) Hiking: (±) 9km (6 mi); 3-4hrs Overnight: Lan Homestay or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

You’ll start the day with around a 5 km (3.1 mi) bike ride from the guesthouse to the coast, where your boat will be waiting. From here, you’ll cruise into the more remote corners of the Halong archipelago, within the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay. The day is all about exploring by boat and kayak. You’ll paddle through sheltered coves, visit a floating house, and stop at a quiet sandy beach for a swim or to simply relax in the sun. Lunch is freshly prepared and served onboard. In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise back to Cat Ba Island and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Cycling: (±) 5 km (3 mi) Kayaking: flexible Overnight: Cat Ba Paradise Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L

This morning you’ll drive to the pier to board the ferry back to the mainland. On the way to Hanoi, you’ll stop to explore the fascinating Hospital Cave, a hidden medical bunker used during the war. You can expect to arrive in Hanoi by mid-afternoon, with time to enjoy a late lunch. If you haven’t booked your post-tour accommodation with World Expeditions, please make sure your reservations consultant has your hotel details so we can assist as needed. Driving: (±)130 km (±81 mi)

Meals:  B