HO CHI MINH TRAILS VIETNAM BY BICYCLE

Ha Noi to Hoi An 9days/8nights

As you follow the route once used by North Vietnamese soldiers on their way to war, you will travel through
remote areas where Westerners are still a rarity. You will take in the beautiful limestone mountains of the Truong
Son Mountain Range. Visit historical sites dating back to the 15th, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh and the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha National Park. For war buffs, it will be possible to visit the site of the
US combat base at Khe Sanh, where one of the most famous battles of the war took place. This is a challenging
adventure with basic accommodation, but providing a unique insight into remote Vietnam.

DAY1 HANOI ARRIVAL (D)

On your arrival in Hanoi, your guide will be at the airport to welcome you. Spend some time
exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter with its fascinating streets steeped in history and culture. Each street was
named after the product initially sold there in the past, such as Hang Da (leather street) or Hang Ca
(fish street). These days, not all the products are still sold on that street, but they are definitely worth
exploring, and the narrow alleys often open up into a whole new area. Dinner will be at a local
restaurant and we'll overnight in the capital.

DAY2 HANOI TO HALONG BAY (B,L,D)

Depart Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by road through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the
scenery of rice fields (harvest time: 5th month and 10th month of Lunar New Year), water buffalo
and everyday Vietnamese village life on both side of the highway No.18.
12.15 pm: Arrive in Ha Long city, board our traditional wooden junk boat, for an overnight journey.
Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin your cruise through the bay. Feast on
a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock
 islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave,
one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. Swim at Soi Sim beach or Titop beach or a short trek to
the top of Titov mountain for a magnificent panorama scenery.
7.30pm: Enjoy your dinner with fresh seafood on board.
9.00pm: Squid fishing or relaxing and chatting with your partner, friends, family.
Overnight on Ha Long Bay aboard of Junk.

DAY3 HALONG BAY TO HANOI (B,L)

7:00am: For early riser complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served.
8.00 am: Visit Luon cave on small bamboo boat paddle by out crew staff and enjoy the quiet
atmosphere enclosed by high islets and mountains. Be back to our Junk. Sail past rock formations
such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil
scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Ha Long city, etc.
9.00 am: Arrange your luggage and do the check out on board.
9.30 am: Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock
formations.
11.30 am: Arrive back at Ha Long city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back
to your Hanoi.

DAY4 HA NOI - NINH BINH 50KM CYCLING (B,L,D)

Today, we'll make an excursion to Hoa Lu. Around a 100 kms from the present-day capital of Hanoi, Hoa
 Lu was Vietnam's capital just over a millennium ago. Two temples remain on the site as reminders of
times gone by. The Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is dedicated to the memory of a previous dynasty, while
the Temple of Le Dai Hanh stands as a remembrance to a previous emperor. Later in the day, we'll our
way to Tam Coc. Tam Coc is the jewel in Ninh Binh Province's scenic crown. With its meandering rivers,
green rice paddies and jagged, jutting limestone peaks and cliffs, it's no wonder Vietnamese have
bestowed upon it the nickname of the “inland Halong Bay” (although it's on a much smaller scale than
it's oceanic counterpart). We'll play explorer and jump into a small boat to investigate the three caves
after which Tam Coc is named (it literally means 'three caves'), which range from about 45 to 130
metres in length.
After a day of discovery, we'll spend the evening in the province's capital of Ninh Binh.

DAY5 NINH BINH - VINH 40KM CYCLING (B,L,D)

Day five sees us taking a bus to the coastal city of Vinh, capital of Nghe An Province and birthplace of
former president Ho Chi Minh (technically he was born a few kilometres away but Vinh citizens claim
him as their own). Vinh, with its population of just under half a million, is an important industrial and
transportation centre due to its location on the coast, near the Laos border as well as on the narrow
stretch of the country's north/south highway. We'll spend the day cycling along the former supply trails
and stop to visit the famous Dong Loc Junction. This junction was a significant strategic meeting place
for the supply of military goods and also one of the most heavily bombed areas during the war with
America. Tragically, in 1968 ten girls were killed in a bombardment while repairing and clearing the road.
The girls were hailed as martyrs and the area has become a national historical site and a memorial has
been set up in the their honour. We'll then make our way back to Vinh where we'll spend the night.

