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

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to discover the far side of Fansipan in a more active and adventurous way. The route takes you over Tram Ton Pass, down through one of the most beautiful valleys in the north, and onward along quieter mountain roads through villages of the Thai, H’mong, and Lu people. With long scenic descents, moderate off-road sections, tea plantations, rice paddies, and authentic local life along the way, this is an ideal cycling journey for those who want more than a standard sightseeing trip.

Highlights

  • Cross Tram Ton Pass (Heaven Gate) to explore the other side of Fansipan
  • Enjoy a spectacular 26 km descent to Binh Lu Junction
  • Ride through beautiful valleys, tea hills, and rice paddies
  • Cycle along rocky back roads through quiet ethnic minority villages
  • Visit communities of the Thai, H’mong, and Lu people
  • Explore the scenic landscapes around Than Thuoc, Than Uyen, and Muong Kim Valley
  • A rewarding 3-day mountain biking adventure through one of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful regions
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Sapa Town

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Cycling

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

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