Footloose Adventure Travel: Vietnam

Footloose itineraries – Vietnam - Hue and Hoi An

World Heritage Ride of Hue and Hoi An

8 Days/ 7 Nights

Your journey begins in Hue as you cycling amid the remnants of Vietnam's bygone royal elite, uncovering mysteries of the country's rich past. You then cycle south along a sandy peninsular on quiet country roads passing small fishing villages and the city of tombs. Tackle the Hai Van pass with sweeping views along the coast and into the central highlands on your way to Hoi An, a quaint and once flourishing trading port for merchants from around the world.

To complete your World Heritage tour cycle from Hoi An to My Son, an important Hindu temple complex of the Cham people, a once powerful and dominant empire in the region. The complex houses many temples constructed as a religious center for the Cham people between the 7th and 12th centuries.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (-/-/D)
Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to a local hotel to drop off your bags and freshen up. Take a tour of the dynamic capital visiting places such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Pagoda, the famous Old Quarter and the 11th century Temple of Literature. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the buzz of this quickly changing city.

Meet up in the early evening for an introduction into Vietnamese cuisine at one of the cities best restaurants.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi - Hue (B/L/-)
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue. On arrival at Hue Airport your Exotissimo tour guide will welcome you to take your hotel.

After refreshment, take a short ride to experience some of Hue's most important cultural sites. First stop will be the Imperial Citadel modeled after the Forbidden City in China with passing by the vibrant Dong Ba market. Next to the market is tiny Chinese quarter where a few of their pagoda still preserved by young generation though nowadays they are less visited. If time permits we cycle along perfume river to visit Ho Quyen arena after overcrossing Do Vien bridge. Ho Quyen was built by Minh Mang King and where elephants were taken into to fight with tigers. Though it was partly destroyed during the war the rest of arena has turned to a unique style which on top needs of preservation.
Dinner at one of visit to Hue's beautiful garden houses known locally as 'nha vuon'. These houses are traditional, privately owned, and set in large and attractive formal gardens. Some have connections with the old Royal Imperial Court and the house's traditional architecture has long been associated with the natural environment and the ancient belief of 'feng-shui'.

Overnight in Hue.
Cycling distance: 30km (more cycling if less time at sites, this is flexible depending on the group)

Day 3: Full day cycling to Gia Long tomb (B/L/-)
Depart central Hue and ride through the centre of town along Le Loi Street past the impressive French built Quoc Hoc High School where many important statesmen of Vietnam attended including the father figure of the country Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the Catholic Quarter of the city and pat the imposing Phu Cam Church where a local country style market takes place each day. Ride on to Quoc An pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist foundations in central Vietnam which is typical of the Mahayana sect in Hue, here visit at a village kindergarten.

Follow country lanes into the countryside where Buddhist pagodas and shrines can be seen. Continue towards Khai Dinh Tomb which is well known for its intricate mosaic tiles as well as the European influenced Oriental design. After visiting the tomb ride onto the craft village of Da Khe which specializes in traditional bamboo handicrafts. From here take a short trip by boat across a reservoir for the 2km ride to Gia Long tomb which is well known for its distinctive architecture as well as its stunning, natural setting. (Kayaking can be added with additional surcharge).

Leave the tomb and cycle along the northern bank of the Perfume River among green, aged pine trees then board a local ferry to the other side of the river. Continue to the tomb of King Thieu Tri, the third king of the Nguyen Dynasty and the luckiest of the dynasty since he inherited a stable and strong administration from the previous ruler King Minh Mang. Peddle onto Tu Duc's Tomb. This king was a learned poet and chose an asymmetrical, romantic architectural style for his last resting place. From this tomb ride to nearby villages specializing in incense stick making and bronze casting before returning to Hue.

Dinner at Ancient Hue restaurant, one of best table in town.

Overnight in Hue

Cycling distance: 50km (more cycling if less time at sites, this is flexible depending on the group)

Day 4: Hue Garden Ride (B/L/-)
This morning we cycle a country loop of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to the traditional village of Phuoc Tich. The route follows back roads passing through many untouched villages and local markets (Catholic village, bamboo making village, incense making village….)

Many homes in Phuoc Tich date back 200 years and highlight traditional feng shui design. Enjoy a traditional lunch with Uncle Ho Van Te and learn more about this rich and culturally significant village. In the afternoon loop back toward Hue along quiet country lanes plus visit Historian Phan Thuan An's house.

Mr. Phan An Thuan, born in Hue in 1940 to an aristocratic family is a respected historian who has devoted his life to researching the former imperial capital of Vietnam. As well as his deep knowledge of history, he is able to write in the former Chinese based script of Vietnam (Han Nom) and can read English and French, which enables him to approach rare documents on Hue written in other languages. Some of his renowned works include: Architecture of the Old Capital of Hue, Hue Imperial City & Complex of Hue Relics. Phan Thuan An has also collected and conserved a large collection of valuable photographs as archives on Hue's culture and architecture through different periods of time. (This additional visit is subject to his availability and confirmed in 3 days far in advance as to his health condition).