DAY6 VINH – PHONG NHA 80KM CYCLING (B,L,D)

This is a day where we cycle back through the mists of history. We'll take a morning ride through areas
that were heavily involved, and bombed, in war time, like the rural districts of Huong Khe, Khe Ve and
Khe Gat. It's not all doom and gloom though, as the scenery of the countryside is truly beautiful and the
ethnic villages which dot the area make for a colourful scene. Later we're in for a treat as we visit the
world famous Phong Nha Ke Bang World Heritage Site – one of only seven in Vietnam. Situated in the
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, the site is nestled between Laos in the west and the South China Sea
in the east. We'll spend a restful night in the park, ready to explore the area more fully the next day.

DAY7 PHONG NHA – HUE 60KM+ CYCLING (B,L,D)

This area is literally riddled with caves, grottos and limestone formations. Most spectacular of all, of
course, is Phong Nha Cave, which is over 7 km long and is known for its myriads of caverns and rocky
formations. We'll take a boat out to visit caves and maybe even do some spelonking. The park also
boasts the world's largest cave – the Son Doong Cave – which was only discovered in 1991 and properly
surveyed in 2009.
After an early morning exploration of Phong Nha Cave, transfer 1.5 hours by road to the Ho Chi Minh
Trail to resume your ride. Pedal across the DMZ (also known as the 17th Parallel) to Cam Lo. 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. 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.

DAY8 HUE CITY 25KMCYCLING (B,L)

Following breakfast, enjoy a relatively easy cycle on the back roads of Hue through lush countryside on
a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes. The day begins with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where you
will explore the ruins of this grand monument to the emperors. Then, ride along backstreets, following
the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue through the quiet roads of Hue’s
countryside to visit the royal tomb of Minh Mang a former Nguyen emperor, and loop back across the
river to Hue via the funerary monument to Khai Dinh. Return to central Hue early this afternoon for
time at your leisure to relax or tour more on your own. Overnight in Hue.

DAY9 HUE – HOI AN 90KM CYCLING (B,L,D)

Today is an epic ride with two small hills to conquer before the intense 11 km climb uphill to the top of
Hai Van Pass where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the coast. With a recently opened
tunnel through the mountain, there is now very little traffic on this uphill road. Cruise down the pass to
Lang Co beach for a swim and lunch. Then transfer the final 35 kilometres by car to Hoi An, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The remainder of this afternoon and evening is at your leisure to explore the
narrow streets and lanes of this charming town. Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY10 HOI AN DEPARTURE (B)
Today you are free at leisure until transfer to Da Nang for your onward flight. End of trip and welcome
back.

OPTIONAL TOUR : HOI AN TO MY SON 40KM+ CYCLING (L)

We’ll transfer out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along the country roads along the Song
Tranh River to My Son. We’ll grab a bite to eat before heading out to explore the site. My Son was the
ancient centre of the Cham civilization, and remnants of this culture dating back as far as the 4 th
Century can still be found here. Descendents of the Cham people still live in Vietnam and neighbouring
Cambodia as well as Thailand. Champa towers are classic examples of their architecture and there are
quite a few which survive throughout the region. We’ll head back to Hoi An via the van in the afternoon.

Evenings in Hoi An are possibly some of the most beautiful in the whole country, especially on a full
moon, as shop fronts light up with colourful, traditional lanterns as you enjoy a stroll down the
promenade and the Thu Bon River laps lazily at the shore. One of the unique aspects of this town is
the fact that motorised vehicles are banned in the centre throughout most of the day, making for a
quiet and relaxing amble as you peruse the myriad shops and restaurants. We'll spend the second night
in Hoi An (at the same hotel stayed the previous night).

*Itinerary is subject to change depending on road conditions and availability of rooms*

ACCOMMODATION
OVERNIGHT CITY HOTEL NAME HOTEL TYPE ROOM TYPE NO OF NIGHT

HA NOI TIRANT 3* HOTEL SUPERIOR 1

HA LONG PALOMA 4* CRUISE DELUXE 1

NINH BINH LEGEND 4* HOTEL SUPERIOR 1

VINH MUONG THANH 3* HOTEL DELUXE 1

PHONG NHA CHAY LAP FARMSTAY SIMPLE 1

HUE IMPERIAL 5* HOTEL DELUXE CITY 2

HOIAN LOTUS 3* HOTEL DELUXE 1

OPTION 2
OVERNIGHT CITY HOTEL NAME HOTEL TYPE ROOM TYPE NO OF NIGHT

HA NOI SOFITEL METROPOLE 5* HOTEL PREMIUM 1

HA LONG PARADISE 5* CRUISE DELUXE 1

NINH BINH EMERALDA 5* RESORT SUPERIOR 1

VINH MUONG THANH 4* HOTEL PREMIUM DELUXE 1

PHONG NHA LAKE HOUSE 3* RESORT BUNGALOW LAKE 1

HUE LA RESIDENCE 5* HOTEL DELUXE CITY 2

HOIAN VICTORIA 5* RESORT RIVER VIEW 1

INCLUSIVE
• 01 English speaking biking guide (02 guides if group bigger than 11). Biking guides are first aid qualified
and can maintain bikes. Their role is to deliver a safe and enjoyable tour to the clients, they manage the
group, co ordinate the driver and support vehicle, buy snacks and fruit along the way, look out for
clients needs. They are cultural guides as well as pure biking.
• Meals in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary. (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
(depending on condition of local area, we have picnic for lunch sometimes)
• Private air-conditioned for a group from pick up and all support until drop off at the end as itinerary. We
may use truck(s) along with van to carry bikes & bikers in some road condition.
• Local bike hire including transport of bikes(If you bring your own bike, fee is deducted)
• Water, snacks, fresh fruits, cool towel for cycling days
• All entrance fees
• Accommodation in twin sharing room standard hotel with daily breakfast
EXCLUSIVE
• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax
• Tips to drivers, driver assistants, local people, porters at boat station, hotels and airports, guides.
• Transfer to/from the airport
• Alcoholic drinks and drinks during meals
• Personal travel insurance.
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping, camera film and so on…)
• Any other services not clearly stated in the itinerary and trip inclusive portion

PACKAGE TOURS – US Dollar Daily Departure with English speaking local guide
Net per person in half-twin room
Hotel Number of passengers Single
room extra
SOLO 2 3-5 6-9 10-14 15-19 20+
OPT 1 US$3187 US$1796 US$1497 US$1385 N/A N/A N/A US$505
OPT 2 US$4733 US$2569 US$2270 US$2158 N/A N/A N/A US$1278
OPTIONAL Us$274 US$155 US$125 US$111 N/A N/A N/A US$30
TOUR
1 FOC for tour leader in half twin for every 15 paying pax based on private tour only
*Vietnam Bike Tours reserves the right to adapt the above rates if fuel prices are increasing by 25% and more.
These surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking*

CONTACT US
Vietnam Bike Tours
Tel: (84-28) 35040647/ 66530372
24/7 support: (+84) 1255075999
Email: info@vietnambiketours.com
Website: http://www.vietnambiketours.com
Head Office: 126 Dinh Bo Linh str., Ward 15, Binh Thanh Dist., Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TRAVEL STYLE
What better way to see the best of South-East Asia than with a group of friends, family or like-minded people,
pedaling along at your own pace? At Vietnam Bike Tours, we offer you the unique opportunity to soak up the
stunning scenery of Vietnam and surrounds, as well as engage with the local culture on an original itinerary that
can be customised around your individual needs. You can plumb the depths of our professional guides'
knowledge and experience as you traverse varied and diverse landscapes from the saddle of your two-wheeled,
adventure machine. While each trip is unique, all require some level of physical effort and fitness in varying
degrees. Each itinerary includes specific details on level of difficulty, total kilometres to be cycled each day,
possible cycling conditions and a full brief. Rest assured, safety is our priority. Our team has been put together,
and our itineraries designed, to provide you with maximum peace of mind and support so you can concentrate
on spotting the next water buffalo ploughing the paddies or take a rest whenever you need to.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
One of the most fulfilling parts of travelling in a new country, especially a developing one, is giving back. At
Vietnam Bike Tours, we have designed our trips to be about more than just cycling. We ensure you have a
positive impact on the communities you visit wherever possible. Be it eating at local restaurants, visiting local
markets or spending a few precious hours at a local orphanage or charity, small acts of kindness have rippling
repercussions and we strive to create them.

DRESS
Vietnam is still quite a conservative region. In rural areas and especially temples, overly-revealing clothing may
be considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking
around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have
something with you on the bike to put on over the top (long loose shorts or a skirt/sarong). When visiting
temples, shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knees. Singlet or tank tops (sleeveless shirts) are not
acceptable in temples.

PHRASE BOOK
Some of the most lasting memories of your travels to Vietnam will be engaging with the local culture, i.e. the
people you come in contact with. While some locals may speak some English, especially in the tourist areas, not
all do. It's well-advised to learn a few stock phrases as Vietnamese people respond well to tourists who go to
the extra effort of learning even just a smattering of their language. We can teach you some of the basics if you
like, but it's best to bring along a phrase book if you really want to interact with the local people.

DONATIONS
All too often we've seen how a kind-hearted gesture of giving can turn into a culture of expectation and
dependence. While it's always generous and a well-intended thought to bring along pens, old clothes, sweets or
books for children and families who are less well-off, unfortunately, foreigners often come to be seen as
“providers of freebies”. This can sour the interaction with the local communities, who can come to expect
giveaways. Our suggestion to make sure the donations reach the intended recipients is to pass any items to us
and we, in turn, will give them to the the relevant development organisations , or directly to schools or the
whole community. This ensures that items are distributed to those most in need.

POVERTY
Although Vietnam is developing quickly, there is still large pockets of poverty, especially in rural and tourist
areas. Always bear in mind that what for you may be small change can be a day or week's salary for local
workers. We suggest that when giving money to beggars or those in need, always consult your tour leader
about the amount to be given. Also, there are various charities and organisations working in poverty-alleviation
in Vietnam and South-East Asia who may benefit more, and in turn help more, from your donations.

SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
While no commitment is required, there are numerous charities and developmental organisations which you can
support in various ways. Our tour guide will inform you about these on your cycling trip.

GROUP SIZE
A minimum of two people are needed to guarantee departure (less than two on a trip can also depart but a
surcharge will be levied).

ACCOMMODATION
Due the nature of cycling trips, which often take you deep into rural countryside areas, we sometimes stay in
some towns or villages where the general standard of accommodation is quite low, so try to make the most of
this unique experience. We strive to find the best possible accommodation in these locales, which may be far
from what you'd expect in your own country, but trust us - there's nothing better!

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION

If you would like us to organize extra nights' accommodation either before or after the trip, at our start or finish
point hotel, just let us know when you book the trip.

TRANSPORT
All transport listed is included in the trip price. For the cycling days we will have the backup of a larger local
vehicle which will carry our baggage, snacks, water and any extra non-cycling passengers. Often we will also
make use of ferries, boats, mini-buses and other forms of local transport.

BIKES
Bikes are included in the trip cost (however, there is a discount for bringing your own bike – see below). We
have our own fleet of Marin and Trek bikes (with a new range of Trek's arriving later in every 2 years ). Our
bike's are always in tip-top shape and all necessary tools are on-board, although any roadside repairs will be
made by your tour guide, who doubles as a mechanic. Please specify your bike size when booking. You may
wish to bring your own pedals, cleats, saddle or handlebar extensions, as we can easily fit them to our bikes.
You are of course welcome to bring your own bike. Keep in mind though that while we offer maintenance and
spares for the bikes we provide, we can't guarantee that we can cater to your particular bicycle's needs so it
would be best to bring your own parts and tools. If you are unsure, we recommend that you speak to your local
bike shop about what parts to bring.
Because we travel with a support vehicle it is not necessary to carry many things with you on the bike. You may
like to carry a daypack, bumbag or handlebar bag with personal belongings, camera, sunscreen etc., or you may
prefer to leave a daypack in the support vehicle and carry only a camera & rain jacket (perhaps in a seatpost
bag) when cycling.
Bike rental conditions and agreement

