VIETNAM, CAMBODIA AND MYANMAR TOUR 32 DAYS

Destination: Hanoi/Mai Chau/Cuc Phuong/Cat Ba/Ha Long/Hue/Hoi An/Nha Trang/Dalat/Ho Chi Minh/Siem Reap/Phnom Bok/Phnom Kulen/Yangon/Mandalay/Myittha/Myingyan/Mt. Popa/Bagan/Thandwe/Ngapali

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi (D, G)

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel. After bike fitting, take to a 3-wheel cyclo 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 dinner at one of Hanoi’s top restaurants. Overnight  at hotel .

Day 2: Hanoi/Mai Chau/Van Village (B, L, D, G)

Early morning transfer to Mai Chau a beautiful valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and picturesque rice paddies. After a local lunch take to the bikes and ride along a mix of dirt tracks and tarmac trails through Tai village and across rice paddies to Van village. The biking follows a river gradually upstream, though the ride appears flat! Overnight at homestay.

Day 3: Van Village/Xo village/Proom Coc Village (B, L, D, G)

A more challenging ride today. Pedal from Van village to Xo for lunch. Bike up into the mountain and follow the contours of the mountainside before dropping down into the Mai Chau Valley and Proom Coc village. Overnight at homestay.

Day 4: Proom Coc Village/Cuc Phuong (B, L, D, G)

Early morning transfer with some biking to Cuc Phuong National Park on country lanes and backroads. The scenery is timeless, and photo opportunities bountiful as you pedal through a working landscape of people and crops. Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam ‘s most important nature reserves and contains the country’s largest area of primary forest. Visit the Primate Rescue Centre and learn about the plight of endangered species such as the Cat Ba Langur. Overnight guest house.

Day 5: Cuc Phuong/Hanoi (B, L, G)

After listening to the dawn chorus of Gibbon song, spend part of the morning exploring the flora and fauna of this unique national park. Leaving Cuc Phuong, you will come back Hanoi for accommodation. Overnight at Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi/Hai Phong/Cat Ba (B, L, G)

An morning transfer to Hai Phong to board a private boat and cruise to Fu Long. After a seafood lunch on board spend the afternoon cycling across this beautiful, fragile island. In the evening take a local fishing boat to explore the floating homes in the bay. Overnight at hotel

Day 7: Cat Ba/Ha Long/Hanoi (B, L, G)

A relaxing day off the bikes. Board our private boat for a cruise through Ha Long Bay. There will be lunch on board and plenty of swimming opportunities. In the afternoon arrive in Ha Long City and transfer directly to Hanoi by road. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Hanoi/Hue (B, D, G)

The morning is at leisure in Hanoi before transferring to the Airport for the mid afternoon flight to Hue , once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty of Emperors from 1802-1945. After checking in to the hotel, explore the Imperial Citadel and the mausoleum of former emperor Khai Dinh by bike on part dirt tracks, part country lanes. In the evening enjoy unique Hue cuisine at a local Hue restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Hue/Hoi An (B, L, G)

A classic day’s cycling. Ride 40 kms along a picturesque, narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Hop on a local ferry to cross the estuary of the Perfume River before joining Highway 1 at the base of today’s 3 hill climbs! Stop at Lang Co Beach for a rest/ swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds . Time permitting, ride to Danang along a new coastal road. Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Hoi An (B, L, G)

Free day to rest and relax, shop and swim or take to the bikes and explore at your own leisure. An optional visit to My Son Cham Towers is possible. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Hoi An/Nha Trang (B, G)

After a leisurely morning transfer to Danang for the mid morning train to Nha Trang. The railway follows the coast and meanders unexpectedly inland from time to time. It is a fascinating journey that is best experienced by train, as the road south on the main highway. It is too busy for enjoyable biking. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Nha Trang/Dalat (B, G)

Another fabulous ride to Dalat. The road is quiet and shady for the most part as you pedal steadily upwards, past the roar of crickets and fluttering butterflies. Feel the air temperature get cooler! The climb rises to over 1000m, but is possible to conquer with a steady pace and plenty of gears! Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Dalat (B, L, G)

Three options ride an off road loop through pine forests and local vegetable farms on exciting hard pack clay tracks or ride on-road in the shadow of Langbian Mountain, stopping en route to visit flower and organic farms. Alternatively spend the day relaxing in the colonial surrounds of the Palace Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Dalat/Ho Chi Minh City (B, G)

Ride part way or transfer the whole way to Ho Chi Minh City. A fast ride downhill all the way, but with a little more traffic than usual. Time permitting arrive Ho Chi Minh City early afternoon and visit the War Museum and explore the vibrant street life. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (B, D, G)

At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you will be picked you and transferred to a hotel for check in. After a short rest, a unique and enchanting experience awaits as you set off from Siem Reap to explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples by bike. Pedal along tree lined streets to the former capital Angkor Thom, where the mysterious faces of Bayon stare majestically in to the distance. Continue on to Ta Prohm, where the jungle like atmosphere was used as a movie set for the ‘Tomb Raider’ film. Late in the afternoon we cycle to Angkor Wat and explore this massive complex filled with bas reliefs and enormous causeways and towers. Enjoy sunset before cycling back to Siem Reap to freshen up and heading to dinner.

Day 16: Siem Reap/Phnom Bok Trekking (B, L, D, G)

After our breakfast we depart for a long, but rewarding trek to Rolous group, a set of temples constructed in the 8th and 9th century. Explore these ruins and enjoy a bit of a rest before continuing through small rural villages and over sand paths to our final destination of the day; Phnom Bok Camp. Catch a breath before we take off for a climb up 640 steps to the ruins of Phnom Bok. The view of the plains below is magnificent and the perfect place to watch the sun set at the end of the day. (Today’s trek is 30km)

Day 17: Phnom Bok/Beng Mealea Cycling (B, L, D, G)

This morning, we set off cycling along quiet inland roads and countryside with the Kulen Mountains as a backdrop. Our destination is Beng Mealea, a relatively unexplored temple: a huge, sprawling complex that is an explorer’s dream as most of the temple is covered in jungle and the crowds are nowhere to be seen. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves nature, religion and history. En-route enjoy lunch and countryside stops where the local villagers welcome you with big smiles and shouts of ‘hello’! As the day ends, we’ll reach our campsite and once more enjoy a bright night under a star fulfilled sky. (Today’s ride is 30km). Overnight in tented camp.

Day 18: Beng Mealea/Phnom Kulen Trekking (B, L, D, G)

This morning we take a short transfer to foot of the Phnom Kulen Hills, a sacred place where many Khmers like to hang out in the weekends. However, the attractions are deserted during the weekdays and it is a great treat to discover the “river of a 1000 lingas”, a river bed that has been carved in to with Hindu images. The trek takes you through many local villages and attractions, including a waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Return to the campsite in the late afternoon. (Today’s trek is 27km). Overnight in tented camp.

Day 19: Phnom Kulen/Banteay Srey/Siem Reap Cycling (B, L, G)

After breakfast, we depart for Banteay Srey by bicycle. Banteay Srey remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia and offers stunning bass relief and other stone carvings. Along the way we pass Banteay Samre, a miniature Angkor Wat, which is relatively unexplored. The road to these temples passes pretty countryside and the flat terrain ensures that it’s a relaxing, enjoyable experience. As we continue back to Siem Reap, we pass through the Angkor Complex taking in stunning views of some of the world’s most impressive temples. (Today’s journey is 55km). Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 20: Siem Reap/Floating Village/Siem Reap Cycling (B, L, G)

This morning, cycle through the Siem Reap countryside to the small village of Kro Bey Real. Continue on to the Tonle Sap lake and board a boat for a short cruise through the floating villages. On the return ride we will ride on the opposite of the river passing through many of the local communities before arriving back in Siem Reap. (Today’s journey is 45km). Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 21: Siem Reap/Bangkok/Yangon (B, G)

After breakfast you are free to explore the town of Siem Reap and the local market, Psa Chas (Old Market). We will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, where transit to Yangon. Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel to drop off you luggage. If you arrived by mid day flight, we may proceed for lunch. After lunch, a walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre. late afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 22: Yangon/Mandalay (B, L, G)