Overnight in Hue. Cycling distance: 50km

Day 5: Hue - Hoian (B/L/-)
We leave Hue and follow the coast as we pass roads shaded by coconut palms, and dunes scattered with mini mausoleums, pagodas and war memorials. We ride to Phuoc Tuong Hill and then transfer 40 kms to Lang Co Beach for lunch.
After lunch tackle the Hai Van Pass, which is a 10km climb and ascends 550m. It is a gradual climb with many switchbacks and once at the top you get superb views, well worth the ride to the top. The reward is a long downhill to Danang and a flat and very scenic ride to Hoi An.
Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders and was one of Southeast Asia's major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an important point of call for Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese traders and the architecture reflects its cosmopolitan past. More than anywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of the past. There are over 844 structures of historical significance and most people spend the day wandering around and enjoying the sights and atmosphere.

Dinner at Mango Rooms. Located in the centre of Hoi An's old town Mango Rooms serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as Vietnam-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere Mango Rooms has one the heart of many loyal and happy customers.
Overnight in Hoi An. Cycling distance: 100km

Day 6: Hoi An - Countryside loop (B/L/-)
Hop on a bicycle for a country loop surrounding Hoian. Starting from Hoian centre we cruising through hundreds of back off road in peaceful villages. It includes vegetable village in here you can stop at a pagoda and have a cup of tea and talk with master monk (subject to availability). And joining the farmers in preparing the land and fertilising it with seaweed if you like.
Lunch is a try of Hoian speciality at local restaurant or back to Hoian town.
Continue by overcrossing Cam Thanh islet and discover how locals turn coconut leave into rooftop for housing. Keep cycling along Thu Bon river to the fishing village until you catch a special moment of the day is the sun setting. There is no better place to see this than in Hoi An beside a water coconut palm plantation on the Thu Bon River. Along the way ride in a local basket boat know as a thung chai.

Back to town in the late afternoon then dinner is free to your choice.
Overnight in Hoi An. Cycling distance: 50km (10% bumpy road).

Day 7: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (B/L/D)
Staying another night in Hoi An, we ride out of town to visit My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. The ride is worth the effort in itself and is arguably one of the best of the trip. We transfer out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along scenic country backroads past rice fields and through eucalyptus forest passing many scenic villages. The road climbs away from the coast offering stunning views.

As we ride the road cuts a gorge through the lush jungle alongside the Song Tranh River. Eventually we arrive at My Son, which was once Champa's religious complex. Although many of the temples were destroyed during the war, there is still enough of the archaeological site to impress most visitors. We take lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the site. In the afternoon we transfer by bus back to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An. Cycling distance: 50km

Day 8: Hoi An - Depart (B/-/-)
At leisure until transferring to Danang for your onward flight.

*****END OF SERVICES*****

"This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say."

RATES & CONDITIONS
ACCOMODATION

OPTION 1
LOCATION HOTEL ROOM TYPE
HANOI Hilton Deluxe
HUE La Residence Superior River View
HOI AN Life Resort Junior Suite River View

OPTION 2
LOCATION HOTEL ROOM TYPE
HANOI Maison d'Hanoi Deluxe
HUE Park View Deluxe
HOI AN Ancient House Garden View

Cost are per person for shared twin/double
Rates are valid from October till 20 December 2011, extra charge will be applied for holiday seasons.

Option 1:
Number of People 5-6 7-11 12-16 Single Room Supplement
Price per Person £1016 £999 £935 £496

Option 2:
Number of People 5-6 7-11 12-16 Single Room Supplement
Price per Person £695 £682 £612 £210

ADDITIONAL AIRFARES
ROUTE AIRLINE Cost per person
Hanoi - Hue Vietnam Airlines/ Economy class £58
Da Nang - Hanoi Vietnam Airlines/ Economy class £58
Note: * All airfares are subject to change by the airline.

Our Services Include:
" English speaking biking guide as itinerary with welcome & farewell dinner with clients
" Local cycling assistant guide for group from 8 clients up
" Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer and back up as itinerary.
" Boat trips where mentioned in the itinerary. (Kayaking at additional charge en route to Gia Long tomb)
" Meals as mentioned in the itinerary ( B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Diner)
" Sightseeing tickets where mentioned in the itinerary.
" Drinking water for cycling days.
" Snack, soft drinks, fresh tower & local fruits for cycling days.
" Accommodation in twin shared room at hotel with daily breakfast. See hotel list above.
" Local bike hire (Trek 4500 Front suspension mountain bikes)

Our Services do not include:

" International air ticket to/from Vietnam.
" International airport departure tax
" Domestic flight to Hue and from Hoian.
" Accommodation for pre night in Hue and post night in Hoian.
" Visa to Vietnam. Please ensure to get visa before departure.
" Personal Travel insurance
" Personal expenditure ( Laundry, telephone)
" Beverage and alcoholic drinks at mealtime.
" Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the inclusive portion.

A. IMPORTANT NOTES:
" We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam and Cambodia.

B. CONFIRMATIONS:
" Please note that all the above services & package tours have not been booked yet, they are proposed for your information only. We will not launch any reservation before we receive your confirmation.
" If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find out other possibility/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid as many important changes as possible.

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