RECITALS
Whereas: Vietnam Bike Tours is in the travel and leisure business and, as part of the services it provides to its
Customers, it rents sporting articles such as bicycles;
Whereas: The Customer wishes to rent a bicycle from Vietnam Bike Tours for temporary and personal use by the
customer for pleasure; and
Whereas: Vietnam Bike Tours wishes to enter into a rental arrangement with the Customer under the following
specific terms and conditions;
Now therefore, Vietnam Bike Tours and the Customer covenant and agree the following:
1. The Customer understands, acknowledges and agrees that there are certain inherent risks in using
bicycles improperly or without due regard for safety and, as a result, cannot be held in any away
responsible for any damages, bodily harm, injury or death the Customer may sustain, either directly,
resulting from, or in connection with, the use of the bicycles rented from Vietnam Bike Tours
2. The Customer hereby releases, cancels, forgive and forever discharges Vietnam Bike Tours and each of
its directors, officers, heirs, successors and assigns in all capacities whatsoever, from all actions, claims,
demands, damages, obligations, liabilities, controversies and executions, of any kind or nature
whatsoever, whether known or unknown, whether suspected or not, which have arisen, or may have
arisen, or shall arise, and the Customer does specifically waive any claim or right to assert any cause of
action or alleged case of action or claim or demand which has, through oversight or error intentionally or
unintentionally or through a mutual mistake, been omitted from this Release.
3. The provisions of this Release and its recitals must be read as a whole and are not severable and/or
separately enforceable by either party hereto.

FOOD
We understand that food is a very important part of any travel experience. Most of the meals on this trip are
included in the trip cost, with a few exceptions like free days. To see which meals are included, please read the
itinerary table. Vegetarians and vegans are well-catered for and should you have any other dietary restrictions,
please just inform us before hand and we will strive to meet them.
MONEY
You will need to bring money on the trip to pay for some meals, drinks, activities in the free time, departure tax
and of course whatever shopping takes your fancy.
The official currency of Vietnam is the Viet Nam Dong (VND), however, the US Dollar serves as a second
currency and can be used in many situations. When coming to Vietnam it is best to bring small denomination
USD notes in cash along with travellers cheques as your main form of money. Credit cards can be used in a few
major centres, however, they should not be relied on as the main way to access your money. There are now
ATMs in most major cities which dispenses VND; however, this should not be relied on as your sole source of
money.
The amount you bring is going to depend on how much you plan to spend. To give you an indication of prices
Beer would cost around 12,000vnd – 20,000vnd
Dinner at local restaurant 50,000vnd – 100,000vnd per person
Dinner at foreign restaurant 100,000vnd – 200,000vnd per person

INSURANCE
Obtaining your own travel insurance is required in order to participate on a Vietnam Bike Tours trip. It will need
to include a minimum coverage of medical expenses with emergency evacuation, personal liability and accident
insurance. Your group leader will need to see a copy of your insurance at the group meeting on the first day.

FITNESS
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to participate in this trip. Trips often involve some off-road
riding and/or longer days of over 80km cycling.

CYCLING CONDITIONS
Road conditions are a priority of the Vietnamese government and have improved greatly over recent years.
Although this trip is mainly on tarred roads, there will be some cycling on dirt roads. Inevitably, there may be
parts of the trip where extra caution is advised, for example, where road degradation and potholes occur, or
even short sections with detours due to road works. Always be vigilant and expect the unexpected, such as
chickens, dogs or small children running in front of you. In most parts, luckily, traffic is generally light, but it
always pays to stay alert. The weather in this tropical country can be temperamental, so make sure you check
the seasonal weather patterns as road conditions invariably change in periods of long downfall.

HEALTH
It makes sense that the healthier you are, the more you will enjoy your cycling trip and holiday in general.
Please seek advice from a travel clinic at least six weeks before departure on your holiday regarding the relevant
vaccinations and jabs required. While our group leader is trained in first aid and will travel with a first aid kit, it is
recommended that you pack a basic kit to attend to your personal medical requirements. For legal reasons, our
tour guide cannot administer any kinds of pharmaceutical medicines such as pain-killers or anti-biotics. It is also
important to note that brand names of various medicines vary from country to country and some products,
which may be readily available back home, may not be in Vietnam. Include the following in your kit: plasters,
dressings or bandages, calamine or after-sun lotion, oral rehydration treatment (in case of bouts of diarrhoea
and dehydration), insect repellent and sting relief, antiseptic cream and antiseptic wet-wipes. Better safe than
sorry!

