NOTE 2 - ALL dates below MOVED 2 days forward NOTE 3 - If you wish to pay deposit A. Cheque made payable to "Aidan Quinlan, Crossed- A.C payee" B. Deposit to A.I.B.Bishopstown Branch, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland IBAN and B.I.C details I can supply NOTE 4 - please contact me on THIS e mail <aodhanquinlan@gmail.com> Thanks
As promised, details of the exciting cycling trip to Vietnam being organised by Aodhan Quinlan!
Ok here goes-
NOTE - Flight details to follow -
Tour details Total Distance: 750+ kilometres
Number of cycling days: 11 days
Bike Rental: Included (New Trek & Giant MTB with 24 speeds,)
Transfers: Of which there are many - included. Getting into - and out of
busy city's and towns, some pollution from the very many motor-cycles, plus complex street and city lay-outs.
Road Surface: Roads in countryside, through jungles, hillside and valleys,undulating and mountainous terrains, riverbanks and asphalt back roads.
Support: All buses with A/C and experienced Driver, one 25 seater plus a
luggage van for group size.
Cycling distances: The support van accompanies the tour - so no worries there.
Biking guide: Experienced English speaking-biking guides who are enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Biking guides are first-aid qualified and can maintain bikes. Their role is to deliver a safe and enjoyable tour to the clients, they manage the group, co-ordinate the driver and support vehicle, buy snacks and fruit along the way, look out for client’s needs. They are cultural guides as well as pure biking…
Food: Included (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Entrance fees: included
Boat, ferry and train journey: Included
Snacks, fresh fruits, water: Provided (daily)Safety: Our people take the best care & safety for your trip. First aid kits are provided.
15 Nov Friday: Arrival - Ha Noi
Arrive in Ha Noi around 06.30H and transfer to hotel. After bike fitting,take to a 3-wheel cycle for an orientation tour of the Old Quarter. Visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Fine Arts Museum and other interesting spots. In the evening dine at one of Ha Noi's top restaurants. Overnight at hotel, dinner included (- we will use Rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter in Hanoi - included).
16 Nov Saturday Hanoi – Mai Chau
On the morning drive to Mai Chau, we'll leave the city behind and pass through the craggy, mountainous landscape. On arrival in Pom Coong village, you'll check in to the stilt-house home of a (former) Thai ethnic minority family, now living in Vietnam. In the afternoon, you can cycle through the lovely villages in the Mai Chau valley letting your guide point out and explain the wonders along the way. Afterwards, we return to Mai Chau for dinner and home-stay in the stilt house with your friendly Thai hosts. Approx. distance cycled: 75 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
17th Nov Sunday Mai Chau - Hanoi
After breakfast with a view, you can wander around the houses to glimpse the daily life of local people. They specialize in weaving brocade products and they're happy to show visitors their skills. The village is operated as a community cooperative organized by the people themselves. In the afternoon, you'll return to Hanoi with a new perspective on life in rural Vietnam and some fantastic memories stored in the camera and new friends made. Approx. distance cycled: 55 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
18th Nov Monday Hanoi- Ha Long Bay
Morning visit Ho Chi Min's tomb and Mausoleum before departing Hanoi for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do arts and crafts centre run by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will board our Deluxe junk boat, the Jewel of the Bay for a delicious seafood lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot for swimming and sun bathing before dinner. Enjoy another seafood feast for dinner and for the night owls - there is an option of night fishing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
19th Nov Tuesday 19 Halong - Ha Noi-Overnight Train To Hue
Rising to the lapping waters of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use. All guests will be issued with water buoyancy vests and the junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel. At midday we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 4pm. We have a couple of day rooms at the hotel to freshen up for dinner. In the evening we transfer to Hanoi train station for our overnight train journey on the Reunification Express southwards to Hue. The overnight accommodation aboard the train is four person cabins where we sleep in comfortable berths swaying to the timeless rhythm of the railroad. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
20th Nov Wednesday Arrive In Hue
Upon arrival in Hue, Our crew will be waiting to introduce traveller to our bicycles, each designated bike being then adjusted and fitted to individuals as required. This afternoon, we will warm up our leg muscles with a short ride around the sights of the former Imperial citadel. From here we cycle along the narrow roads along the Perfume River to visit the famed Thien Mu Pagoda. Approx. cycling distance: 30 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
21st. Nov Thursday Hue Hoi An
A day ride on along the coast, lunch break at picturesque Lang Co beach. An ascent of the Hai Van Pass with stunning views of the coast and a thrilling 7-mile descent from the top to the green rice fields around Da Nang, which we will skirt by on our way to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An. Approx. distance cycled: 100 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
22nd Nov. Friday Hoi An – My Son
Start riding from Hoi An to My Son, the Champa Imperial city of the 4th to 12th centuries. Ride through rural villages to My Son, spend an hour visiting the large complex of religious ruins comprising more than 70 architectural remains. Have lunch before a transfer back to Hoi An. Free for shopping in town. Approx. distance cycled: 40 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
23rd Nov Saturday Hoi An - Quang Ngai
Have breakfast at the hotel and check out. Cycle south of Hoi An to Cua Dai beach and cross Thu Bon river. Ride on back roads through yellow sand dunes to Tam Ky. Have lunch before transferring to Chau O for an afternoon bike ride. Ride on country roads to My Lai village to visit the memorial of the massacre to remember 504 locals who died. Continue cycling to the hotel in the town of Quang Ngai. Approx. distance cycled: 60 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
24th Sunday Quang Ngai – Qui Nhon
A morning transfer to ocean villages on the outskirts of Quang Ngai. Ride through rice fields and rural villages and coconut tree plantations along the ocean. Lunch at a local restaurant, then continue an afternoon of riding on beautiful back roads through mountainous areas to the city of Qui Nhon. Transfer for 20 minutes to the city of Qui Nhon. Approx. distance cycled: 60 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
25th Monday : Qui Nhon - Nha Trang
Transfer 30 minutes to the suburb of Qui Nhon city, start cycling on back roads and racing with a Reunification train on hilly roads, ride rolling hills to mountainous areas, have lunch on the way, and finish today's ride in rural areas of Tuy Hoa. Transfer to Nha Trang in the late afternoon. Overnight in Nha Trang Approx. distance cycled: 85 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
26th Tuesday Nha Trang – Dalat
Transfer 30 minutes to Dien Khanh ancient town, start to pedal easily on back roads in the morning, pedal past brick factories, rice fields, and have lunch en route. In the afternoon, continue to pedal rolling hills, and cross Truong Son mountain range to Dalat. Overnight in Dalat. Approx. distance cycled: 100 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
27th Wednesday Dalat - Phan Thiet
Transfer for an hour south of Dalat. Ride on rolling hills through a valley, mountain area, hydroelectric power station and coffee plantations in the morning. In the afternoon, cycle down hill passing many minority villages and cashew garden as we head to to Phan Thiet. Approx. distance cycled: 90 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
28th Thursday Phan Thiet – Lagi – Saigon
Transfer 30 minutes out of Phan Thiet city, then start cycling on asphalt coastal roads to Mon Da Chim Resort for lunch. Transfer to HO Chi Minh city(formally Saigon) in late afternoon. Approx. distance cycled: 60 km Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
29th Friday HO Chi Minh city
Free day! We have free time all day. Overnight at the same Hotel. Breakfast and Dinner included.
30th Saturday 30 Nov : Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Today we have free time all day explore city by yourself. 6pm transfer pick up at hotel to local restaurant for dinner, after dinner transfer to the airport for onward late evening flight. * NOTE: all the rooms keep until 2pm check out. Breakfast and Dinner included.
PRICE : €1695.00 PER PERSON SHARING - Includes ALL as above - inc. bike hire. (EXCLUDES airfare) - see below Excludes Visa 2 types available - V.O.L. = visa on landing, or my pref. A visa from the Vietnamese embassy in London - DETAILS NEXT WEEK Exc.
Airfare Approx €995 - Dublin, Paris, Hanoi - OUT. Return HO Chi Minh City, Paris, Dublin. These details also confirmed next week.
Single supp. €300.00 DEPOSIT € 250.00 - non refundable REDUCTION - you have come on prev. week long or more Rothar Cycle Tours €75.00. Bringing your own bike € 75.00 reduction. Require more info - or just want to sign on - let me know please.
Yours, Aodhán Quinlan
Rothar Cycle Tours, Cork, Ireland
00353-(021)4274143 Mobile 00353-(0)87–2171752
Skype :aodhancork
Fax : 021-4274143
International 00-353 21 (or 87 - mobile)
E mail: info@rotharcycletours.ie Mobile E mail: aodhancork@gmail.com
WEB SITE: www. Being re-built
Contact name: Aodhán Quinlan Cycle tours since 1994.
