Luxury Vietnam & Cambodia Cycle (Hanoi to Angkor Wat) 8D7N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

On the first day, meet your tour leaders at 10.30 am at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam. Please arrive dressed in your walking clothes, your passport, Vietnam Visa, daypack and anything else you might need for today’s journey (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodation)

After arriving in Hanoi, convene with your tour leaders in Sofitel Legend Metropole’s Le Club bar. Your trip leaders will give you a brief orientation. Then we depart on a traditional cycle tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Filled with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, lakes and parks. Hanoi has been dubbed the Paris of the Orient. This city is also home to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), the site of a well-known legend with history dating back to the 15th century. It is a famous destination, and you’ll witness its liveliness as you see the locals out jogging, cycling or practicing Tai-chi or other martial arts.

We proceed to explore the Old Quarter’s winding streets, each still named after the wares originally sold there. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant, which serves exquisite Vietnamese fusion delights. After lunch, we set off on foot to explore one of Hanoi’s untouched neighborhoods. Winding through narrow alleyways we get a true insight into their everyday life. We end our walk at Quán Thánh Temple, one of the four breathtaking temples built to protect the capitol from malevolent spirits.

You can choose to join our local guide on a quick visit to Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton”. Or join a quick shuttle back to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a 5-star neoclassical hotel nestled in the heart of the old city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Hanoi’s shops, galleries and sites or just simply relax with a swim in the pool at the hotel. Tonight, we reconvene and walk to one of our favorite Hanoi restaurants for dinner to savor mouth-watering Vietnamese delights made with freshly-produced ingredients for dinner.

Level 3, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), Elevation gain: minimal

This morning, we catch an early flight to the World Heritage site of Hue known as Vietnam's ancient capital. Surrounded on three sides by hills and only previously reachable through the Perfume River, it was the perfect place to build high towers, citadels, moats and other fortifications, some of which we’ll see on our journey. It is a popular destination in the region. People come here for the delicate blooms in spring, the summer blaze of flame trees and the breathtaking bicycling that is difficult to find anywhere else in Vietnam

Upon arrival in Hue, a brief talk on biking safety techniques will be given before you begin your ride by the side of a beautiful lagoon, past roadside temples and through quaint fishing villages nestled by the South China sea. The bike route ends at the accommodation for the next two nights, Art Deco-style Azerai La Résidence Hué, a 5-star premium hotel located on the banks of the picturesque Perfume River. Settle in your luxury rooms, freshen up and relax in any way you see fit for the rest of the afternoon. A soothing swim in the pool might help you loosen up properly.

After freshening up, you have the option to partake in a walk to the 19th Royal Citadel of Hue. Its walls protected the Royalties from invasions by rival armies centuries ago when Hue was the capital of imperial Vietnam. Although most parts were destroyed then, there are still ruins which are worth viewing and some complexes opposite the citadel have been renovated by UNESCO like the Royal theatre, library and temple dedicated to the Nguyen emperors and another to the queens and princesses.

Dinner is at your own leisure at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, offering an Asian-fusion menu perfectly embodying the dazzling flavors of Hué.

Note: While we do everything possible to secure a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue. Vietnam Airlines often changes schedules without warning. If this happens, we may have to leave Hanoi earlier in the morning or later in the day.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 58km (36 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

After enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, hop on your bike and join the numerous scooters and bicycles crossing the bridge above the Perfume River. Your trip leaders are sure to entertain you and turn this challenging ride into a fun and memorable one. Take in the contrasting view of Vietnamese life as we pedal along, from the hardscrabble simplicity of rural villages to the excess and grandeur of the lavish mausoleums of Vietnam’s imperial rulers. Feel the invigorating scents of fragrant pine forests, the magic of crossing the Perfume River by dragon boat and the electrifying liveliness of Hué’s large urban center.

We make a stop at Khai Dinh Mausoleum which is an intriguing tomb that blends Asian and European new Gothic styles creating a true and unique Vietnamese energy. After savoring a delicious lunch, cycle back to the hotel and relax by the pool or treat yourself to a restorative spa session.

Tonight, we dine at our local friend’s home, a typical Mandarin-style abode built at the turn of the 20th century. Before dinner, we spend some time with our friends as he shares his unique insights and experience of Vietnam with us. Afterwards, we enjoy a classic Vietnamese candlelit dinner among his lotus ponds and hanging-orchid gardens.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 34 km (21 miles), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 47km (29 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 56km (35 miles), Elevation gain: 762 m (2500 ft)

To begin today's adventure, we shuttle to the base of Hai Van Pass. On getting there, there are two options available, either to bike over the pass or use an air-conditioned lift to the top. Either option is an impressive ride, recently only made possible by the new tunnel that diverts most traffic through the mountains.

We descend into the breathtaking port of Danang due to the presence of the colorful fleet of squid fishing boats. For breathtaking views of the town, bike around and over one of the city's newly constructed suspension bridges. Then, we paddle along Danang Harbour to the base of one of Vietnam's largest statues of Quan Am, often referred to as the "female Buddha". After this, we enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant and enjoy its delicacies.

