World Heritage Ride Of Hue And Hoi An

Today we cycle from the hotel to experience some of Hue’s most important cultural sites. First stop will be the Imperial Citadel modeled after the Forbidden City in China. While much of this site was destroyed during the Tet Offensive you will gain a clear understanding of how the Royal family lived in the peek of their rule. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, take a boat trip on Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda. Continue to cycle to Ming Mang mausoleum and loop back across the perfume river to Hue via the mausoleum of Khai Dinh.
Cycling distance: 30km (more cycling if less time at sites, this is flexible depending on the group)

This morning we cycle a country loop of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes to the traditional village of Phuoc Tich. The route follows back roads passing through many untouched villages and local markets (Catholic village, bamboo making village, incense making village….)
Many homes in Phouc Tich date back 200 years and highlight traditional feng shui design. Enjoy a traditional lunch with Uncle Ho Van Te and learn more about this rich and culturally significant village. In the afternoon loop back toward Hue along quiet country lanes.

Overnight in Hue
Distance: 50km

Drive by bus beyond the city limits of Hue to avoid the busy traffic. Begin riding off the beaten track for 40 km along a picturesque, very narrow peninsular road from Thuan An beach to Vinh Loc. Hop on a local ferry to cross the estuary of the Perfume River before joining Highway 1. From here transfer or cycle to the start of today’s three hill climbs! After the first two moderate climbs of 2-3km a piece, cruise down to stunning Lang Co Beach for a rest/ swim and lunch before tackling the final hill of the day – the Hai Van or Pass of Ocean Clouds. Now that the new tunnel through the mountain is completed, the 11km of uphill will be on a quiet section of road. The gradient is manageable and the views breathtaking! Transfer the rest of the way to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overnight in Hoi An
Cycling distance: 50-100km
 

Staying another night in Hoi An, we ride out of town to visit My Son, the ancient centre of Cham civilization. The ride is worth the effort in itself and is arguably one of the best of the trip. We transfer out of town to avoid the highway before cycling along scenic country back roads winding around  fields of rice and through eucalyptus forest, passing many scenic villages. The road climbs away from the coast offering stunning views.
As we ride the road cuts a gorge through the lush jungle alongside the Song Tranh River. Eventually we arrive at My Son, which was once Champa’s religious complex. Although many of the temples were destroyed during the war, there is still enough of the archaeological site to impress most visitors. We take lunch before spending the afternoon visiting the site. In the afternoon we transfer by bus back to Hoi An. Spend last of the day wandering around and enjoying the sights and atmosphere. The town was known as Faifo to early western traders and was one of Southeast Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an important point of call for Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese traders and the architecture reflects its cosmopolitan past. More than anywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of the past. There are over 844 structures of historical significance.
Overnight in Hoi An
Cycling distance: 50km

At leisure until transfer to the Danang airport for your flight onward.