Vietnam Heritage Bike Tour 10D/ 9N

Commence the day by exploring the mystery Cao Dai religion and the original tunnels of Ben Duoc with a couple of hours of driving to Tay Ninh, 110 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh. To Cao Dai pilgrims, God is represented as an eye in a triangle, a symbol on the facades of the sect's temples. The religion's organization is patterned after Roman Catholicism, with a pope, cardinals, and archbishops. Worship involves elaborate rituals and festivals.

Depart at 8:30 am at your hotel for a scenic drive on roads and travel through small towns, farmlands of tapioca, peanuts, and rural landscapes. Arrive at Cao Dai Temple, a stunning testament to the Cao Dai religion, before noon mass with plenty of photos to explore the colorful Holly temple and its serene surroundings.

Cao Dai is an indigenous religion encompassing Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism. Religious followers hold several holy documents and must wear a long dress at noon to pray. This belief practice began in 1921 when a man received a vision of the Divine Eye, a powerful symbol of Cao Daism. Most followers are white at noon mass, and the pope, archbishop, cardinal, and priest are colorful. After the noon mass, enjoy your lunch and continue traveling through lush farmlands, rice paddies, idyllic villages, and rubber plantations to Ben Duoc tunnels.

Arrive at the Head Quarter of the original tunnels around 2:30 pm, and watch the documentary film about the war in Cu Chi from 1948 to 1975 before you tour the tunnels of more than 250 km. The tunnels of Cu Chi, a testament to Vietnam's turbulent past, are an immense network used for hiding and fighting during combat and served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were crucial to the Viet Cong in military activities. Arrive at the Be Dinh tunnels around 3:00 am, watch a documentary film, then explore the renowned fighting tunnels on foot, traps, bunkers, and trenches and experience crawling a piece of the underground tunnels. Then return to Saigon by vehicle in the late afternoon.

8:00 am, depart from the hotel with a shuttle transfer of about 1 hour 20 minutes to the outskirts of Tan An City for the morning ride. The zig-zag routes, spanning around 25km, will take us through stunning paddy fields, where you can immerse yourself in the serene scenery of farmers tending to their rice crops and farm products. We'll pause for a delightful lunch at the My Tho. Afterward, we'll embark on another shuttle transfer of about 1 hour to Cai Be township, load all bikes on the boat, enjoy a boat trip, and experience a family-run business producing rice paper – a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine along the river bank. We also see the locals make coconut candy and puffed rice at local homes.

Continue your scenic boat journey across the mighty Mekong River, cruising through the lively Dong Phu canals, where medium-sized cargo vessels and traditional long-tailed boats weave through the bustling waterways, offering an authentic glimpse into life in the Delta. Stop at a welcoming local home to discover how families cultivate a variety of tropical fruit trees, then savor a selection of freshly picked seasonal fruits bursting with flavor.

The cruise continues across the broad Co Chien River to the charming city of Vinh Long. From here, transfer by shuttle to Can Tho, arriving at the elegant Victoria Can Tho Resort, approximately one hour away. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Wander through the vibrant streets of Can Tho and choose your own dining experience—sample an array of delicious local specialties at the bustling night street food market, or indulge in a relaxing riverside dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants. This flexible evening allows you to experience Can Tho at your own pace and according to your personal preferences.

After a leisurely breakfast, we check out of the hotel and embark on a powerboat excursion to the Cai Rang Floating Market, where wholesalers and retailers conduct business from boat to boat. Witness hundreds of large and small wooden boats trading an incredible variety of goods, from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to rice, noodle soup, broken rice, and even freshly brewed coffee served aboard tiny boats.

The journey continues along a peaceful canal to a local family home, where you'll learn about the traditional process of making rice noodles. From there, we pick up our bicycles and ride through the tranquil countryside, experiencing the authentic daily life of local communities in the backwater villages. Cycle along quiet rural paths surrounded by a network of rivers and canals, and visit one of the oldest ancient houses in the rural district of Can Tho.

After the cycling excursion, return to Can Tho City for a delicious local lunch. Following lunch, check in at a standard hotel to freshen up before transferring to Can Tho Airport for your afternoon domestic flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will be warmly welcomed by the Vietnam Backroads team and transferred to the charming ancient town of Hoi An.

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Hai Café, where you'll receive a brief introduction to your half-day cooking experience. Accompanied by your chef, stroll through Hoi An's vibrant Central Market and immerse yourself in its colorful sights, lively atmosphere, and enticing aromas. Along the way, you'll interact with local vendors while selecting fresh produce and essential ingredients used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, board the Red Bridge boat for a scenic 25-minute cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Enjoy glimpses of everyday river life and keep your camera ready—there are countless photo opportunities along the picturesque riverbanks.

Upon arrival, explore the school's fragrant herb garden before discovering the secrets behind some of Hoi An's and Vietnam's most iconic dishes. During the two-hour hands-on cooking class, the Red Bridge chefs will first demonstrate each recipe before guiding you through preparing the dishes yourself. You'll also enjoy a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration techniques.

After the class, sit down to savor the delicious lunch you've created. Finally, return to your hotel by car. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Hoi An's charming streets, browse its boutiques and art galleries, or perhaps visit one of the town's renowned tailors to have a custom-made suit or dress crafted to your measurements.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Hoi An by shuttle and travel north along Vietnam's spectacular coastal road to Da Nang. Your first stop is the Cham Museum, home to the world's finest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts, where you'll gain fascinating insights into the history and culture of the ancient Kingdom of Champa.

Continue the scenic drive to the legendary Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam's most breathtaking mountain roads. At the summit, pause to admire sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, coastline, and the turquoise waters of Lang Co Bay—an ideal opportunity for memorable photographs. Descend to Lang Co Beach, where you'll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local beachfront restaurant while taking in the tranquil seaside atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we'll pick up our bikes in Phuoc Tuong Pass, and ride toward Hue, following quiet country roads through the picturesque countryside. Along the way, pass peaceful fishing villages, shimmering lagoons, lush rice paddies, and fertile farmlands. Stop to visit ancient temples and pagodas, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and rural way of life. The scenic landscapes and authentic local experiences make this a memorable introduction to Central Vietnam.

Arrive in Hue in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exploring Vietnam's former imperial capital.

Today is dedicated to discovering the imperial treasures of Hue, Vietnam's former royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a guided walking tour through the magnificent Imperial Citadel, where you'll explore the historic Ngo Mon (Noon Gate), the Forbidden Purple City, and Hien Nhon Gate, gaining fascinating insights into the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Continue by vehicle to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, perched gracefully on the banks of the Perfume River. Its elegant seven-story octagonal tower has become the enduring symbol of Hue and offers a peaceful setting steeped in history and Buddhist tradition.

Next, visit the remarkable Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, renowned for its striking fusion of traditional Vietnamese architecture and European influences. Set amid a tranquil hillside landscape, the mausoleum is celebrated for its elaborate mosaics, intricate decorations, and impressive craftsmanship.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Vietnam Cycling Tours team and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the capital, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

8:00 am Be ready to go to your hotel's lobby for a 1.5-hour transfer to Duong Lam, Son Tay District. We'll pick up our bikes to explore the ancient village's beauty and trace the origins of Vietnam's culture and traditions, which date back over 400 years. Take your time to smell the purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta, cycle on a narrow alley, sometimes cross the lush farmlands, and visit the Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples that worship two national heroes against the Chinese during the Tang Dynasty. Then to Mia Pagoda, built in the 15th century. 

We'll continue riding around the village to discover locals' daily life and farming work along the fields with a stop at two ancient houses: the most significant old house was built 200 years ago, and the most ancient house from 400 years ago. Here is your opportunity to experience these older ways of life in Duong Lam and find yourself making friends with the warmly welcoming villagers whose childhoods are pure agriculture. Enjoy your tasty lunch at the ancient house, walk along narrow alleys to visit Mong Phu communal house in Mong Phu hamlet, and immerse yourself in the beautiful countryside. Drive back to Hanoi around 4:00 pm.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll take a 2.5-hour transfer through the vibrant countryside to Ninh Binh Province. Upon arrival, enjoy a combined cycling and sampan boat experience, exploring one of Vietnam’s most picturesque regions. Marvel at the stunning scenery, where limestone karst mountains rise dramatically above rice fields and peaceful rivers, dotted with historic temples.

Ninh Binh offers a diverse range of experiences, from the enchanting Mua Cave to serene boat tours. Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, visit the revered Dinh King Temple, and take a sampan ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also explore Tam Coc, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” known for its spectacular natural beauty.

Don’t miss Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. For a different perspective, hike up to Mua Cave for panoramic views, then hop on a bike to experience local village life. We’ll return to Ha Noi in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam in the future.