Biking North Vietnam - 7 Days

Day 1: Hanoi – Duong Lam Village – Mai Chau
This tour is to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and traditions. Duong Lam Village is one of the few typical villages which is still kept almost intact. The site is well famous for its architecture of ancient structures, its attractive narrow alleyways, temples dedicated to the two kings born there.
In the morning, journey southwest to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the majestic quietness of the countryside. On arrival, pay a visit to an ancient house where you will learn about the architecture of this almost 400 year old accommodation and the way the local live through a warm welcome and chat with the host. Then, walk around some parts of this charming village to discover more. First, stop at the Communal House and the nearby village pagoda – fine examples of Northern Vietnamese architecture. Next, visit the temples of King Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung before strolling further to the unique- in – design Mia pagoda housing a huge collection of 287 Buddhist statues. After that we journey an hour on a bicycle through the village and its never-ending rice fields. On the way, pick up any chance to interact with the inhabitants of this national treasure who live simple but happy life.
After having lunch with a local family, take a 3 hour scenic drive toward Mai Chau, a yawning valley, cradling picturesque rice paddies and boarded by looming karst rock formations. Once you reach Mai Chau, settle into your homestay and then walk around this Thai village to get acquainted with where you will be spending tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.

Day 2: Mai Chau
Today is more active day as you will cycle intensively on a mix of good single-track paths and undulating rough jeep trails throughout the valley rice paddy fields, villages, hot spring, suspension bridges. On the way, you will take many awesome photos of the breathtaking views and talk with the local who always show their great hospitality. When arrive in Cun Pheo, a beautiful and less visited Thai community, hop off your bike to wander around for more.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh
Have breakfast at the village then drive to Nho Quan, a rural district of Ninh Binh province in the Red River delta. Begin cycling from this perfect point through the lush and beautiful countryside toward Cuc Phuong National Park. Stop for a picnic lunch then continue biking further in the most beautiful area of the country. Arrive in Tam Coc in the late afternoon. Check-in the hotel and spend rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

Day 4: Ninh Binh
Rise up early and be the first boarding your private sampan to beat the crowd. The leisurely 90 minute boat ride will take you down the magnificent Ngo Dong River. When passing through the three caves where the famous French movie 'Indochine' was filmed, you will be so much impressed with the karst reflection on the water. Disembarkation to cycle to Bich Dong, the temple which is set among pink lotuses, offers the spectacular views of the surrounding area. Back to Tam Coc where you will tend to your rumbling stomach with a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
In the afternoon, continue cycling to challenge the rural connection with Hoa Lu, the national former capital where you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been ruined) once covered an area of three square kilometres.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodations: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Cat Ba
Today, transfer through the rich farmland of the Red River delta toward Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay. Though the central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its once-lovely bay, but the rest of the island is largely untouched and as wild as ever.
Arriving in Cat Ba late afternoon, check in hotel. Free and relax.  
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: Hotel in Cat Ba.

Day 6: Cat Ba Island – Biking to the National Park
Today you will explore the beautiful parts of Cat Ba Island and experience the local village which is located in the National Park in a way that can’t be more active. First, take a scenic boat ride cruising along the less known routes on the idyllic Lan Ha Bay. Disembarking at the jetty where you cycle through the achingly beautiful forests and mountains toward Viet Hai village. After discovering around the site to experience the rural lifestyle, return to the boat for your fresh seafood lunch while cruising further between the amazing limestone karst formations rising up out of the sea in an impressive manner. You may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the bay.
Later this afternoon, transfer back to the hotel. Spend the rest of day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodations: Hotel in Cat Ba.

Day 7: Cat Ba – Hanoi
Free until time transfer back to Hanoi. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: N/A.