A bicycle tour of Vietnam will allow you to see the fantastic country side at your own pace. Even if you’re with a group most days are planned so that you have an adequate amount of time to sight see. Single travelers on bicycles are not that unusual. Self guided tours planned by small groups are a great way to travel and a real bargain. Take your pick – travel in with a group or solo / organized or self guided, a well planned trip will be well worth your time.
Bicycling in big cities can be a bit hectic, but once you get to the rural areas you’ll be glad you decided to take a bicycle tour of Vietnam. The scenic mountains of northwest Vietnam and the Central Highlands will give you a great sense of satisfaction after a tough day of pedaling. A leisurely ride (more or less) along the coast from Hue, south to Nha Trang or even further, will expose you to some great historical and cultural centers of Vietnam. What ever you plan calls for you’ll experience unique cultures and friendly faces though out Vietnam. Riding a bicycle is a way of life in Vietnam. Everyone does it. Foreigners on bicycles attract a lot of attention. You’ll meet friendly and curious Vietnamese, especially if you’re on an upscale mountain or touring bike. Caution: Some roads in Vietnam will tear up a fancy road bike.
There’s a style for every type of bicycle tourist. Organized tours attract a lot of participants. Many of these tours are fairly expensive. They provide support vehicles, meals, hotels, domestic transportation, mountain or touring bike (if needed) and other amenities for those on tour. Historic and cultural sightseeing excursions may be included. These tours start at about $1500 for 14 or 15 days. Airfare included from the west coast US start about $3000. Shop carefully!
A self guided bicycle tour including international airfare from the west coast of the US can be had for the same price as a group land tour. $1000 for airfare and $25 to $30 a day for a self guided tour can be easily worked out. Planning a trip like this is half the fun. Find a good guide book and you’re on your way!
It is recommended that, even though inconvenient and costly, you bring your own bike. Bike rentals for adequate equipment is $10 + per day. Or you could buy one when you arrive. A 3 speed will be top of the line gear wise. Locally made bikes and Chinese imports will not hold up to the rigors ahead. Give renting or buying a bike careful research before committing. Once you leave home it’s too late.
The support vehicle is usually a major concern for touring bicyclists. Because there are so many bicycle riders in Vietnam this is easily overcome. You wait by the side of the road, with your crippled ride, for a bus or truck to the next town.
Vietnam is a nice and peaceful country located in the South East of Asia. With a long coast line from the North to the South and a lot of mountains and highlands, Vietnam has both sea and mountain attractions. The country is one of the hottest travel destinations in Asia. More and more tourists come to Vietnam every year because of its peace, friendliness and fast development. Tourists can enjoy visiting peaceful traditional villages, grand temples and pagodas or sunbathing on beautiful beaches in luxury seaside resorts. This article will give you some helpful advice for your travel in Vietnam:
You should check full information on Vietnam prior to your trip. You should note some typical features of Vietnam culture. Follow Vietnam Laws, avoid involving in illegal issues. Should not bring with you high valued things when going out. Ask your hotels to keep your papers: Passport, air tickets and other important things.Take a hotel card before going out, thus you will easily contact your hotel if lost the way. Should not go out late with anyone you do not know. Should call a taxi instead of a Motorbike taxi when going out in the evening. Should check carefully luggage for the trip, ask your travel agent what should be brought with for your trip.
Respect the habits of the Local people. Do not point your figures towards local altar for it is considered to be rude. Should not dispose empty bottle when trekking, for you are not sure the bottle is safe or without risk of dental problems. Should not wear shorts when visiting temples or pagodas. Should take off your shoes before entering some one’s house. Should learn some useful Vietnamese for emergency cases. Bargain when purchasing something except for fixed price. Take a careful look before crossing streets. Taking care of yourself with safe food, cheap or street food may result in low quality and poor conditions.
Should hire a tour guide if you think necessary for a guide knows how to help you avoid unnecessary problems. Only bring with you necessary things. Should bring with you some dollars, for the dollar is the most popular currency in Vietnam. Should exchange for some Vietnamese currency (at airport or bank); Vietnam currency will be necessary for some of your small payments. If possible, get the address or phone number of your Embassy in Vietnam. Make sure that your visiting areas are safe and no risk of natural problems. Should visit Vietnam from August – March, for this period is really suitable for traveling (good climate). Buy travel insurance prior to your trip.
Should not photograph someone if he does not want you to. Avoid involving in issues of local people, everything should be settled in peace. Should not approach restricted areas especially army zones. Be sure that you bring with you necessary medicines.Should print emails or bring with you fax sent by Vietnam partner, or should notify Vietnam partner your coming 3-4 days prior to your departure to make sure that you will be picked up at the airport in time. Before going to Vietnam you should do some searches for a general idea about prices in Vietnam. On the internet, you can easily find information about prices of going by taxi or some other means of transportation.
