Vietnam Multisport
Bike, Hike, Sail & Sea Kayak on a Cultural & Historical Odyssey
With stunning natural landscapes, millennia of history, exciting cosmopolitan cities, friendly hamlets and a mélange of cultural influences, Vietnam intrigues and delights even the most seasoned travelers. And there's no better way to become acquainted with this vibrant country than by exploring it at your own pace, under your own locomotion. Walk past pagodas and temples in old Hanoi, sail aboard a traditional Chinese-style junk in Halong Bay and kayak amid labyrinthine limestone outcrops. Bike past vibrant green rice paddies, investigate magnificent historic sites in Hué and stroll through the enchanting city of Hoi An, one of Vietnam's architectural gems. Round out your days of discovery with delicious local cuisine and stays at welcoming hotels.
Trip Planning Links
- Enter an ancient Hanoi temple rarely visited by foreign travelers
- Hoi An: Vietnam's oldest town, beautifully preserved and a delight to explore
- Kayaking through Halong Bay
- Explore the historic monuments of Hué, once the capital of imperial Vietnam
- Indulge in some of Asia's freshest and tastiest cuisine
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Hanoi
Meet in Hanoi 
During a bicycle rickshaw ride in Hanoi's Old Quarter, discover narrow streets packed with food and flower stalls Explore the bustling villages on foot and be welcomed into ancient temples built, between the 10th and 18th centuries, by our local friends.
Days 2-3 Halong Bay
Walk along narrow pathways in ancient villages Board a Vietnamese junk for a journey on Halong Bay, a World Heritage site An afternoon kayak excursion brings us to an intriguing series of caves and a temple maintained by boat-dwelling fishermen On Cat Ba Island, stride through a broadleaf jungle, home to an endangered species of monkey native to the island.
Day 4 Hanoi
Enjoy an early-morning kayak excursion to a floating fishing village Return to Hanoi, where you are free to explore the "Paris of the Orient" and perhaps take in a museum or traditional water puppetry show, or explore the galleries and craft shops.
Days 5-6 Hue
Fly to the World Heritage site of Hué, Vietnam's ancient capital Embark on a warm-up ride along a lagoon and through small rural communities Visit the Hué Royal Citadel Pedal past villages, pagodas and temples to Khai Dinh Mausoleum.
Days 7-9 Hoi An
Journey to Hoi An, an ancient port town filled with wooden houses that once served as shops for Japanese, Indian and Chinese traders Join our local guide for a walking tour of the ancient town Head to famed China Beach for a swim in a protected grotto Quiet communities line our bicycling route to tiny fishing villages on neighboring islands Ride along the South China Sea, or explore Hoi An's many galleries and craft shops Hop on a local cruiser bike for a spin through a nearby village Learn to make rice paper and build a boat from grass reeds.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I was amazed at the quality of the bikes. Having taken other bicycling tours, this is the first time I've ridden someone else's bike that rivals the quality of my own. Plus, the staff was extremely accommodating about making adjustments to the bike to fit each client.- Somerville, MA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Vietnam Multisport
A GRACIOUS WELCOME: Casual Inns
Sofitel Plaza Hanoi
Hanoi (2 nights) Guest rooms at this modern hotel have breathtaking views and deluxe amenities - its all-weather swimming pool with retractable roof is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Huong Hai Junk
Halong Bay (2 nights) Our comfortable boat sails amid the bay's surreal karst formations by day and anchors in a quiet cove at night.
Pilgrimage Village Hotel
Hué (2 nights) Colonial-style rooms with outdoor sitting areas and an inviting pool welcome you at this hotel in a country setting.
Life Resort
Hoi An (2 nights) A peaceful hotel with a swimming pool and a location on the banks of the Do River, just steps from Hoi An's Old Town.
Vietnam Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 hours
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 3 miles
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 2 hours
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Kayaking 1.5 hours
Day 4
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Kayaking 1.5 hours
- Walking 30 minutes
Day 5
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 24, 30 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 26, 33 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 29, 44 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 22 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain