Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Vietnamese Holiday:Enjoy a Bicycle Tour of Vietnam

By John Roney


Vietnam, as of recently, has become popular among tourists for its opulent history, dating back more than 2700 years, its lush tropical growth, magnificent mountain hills and splendid coastline beaches.

The Holiday View Hotel is located in the heart of Cat Ba town, overlooking Lan Ha - one of the most beautiful bay in Vietnam. Owned and managed by Vinaconex., JSC, the Holiday View Hotel is the first three star hotel with international standard in Cat Ba island. The Holiday View Hotel offers you high quality accommodations with professional services, most of our 120 tastefully designed suites, deluxe and superior rooms go well with the beautiful sea view.

There's a style for every type of bicycle tourist. Organized tours attract a lot of participants. Many of these Vietnamese Holiday 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. Basic equipment repairs are easy to find. Local bicycle repairmen are very ingenious. Your next concern will be the security of your bike - especially if it's your own. Insist on keeping the bike in your hotel room - Even if you have to hump in up a few flights of stairs. Things that you think are attached to the bike will disappear. And the hotel staff may be even tempted to take it for a spin. Locking the bike in the hotel lobby may be deemed insulting by locals.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment