TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

This is long cycling tour in Vietnams far North West is undoubtedly the best place to cycle in the country. The roads see virtually no tourists and avoid Vietnam's notorious highways. The landscape is stunning, amazing karstic rock formations, stilted houses with thatched roofs, mountains nestled between limestone outcrops and the highest concentration of hill-tribe people in the country.

We pass through villages of H'mong, Tay, Dao and Xa Pho. Vietnam has the richest and most complex ethnic make-up in the whole of south east Asia. These minorities, whose markets and festivals add such color and character to the areas we cycle through.

Hanoi arrival

We flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival to airport, transfer to central Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi. ( 2 night hotel before the tour departure including )

Day 1

Hanoi - Mai Chau (cycling +-75 km )

We transfer Southwest to Hoa Binh Province and then we cycling to Mai Chau, home of the White Thai. We have a home stay in traditional style buildings. However, they all have western style bathrooms/hot showers, so it doesn't really qualify as roughing it. You will get a taste of village life if not the experience of bathing in cold water.

Overnight in homestay in MaiChau .

Day 2

Mai Chau - Yen Chau (cycling +-95 km )

We head North to Yen Chau and pass many minority villages as we generally ascend. The ride today, starts relatively flat, but we climb up and over into a valley with some great views. A good way to start the tour.

Overnight in hotel in YenChau .

Day 3

Yen Chau - SonLa (cycling +-65 km )

Virtually every town we go through has an active market. Everything is brought in fresh daily. The larger markets serve as distribution points for smaller markets and, if you are there early enough, you will see things being scootered off to other market. Son La has a history. The French built a prison in Son La, it was partially destroyed during the Vietnam War but there is now a museum and what remains is interesting. Dissident Vietnamese were often transferred between french built Hoa Loa prison in Hanoi (aka "TheHanoi Hilton") and Son La Prison.

Overnight in hotel in Son La.

Day 4

Sonla - Tuan Giao (cycling +-95 km)

The ride begins with a 5km climb into the beautiful surrounding countryside. We pass through a patchwork of rice fields and plum orchards. After the 50km mark we have a 12km, 900m lung busting ascent. The scenery makes up for the hard work as the rolling land erupts into stunning karsts rock outcrops bristling with trees. We finish the day with a thrilling 11km decent before we reach the town of Tuan Giao.

Overnight in hotel in Tuan Giao.

Day 5

Tuan Giao - Laichau - MuongLay (cycling +-95 km)

Once out of Tuan Giao the road deteriorates as we take a spectacular back road to Lai Chau. This road isn’t well traveled. There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 50km with a 5km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 8km strength-sapping climb. All this hard work is easily forgotten as we finish the day with a stunning descend of 18km on a winding road into this lush valley of Lai Chau.

Overnight in hotel in Lai Chau- Muong Lay.

Day 6

Lai Chau - Muong Lay - Tamduong (cycling +-90 km)

After leaving Lai Chau, we cross the Hang Tom suspension bridge and follow the Na River passing through spectacular gorges and Black Dao villages. The Dao worship spirits and ritually sacrifice pigs and chickens. The women clothes are covered with intricate weaving and silver colored beads and coins. It is said the wealthy woman can be judged by the weight of the coins she carries. We finish this long day with a 15km ascent followed by a gentle 10km ride down to Tam Duong.

Overnight in hotel in Tam Duong.

Day 7

TamDuong - Sapa (cycling +- 75 km)

Today is the highlight for many; as we cycle up to the Tram Ton Pass (1,900 m; 6,230 ft) the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, on our way to Sa Pa. We start with a relatively easy 7km ride before we hit the first of two major climbs. An 8km tough ride sets us up for the 26-monster climb later in the day.

Overnight in hotel in Sapa.

Day 8

Sapa - rest day

Overnight in hotel in Sapa.

Day 9

Sapa - rest day

Overnight in hotel in Sapa.

Day 10 

Sapa -Laocai ( cycling +- 45 km )

Our last day relax in the morning , and cycling down to LaoCai take train back to Hanoi .

Overnight on train to Hanoi

Day 11

Hanoi ( no cycling)

Relaxing day

Overnight in hotel in Hanoi. End of  trip

Day 12

Hanoi departure

Free time until transfer to airport for departure flight