Traveling
through Vietnam, you’ll encounter its past and present at every turn. After
gathering in Hanoi, where belle epoque structures and boulevards evoke the
French-colonial era, we fly south to Nha Trang and begin our two-wheeled
exploration of this intriguing country. Pedaling on uncrowded back roads
from the mountainous Central Highlands to unspoiled tropical beaches, we
pass historic Cham towers, colorful Cao Dai temples, quaint fishing
villages and lush rice fields, where farmers shaded by conical non la
hats work the land of their ancestors. In the Mekong Delta, a network of
ferries and bridges bring us face-to-face with curious villagers who greet
us with surprise and delight. Charming waterside and city center lodgings
welcome us along the way. Vietnam with Backroads - beautiful and powerful.
Day 1 Hanoi We
gather in Hanoi, then shuttle to the Yen River and board small boats for an
upriver journey. A short hike leads us to the ancient Perfume Pagoda. After
a taste of French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine, we are treated to a
traditional water puppet performance.
Days 2-4 Nha Trang
We take a guided walk down Hanoi’s tree-lined Parisian-style boulevards.
Fly to Nha Trang, where white-sand beaches embrace the South China Sea.
Spin by a giant Buddha and into the farm-filled countryside past
1,200-year-old Hindu towers. On a boat ride to a string of coastal islands,
warm waters are perfect for snorkeling or swimming.
Day 5 Phan Rang
A coastal ride takes us south past sea salt farms. Turning inland, we find
locals working water buffalo in lush open fields. Level roads lead to
ancient Cham towers and Cao Dai temples, then back to the sea.
Days 6+7 Dalat
Bike westward toward the Central Highlands on paved roads lined with coffee
and tea plantations. Ascend to higher elevations for mountaintop views of
the Pacific Ocean. Reaching the end of our climb we pass French villas on
the way to charming Dalat, "the City of Eternal Spring." Explore
hill tribe villages on a two-wheeled excursion through verdant fields.
Day 8 Phan Thiet
We leave the mountains for the coastal lowlands of the Mu Ne Peninsula,
where thung chai - simple woven bamboo dinghies - bob in harbor
waters.
Day 9 Saigon
Shuttle to Saigon, where our guide shows us the landmarks and museums of
historic "Ho Chi Minh City."
Days 10-12 Can Tho
A hydrofoil jets us to My Tho via the Mekong Delta. Cross bridges and board
ferries as we pedal along the waterways en route to Can Tho. Ride on
coconut tree-shaded roads to remote villages. We return to Vinh Long for a
farewell picnic before shuttling to Saigon, where our trip ends.
Our
Lodging • The Very Best of
East and West
Hotel Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi (1 night) This five-star
French-colonial landmark in the center of Hanoi has played host to many
world-renowned public figures. Ana
Mandara Resort, pictured, Nha Trang (3 nights) Travel &
Leisure praised the "subtle overindulgence" of these
luxurious beach bungalows with private terraces, a seaside pool and
exceptional cuisine. Ninh
Chu Hotel, Phan Rang (1 night) A basic inn on a beautiful beach. Dalat
Palace, Dalat (2 nights) This grand lakeside retreat is one of
Vietnam’s most elegant hotels. Victoria
Phan Thiet Resort, Phan Thiet (1 night) Individual bungalows and an
inviting pool on a secluded beach. Sofitel
Plaza, Saigon (1 night) Art deco ambience and Asian grace abound at
this lovely hotel featuring a rooftop pool overlooking downtown Saigon. Victoria
Can Tho Hotel, Can Tho (2 nights) Take a swim in the pool or relax in
the open-air lobby of this oasis on the Hau River.
Traveling
through Vietnam, you’ll encounter its past and present at every turn. After
gathering in Hanoi, where belle epoque structures and boulevards evoke the
French-colonial era, we fly south to Nha Trang and begin our two-wheeled
exploration of this intriguing country. Pedaling on uncrowded back roads
from the mountainous Central Highlands to unspoiled tropical beaches, we
pass historic Cham towers, colorful Cao Dai temples, quaint fishing
villages and lush rice fields, where farmers shaded by conical non la
hats work the land of their ancestors. In the Mekong Delta, a network of
ferries and bridges bring us face-to-face with curious villagers who greet
us with surprise and delight. Charming waterside and city center lodgings
welcome us along the way. Vietnam with Backroads - beautiful and powerful.
Ana
Mandara Resort, pictured, Nha Trang (3 nights) Travel &
Leisure praised the "subtle overindulgence" of these
luxurious beach bungalows with private terraces, a seaside pool and
exceptional cuisine. 