Cycle Vietnam
Cycle Vietnam
More than 30 million Vietnamese can't be wrong – handle-bar height gives you the best view of vibrant Vietnam! This 15-day cycling trip take you through unique country landscapes, rice paddies, small villages, bustling cities and beside seas dotted with islands. Meet the friendly locals and experience the culture in a way that wouldn't otherwise be possible. You’ll indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine (Bahn mi, anyone?), cycle through the ancient sites of Hue, hop on a snorkelling boat to the islands near Nah Trang, chill out on palm-lined coasts, immerse yourself in traditional culture at a homestay and get your blood pumping on challenging, full day rides. It’s time to saddle up!
Tour At a Glance
- Cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc and soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – the towering limestone karsts that rise over the rice paddies.
- Ride one of Vietnam’ most spectacular highways to Nha Trang, hugging the granite cliffs and looking out across the sea to the many islands and lagoons. Then, chill out in the coastal town once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient'.
- Discover Mai Chau – a town in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains – and enjoy the local hospitality and homecooked meals in your stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong.
- Make the most of your time in Hue, Hanoi, Hoi An and Ninh Binh with your expert local leader, their unmatched guidance and the super friendly locals!
- Swap your bike for a boat and explore the nearby islands from Nah Trang. Starting on the main boat, you’ll then take a small basket boat to shore and visit a fishing village, go snorkelling in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet.
- Tour code: TVXB
- Group Adventure
Itinerary details
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1 Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure officially begins in Hanoi with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a walk around Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, taking a break along the way for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer). You could also join the queues at the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or chill out and people watch at Hoan Kiem Lake. After your group meeting, you’ll head out for an included dinner at KOTO restaurant – Vietnam's first social enterprise employing disadvantaged youth.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Hanoi - KOTO dinner
Optional Activities
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
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2 Hanoi
This morning, you’ll have some free This morning, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure. If you haven’t already, walking through the Old Quarter is really the best way to get a feel for the city – an architectural museum where the ancient '36 Streets’ sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery, embroidered tablecloths, wood carvings and lacquerware. This afternoon, you’ll cycle through the city on a quiet ride around West Lake. Pass by lotus lakes, old school villas and iconic temples including the Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. Tonight, why not head out for Bahn mi and a local beer – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology
Optional Activities
Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND30000Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000Hanoi - Army Museum - VND20000Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD40
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3 Mai Chau
Saddle up this morning as your cycl Saddle up this morning as your cycling adventure kicks into first gear. Leave Hanoi behind and travel by bus to Hoa Binh, stopping at Vun Art on the way – a social enterprise run by people living with disabilities, specialising in craft products made from Van Phuc silk. When you arrive in Hoa Binh, you’ll jump on your bike and cycle to Cao Phong through small ethnic Thai villages and paddy fields. As limestone peaks climb in the background, you’ll take regular stops to admire the view across the valleys. When you arrive, take a short bus ride to Man Duc for lunch. Then, the bus will take you to the Da River Reservoir. Cycle along the Da River, passing karst cliffs through paddy fields. The peaceful town of Mai Chau sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains and is famed for its scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Tonight, you’ll enjoy some local hospitality in your simple stilt-house homestay in the village of Poom Coong. After a home cooked meal, there may be a chance to sample some of the local rice wine that’s produced here.
Accommodation :
Homestay ( Night)
Included Activities
Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
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4 Ninh Binh
Say farewell to your homestay hosts Say farewell to your homestay hosts and cycle from Mai Chau to Mai Hai and on to Co Luong. You’ll ride through more paddy fields, testing your skills (or suspension) with the shallow potholes along the road. Pass farmers drawn by buffalo and wave to the friendly locals as you cycle. Today is all about the lush green fields, limestone mountains and tranquil waterways. Take a bus along the Ho Chi Minh Road and when you arrive in Ninh Binh, you have the option to take another 36 km cycle around the surrounding area. This is a wonderful chance to see the everyday rural life and take in the countryside.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
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5 Ninh Binh - Overnight train
This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh This morning you’ll cycle from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc to soak up one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views – the limestone karst peaks rising over the rice paddies. Mixed in with the sounds and views of the river, which winds through the fields dotted with boats, you’ll find the true meaning of serene. Cycle to Hoa Lu – once the ancient capital of Vietnam under the 10th century Dinh Dynasty, the temples here were restored in the 17th century and architecture is still in great condition. Here, you’ll take a lunch break at the Dinh or the Le Temple, then it’s back on the bus to return to your hotel. After an early dinner, transfer to Nam Dinh for an overnight train to Hue.
Accommodation :
Overnight sleeper train ( Night)
Included Activities
Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
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6 Hue
Arrive in Hue this morning and hop Arrive in Hue this morning and hop back in the saddle to explore the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue holds the treasures of the royal past – a mix of bustling streets and tranquil countryside settings. Ride through the fields to some of Hue's many remarkable sites, including temples, bunkers, tombs, ruins, pagodas and country landscapes. Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive. The foliage-covered ruins and gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. After, kick back in a cafe or restaurant – Hue’s cuisine is considered by many Vietnamese as the best in the country, influenced both by its imperial heritage (small dishes and a focus on presentation) and its strong Buddhist heritage (reflected in the high proportion of vegetarian restaurants).
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Hue - Imperial City Full Day TourHue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
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7 Hoi An
Leaving Hue, you’ll do some mountai Leaving Hue, you’ll do some mountainous riding today as you conquer the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on the way to the laidback town of Hoi An. This pass is a gorgeous stretch of highway that winds through the Truong Son Mountain Range, with views across the Bay of Danang to the south. It is 500 m above sea level and the up/down slope ranges from 5 to 10 percent. There will be plenty of well-earned breaks along the way to take in the views, snap some photos and rehydrate. When you arrive in Hoi An, you’ll be immersed in the iconic lantern-lit streets, loud markets, tailor shops, artisans, ancient architecture, colourful temples and old school boats lining the river. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved, with parts of the town looking exactly like they did more than a century ago. This makes its streets of low tiled buildings perfect for strolling. Take the evening to soak up the atmosphere, or just rest your legs at a local restaurant after a day’s riding.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
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8 Hoi An
This morning, head out on a leader- This morning, head out on a leader-led walking tour through Hoi An. Discover the history of the Chinese influence as you walk past pagodas and assembly halls. Visit a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The afternoon is free for you to cycle to the beach, head to the tailor shops or find a spot with a view and make the most of happy hour. For those who love to shop, Hoi An is a mecca with much to browse and buy. There are original paintings, leather goods, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and lots more.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip - VND100000Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD77
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9 Quy Nhon
Leave Hoi An behind today and head Leave Hoi An behind today and head south down Highway One on the way to Phu. On this lesser-travelled route, you’ll drive past paddy fields, see the wheat drying for the local Hoi Beer and pass locals playing chess. When you arrive, climb back on you bike and cycle to the coastal city of Quy Nhon. The city is filled with long stretches of beach and relaxed boulevards, and it’s a perfect spot to get to know the locals as it’s seldom visited by tourists. Tonight, you’ll have free time to get an authentic slice of coastal life.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
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10 Nha Trang
Today’s cycle is one of the most br Today’s cycle is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’ll ride on this trip – the highway hugs huge granite cliffs and looks out across the sea. Following parts of the Reunification Railway, you’ll ride alongside spectacular horizons full of islands and lagoons. Join the scooter riders on the waterfront promenade as you arrive in the coastal town of Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient'. The palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay here might just be the best photo op you’ll get! This spot is known for its good weather, vibrant nightlife and excellent diving opportunities.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Nha Trang - Po Nagar Cham Tower
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11 Nha Trang
Today you’ll swap your bike for a b Today you’ll swap your bike for a boat and head out to explore the nearby islands. This excursion is often the highlight of the trip, as you’ll get to know some of the locals and indulge in the beauty of Nah Trang. Starting on the main boat, you’ll then take a small basket boat to shore and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters and feast on a fresh seafood buffet for lunch. Make the most of your free afternoon by lazing in a deck chair, going for another swim or maybe taking a mud bath to soothe away your sore muscles.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Hon Mun Island - SnorkellingNha Trang - Basket boat rideNha Trang - Boat trip
Optional Activities
Nha Trang - Bao Dai Villa - VND120000Nha Trang - Mud baths - VND280000
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12 Dalat
Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba P Head up through the Bidoup-Nui Ba Pass into the cooler climate of the South-Central Highlands, where some of the country's best fruits, flowers and coffee beans are grown. The road here is winding and steep but if you're fit and ready for a challenge, you may want to conquer the whole mountain on your bike. You can also take it easy and flag a lift from the bus. Whichever way you choose to get to the top, you'll still be treated to magnificent views when you reach the summit. After a short photo stop here, you’ll descend to Dalat – a perfect base to explore the region, Dalat is often called the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its temperate climate and landscape full of lakes, palaces, pine tree-covered hills, flower gardens and pagodas.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
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13 Phan Thiet
This morning you’ll take a city tou This morning you’ll take a city tour of Dalat, making the journey to Bao Dai's striking regal summer palace. He was the final emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, and the last to rule Vietnam until 1945. You’ll then discover the wacky and weird architecture of Hang Nga Crazy House. Echoing Gaudi's unconventional designs, this place is described as a 'fairytale house' and you’ll explore the twisted tree roots, cave shaped hallways and animal themed rooms with your group. Drop by the train station and the central market before continuing to Di Linh, where the tea industry looms in the surrounding hills. After lunch, pedal down the forest-lined Gia Bac Pass, then cycle from Malam to Phan Thiets beaches.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Included Activities
Dalat - Hang Nga Crazy House
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14 Ho Chi Minh City
Before heading to the big city, you Before heading to the big city, you’ll spend your last morning taking in the views along the beach on a ride to Lang Long. After a picnic lunch, keep cycling to Cu Bi where you’ll say goodbye to your two-wheeled friend. Hop in your group’s minivan for the final leg to Ho Chi Minh City and discover the fascinating blend of old and new here as East meets West. Maybe spend the final night of your trip with your fellow travellers, exploring the food stalls at Ben Thanh market or with a few glasses of street-side Beer Hoi.
Accommodation :
Hotel ( Night)
Optional Activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
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15 Ho Chi Minh City
There are no activities planned aft There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD45Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD73Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD36
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Dates & Prices
Is this trip right for you.
- To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.
- This trip covers quite a distance – you’ll be cycling for up to 85 km a day on varied terrain, so you’ll need an adequate level of fitness.
- You'll be spending one night in a homestay and another on an overnight sleeper train. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and get a real sense of Vietnamese daily life.
- If you feel like doing all the riding but with less effort, you'll have the option of hiring an electric bike.
Accommodation
- Hotel (12 nights)
- homestay (1 night)
- overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Joining point instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met as you exit the Terminal Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call our hotline on +84 903 117 770. Neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
Alternatively, metered taxi ranks are available outside the airport entrance. Exit the Customs Hall and walk through the airport exit gates A4 and A5 on level 1. You will find Noi Bai Airport Taxis (+84 24 3886 8888) readily available. Noi Bai Airport Taxi drivers wear a yellow uniform shirt. Taxi fare to your hotel in town will cost approx. VND350,000.00 in total. These taxis won't use a meter, but generally charge a fixed fare. Please avoid taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.
Safety
- We take safety seriously on all our trips, but cycling tours deserve a few special considerations. HELMETS: Helmets are compulsory and we do not allow anyone to ride without one (including our own staff!). You can bring your own, or purchase one that meets international safety standards on the ground. Your leader can assist with this. FOOTWEAR For safety reasons we strongly recommend that you wear shoes that cover the toes while riding. SUPPORT VEHICLES We usually have a support vehicle following us if first-aid is ever necessary or people are feeling too tired to ride. BIKES: Our bikes are serviced regularly, and we get them checked by experts before each and every trip. Should you choose to bring your own please note that while we are happy to assist where we can with repairs you are responsible for the safety and suitability of your own equipment. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! There are times when traffic conditions make sections of our planned riding route unsafe – in this instance we will use the support vehicle. WEATHER Due to inclement weather posing a serious health or safety issue there may be times when we use the support vehicle instead of doing the planned ride. We will endeavour to reroute if possible but at times may have to cancel the planned ride.
- FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING: Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.
Medical and health information
- All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
- When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
- You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.
- Rare instances of dengue fever have been reported in this region. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing and always using repellent. Please note that this mosquito is most active during daylight hours however care should be taken at all times.
- Riding across unfamiliar terrain in weather conditions that you are not used to can potentially lead to cycling-related health issues. The most common of which is dehydration. While this arises most frequently on warm/hot days, it is also a factor during cold weather as you continue to sweat. Research shows that most riders will typically lose 500-1000 ml of water per hour. While we schedule in frequent rest stops and encourage you to refill water bottles at every opportunity, it is the responsibility of each cyclist to monitor their own levels of hydration. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink small amounts regularly from the start of your ride. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost through physical activity.
GENERAL HEALTH
DENGUE FEVER
CYCLING HEALTH
Food and dietary requirements
- While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
Important Notes
- Packing for a cycling tour isn’t that different from any other adventure, but if you want to be comfortable and warm, here are a few bike-specific requirements and suggestions
- Main piece of luggage – as space in our support vehicle/transport can be limited we request that you bring only a small bag as your main piece of luggage. We recommend a soft-sided bag
- Helmet – these are compulsory, but if you don’t have your own you can often purchase an approved and well-fitted one at the start of the trip (our leaders can assist you with this). There are some destinations where you are unable to purchase appropriate helmets locally so you will always need to bring your own please check the 'Important Notes' section to see if this is the case.
- Padded bike shorts
- Quick-dry jerseys – you can get away with a few cotton t-shirts but having a few light and breathable jerseys will make your cycling a lot more comfortable, especially in warmer/humid climates.
- Quick-dry socks
- Cycling gloves / Regular gloves – not essential but recommended as padded cycling gloves will make your riding more comfortable and can help protect you in the case of a fall. Regular gloves for those who may not own cycling gloves to keep hands warm in cold wet weather.
- Rain gear – pack a light poncho in case the weather turns when you’re out on the road.
- Light breathable waterproof/windproof outer layers – especially useful for those early mornings or downhill sections when wind-chill becomes a factor.
- Water bottle – we don't provide bottles, but all our bikes have one bottle holder fitted (and a second one can be fitted if required). Please bring a cycling-specific water bottle as other types will fall out of the holders. A Camelbak will make drinking on-the-go easier.
- Sunglasses – well-fitted sports sunglasses help protect against dust, insects and the sun.
- Day pack – our support vehicle will carry your main piece of luggage, but a day pack for snacks and clothes is a good idea.
- Sunscreen – please bring a high protection factor (e.g. SPF50) sunscreen as long days in the saddle mean long exposure to the sun.
- Shoes – normal sports shoes can be worn on all our trips however you may want to consider a flat shoe with a relatively stiff sole as it makes pedalling a lot more efficient. Regular cyclists are welcome to bring their own cycling-specific shoes however we recommend 'mountain bike' style shoes that have grip on the sole rather than ‘road bike' shoes as you will still be walking around while on the rides (cafe/photo/toilet stops, etc). For safety reasons we require that you wear shoes that completely cover the toes while riding.
- Saddles – Our saddles are standard, unisex models –less experienced cyclists may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort.
- Pedals – all bikes come with flat pedals. Regular cyclists are welcome to bring their own pedals – our leader will assist in fitting them to your bike.
- Bike Lights we design our Cycling trips so that you are only riding during daylight hours so do not include bike lights. Should you feel more comfortable riding with 'daytime' flights please bring your own and we will be happy to assist in fitting them to your included bicycle
- What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
- Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).
- If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
- You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
- Below we have listed the essentials for this trip
- When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
CYCLING
DRESS
Passport and visas
PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
ADDRESS FOR VIETNAM VISA APPLICATIONS
If you require an address for your visa application, please use:
Intrepid Vietnam
Ground Floor, Ladeco Building
266 Doi Can St
Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Vietnam
Ph +84 4 3715 0996
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:
Responsible travel
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.
Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
Climate and seasonal
TET
8 - 14 February 2024, 28 January - 3 February 2025
Tet is Vietnam’s New Year festival which takes place in late January/early February based on the lunar calendar and is the most important celebration of the year. While this can be a fascinating time to be in Vietnam, you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many Vietnamese are travelling around the country. Although we do our best to run trips during Tet as per the scheduled itinerary, it is likely that there will be some changes to transport, accommodation or order of destinations visited. Due to the high demand on tickets at this time, flights and overnight trains may on occasion need to be replaced with day buses. We will aim to communicate any known changes prior to your departure.
WET SEASON:
Flooding is common across Vietnam during rainy season (June-December) and could also lead to landslides. Typhoons are also common during this period. During these months there may be disruptions to transport and some activities or destinations may need to be changed as a result at short notice.
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