Morning fly to Mandalay, the city of bicycles. We will try to take the bikes along with your flight, since we are flying with ATR 72 air craft with small cargo space, and start biking from the airport after assembling. The supported pick-up will be waiting you and following you on the way to hotel. Recommend to bike until you get near the city. And then you will be transferred to the Hotel. Bike to some highlights in Mandalay such as Mahamuni Temple and craft shops and sunset at Mandalay Hill. Overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 23: Mandalay/Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura/Mandalay (bike) 50 km  (B, L, G)

After breakfast, bike down to the jetty and cross the Ayeyarwaddy River by a private boat (45 minutes). Visit Mingun, an exclusive village for KING BADON whose dedications are of today-tourist-site. Things to see are unfinished and semi-ruined Pathodawgyi Pagoda, Mingun bell and Myatheindan Paya which is a resemblance of the universe. Proceed to Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals in Kobaung Dynasty, along the River by bike. Your supported pick-up will be waiting on that point. Up on the Sagaing Hill, nestling a number of monasteries for retreat, viewing the Mighty River from the top. Sit on the pick-up or continue cycling along the avenue via the river bank is on your wish. Arrive back Mandalay and overnight at the hotel in Mandalay.

Day 24: Mandalay/Myittha (bike) 74 km (B, L, D, G)

Morning after the breakfast, you will be transferred out of Mandalay for about 20 minutes to avoid the congested city traffic and bike southward along the superb high-way for about 40km where you arrive Kyaukse, the rice bowl during the Bagan period. This thriving small town is assumed to be the origin of Burmese, according the British scholar G.H Luce. Then, turn right to a by-way and arrive Myittha, a small charming town. Best place to be local and an added experience on the trip making a night stop at a monastery. Overnight with very simple accommodation.

Day 25: Myittha/Myingyan (bike) 80 km (B, L, D, G)

Say goodbye to the chief monk and bike to the south further. Breakfast shall be at a local tea-house near the market. Have a leisure walk there and bike to the south further. The road is flat, narrow and roughly tarred. Pass through many villages along the way. Should you take delight in visiting a local house on the way, the guide and the driver with you shall be of assistance. Overnight at a local guest house in Myingyan with simple accommodation, a perfect distance to make your night stop before Mt. Popa.

Day 26: Myingyan/Taungta/Mt. Popa (bike) 84 km (B, L, D, G)

Today shall be the most beautiful day to bike. The road is typical to the central dry zone. You will pass many un-bridged sand creeks winding the toddy forest towards Popa Mountain range with picturesque scenery taking away your exhaustion. On arrival to the foothill, continue bike up to your resort. Overnight at Popa Moutain Resort which offers great view towards the Popa Taungkalat and Summit.

Day 27: Mt. Popa/Bagan (bike) 50 km (B, L, G)

Time for your energy to walk up 777 steps and reach the summit of extinct volcano; the abode of Nat (spirit) called Mt. Popa. Outset with your bicycle to Bagan. Road is narrow but smooth and labyrinths in the toddy/palm trees. Enjoy observing how the local wine/liquor/spirit/candy is made from toddy seed. Arrive in the New Bagan where 2000 Pagodas and temples are rest. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 28: Bagan (B, L, G)

What make the experience of cycling with 2000 millennium old religious edifice better? This venue is an archaeological treasure as well as historical wonder and ranked as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO. Some highlights are Ananda temple (the master-piece edifice amongst 2000), Thatbyinnyu temple (the highest one), Dhanyangyi temple (the most massive one). You will also see how the lacquer items are made in a local workshop. Enjoy the sunset from a temple over looking the majestic flat plain. Overnight at the hotel in Bagan.

Day 29: Bagan/Thandwe (Ngapali) by flight (B)

Today, we will fly to Ngapali Beach. Time to relax after all the exhaustion.

Day 30: Leisure at Ngapali beach (B)

Day 31: Ngapali/Yangon by flight (B, G in Yangon)

Fly back to Yangon and explore the tales of metropolis Yangon in the afternoon. We plan to visit by car to Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the Royal Lake with stunning views of Schwedagon Pagoda and visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) for souvenir shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Yangon.

Day 32: Yangon departure (B, G)

Today is of your own, you hotel is central located and it is pretty convenient to have orientation walk around your hotel area. Our car and driver are available at your request for touring around the city. Stay at leisure until our guide and driver come to pick you up for the departure flight.