Biking Adventure travel Vietnam adventure tours adventure biking Vietnam tour companies Ho Chi Minh Trail biking Experience 7 Days

- This is an old supply route of the HCM Trail that fed the main trail with ammunitions during the American War with Vietnam

- You’ll take in the beautiful limestone mountains of the Truong Son Mountain Range

- Overnight at the edge of Pu Luong Nature Reserve in a traditional Thai village homestay

- A challenging adventure with basic accommodation, but really a unique trip.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY1: HANOI-MAICHAU MOUNTAIN

Depart from Hanoi early this morning, transfer by our support vehicle to Mai Chau. Arriving at lunchtime, enjoy a cooked lunch at a local Tai villagehouse before setting off along a spectacularly beautiful river valley towards Hoi Xuan along an undulating tarmac road. (Old highway 15A) The road follows the flow of River Song Ma. This is an old supply route of the HCM Trail that fed the main trail with ammunitions during the American War with Vietnam. Overnight at the edge of Pu Luong Nature Reserve in a traditional Thai village homestay, part of an ecotourism community project set up by Fauna and Flora International in 2003. Overnight in village stilt house. (25km cycling) (L, D)

DAY2: PULUONG NATURE RESERVE-NGOC LAC VILLAGE

An early morning start to beat the heat of the day. The route takes us away from the river and appears to contour through the same range of mountains that stretch from Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong to Hoa Lu. The road gets more beautiful the closer you ride to Ngoc Lac with looming karsts limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The route is tarmac all the way, but quite hard riding due to the undulating terrain. Overnight in local hotel Ngoc Lac. (70km cycling) (B, L, D)

DAY3: NGOC LAC - THAI HOA

Ride for the first time on the newly built two lanes Ho Chi Minh Highway. It hardly warrants two lanes as there is no traffic! The road makes for smooth fast riding, and for those who prefer there is always the old highway dirt and gravel - that weaves around the new highway allowing for plenty of exploring possibilities along the way.
Ride to Muc Son, on the banks of River Song Chu. On the outskirts of this small town are the famous Kan Linh historical relics - a pagoda where the first king of the Ly dynasty, Le Thai To, ruled, in 1428. Continue riding on the trail to Yen Cat. The distance covered today is quite long and there will be the chance to transfer some sections by the back-up vehicle to rest weary legs. There are fewer villages today as the route cuts through forests and jungle. Picnic lunch en route. Overnight Thai Hoa guesthouse. (80km cycling) (B, L, D)

DAY4: THAI HOA-NGHE AN
Continue riding the incredible Ho Chi Minh Trail. Have lunch in Lat town. In Kim Lien visit the famous museum and birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in 1890. This province has a reputation for producing charismatic revolutionary leaders; not only Ho Chi Minh but also Phan Boi Chau – another fervent anti colonialist -was born here. Overnight in Nghe An Town. (100km cycling) (B, L, D)

DAY5: NGHE AN-HUONG KHE
After a relaxing breakfast continues riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The trail is still a dream to ride on. Again there is virtually no traffic. Transfer if tired in the afternoon to Huong Khe for overnight in a local guesthouse. (80km cycling)(B, L, D)

DAY6: HUONG KHE-PHONG NHA NATIONAL PARK
From Huong Khe the mountains rise and the road winds up, down and along the hillsides. The scenery is spectacular, the road tranquil. Ride up to 80km then transfer the last few km to Phong Nha National Park. The park contains one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam; it is a true speleological wonder. Visit the cave by boat then wander through the cavern, past the foundations of ancient Cham ruins. Pause to admire the incredible formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Formed approximately 250 million years ago and during the American war, the North Vietnam army had used Phong Nha cave as a hospital and ammunition depot. The entrance still shows evidence of fighter aircraft attacks. There are community projects underway with Flora and Fauna International and it may be possible to visit village initiatives and learn more about the forests of the National Park. Overnight at the National Park. (80km cycling) (B, L, D)

DAY7: PHONG NHA-HUE CITY
Explore Phong Nha Cave in the early morning. Continue riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail across the DMZ (better known as the 17^th Parallel,) to Cam Lo. The road is now quite flat and makes for good cruising! Stop en route to visit Truong Son Cemetery, a memorial to the tens of thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who were killed in the Truong Son Mountains along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Fourteen miles further on is the town of Cam Lo – the Trail here intersects a strategic feeder road (H9) from Dong Ha and at this junction part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail heads across country into Laos. We finish our exploration of the Ho Chi Minh trail here. This is where we end the cycling section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Transfer to Hue visiting war relics en route. Overnight Hotel in Hue. End of services (60km cycling) (B, L)

INCLUSION

All transportation and transfers
English speaking guide
All accommodation based on twin share basis with daily breakfast
Meals as indicated in the detailed itinerary
Water during biking
Relevant permits and fees.

EXCLUSION

Travel insurance
Visa fees
Helmet
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities

The Bicycles
Our professional bicycles designed with 24 speeds for all kinds of terrain. The bicycles are available in a number of sizes.

City	Accommodation
Mai Chau	Stilt house
Phong nha	Park’s guest house
Thai Hoa	Local guest house
Huong khe	Local guest house
Nghe an	Local guest hous