Ride on the Wild Side: Motorcycling along Vietnam's Historic Ho Chi Minh Trail
Once used as the supply line linking North and South Vietnam during the American-Vietnamese war, the Ho Chi Minh trail has returned to its origins as a dense jungle environment, though paved roads allow for motorcyclists to pass through. Journey through this stunning and exotic landscape, experiencing the beauty of Vietnam with visits to World Heritage Sites Phong Nha Cave and Khe Bang National Park. Explore the former imperial capital of Hue and trading center of Hoi An, and pass by sites of historical importance including the Demilitarized Zone and the Hien Luong Bridge.
HIGHLIGHTS
Taste the delicious Vietnamese dishes that inspired Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay
Ride along Vietnam’s most remote jungle trails Adventure into Phong Nha Cave on your own boat
Explore the ancient streets of beautiful Hue and Hoi An
- Start your journey today!
- Number of Days
2 days | 2 đêm
- Destination
Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam
Tour Itinerary
- Day1Day 01: Hanoi Arrival
Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (34km): 50 mins
Upon arrival in Hanoi, your guide and private car will meet you at airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
Notes: The itinerary can be flexible base on your arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with small surcharge).
- Day2Day 02: Hanoi - City Tour
Vietnam’s quaint capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes and colonial villa’s and a more sedate pace than other Asian cities. Hanoi offers something for everyone and will leave you wishing that you had longer to explore this enthralling capital.
Depart for a full day tour of Hanoi. Your first visit will be Temple of Literature. In 1076, Vietnam's first university Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Visit The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. (Viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)
Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism.
Following take a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. At the end of the day transfer back to your hotel.
Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi old quarter.
- Day3Day 03: Hanoi - Haiphong - Catba - Halong
Hanoi to Halong Bay (160km): 3hrs 45 mins
The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage area of Halong Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery of Halong Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes and surrounded by colorful floating villages is a truly a breathtaking destination.
Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 3hr30mins drive to Catba island. Arrive at your jetty in Ben Beo pier towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight aboard on Lan Ha Bay.
- Day4Day 04: Lan Ha - Catba - Hanoi - Departure
Halong Bay to Noi Bai Airport (160km): 3hrs
Enjoy your fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Haiphong or Hanoi for your onward flight. End of our service
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