Lao Cai
3 days / 2 nights
AH-LC54
6/10
$325 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking to discover the dramatic far side of the Hoang Lien Son range in a deeply active, adventurous way. Leaving Sapa behind, your journey kicks off with an epic climb over the legendary O Quy Ho (Tram Ton) Pass before sweeping down into the magnificent Than Uyen Valley—one of the most breathtaking, untouched corridors in Northern Vietnam. Navigating peaceful mountain backroads, you'll pedal through the vibrant terraced rice paddies, lush green tea plantations, and authentic stilt-house villages of the Thai, H’mong, and Lu peoples. Blending long, scenic road descents with rewarding off-road sections, this is an immersive cycling expedition designed for those who want to experience the raw, uncommercialized heart of the Northwest.

Highlights

  • Conquer the legendary Tram Ton Pass (Heaven’s Gate). 
  • Cycle along rugged, rocky backroads through the hidden landscapes of Than Thuoc, Than Uyen, and the Muong Kim Valley.
  • Ride through quiet, untouched villages to meet and learn about the unique traditions of the local Thai, H’mong, and Lu communities.
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Sapa / Lao Cai

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Year-round

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Cycling

ITINERARY
Day 1: Lao Cai – Sapa – Tram Ton – Than Thuoc (L, D)

First, your support vehicle will transfer you to the starting point near Silver Waterfall. From here, begin with a 3 km climb to Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Indochina, where you can stop and admire the spectacular views over the Hoang Lien Son mountains.

After enjoying the scenery, start the long 26 km descent to Binh Lu Junction. From there, leave the main road and continue on a sometimes rocky route of around 20 km to Than Thuoc, a charming small tea town where you will spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Approx.: cycling route as described / overnight in guesthouse

* Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Than Thuoc – Than Uyen (B, L, D)

After breakfast, your support vehicle will transfer you up a steep mountain road to the day’s starting point. From there, enjoy a 20 km descent to Than Uyen, riding through valleys surrounded by old-growth forest, tea plantations, and green rice paddies.

After lunch in Than Uyen, continue with an afternoon ride exploring some single-track trails and nearby ethnic minority villages, including communities of the Lu people. Return to Than Uyen for dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

Approx.: full-day cycling with village exploration

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Than Uyen – Muong Kim Valley – Van Ban – Lao Cai (B, L)

After breakfast, continue the journey with a 40 km ride around the other side of the beautiful Muong Kim Valley. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos of the local hill tribe communities and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Arrive in Van Ban for a late lunch, then board the minivan for the transfer back to Lao Cai. End of the tour.

Approx.: 2 hours driving / 4 hours cycling / 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, 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