
Vietnam Multisport
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, kayak amid labyrinthine limestone outcrops in Halong Bay, 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.
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 village of Ngoc Ha on foot and visit the Dong Nuoc Temple, built between the 10th and 11th centuries.
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 takes 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.
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 shop houses
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 the Cham ruins, an impressive complex of tower-temples dating from the 4th to the 13th century
Ride through Hoi An and along the South China Sea.
A GRACIOUS WELCOME: Casual Inns
Sofitel Plaza 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 (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 (2 nights): Colonial-style rooms with outdoor sitting areas and an inviting pool welcome you at this hotel in a country setting.
Life Resort (2 nights): This peaceful hotel, located on the banks of the Do River just steps from Hoi An’s Old Town, features a swimming pool.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2.4 miles
Day 2
- Level 1
2 Route Option Available
- Walking 3 miles
- Sailing 2 hours
Day 3
- Level 1
4 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.1, 4 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Sailing 4 hours
- Kayaking 1.5 hours
Day 4
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Kayaking 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Biking 15 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 27, 35 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Level 1
2 Route Option Available
- Biking 15 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1.5 hours
Day 8
- Levels 1 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 19, 28, 59 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 30 minutes
Day 9
- Level 1
2 Routes Option Available
- Biking 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Hoi An
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/26-2/3Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $150
- 11/29-12/7Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $150
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/16-24Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $170
- 11/28-12/6Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $800 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $170
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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

I've never been on another vacation where each day is better than the last! The hotels were amazing - I would love to see what "premiere" is if this was casual!- Chicago, IL

This trip was absolutely the best trip my wife and I have ever taken. Everything exceeded our expectations! We had no idea that Vietnam offered so many cultural experiences. The mix of bicycling, hiking and kayaking was perfect. What a way to see Vietnam verses traditional tour companies. Our local guide was very knowledgeable and very funny! The food was excellent (we may have to return just for a bowl of pho!) I was pleasantly surprised to see the quality of the bicycles. Titanium frames with carbon forks are perfect for the type of riding we did. My bike was tuned up and ready to go. Very nice!- Highlands Ranch, CO

After almost 40 years of active and adventure travel on my own, this was very first time I ventured to go with a "tour company". The cost was obviously higher, but Backroads provided great service and logistics and the combination of travel, activities, sights, group dynamics, learning about the area, arrangements, accommodations, food, local culture, as well as the adventurous mishaps all seamlessly blended together into one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips I have ever taken. I am sure I will be Back.- New Rochelle, NY

With Vietnam changing so quickly, it's great to be able to see it from a local's perspective the way it's probably been for ages...via a bicycle. You have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant culture, riding & walking alongside the locals through some breathtakingly serene and ancient villages, and meeting village headmen, who open up centuries-old temples for our private viewing. This is a great way to travel in Vietnam!- Regional Manager Asia & the East Coast
