(November December) Activity Level: Recreational Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights A Land of Enchantment Experience Vietnam & Cambodia THE B&R DIFFERENCE I loved the first day s ride... it was absolutely breathtaking scenery. There were so many experiences that I never would have found on my own, from special dinners to cooking school. Holly Brooks, Vietnam Biking This is a land of magic and mystery, whose rich history and fascinating cultural traditions are trumped only by the astonishing variety of its cuisine and warmth of its people. Take in all the highlights, from quiet rice fields to endless miles of scenic coastal roads. Explore colonial Hanoi and vibrant Saigon in Vietnam. Then in Cambodia, see the spectacular ancient Khmer temples at Angkor, comprising one of the most impressive and well-preserved temple complexes in the world. LAOS Consider extending your journey with a Laos post-trip. Our Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Biking itinerary is a great way to experience even more of Southeast Asia. See website for details. *This itinerary runs during departures from November December. Please see January April itinerary for spring departure details. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.6 view > / the details p.7 view > / next steps p.8 view >
More than 20 million people in Vietnam ride a bicycle. 2 the journey Days 1, 2 & 3 Hoi An, Vietnam YOU MIGHT CHOOSE TO WAKE UP EARLY THIS MORNING, as the entire city of Hanoi seems to do just that! A walk around the lake observing the morning Tai Chi, aerobics, group meditation, badminton and any other activity you can imagine! After breakfast fly to Da Nang, where we will stop for a quick riverside lunch in the city s hippest restaurant. Afterwards, head to the outskirts of town to begin a ride through the countryside, passing dykes that help irrigate an enormous plain of rice paddies. Then, prepare to take a step back in time as we head on to explore Hoi An. Once a vital seaport on par with Macau, the now tranquil city has been incredibly well-preserved. Its fascinating medley of architecturally diverse 400 year old buildings and totally intact streets have merited it UNESCO status. You may also choose to do some shopping in this garment mecca; a tailor-made suit or dress is the usual call, or you can simply take in the sights of this magnificent little town. Scattered among all of the dressmakers, shoemakers and spas you ll find a multitude of tiny silver shops where local jewelers will handcraft you a personalized design. Tonight, we meet for cocktails at our friend Duc s restaurant, where we ll enjoy this culinary wizard s signature Passion Rumba and then sit down for some of Vietnam s best fusion cuisine. Today, you may choose to visit the vibrant market of Hoi An early in the morning to watch the women haggle over the daily fish catch, or visit the stalls offering the freshest vegetables in Hoi An. Both promise to stimulate the senses and provide some of the best photo memories in your trip scrapbook. If you are feeling a little adventurous, forage a little further into the morning market scene and have a local breakfast of pho surrounded by the noises and smells of this memorable space. We then venture out for a scenic bike loop around the city, passing through traditional rice paddies and fish farms interspersed with ancestral tombs, water buffalo and hundreds of smiling children. Following lunch this afternoon, head into town for a historical city tour visiting some of the architectural highlights that make Hoi An so charming. Or, if you d prefer to pay a visit to the local tailor shop for a custom piece, this is your opportunity. Tonight, your guides will take you to their favorite restaurant in town, serving up some truly authentic dishes. This morning, head for a bike ride straight from the door of our hotel, passing through a local pottery village along the way. In the 16th and 17th century, Thanh Ha villagers produced the bricks, tiles and floor slabs for the old buildings in Hoi An Ancient Town. Although there have been many changes and economic difficulties over time, the local craftsmen endeavor to preserve the traditional pottery-making skills inherited from their ancestors. We ll have a chance to try our hand at this ancient art form with a master who is over 90 years old!
Ho Chi Minh City began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor and is now the largest city in Vietnam. 3 From here, we continue on our bikes through fragrant gardening villages and charming fishing villages. Our ride ends at B&R s favorite riverside cooking school, making for a beautiful backdrop to our cooking class; an event that promises to keep you trained, entertained and well fed. Upon returning to the hotel this afternoon, you re free to indulge in some R&R or a spa treatment. Dinner tonight is on your own in the heart of Hoi An this is your final chance to stroll amongst the lanterns and savour the surroundings of this charming town. your beachfront villa, or socialize on deck before exploring the hotel s dining options on your own. HOTEL Anantara Resort, Hoi An Located along the scenic Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is only a short stroll from the colourful and bustling Ancient Town. Touches of French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese cultures make up the distinct ambiance. The luxurious spa treatments and breathtaking tropical gardens are just the icing on the cake. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: An 18 km (11 mi.) ride near Da Nang. Day 2: A 20 km (12.5 mi.) ride in the Hoi An countryside. Day 3: A 23 km (14 mi.) ride throughout the charming countryside. Days 4 & 5 Nha Trang and Coastal Bliss Fly to the beach city of Nha Trang this morning, where we will head to the coast for a light seaside lunch before hitting the road on our bikes. The route is a rolling coastal ride that highlights why the Vietnamese love Nha Trang for a family holiday and why it has been a popular tourist destination for decades. We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the resort sip champagne while watching the sunset from the privacy of Today, complete and total relaxation is encouraged (correction: *mandatory). Take the entire day off explore the Hideaway and enjoy the Six Senses spa. Play a game of tennis and beach volleyball, or spend the day sun tanning the choice (as always) is yours. After breakfast with a view, for those who want to hit the trail again, there are two options: head back to the mainland by private boat for a bike ride exploring local villages and rice paddies, or choose to explore the jungle around the resort with a challenging hike that finishes at a secluded beach. Either choice will get you sweating and leave you feeling like you deserve to spend the afternoon poolside! We will regroup tonight for a beautiful hotel dinner, organized especially for us.
Vietnam gained independence from the French in 1954. 4 HOTEL Six Senses Hideaway, Ninh Van Bay This remarkable boutique hotel has undoubtedly raised the standard of luxury resorts throughout the country. Accessible only by water, the hotel s 58 private villas, each with a private plunge pool, sit on dramatic Ninh Van Bay, with its impressive rock formations overlooking the East Vietnam Sea, pristine white sand beach and towering mountains behind. THE ACTIVITY Day 4: A 30 km (18.5 mi.) rolling coastal ride. Day 5: An optional 30 km (18.5 mi.) of picture-perfect inland riding in the rice paddies. Day 6 Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam s Metropolis Hello Ho Chi Minh City (aka. Saigon). Now the largest city in Vietnam, this vibrant metropolis began as a small fishing village known as Prey Nokor and now resembles a fire-breathing dragon of a city. After a leisurely breakfast, we will fly to Ho Chi Minh, where our individual vespas and drivers await! We ll whisk into town and explore the best of Saigon on a different kind of two wheels. After lunch, we ll visit a few of Saigon s highlights on our vespas. You will arrive back at your hotel mid-afternoon so that you have time to enjoy the beautiful property. If you re keen to see more of the city, you can head out on foot to explore and shop in the heart of District 1. Our final night culminates in an unforgettable dinner. With a few surprises left up our sleeves, it is a night not to be forgotten and a great way to say goodbye to Vietnam in style. HOTEL Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City This beautiful new hotel is centrally located on Lam Son Square near the elegant Opera House in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and within walking distance of businesses, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The Park Hyatt is a 25-minute drive from the airport, and a five minute walk to the famous Ben Thanh Market. THE ACTIVITY Day 6: 2 hour Vespa city tour. Days 7, 8 & 9 The Temples of Angkor After breakfast this morning, we bid adieu to Vietnam and hop on a flight to Siem Reap. Following a quick lunch, we will head for a sunset visit of Ta Prohm, the jungle temple. Part strangler fig tree and part rock-masterpiece, this temple is a mystery of its own. As the rays of the setting sun dance towards the ground through the giant leaves overhead, you might just find yourself transported to another kingdom, maybe even another century.
5 Our second day will be an extensive discovery of the temples of Bayon and Angkor Wat with our local guide, who will bring the stone celestial dancers to life for us. In the morning, we will head to Bayon to visit this exquisite Buddhist temple before hopping on our bikes to explore the park on two wheels. Our bike trails are lined by a jungle of silk cotton and strangler fig trees. Once upon a time, the only traffic that passed this way was the majestic elephants. We will then head back to our hotel to enjoy lunch and a cat nap in the shade by the pool. After a bit of relaxation, we will head to magnificent Angkor Wat, where our local guide will teach us all about this awe-inspiring temple that has defied time and nature for over 700 years. We will finish our visit alone atop a tower inspecting the renovation project with the temples head restorer and privately taking in the sunset above the crowds below. Tonight you will head into town for dinner on your own, and our guide will be happy to discuss recommendations. Asia) or shopping and relaxing around town in some of the great boutique stores and craft workshops. At nightfall, head into town for a sunset cocktail and dinner at our favorite restaurant. This morning, we head out to the Roluos Group of Temples east of Siem Reap and jump on our bikes for a fantastic ride through the countryside. We ll enter the archaeological park from a unique direction and in the mid-morning, we ll meet with an archeologist from the Angkor Park who is working on the in depth restoration of the temple Phnom Bakheng. Butterfield & Robinson has partnered with the World Monuments Fund, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of heritage sites worldwide, and it is because of this partnership that we have the opportunity to visit areas of the park not often seen by other tourists. This afternoon, the choice is yours: either another great bike ride through the Cambodian countryside, a ride of discovery on the Ton le Sap Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Southeast
6 HOTEL Park Hyatt, Siem Reap The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a perfect combination of oldworld charm, vivid history, culinary splendour and modern-day luxury. Located in the heart of Siem Reap, this central oasis offers top-class facilities, the finest rooms, exquisite food, splendid modern comforts and tranquil tropical gardens to escape the hustle and bustle. This luxurious hotel is situated near the renowned 12th century ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. THE ACTIVITY Day 7: A sunset visit to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Day 8: An easygoing 22 km (13 mi.) bike ride along flat roads. Day 9: An easygoing 25 km (15 mi.) bike ride along flat roads and an additional 17 km (10 mi.) afternoon option. Day 10 Farewells Our adventure together comes to a close after breakfast at the hotel. We would be happy to make transportation arrangements to the airport. Or better yet, join us in Laos!
The Details 7 2017 Price: From $9,145 ($ 2,600 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 10 days / 9 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Hanoi, Vietnam Sofitel Legend Metropole Early morning Finish Siem Reap, Cambodia Park Hyatt At your leisure the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, including wine Services of B&R guides, local guides and support vehicles with drivers All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Use of a hybrid bicycle and helmet Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including van support, coach transfers, boat rides, vespa rides and internal flights All baggage transportation All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational The daily distances for bike rides range from 17 to 30 km (10 to 19 mi.); some days offer longer/ shorter ride options. The terrain is moderate on the first two days and then easygoing for the rest of the trip. MORE INFO How do I get to Hanoi? Your B&R trip starts in Hanoi the nation s capital. Depending on the airline you are flying with, you will probably fly through Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok or Hong Kong. All of these cities have hotels near the airport with easy access to downtown areas, should you want to include a stopover. THE SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE, HANOI www.sofitel.com A gorgeous French colonial-style hotel located in the heart of Hanoi, the Legend Metropole is a hotel with a history. Built in 1901, it has welcomed politicians, business leaders, artists... and now us. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2017 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 8 FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/butterfieldandrobinson Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. Weather: Vietnam your next steps month high low Jan/Feb 90 71 Mar/Apr 94 74 May/Jun 90 75 Jul/Aug 87 75 Sep/Oct 87 73 Nov/Dec 87 72 Siem Reap month high low Jan/Feb 90 71 Mar/Apr 94 75 May/Jun 92 77 Jul/Aug 89 77 Sep/Oct 88 75 Nov/Dec 86 72 At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Begin steps to secure a visa for Vietnam. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. YOUR BIKE We pride ourselves on having the very best equipment for each activity and locale, maintained by expert staff and custom tweaked just for you. Visit us at www.butterfield.com/ourbikes to learn about our biking equipment and see pictures of what you ll be riding. And don t forget that we will modify your bike to accommodate most special gear requests. Just ask. EXTENDING YOUR TRIP We strongly encourage you to extend your trip in this region with a post-trip to Cambodia and exotic Laos. Please see our Vietnam & Cambodia Biking and Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Biking trip itineraries. You may also want to spend a few days in Hanoi it offers great shopping and provides an easy starting point for a daytrip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor or contact your Travel Professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2017 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.