Lao Cai
2 days, 1 night
AH-LC52
5/10
$179 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to explore the Bac Ha region in a more active and engaging way. In just two days, it combines cycling through beautiful countryside and villages, a scenic boat cruise on the Chay River, and time to explore the colorful Bac Ha Market. Along the way, you will meet ethnic minority communities such as the Flower H’mong, Black Dao, Phu La, Nung, and Tay, making this a rewarding trip for those who enjoy both outdoor adventure and local cultural experiences.

Highlights

  • Cycle through beautiful countryside and local villages
  • Start the journey in Lao Cai and ride toward Coc Ly and Bac Ha
  • Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Chay River
  • Visit Trung Do Village of the Tay people
  • Explore the famous and colorful Bac Ha Market
  • Ride to Ban Pho Village and discover local life
  • Meet ethnic communities such as the Flower H’mong, Black Dao, Phu La, Nung, and Tay
  • A great short cycling adventure with both cultural and natural highlights
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Sapa Town

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Cycling

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 5/10

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Saturday): Lao Cai – Coc Ly – Chay River Boat Trip – Bac Ha (-, L, D) 

After breakfast, depart from Lao Cai Railway Station by car or bicycle. The route is relatively flat at first, passing through the rural countryside, while the final 16 km becomes rougher.

Arrive in Coc Ly, where you begin a boat cruise downstream on the Chay River. Along the ride, enjoy beautiful views of caves and daily life on the riverbank. Lunch will be served either on a riverside beach or later in Trung Do Village, home to the Tay people, where you can also stop at a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea.

After lunch, continue the journey by bicycle through village paths and countryside tracks on the way toward Bac Ha. Arrive in Bac Ha in the late afternoon for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.

Approx.: 3 hours cycling / 1 hour boat cruise / 30 minutes walking / 1-hour lunch

*Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2 (Sunday): Bac Ha – Ban Pho – Lao Cai. (B, L, -) 

After morning coffee, take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former H’mong King, where you can enjoy a nice view over the town.

Then continue to explore Bac Ha Market, one of the most famous and colorful ethnic markets in the region. Here, you can see communities such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung gathering to buy and sell local goods. Spend the whole morning exploring the market before lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a ride around beautiful Ban Pho Village, home to Flower H’mong and Nung communities. After visiting the village, begin the journey back toward Lao Cai by bicycle or by car. The route is mostly downhill and flat through rural areas where Phu La, Nung, and Tay people live.

Before arriving in Lao Cai, there may also be a chance to stop near the Vietnam–China border, where the Red River flows into Vietnam. There will be time for a shower and dinner before boarding the night train back to Hanoi.

Approx.: 3 hours cycling / 2 hours walking / 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

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

The trip could be started and finished at Sapa or Lao Cai Railways Station, according to your wishes. There will be supply car provided. Incase the trip starts from Sapa, the itinerary can be changed depending on your wish. You will be able to spend the night in a traditional Tay house at Trung Do village.