VISAS
Visas are required for all nationalities except the following: Thai, Malaysian, Philippine, Laotian, Singaporean,
Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish

You can obtain a visa in your own country or a visa approval letter before arrival to obtain it at the airport.
Before you travel, check your passport to ensure that there is room for a visa and entry/exit stamps (at least
three pages) and that it has at least six months validity remaining.

As of 1st July 2017, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and British passport holders travelling to Vietnam for tourism
will be able to enter the country for up to 15days without a visa. Those visiting for 15days and longer or wishing
to re-enter Vietnam within 30days of departure will still need to obtain a visa prior to travel. This promotion will
be in place for a year until 30th June 2018.

LUGGAGE / PACKING LIST (GUIDE ONLY)

While we understand your need for comfort, bringing a large, hard-shelled suitcase on our trips is not
recommended. For your comfort and ours, we advise you bring a soft backpack – remember that our crew will
be the ones mostly lifting and carrying your gear so the lighter and easier to handle, the less logistical and
transport issues there will be.

PERSONAL
• Long trousers
• Shorts
• Shirts
• Hat
• Sandals/light shoes
• Swimming costume
• Rain/wind coat
• Toiletries
• Small towel
• First aid kit
• Mosquito repellent
• Camera and film
• Alarm clock
• Contact lens solution
• Medication (eg. cold tablets, headache tablets, sleeping tablets)
TRAVEL
• Passport with 6 months validity and spare pages
• Passport photo
• Travel insurance details
• Flight tickets
• Money - travellers cheques / cash / credit card
• Guide/phrase book
• Money pouch
• Sleep sheet
CYCLING
• Optional daypack, bumbag or handlebar bag.
• Helmet
• Cycling gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle/bladder
• 2 x padded bike shorts with something to put on over the top when off the bike
• Light wind-proof, rain-proof jacket for cycling
• Cycle shoes
• Own pedals, seat, bar ends if require
 • Optional gel seat cover

TIPPING
The locals you meet on your trip will surely be one of the highlights of your tour, but of course the other locals
which will make it just as special are our guide and driver. These guys have been especially selected for their
enthusiasm, professionalism and hard work-ethic. We realise that service is earned and that there are large
disparities between wages in developed countries and developing nations. In Vietnam, guides and others in the
tourism/hospitality industry earn most of their livelihood from tips as opposed to their fixed income. We ask that
if you are satisfied with the services they provide that you reward their hard-work with a tip. As an indication,
we suggest a tip of around $8/day and $5/day for the guide and driver, respectively.

SAFETY
While it is highly unlikely, in unforeseen circumstances, your tour leader has the authority to change or cancel
your trip for safety reasons. Of course, everything within our power will be done to avoid such a situation and
and the final decision will not be made lightly – only after consultation with our crew, operators and Vietnam
Bike Tours management. We ask that your respect the tour leader's decision. The leader will be at hand on all
activities and will be present during the full cycling trip as well as at all rest stops, including your accommodation
for the evening. If you choose to participate in any activities which are not provided for on our itinerary during
your free time, we cannot be held responsible or give any guarantees regarding safety or the standard of
equipment and operators running these activities.
On the first day, you will have a group briefing to discuss the trip. During this session, your tour leader will give
you a cycling safety brief. Although seasoned cyclists may know all of the relevant procedures, for others this
may be their first trip so we ask that you be patient and conscientious during this session. The safety of our
cyclists is our number one priority and we take this very seriously. Even experienced cyclists may learn a thing or
two about the differing conditions of cycling in Vietnam and surrounds and we kindly ask that all tour
participants cycle in a responsible manner and look out for not only their own safety but those of their fellow
cyclists at all times, too. Cycling helmets are also to be worn at all times.
Please check your country's safety update on the region you are visiting to ensure you are well-briefed on the
current safety levels and situations in that area. This can be done through most relevant government websites
or hotlines.
While Vietnam is a relatively safe country, petty crime does happen and you run a higher risk in the larger cities,
as is the case around the world. For your own safety, we suggest your carry a concealed wallet or wallet belt
when travelling in the cities and make use of hotel or guesthouse safety boxes or secure storage areas for your
valuables, including credit cards, passports, large amounts of cash and expensive jewellery.

