Lao Cai
4 days, 3 nights
Cycling tour
$454 USD
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DESCRIBE

This mountain bike trip will take you to some of the most scenic areas in Northern Vietnam. Travelling through stunning mountainous landscape to the highest stretch of road in Vietnam, called Heavens Gate. You will cycle downhill to Tam Duong village passing through Binh Lu. Along the way, you will pass through remote picturesque villages and rice paddy fields of breathtaking beauty - you are sure to need more than one photo stop on this journey. Camp will be set up along a beautiful riverbank. You will also be able to walk around the small town of Lai Chau. On the last day you will arrive at the historically famous town of Dien Bien Phu. From time to time during the trip Jeep will transport you. The trip includes 2 nights in hotel. 

 

SUMMARY

  • Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Cycling tour

ITINERARY
1st day: Sapa - Heavens Gate - Binh Lu - Tam Duong (-, L, D)

You will start out from Sapa by cycling up the Vietnam's highest pass to "Heavens Gate". A break at the top of the pass will give you the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque view of the Sapa valley and the long snake-shaped road, which you will pass by later. You will then continue the cycle through the fantastic mountainous landscape to Binh Lu, home to a number of ethnic villages such as the Black Dao, The Giay... You will then probably need the help of the supply car to go up another high pass, before enjoying the easy ride downhill all the way left to Tam Duong, where you stay overnight in a small hotel.

Approx: 40 minutes driving/ 4 hours cycling/ 1 hour lunch.

2nd day: Tam Duong - Phong Tho - Paso (B, L, D)

If today falls on Thursday or Sunday, you will be able to visit the Tam Duong market, which always delivers a very photogenic display of White Hmong, Flower Hmong, Nhang and Pu Na ethnic costumes.

You will start out from Tam Duong by taking the support vehicle to the pass between Tam Duong and Phong Tho. From there you have a 15 kilometers downhill ride before turning right towards the market town of Phong Tho, situated on a picturesque tributary of the Na River. A small road then leads you through the unexplored area of a number of ethnic villages and acres of lush riverside banana plantation to the small town of Paso.

Approx: hours cycling/ 1 hour working/ 1 hour lunch

3rd day: Paso - Sin Ho – Muong Lay (B, L, D)

The road today weaves its way through the picturesque Na river valley, past many small villages of Red and White Hmong, Kho Mu and White Thai ethnic minorities. The sound of the river running below follows you all along the ride until you reach to Lai Chau early afternoon. Then you will have the opportunity of having a walk around in the small town, soft trekking in the mountains, floating downstream the river...or just taking a shower and relax over a cup of coffee or a beer.

Approx: 5 hours cycling/ 1 hour lunch.

4th day: Muong Lay - Dien Bien Phu (B, L, D)

Today is the easiest day on the trip. You will start out by support vehicle for the first 30 km before cycling downhill to Muong Lay village. The road from Muong Lay to Dien Bien Phu is sealed, making your ride more enjoyable. Again today you will pass more ethnic villages of White Thai, Red and White Hmong and Kho Mu minorities. 

In the afternoon you will reach Dien Bien Phu and 4 amazing adventure days on the bikes are over.

Approx: 30 minutes driving/ 4 hours cycling/ 1 hour lunch.

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • English speaking guide 
  • Good mountain bikes with helmets
  • All indicated meals (B as breakfast; L as lunch; D as dinner)
  • Water on the whole trip
  • Water, tissue, snacks on the whole trip
  • Support vehicles
  • All entrance fees and permit
  • Accommodation (hotel or homestay if any)

Exclusion:

  • Tips
  • Soft drink (beer, coca cola…)
  • Medical Insurance
  • All other services not indicated above