Vietnam: People-to-People Bicycle Tour

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),  Da nang,  Hue,  Da lat,  Can Tho,  Nha Trang city,  Hoi An

Dates: Dec-Feb, annually

Description: Most Vietnam bike tours stay on or close to the homogeneous coastal plains and Highway 1 -- it is the easy way to run a bicycle tour but it is also a major truck and bus laden thoroughfare from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. With some exceptions, most of the jewels and gems of Vietnam are away from Highway 1. It is our exploration of the secondary roads, and their diversity, that makes our program different and a very enriching experience. Ibikes Vietnam bicycle tour will help you discover the depth, beauty and complexity of the heartwarmingly friendly country. Its rich heritage has been somewhat overshadowed in western minds by its relatively brief turbulent history of the mid 20th Century, but rest assured, the geography, ecology and people of Vietnam have thousands of years of rich history and extraordinary culture refinement. The ethnic mix includes, in the Central highland, both Mon-Khmer (Bahnar, Hre) and Malayo-Polyneseian (Cham, Jarai, and E'de) communities. In the North there are Sino-Tibetan, Tai-Kadai, Mon-Khmer and Hmong-Mein ethnic groups. Many religions peacefully coexist in Vietnam: The main faiths are Buddhism and Catholicism, along with Hindus, Muslims, and followers of traditional religions and the indigenous Cao Dai religion, which glorifies Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, Victor Hugo, and others. The combination of religious diversity and long history has produced a wealth of pagodas, churches, tombs, towers, temples and other physical culture to visit and marvel at. Ibikes Vietnam program visits local markets, cultural site and development projects and helps you enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the country. There is much to be awed by.

Highlights: Small group, people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics, social institutions and economics of the people of central Vietnam. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology.

Cost in US$: $1490

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Ibike Tours's Mission Statement: To promote international understanding and cultural sensitivity. Introduce people to the diversity and complexity of the world. Promote sustainable transport, environmental practices and economic development (in unexploited markets.) Have fun.

Year Founded: 1983