COMMUNICATION
In the cities, you will be able to access email, phone, fax and post offices. Elsewhere out in the countryside,
there will be fewer chances to email and the main communication will be phone. Cheap sim cards of local mobile
service providers are readily available in the cities and pay-as-you-go recharge cards and call rates are cheap.
Ask our staff about getting a local phone card and number. Nevertheless, you should leave your family or friends
the Vietnam Bike Tours contact details. Our office staff will be able to get in touch with them in an emergency.

CYCLING TOUR LEADER

Our tour guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals who strive to always provide you with a insider's
view of the country. They have been trained to put your safety and the those in your company first, whilst at the
same time ensuring you feel relaxed and have a memorable and fun experience with Vietnam Bike Tours. Their
experience extends beyond cycling and cycle safety – by signing up with us, they have committed themselves to
learning as much of the local surrounds, history, customs and of course culture as they can. That said, bear in
mind that as non-native English speakers, they are not always able to convey complex information in as much
detail as they may want, may require you to repeat questions slowly and that, although you may want them to
be, they are not walking, talking encyclopaedias!

RULES
While we don't have a whole book full of rules and regulations – we do have one: follow the law of the land. In
other words, when in Rome, do as the Roman lawyers say. This includes the use of illegal substances and
prostitutes. Anyone breaking any of the country's laws will immediately be asked to leave the tour.

FEEDBACK
Your feedback means a lot to us, as it is the mechanism through which we tweak and improve our future trips.
After you have completed your tour with us, please take the time to visit our website and fill in the feedback
form. It will only take a a few minutes and will ensure a 5% discount on any future trips in other regions with
us.

PHOTOS
Remember to be considerate when taking photos. Always ask permission when taking portraits as local cultures
may find it offensive if they are photographed without being asked. This is especially true of older people. That
said, we're always on the lookout for lasting memories so if you managed to snap some good shots during your
trip, we'd love to see them. With your permission, we may even add them to our website.

FLIGHTS
International flights, to and from the start and finish points of our tours are not included in the tour price. If you
need help or advice arranging flights please contact us. The local flight times may change as carriers often do
this without prior notice.

ITINERARY NOTES
This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances.
We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last
minute changes that might occur. As mentioned before, in all such circumstances, your guide will have the final
say. Please respect their decision.

BOOKING TERMS AND PAYMENT

Booking places on every trip are limited so it is essential that you secure your place as early as possible.
A deposit of 30% of the tour price is required upon confirmation of your booking. The balance of the tour price
(70%) is payable before tour date 7days.
Vietnam Bike Tours must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we
receive advice in writing and cancellation charges apply as follows:
Before 21 days, there is no charge - money back guarantee.
From 21 to 13 days, 15% of all payment.
From 12 to ten days, 25% of all payment..
From nine to eight days, 50% of all payment..
With seven or fewer days before departure or no show, 100% of all payment..
All bank fees are included in client's account.
Special conditions : Depending on airlines, hotels, cruises' cancellation policies, the above conditions may be
modified.

Bookings in Lunar New Year: will be applied a surcharge of 50%. Besides, depends on hotels, there may be an
additional surcharge for compulsory meals on Christmas’ Eve and New Year's Eve. This will be confirmed at the
time of booking.

CHILD POLICY
For children between 2 to 12 years old (who have completed year 11), the following price policies apply:
Child in extra bed 15% discount on total package
Child no bed 25% discount on total package
Child in twin no discount (child airfare only)
Land services only 50% discount on total package
Note: Maximum 02 children are allowed at reduced rates, per party.
For infants between 0-2 years old (who has completed year 1), the following policies apply :
No extra bed, no meals, no entrance, all services free, except air ticket (90% discount of adult fare)
Crib upon request, rate to be determined on a case by case basis.
Extra bed upon request.
Local services: 90% discount

FACT SHEET DISCLAIMER

The information in this Fact Sheet is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be
found on this trip. Where differences exist in the information between this Fact Sheet and previous information,
the Fact Sheet is the correct version and supersedes the brochure or website. In remote destinations, abnormal
conditions can prevail at any time, and all adventure holidays can therefore be subject to unexpected change
and we will do our best to adhere to the original itinerary and cannot be held responsible for any last minute
changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible.

We Hope You Have A Great Trip With Vietnam Bike Tours!