Aug 12 2008
Itinerary – 2009 Trip
**UPDATED** The following is an updated Itinerary of our 2009 Bike Tour in Vietnam to raise money for Kids First Vietnam. The actual biking will cover approximately 150 miles and will occur on Days 4 – 8.
Day 1 - Feb 22 - Arrive Hanoi
Meet guide at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2 - Feb 22 - Hanoi
A free day in Hanoi for personal arrangements.
Day 3 - Feb 24 - Hanoi – Halong
We depart Hanoi at 8:30 am and drive through the fertile flood plains of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Once at Ha Long City we board a private boat for a four-hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the bay. There will be time for swimming in the bay’s emerald waters and kayaking. While on board, delicious local seafood will be served for lunch. Upon returning to harbor everyone will have free time.
Day 4 - Feb 25 - Halong – Thanh Hoa
Depart for Thanh Hoa. We will cycle through spectacular limestone mountains and lush green rice paddies. The cycling is flat and very easy to Cam Thuy, Lam Son.
Day 5 - Feb 26 - Thanh Hoa – Dong Hoi
We drive for the first 85 km to Quynh Luu town. From there we cycle to Dien Chau where we have lunch. In the afternoon we continue to our destination, the fishing port of Dong Hoi, where we spend the night.
Day 6 - Feb 27 - Dong Hoi – Dong Ha
We drive to Dong Ha, biking part of the way, to visit the Kid First Rehabilitation Village, passing through the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Vinh Moc Tunnels – scenes of the bitterest fighting during the American War. We continue toward Hue and arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 7 - Feb 28 - Hue – Hoi An
After breakfast we enjoy a bike ride to one of the Royal tombs. We cycle down narrow paths and through small villages. Afterwards, we return to central Hue for visiting Imperial city, then driving to Hoi An.
Day 8 - Mar 1 - Hoi An
In the morning we cycle through the narrow, winding streets of the Ancient Quarter, visiting the various Chinese Assembly Halls, Ancestral Homes, the Japanese Covered Bridge and well-preserved Pagodas that make Hoi An a fascinating town. Afterwards, we enjoy free time exploring Hoi An in the afternoon.
Day 9 - Mar 2 - Hoi An – Saigon
We will take a morning flight to Saigon and have free time upon arrival.
Day 10 - Mar 3 - Saigon – Phnom Penh
We will fly to Phnom Penh for the Cambodia extension of our trip. The guide will meet our plane to take us to our hotel and 30 minutes later we will leave for a tour of Toul Sleng prison and the Killing Field, followed by a trip to the National Museum and Royal Palace. If possible, a brief city tour.
Day 11 - Mar 4 - Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
We will drive to Siem Reap. After arriving at the hotel and a short break, we leave for a tour of Roulous group of temples and come back for a late afternoon boat ride on Tonle Sap lake.
Day 12 - Mar 5 - Siem Reap
Early morning (while cool) we tour Banteay Srei, perhaps East Mebon, and Pre Rup. After lunch, we tour Angkor Thom and Bayon. Cambodia craft shopping will be our afternoon activity.
Day 13 - Mar 6 - Siem Reap – Saigon
In the early morning we will tour the majestic Angkor Wat, while cool and before it gets crowded. Afterwards, we return to the hotel, check out, and fly back to Saigon.
Day 14 - Mar 7 - Departure
Free time and transfer to the airport for flight home. End of services.