Cycle the Remote North Vietnam

Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay – Tam Duong – Sapa - Hanoi
TRIP PROFILE
One of the most popular parts of Vietnam is the North, with several hill tribes inhabiting in the mountains and valleys such as White Thai, Kho Mu, and Red and White Hmong tribal people. This eco biking tour will lead you, with your bike, through these different ethnic groups to discover a unique culture in the middle of the mountain. The road flows through wonderful mountainous sceneries and landscapes of Mai Chau, Tam Duong, Lai Chau and Sapa. You will also have some time to have an insight information of Dien Bien Phu Wa rat the Dien Bien Phu Museum.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive/ meet in Hanoi, afternoon enjoy a tour around the dynamic Hanoi city, to the legendary Lake of Sword, Ngoc Son Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and the local shopping center and market at the Old Quarter. (D)
Day 2
Off the beaten track bike to Mai Chau, along the beautiful valleys, to meet locals and enjoy local dancing and try the country’s finest rice wine (66 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 3
Cycle uphill on a narrow, quiet back road, heading to a region predominantly populated by Black Thai minority cultures in Moc Chau (67 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 4
Cycle on a less hilly track, gradually downhill, overshadowed by karst cliffs to Son La (121 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 5
Ride on a fascinating day passing some awesome scenery to Tuan Giao, en route visiting White Hmong village where you will be fascinated by women dressed with bright pink tassels and pompoms on their headdresses (90 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 6
Ride on the undulate route through quiet back roads to Dien Bien Phu (81 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 7
Visit Dien Bien Phu Museum that will give you an insight history of the Dien Bien Phu War, before you cycle along the Nam Na River and tackle the gradual climb and descend until reaching Lai Chau (100 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 8
Ride through a spectacular Nam Na river valley to Tam Duong, en route meeting with the passing White Thai, Kho Mu and Red and White Hmong tribal people (105 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 9
Experience the most breathtaking ride of the trip today, on excellently smooth surface into Sapa (16 km cycling) (B,L,D)
Day 10
Let soak up the pleasant atmosphere of Sapa!, before taking an overnight train to Hanoi (no cycling) (B,D)
Day 11
Spend your free time in Hanoi before catching your onward flight (no cycling) (B)



Tour Facts and Figures
Number of Days

11 Days / 10 Nights
Number of Cycling Days

8 full days
Total Cycling Distance

646 kilometers
Road Surface

On quiet undulate back roads, gradually downhill and descend/ along mountains and valleys with karst cliffs backdrop/ along Nam Na River/ through local plantations and rice fields
Support

Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer. Private back up vehicle. Vehicle to carry bikes, spare bike parts and baggage.
Staff

English speaking guide/ biking guide(s) who knows basic first aid
Accommodation

Hotels range from standard to superior classes, including simple guesthouse and local homestay (big room with partition off) in some remote areas
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included as the itinerary
Tour Price (per person)

Contact us to get the best offer
Bike Rental

US$15/ bike/ cycling day

Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi (D)

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel.After a light lunch the afternoon is spent exploring this dynamic city. A city tour includes the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ngoc Son Pagoda, the famous Old Quarter, the one Pillar Pagoda and the 11th century Temple of Literature. Meanwhile the bikes are put together and we will all gather for dinner and a pre-trip briefing before getting a good night’s sleep. Welcome dinner in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau (66 km cycling) (B,L,D)

Leaving Hanoi we have a 2.5 hour transfer into the countryside before taking to our bikes and cycling the 66km to Mai Chau. We encounter our first climbs of the trip as we ascend up to the 800m before cruising down and into the beautiful valley where the village of Proom Con Village sits. This is our home for the night, where the locals will entertain us with local dancing and a taste of the country’s finest rice wine. Overnight in friendly local home stay of Thai Lady Note: The road has been improved and evidence of this is visible on the hillsides.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Moc Chau (67 km cycling) (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we set off on a testing yet spectacular day, the majority of which is uphill! Cycling on a narrow, quiet back road we head in to a region predominantly populated by Black Thai minority cultures. As we near Moc Chau, situated at 1000m, we pass through plum orchards and corn and tea plantations. We overnight in Moc Chau, renowned for its banh sua (milk cake) and tea products. Overnight in simple local guest house. Note: Since time of writing this, road has been widened. There will be some parts still under construction.

Day 4: Moc Chau – Son La (121 km cycling) (B,L,D)

A less hilly day in store but no less spectacular as we head off gradually downhill, our roads overshadowed by karst cliffs. We have lunch at Yen Chau before continuing on to Son La through lush, terraced rice paddies against the jagged cliff backdrop. Overnight in hotel in town.

Day 5: Son La – Tuan Giao (90 km cycling) (B,L,D)

A fantastic day’s riding through some awesome scenery. We pass the town of Thuan Chau and on through an area inhabited by mainly white Hmong, where the women are dressed with bright pink tassels and pompoms on their black headdresses. After a steep climb of 14km we end the day with a spectacular down hill to Tuan Giao. Overnight in hotel Note: Some transfers will be necessary.

Day 6: Tuan Giao – Dien Bien (81 km cycling) (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we set off through picturesque gorges on a slightly more gentle day. The route undulates through quiet back roads gradually downhill towards Dien Bien Phu. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 7: Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay (100 km cycling) (B,L,D)

Before leaving we stop to visit the DBP war museum. Dien Bien Phu is where the Vietnamese overcame the occupying French Forces and celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2004. The museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of this remarkable event. Our cycle route follows the Nam Na River through a lush, undulating landscape of ferns, bananas and bamboo to Muong Lay. After lunch we tackle the gradual climb of 400m, and then descend to Lai Chau, our home for the night. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 8: Muong Lay– Tam Duong (105 km cycling) (B,L,D)

Leaving our hotel, we cross a Chinese-built suspension bridge over the river and weave our way through the spectacular Nam Na river valley. We will probably see White Thai, Kho Mu and Red and White Hmong hill tribes as we pass. We may have time to stop to visit a small village of Mang people. The road continues through spectacular gorges before the inevitable uphill climb. This is a tough haul, but the reward is a wonderful 10km descent through banana plantations into Tam Duong. Overnight in hotel

Day 9: Tam Duong – Sapa (16 km cycling) (B,L,D)

Our final day is possibly the most breathtaking ride of the trip. Today is a long day, so we plan to leave as early as possible. An excellent smooth surface makes riding a joy through some of the most spectacular scenery we’ve seen as we head up towards Heaven’s Gate, before enjoying the awesome 16km downhill into Sapa. You will have a chance to relax before our celebration meal at Nature Bar and Grill restaurant. Overnight in hotel

Day 10: Sapa – Lao Cai. Overnight Train to Hanoi (B,D)

Today we have a chance to relax, get some last minute presents, and soak up the atmosphere of Sapa. Lunch is free to discover by yourself. In the early evening meeting up at hotel for a dinner in Sapa before taking the overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Overnight on board the train

Day 11: Depart Hanoi (B)

Arrival Hanoi, transfer to hotel for day use room and breakfast. Spend your free time to explore Hanoi before catching our onward flight.

Notes:
We strongly recommend clients to purchase travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation.
This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.
Note: We can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations.

Vietnam southern Charm!

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
floating marketExplore Vietnam's southern wonders on this luxurious journey into one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating regions. You'll begin your laidback adventure exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and taking in its many striking contrasts. Fabulously delicious restaurants vie for space with street vendors selling remarkable wares, while the city's local markets are juxtaposed against charming colonial architecture. You'll soon discover that Ho Chi Minh is filled with intriguing sites and a fanciful history to match, dating back to the Angkor era when it was named Prei Norkor by the Cambodians before being renamed Saigon under the Nguyen emperors who claimed the city. But although Ho Chi Minh's name has changed over the years, much of its stunning architecture and quaint way of life remains unaltered.Once you've finished your journey through this colourful city's many wonders, you will be escorted through the green and tranquil Vietnamese countryside to the legendary Mekong River to spend the night aboard the charming Song Xanh Boat. Taking in traditional villages and the hustle and bustle of the river on the way, the pampering continues when you arrive at the stunning Victoria Hotel in the heart of the Delta, a luxurious way to end a journey filled with a wealth of tastes and experiences.
Day 1 - Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (L,D)

