This is the ultimate mountain ride, a cycle-journey through Southeast Asia's most spectacular mountain range.
We ride just over 350 kilometres. There are some long, grueling climbs and some scintillating descents. The rewards are empty roads and incomparable views. If you enjoy hill climbing and riding in the mountains, this tour is a dream. It is the best Southeast Asia can offer and highly recommended.
Day
Itinerary
Hotel
1
Ha noi arrived
Meet at Hanoi hotel, day free for sightseeing. Evening, catch the overnight train to Lao Cai . Upon arrival transfer to Sapa
2
Hanoi-Sapa
Arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. Afternoon ride to Ban Ho , visiting Tay, Dzao, H'mong hill tribe village, return to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa ( 45 km )
3
Sapa-TamDuong: Ride over Tram Ton Pass and downhill to Tam Duong. (80 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 Tam Duong. We start with a relatively easy 7km ride before we hit the first of two major down hill. As we start the down hill, we slowly start to witness the beauty of Mt. Fan Si Pan, Indochina is highest peak. Overnight in Tam duong
4
TamDuong-Laichau: Cycling to Lai chau.( 106 km)
After we leave TamDuong we cross 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 wealth a woman can be judge by the weight of the coins she carries. We finish this long day with a 15km follow the Na River passing through spectacular gorges and the Hang Tom suspension bridge and ascent followed by a gentle 10km ride down to Lai chau .
Overnight in Lai Chau
5
Lai Chau-Tuan Giao ( 98 km)
Once out of Laichau the road deteriorates as we take a spectacular back road to TuanGiao . This road isn’t well traveled, you first notice this by the increased curiosity and smiling faces and of the people, making this a day not to be forgotten. We cycle past rice fields and bananas plantations as we pass through small minority villages of Red Hmong and Kho Mu. There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 5 km with a 22 km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 18km 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 Tuan Giao.
Overnight in TuanGiao
6
Tuan Giao-Son La ( 90 km)
The ride begins with is a 25km climb into the beautiful surrounding countryside of Pha din mountain range pass and ride down . We pass through a patchwork of rice fields and plum orchards. After the 25 km mark we have a 12km, 900m lung busting ascent. The scenery makes up for the hard work as the rolling land erupts into stunning karst rock outcrops bristling with trees. The land is home to the Black Thai who originated in southern China. The women can be glimpsed working the fields in brightly colored dresses and hats, the children riding water buffalo and the men speeding along on noisy motor cycles. We finish the day with a thrilling 5 km decent before we reach the town of Son La.
Overnight in Son La.
7
Morning transfer back to Hanoi by Van. Services end at Hanoi hotel.
We are supported by a sturdy transit van, which is perfectly equipped for the terrain but not an entirely comfortable passenger vehicle and participants should sign up expecting to ride as much of the tour as they can.
Include: + One or two 16-seat air-conditioned transit vans converted to take bikes and bikers.
+ Nights in comfortable tourist class hotels. All accommodation has a/c or fan, hot water and private facilities.
+ Groups of 6 or more a Vietnamese cycling guide and drivers and assistants. Groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader plus guide and support team.
+ Meals are included as 6 breakfast, 7lunch, 6 dinner.
Break every 15- 20 km ( 10 miles) for tea break with water, coffee ,tea, juice, bread, tuna ,banana, apple... including.
Exclude: + Vietnam visa
+ Drinks if not on the cycling time
+ Personal expenses
+ Lunch & dinner (except as mentioned)
+ International airport taxes
+ International flights
+ Insurance
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Accommodation
1 night in sleeper train. 3 nights in comfortable tourist class hotels, 2 nights in basic tourist class hotels. All accommodation has a/c or fan, hot water and private facilities.
