Enjoy easy cycling through one of Vietnam's hidden secrets!
"We had a fantastic time on the Limestone Landscapes tour. The Vietnamese were so welcoming and friendly, the tour was planned well to show us interesting areas and the scenery and terrain were different each day. Binh was a great guide and the day up in the mountains at the H'Mong village was absolutely fascinating." Jill Brewis, New Zealand, Limestone Landscapes, April 2010.
Nine days/8 nights North Vietnam bicycle vacation exploring the limestone country of Ninh Binh province, Cuc Phuong National Park & Mai Chau tribal district. Meet in Hanoi before cycling amongst the amazing rock outcrops of Ninh Binh, visit the huge stone Catholic Cathedral in Phat Diem, travel by boat to the water-bound village of Ken Ghe before cycling into the rainforests of Cuc Phuong National Park with its world renowned Primate Rescue Centre.
Stay in the midst of the hill tribe region where you will enjoy a unique cultural show in a traditional long house and visit a local H’Mong village, before returning via a great downhill to Hanoi. This North Vietnam bike tour is designed to compliment a pre or post tour visit to one of the natural wonders of the world, the World Heritage recognized Halong Bay with its three thousand spectacular shaped kaarst (limestone) islands.
 As part of our commitment to responsible tourism we use locally sourced bikes. Our bikes are strong, sturdy and reliable - but certainly not the latest hi-tech alloy offering from Trek! (And in that lies the charm of the trip) It helps that most of the route is flat, but there are plenty of gears for the easy hills and our bikes have western saddles and pedals for your comfort. The cycling is superb, at any moment there are a multitude of unique sights to see and we have included many off-the-bike experiences for you to enjoy.
Enjoy the trip in the company of your fully trained and experienced Vietnamese guides who will provide the local interpretation as well as looking after your every need.
Activities include:
- Cycle on quiet lanes amongst the limestone outcrops and waterways surrounding Ninh Binh
- Take a boat trip to visit the water bound Ken Ghe village, where you will be intrigued by the skill of the locals as they paddle their boats with their feet
- Visit the massive Catholic Cathedral at Phat Diem, with its unique Sino-Vietnamese architecture
- Spend two days in Cuc Phuong National Park and tour the world famous primate Rescue Centre to see the efforts made in preserving the endangered local gibbon and langurs
- Ride through the National Park to the park centre where you will visit the "Cave of the Prehistoric Man" and hike into the ancient rainforest
- Spend two nights in a luxurious resort hotel surrounded by rice paddles & verdant green mountains in the heart of the Mai Chauy hill tribe region
- Enjoy a special cultural performance, drink rice wine and dance with the Thai ethnic villagers in a traditional tribal long house
- Visit a local H'Mong hill tribe village before cycling alongside an isolated river valley to a spectacular view point
- Ride past brilliant green rice paddies, stunning limestone formations and peaceful villages
- Relax at our excellent 3-4 star hotels and resorts, all with private facilities and air-conditioning
- Add an extra two days to your tour to visit one of the natural wonders of the world, the spectacular Halong Bay
- Enjoy delicious meals, Vietnamese cuisine is world renowned with its combination of Western and Asian influences and we have carefully chosen restaurants with a high standard of hygiene.
Above all you will experience the essence of Northern Vietnam, with its friendly people and unique water based and hill country lifestyles. You will learn so much from our local English speaking guides who take great pleasure and pride in introducing you to their region. We guarantee they will become lifelong friends and you will leave with this unique corner of Vietnam occupying a special place in your heart.
A note re: fitness – this tour does have some easy climbing, and as we negotiate the rural roads & lanes it has many turns on some sections, which require that at times we must ride as a group. As such you need to have an average fitness with some cycling experience. For novice riders we suggest that you consider our Mekong Delta Cycle Tour. For the athletes amongst the group there are several opportunities during the tour to stretch out & cover some distance at pace, please discuss these options with your guide while on tour.
Airport Transfers – transfers in taxis or with a private vehicle and English speaking guide can be arranged from Hanoi International Airport to the city (45 mins). Please ask us for a quote.
"It was wonderful overall and the Vietnamese people are amazing (industrious and friendly) and we have amassed memories as a family we can share for many years. I will recommend it highly to other people. We had the most wonderful time." Liz Ahern, December 2009
Click here to read our detailed Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: Tours will be confirmed at the 2011 price with a minimum of 3 people. Tours can be confirmed for only 2 people at USD $1,928pp.
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