On arrival you will be welcomed by your tour guide and taken by private car to the luxuriously appointed Park Hyatt Hotel. Spend the day relaxing poolside with cocktails or take one of our highly recommended Ho Chi Minh City tours. In the evening, you'll enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the stylish Mandarine Restaurant, where the decor is classically Vietnamese with fine artwork displayed on two open-plan floors.

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D)

Today your Vietnamese experience begins with a Tai Chi or Qi Gong session in a spa retreat housed in a colonial French villa. Then we'll take you to the Chinese quarter of Ho Chi Minh City, Cholon, for a private 'street' food tour with an Australian expatriate chef. Tour lively An Dong Market, which is teeming with exotic and wonderful produce, to get the inside scoop on Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon kickback and relax or do some shopping at some of the city's trendy boutiques, art galleries or 'antique' street.

Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (B,L,D)

Depart for the Mekong Delta, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to travel through Vietnam's picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the 'Song Xanh', modelled after a traditional sampan, the boats small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. You'll enjoy a gentle cruise from Cai Be to Sa Dec as part of a leisurely exploration of the Mekong River and its hidden treasures before gliding onto Can Tho.Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat.

Day 4 - Mekong Delta (B)

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Be Floating Market, you'll take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks. After paying a visit to the colourful floating market we'll take you to the luxurious colonial-style Victoria Can Tho Resort, situated on the banks of the Mekong. Enjoy an afternoon of free time lounging by the pool, or as an optional extra indulge in spa treatments.Overnight at the Victoria Can Tho Resort.

Day 5 - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today you travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, where your private car and guide will be at your disposal until it's time for us to say 'bon voyage.' Depending on the time of your flight, your private car will transfer you to Ton Son Nhat Airport for international flights or a domestic extension.

Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 NightsTour Operates: Year Round / On DemandTour Price: On request
For an accurate quotation please send Email us

Creating Unique Touring ExperiencesAll the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

Ha Long bay experience!

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi

One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,500 km over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo. Thousands of limestone islands jut out of the sea, sculpted into awe inspiring shapes and surrounded by colourful floating villages; Halong Bay is a truly one of the natural wonders of the world.The perfect way to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site is to spend a night aboard the Emeraude, a replica of one of the grand steamers of the colonial era. The mystical beauty of the bay and its islands is only fully appreciated while cruising among the islands, fjords and inlets. Eat, drink and take romantic walks while cruising amongst the islands. After a night on board wake up to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving a dream-like memory of your visit to Halong Bay.Travel east from Hanoi through the Red River Delta out to the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin where you will board The Emeraude for your overnight cruise. The Emeraude is a luxurious replica of the 1910 paddle steamer of the same name which was offering unforgettable cruises for visitors to what was then French Indochina. Today, the service and ambience reflect the glory of that era as the cabins are meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina. With luxurious air-conditioned cabins, a divine restaurant, two bars and a sundeck this is the ultimate Halong Bay experience.

Day 1 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (L,D)

Depart Hanoi for Halong by road through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalos and everyday Vietnamese village life. Board The Emeraude and sip on a welcome drink before you begin your cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay.
Swim or kayak in the turquoise waters or enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on board the boat. After the sun sets, enjoy a scrumptious international and Vietnamese buffet dinner. The Award Winning film Indochine will be screened on the sundeck should you desire to watch a movie before retiring to your cabin for a good nights sleep. Overnight aboard the Emeraude, Halong Bay.
Day 2 - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B)

For early risers complimentary tea and coffee are served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. As you return to Halong City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.� Arrive back at Emeraude's exclusive private pier for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi.As an optional extra, and according to your flight schedule, your drive back to Hanoi can include various stops in the Red River Delta. Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam 'But Thap', the Bat Trang Pottery village, or a small village where you can watch a traditional water puppet performance. Contact us for further info.
Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 NightTour Operates: Year Round / On DemandTour Price: On request