Afterward, we would shuttle to our beautiful lodging Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, a 5-star chic beachfront hotel located in Vietnam’s idyllic central coast. Or if you’d prefer, ride on your bike to Hoi An. Dinner tonight is at your own leisure. Venture out to one of many restaurants in Hoi An or dine at the resort. Among the many traditional menu items, you should try out the classic cau lau soup (beef broth with shrimp and pork, topped with crunchy onions, sesame seeds and croutons).

Level 2, Approx. 45 km (28 miles), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)

We start today's activities by shuttling to a point across the Hoi An river where we then begin to ride our bikes and pedal along a relatively small level route, a 400-year-old Japanese bridge, rice paddles and through villages. You’ll experience warm expressions from locals as they watch you in curiosity of your option of movement. As you cycle, enjoy the peaceful serenity of Vietnamese country life.

Returning back to Hoi An, we travel across the Thu Bon river via a private ferry. (Note: High wind and winds can delay, and possibly prevent our ferry crossing. If conditions are too rough, we’ll shuttle across the bridge instead).

Getting back on land, continue the route back to the hotel, passing through the local market and hundreds of palms. We make a stop for lunch at a native seafood restaurant where you can decide to order for a fresh catch. You have the alternative of choosing any local eatery of your choice or returning to the hotel on your own to dine at its exotic restaurant.

The rest of the day is yours to plan and explore Hoi An. You could choose to go to the beach, city’s stores, old homes and markets. For those in pursue of a pamper indulgent, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa session or spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the hotel’s luxury amenities. Later tonight, we head into the heart of Hoi An for a delightful dinner at a lively local restaurant

Level 2, Approx. 24 km (15 miles), Elevation gain: minimal

We begin the day by starting from one of our favorite local rides across routes that feature the better part of cycling in Vietnam including spectacular rice fields, mini villages, dispersed pagodas and narrow country roads with very little traffic. Pathways like this are difficult to come across so we encourage you to participate in this biking session. But if you prefer, you have the choice of enjoying the peace and luxury of the hotel. Lunch today is a hands-on experience as we learn the secrets behind mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisines in an exciting cooking class.

In the evening, we board a scenic flight to Siemens Reap, Cambodia, home to the World Heritage site of Angkor, the country's monumental ancient capital built by the Khmer between the 9th and 13th centuries. It leaves a shocking impression as you witness its lofty spires, giant carved images and beautiful bas-reliefs. The old and local cafes have now been replaced with fine galleries and restaurants making the once deserted Siem Reap bustling again. Despite the modernization, the flavors of old-world Indochina and a strong Khmer culture still lingers; you feel a difference from Vietnam.

We spend the next two nights at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, praised by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world's top hotels. Exuding a colonial flair, unwind in its 33 meters long pool, one of the largest in Cambodia, stroll its quaint well-manicured gardens or indulge in a top of the range spa treatment (at own expense). Alternatively take a lovely stroll into the city before dinner.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 35 km (22 miles), Elevation gain: minimal
Level 3, Approx. 47 km (29 miles), Elevation gain: minimal

Siem Reap is a magnificent destination brimming with stark contrasts. Prepare to be wowed by breathtaking ruins of a once-powerful empire, penurious small villages recovering from the Khmer Rouge past rule and the bustling crowds of a quickly-developing Siem Reap.

Get a feel for the “real” Cambodia as we take the challenging less travelled roads. Today’s ride takes us to several fascinating temples including Ta Prohm and Bayon. We shuttle a short distance from Siem Reap to the Ta Prohm complex, a pristine destination.

After our adventure, your tour leaders fit your Cambodian mountain bike, then spin through the quaint part of Siem Reap along dirt roads and through rural villages, where you’ll be met by enthusiastic and curious locals, especially kids.

We’ll be invited into the house of a local friend for a home-cooked lunch. After filling our stomachs, we ride on to Bayon, known for its massive smiling stone faces and impressive bas-reliefs. If you like, you can stop for a water blessing along the way. It is a ritual locals undergo to bring good luck. After, get in the shuttle for a quick lift back to the hotel. Along the way, you can choose to visit Wat, a powerful “Killing field” memorial. Learn the moving and heavy history behind the destination.

Spend the rest of the afternoon unwinding at the hotel. Lounge by the pool, inspired by the ancient bathing pools of Angkor Wat. Or, book a rejuvenating session at the resort spa. If you’d prefer to explore further, head to Central Siem Reap’s markets and galleries for local crafts and fine art. Tonight, we savor a memorable mouthwatering Khmer cuisine to celebrate our last night together.

Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), Elevation gain: minimal

After breakfast, we shuttle down to Angkor Wat to join a local friend to guide us for a walk through temple grounds. Our guide brings this place to life as he enlightens us about the ruins and Cambodia’s history while watching the morning sun brighten the ancient carvings. Take it all in before pedaling back past the ruins to our resort for a farewell brunch. Bid your hearty farewells, leave inspired on a journey encompassing numerous adventures as you aboard the shuttle to Siem Reap airport to continue your journey onwards.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.