VIETNAM ADVENTURES > VIETNAM CYCLING > 2. NORTH WEST CYCLING
EXPLORATION
Tour Code: VDE-NOWE/02 DAY 1: HANOI - MAI CHAU (L, D)
In the morning, transfer by support vehicle to Hoa Binh town. This really depends
on how fit you are so we can choose the best terrain that suite you, 35 km before
Hoa Binh town on tortuous quieted road to Bai Lang to Bai Chao then to Highway No
6, get on bus and drive to Man Duc. Lunch in Man Duc. Continue cycling another 50
km to Mai Chau valley passing Thung Khe pass and Thung Nhuoi pass. Arrive Mai Chau
late afternoon, visit the White Thai village of Lac. Lac is well known for its handicrafts,
especially its brightly colored clothes that are all handmade by the local. Spend
the night in a traditional stilt house of the ethnic White Thai people. Homestay
with minority people
Cycling distance: 85 km
DAY 2: MAI CHAU -SON LA (B, L, D)
In the morning, set out from Mai Chau and head north to the town of Son La, cycling
parts and driving other parts of the way. Son La is located in a scenic valley,
inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important
for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during
the first half the 20th century. We drive out of MaiChau about 20km to our starting
point and set the bike to ride to Moc Chau plateau for tea break and lunch. Moc
Chau is very famous for its tea plantations. After lunch we continue to Son La.
Overnight in hotel.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 3: SON LA - DIEN BIEN PHU (B, L, D)
Today we drive the first 120km to Tuan Giao town before taking to our bicycles to
ride the 80km toward Dien Bien town. Today is our most challenging day as we have
a chance to pass the longest pass in Vietnam, the 24-km-long Pha Din pass. When
we get to the top of this pass, we will stop for a picnic lunch and taking photos
of the magnificent mountain view. Drive 20km to Dien Bien. Overnight in hotel.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PHU (B, L, D)
It was at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 that the French planned to lure the Viet Minh led
by Ho Chi Minh into the valley by sending 16,000 French troops as bait. The French
however did not count on the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap who
somehow managed to place the Vietnamese artillery on the surrounding ridges and
by the time the battle was ready to start. From March until May 1954 the Viet Minh
pounded the French positions until the French capitulated. The following day the
French government announced that it intended to withdraw from Vietnam. 08.00 am,
after breakfast we set out on our bikes to explore the historically important area
around Dien Bien such as Dien Bien History Museum, A1 Hill , Seminary, De Catri
bunker….Rest of the day free for relaxation. Overnight in hotel.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 5: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU (B, L, D)
Today we cycle along the windy roads that snake through the beautiful countryside
that characterizes this part of the country. At times the roads are steep but the
stunning panoramas afforded us more than compensate for any hardships. Overnight
in Lan Anh 2 Hotel. The best hotel between Dien Bien to Sapa town.
Cycling distance: 100 km
DAY 6: LAI CHAU - PHONG THO (B, L, D)
Following breakfast we cycle through more superb mountain roads en route to Phong
Tho. Along the way we pass through several different minority villages and are able
to see how people go about their daily lives. Stop for visiting some local markets
en route. Arrive Phong Tho late afternoon. Overnight in hotel.
Cycling distance: 100 km
DAY 7: PHONG THO - SAPA (B, L, D)
Today we continue winding our way through the scenic hills and valleys. We stop
at Binh Lu to visit the Binh Lu Market. Transfer by van to top of Tram Ton pass
(2,000 m above sea level). From here, we cycle downhill to Sapa, passing the Silver
Waterfall. Overnight in Sapa.
Cycling distance: 50 km
DAY 8: SAPA (B, L)
Morning, we have a short ride to the Red Dao village of Ta Phin nestled on the floor
of a beautiful valley. Transfer back to Sapa for lunch. Afternoon, we have the option
of doing a short trek to Cat Cat village of Black Hmong.
Cycling distance: 20 km
DAY 9: SAPA - HANOI (B)
Following breakfast we embark on the return drive to the capital. This is a 10 hour,
scenic journey following the Red River Valley during which we will make numerous
photo stops as we pass through different hill tribe villages. Arrive Hanoi around
17 00 pm. Tour ends.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL PHOTOS
INCLUSION
EXCLUSION
 AC support vehicle
English speaking guide
Professional bikes
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast; L =lunch; D =dinner) Hotels on twin share basis with daily breakfast
Homestay permission
Reasonable supply of drinking water during the trip
All admission fees and permits during guided time
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visa
Any drinks, beverages
Personal expenses (beverages, telephone bill,laundry, etc…)
Tips and gratuities
Any compulsory holiday dinner or celebrationsimposed by the hotels
Any expenses not specifically mentioned as included
ACCOMMODATION
PRICING
Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
CYCLING VIETNAM TOURS
Cuc Phuong National Park 1day
Tour Code: VDE –CP/01 Adventure to Montagnard Market
Kayaking in Halong Bay 3days
Tour Code: VDE –CP/01 
READ WHAT FELLOW SAYS
We did enjoy our Vietnam holiday very much and it surely was one of the best trips we ever made. The highlights were surely in the North Vietnam. The trip to Sapa and the mountain bike tour was magnificent, though we underestimated how cold it can be in the mountains in December especially during the night time. Since we live in Singapore we are not really well equipped if it comes to warm clothes, but we would surely take more warm clothes with us when traveling in winter up there. As I said we loved the North of Vietnam especially and I suppose if we would do it again, we probably would spend more time up there. Our Vietnam tour was very well designed and organized and it was a first for us that an operator actually was checking several times during the holidays, if everything is OK. That was very much appreciated. Again - it surely was one of the best trips we ever made - we had a great holiday.
RELATED INFOMATION
 North West Travel
guide
Sapa hotels
We will pick you up and drop you off atyour hotel and set a schedule at your convenience
This tour must be booked at least 7 days in advance of your travel date.
Vietnam Photos
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Travel Guide
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Hotels Selection
Flight Centre
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