For an accurate quotation please send an Email us
Our services include as follows:
Private air conditioned vehicle for return transfersHanoi - Halong City.
Entrance fees where mentioned
Non private boat cruise on Halong Bay from 1200 onday 1 to 1000 on day 2
01 nights' accommodation on the deluxe Emeraude.
Vietnamese buffet lunch and dinner on day 1 & fullAmerican breakfast on day 2.
Our services do not include as follows:
Drinks, tips and extras.
Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.
Guide



Creating Unique Touring ExperiencesAll the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.

North Vietnam exclusive!

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi
This tour combines the cultural heritage of Hanoi with the scenic mountains of Sapa.Vietnam's capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes and colonial villa's has a more sedate pace than other Asian cities. This is a city that offers something for everyone and will leave you wishing that you had longer to explore this enthralling capital.From Hanoi, take the deluxe overnight Victoria Express train to Sapa; the train has made this area of Vietnam more accessible than ever - and getting there is part of the fun. Sapa is one of Vietnam's most intriguing destinations, set high in the mountains near the China border; it is most famous for its terraced rice paddies and colorful local markets. Home to numerous ethnic tribes and boasting the highest mountain in Indochina, visitors to the region will understand why the area was a favourite with French colonialists as far back as 1920.Back in Hanoi enjoy the deservedly world famous charms of the Sofitel Metropole before heading home or continuing your journey in Vietnam or one of our other enticing destination.
Day 1 - Hanoi On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport an Exotissimo guide will greet you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel.
Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 2 - Hanoi - Lao Cai (B,L) After breakfast depart for an insider's tour of the capital. Long hidden from the international community Hanoi's cultural scene is thriving. Visit the best galleries, pagodas, cultural sites, markets and other hidden gems with your specialist guide. Enjoy lunch at Cha Ca La Vong. Listed in the travel book ‘500 places to see before you die' this specialty fish restaurant has been serving the same dish for the past 3 decades. Mid evening proceed to Hanoi Train Station for the night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the Victoria Express train.
Day 3 - Lao Cai - Sapa (B,L) On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa.. Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black, Tay, H'mong and other hill tribe people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their handicrafts and to buy provisions. Following take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Honag Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan.
Overnight at the Victoria Hotel & Spa, Sapa.
Day 4 - Sapa (B) This day is free to discover Sapa at your own pace. Options include a variety of short treks and excursions, enjoying a relaxing massage at the Victoria Resort's spa, or simply relaxing in the refreshing mountain air.
Overnight at the Victoria Hotel & Spa, Sapa.
Day 5 - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi (B) As an optional extra visit one of the areas exciting markets (ask you travel consultant for more info), explore the area on foot or drive back to Sapa for further exploration of the town. In the late afternoon depart for Lao Cai Town for your departure back to Hanoi by train.
Overnight on the Victoria Express train.

Day 6 - Hanoi (B) Arrival at Hanoi Station in the early morning. Drive to your hotel then take the day to relax as you please. Enjoy the many charms that this city has to offer from the many boutique shops or simply taking a coffee at one of the charming street side coffee shop and watching the world go by.
Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 7 - Hanoi (B) Free at leisure until your transfer by private car to Hanoi Airport for international flight or domestic extension.
Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
Tour Duration: 7 Days / 6 NightsTour Operates: Year Round / On DemandTour Price: On request
For an accurate quotation please send Email us
Our services include as follows:
Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels. Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary. Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers. Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers. Entrance fees for all sights visited. Camera and video cameras fees if applicable Lunch or dinner if mentioned in itinerary with (L,D) Domestic airport taxes for any domestic flights Tips for porters. Our services do not include as follows:
International flights to and from Vietnam Meals other than those mentioned above Personal expenses are such as laundry, telephone, drinks etc... Tips for guide Personal insurance Any domestic flights not mentioned International departure airport tax (normally included in your ticket price)
Creating Unique Touring ExperiencesAll the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.