CYCLING HCM TRAILS – 13 DAYS

We leave Hanoi early in the morning towards the town of Mai Chau. An early lunch will be given in Poom Coong village before we get on our bikes and cycle to the Thai village of Cun Pheo over a mixture of fine single-track routes and undulating rocky jeep routes. The scenery is breathtaking as we drive past villages, hot springs, suspension bridges, and rice farms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.

Our early morning trek takes us away from the river and through a mountain range that stretches from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong to Hoa Lu. Despite the fact that we have pavement all the way, the riding might be challenging owing to the undulating terrain. We board a bus at Ngoc Lac and take our tired legs to Nhu Xuan. In Nhu Xuan, spend the night in a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Local Guest House.

Today’s journey will take place on the recently constructed two-lane Ho Chi Minh Highway. However, there is little traffic, and the route is smooth and quick. The birthplace of Uncle Ho at Kim Lien hamlet is a must-see along route. We’ll most likely take a bus or a vehicle from Kim Lien to Vinh City. (Please keep in mind that owing to the overall distance, certain portions will be transported by vehicle, depending on the strength of the group and riding circumstances.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Vinh.

The shuttle will take us back to the Ho Chi Minh Highway after breakfast. We disembark in Pho Chau, where our biking adventure begins. Today’s routes pass through lush rainforest and picturesque hamlet set in the shadow of the ancient Truong Son Mountain range. We arrive at Huong Khe, a distant town in Nghe An province, toward the end of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Huong Khe.

We continue biking on the Ho Chi Minh Trail after breakfast. The scenery is breathtaking from Huong Khe, and the route is peaceful. We bike up to 80 kilometers before transferring to Phong Nha National Park. Spend the night in a basic National Park Guest House.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Phong Nha.

After breakfast, we’ll take a boat to the beautiful Phong Nha cave and then go through it. We usually spend a few hours exploring the cave before returning to the hotel. We hop back on our bikes and go to the little village of Dong Hoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dong Hoi.

We take a detour off the Ho Chi Minh Highway to see the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a 2.8km labyrinth where Vietnamese hid from American forces during the Vietnam War. We begin riding over the DMZ again 30 kilometers from Dong Ha. The route is rather level and ideal for cruising! En way, we’ll see military remnants before arriving in the Vietnam/Laos border town of Khe Sanh, the site of some of the fiercest fighting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel un Khe Sanh.

After touring the historic marine base of Khe Sanh, we begin pedaling to the Dakrong Bridge and then turn off onto the HCM Trail’s southern part. We continue our trek back into the highlands, following an unusually lonely route to the little village of A Luoi. The path winds through deep woods and untamed vistas. A Luoi is home to several ethnic minorities as well as the iconic Hamburger Hill.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aluoi.

After the morning, we say farewell to the HCM Trails and cycle 60 kilometers to Hue. Because the terrain is flat, the ride is quite easy. The countryside is studded with charming towns, rainforests, and rivers. We complete our journey at the Bach Ho Bridge and board a bus to make the last changeover.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue.

Today, ride over the gorgeous coastal roads and up the Hai Van Pass on the route to Hoi An, passing via Lang Co beach. The heart of Hoi An has remained mostly unchanged since its heyday. We take a walking tour to visit the town’s affluent merchants’ wooden-fronted buildings, the Japanese-covered Bridge, and the magnificent market. Cua Dai Beach is five kilometers outside town and is popular with both residents and visitors due to its warm waters and beachside seafood eateries. Breakfast and lunch are served.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Take a half-day walking tour through the historical quarter’s small winding lanes, stopping at Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky family residence, and the famed Japanese Bridge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or shopping on your own.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure before driving to Da Nang for the departure flight or other optional tour with Travel Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.