Vietnam Cultural Discovery
From £643 per person*
North West Circuit by Mountain Bike
Overview | Itinerary 1 | Itinerary 2
This is the ultimate mountain ride, a cycle-journey through Southeast Asia's most spectacular mountain range. Starting in Hanoi, take the train to the scenic hill-station of Sapa, a village built by the French in a valley almost exclusively inhabited by tribal Montagnards. Discover the amazing mountain trails around Fansipan, Indochina's highest peak before riding over a 2km high mountain pass into the land known by the local Hmong people as "beyond the clouds".
This tour goes to a part of Asia few foreigner's ever venture. The stunning Lai Chao and Fansipan valleys are as remote as they are beautiful. Colourful Hmong, Dao (pronounced Zow) and other tribal people live in a land that has still not yet been touched by the modern world and we constantly ride through just incredible scenery!
Finally we end our ride in Dien Bien Phu, the site of the Viet Minh's historic and decisive victory over the French. After visiting the battlefields and learning how Ho Chi Minh and his indefatigable people defeated the colonial French we fly back to Hanoi.
Departure Schedule |
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| Nov 23, 2008 | 6 | Itinerary 1 | £643 | Departure guaranteed! | Register |
| Feb 8, 2009 | 6 | Itinerary 1 | £643 | -- | Register |
Itinerary 1
Day 1: Hanoi - Son La In the morning we drive out of the capital on our support vehicle and head north to the town of Son La. Son La is located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half the 20th century. B L D
Day 2: Son La - Dien Bien Phu (70km) Today we drive the first 80km as far as Tuan Giao before we take to our bicycles and ride the 80km to the town of Dien Bien. B L D
Day 3: Dien Bien Phu (60km) After breakfast we set out on our bikes to explore the historically important area around Dien Bien. It was here in 1954 that the French planned to lure the Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh into the valley by sending 16,000 French troops as bait. The French however did not count on the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap who somehow managed to place the Vietnamese artillery on the surrounding ridges. From March until May 1954 the Viet Minh pounded the French positions until the French capitulated. In the evening we return to our hotel in Dien Bien town. B L D
Day 4: Dien Bien - Lai Chau (120km) Today we cycle along the windy roads that snake trough the beautiful countryside that characterizes this part of the country. At times the roads are steep but the stunning panoramas afforded us more than compensate for any hardships. B L D
Day 5: Lai Chau - Phong Tho (120km) Following breakfast we cycle through more superb mountain country en route to Phong Tho. Along the way we pass through several different minority villages and are able to see at close quarters how people go about their daily lives. B L D
Day 6: Phong Tho - Sapa (50km) Today we continue winding our way through the scenic hills and valleys. We stop at To Binh Lu and for the remaining 50km we take the support vehicle as we sake our way up to the celebrated former hill station of Sapa. B L D
Day 7: Sapa We have a full day to see some of Sapa?s most colorful and interesting sights by bicycle. These include the Red Dao village of Ta Phin, nestled on the floor of a beautiful valley and the picturesque Tay village of Ta Van. B L D
Day 8: Sapa - Hanoi Following breakfast we embark on the return drive to the capital. Along the way we will make numerous photo stops as we pass through different hill tribe villages. B L
FACTS & FIGURES
Tour Cost: please contact us for details
Bike Hire:
Total Distance: 420 km
Number of Days: 8 days / 7 nights
Number of Cycling Days: 6 full days
Road Surface: This tour follows a mix of asphalt roads, broken roads, vehicle-width dirt roads, and rough tracks, so some off-road riding skills are an advantage. You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills.
Support: One or two 4WD Jeeps and where required motorbike support.
Group Size: Minimum 4. Maximum 12.
Staff: For groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader, for groups of 6 or more a cycling leader plus a Vietnamese cycling guide. Plus drivers and assistants for all groups.
Accommodation:
Food: All meals are included except lunch on day 1 and day 7 and dinner on Day 7.
Itinerary 2
TRIP PROFILE
This is a tough mountain tour. There are four very long hard days riding on off road trails and badly broken roads so participants should be fit and experienced riders.
We ride just over 300 kilometres. There are some long, grueling climbs and some scintillating descents.
The rewards are empty roads and incomparable views. If you enjoy hill climbing and riding in the mountains, this tour is a dream. It is the best Southeast Asia can offer and highly recommended.
We are supported by a sturdy 4WD jeep and motorbike, which is perfectly equipped for the terrain but not an entirely comfortable passenger vehicle and participants should sign up expecting to ride as much of the tour as they can.
Day 1: Hanoi & Overnight Train to Lao Cai
Arrive/meet in Hanoi, day free for sightseeing. Evening, catch the overnight train. to Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa.
Day 2:Lao Cai ~ Sapa
Arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. Afternoon ride in the Supan valley close to Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa
Ride a beautiful loop taking in many minority villages.
Day 4: Sapa ~ Pa So
Ride over Tram Ton Pass and off road to Pa So.
Day 5: Pa So ~ Lai Chau
Stunning scenery and remote valleys to Lai Chau.
Day 6: Lai Chau ~ Dien Bien Phu
Outstanding ride over many hills and through rarely visited villages to Dien Bien Phu.
Day 7: Dien Bien Phu ~ Hanoi
Morning visit war museum and battle fields. Fly to Hanoi. End tour in Hanoi.
Cyclng Distance: 305 km
Number of Cycling Days: Four full days and one half-day
Road Surface: This tour follows a mix of asphalt roads, broken roads, vehicle-width dirt roads, and rough tracks, so some off-road riding skills are an advantage. You should be confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills.
Support: One or two 4WD Jeeps and where required motorbike support.
Group Size: Minimum 4. Maximum 12.
Staff: For groups of 4-5, an experienced English speaking Vietnamese cycling leader, for groups of 6 or more a cycling leader plus a Vietnamese cycling guide. Plus drivers and assistants for all groups.
Accommodation: All hotels are good tourist class ranging from 2-3 star apart from 1 night on a sleeper train. Hotels have a/c and private facilities as a minimum and we always choose hotels with charm and character whenever possible.
Food: All meals are included except lunch on day 1 and day 7 and dinner on Day 7.
Single Supplement: GBP 55
Bike Hire: GBP 60
Departure Schedule |
| Departs | Days | Itinerary | Price | Note | |
| Nov 23, 2008 | 6 | Itinerary 2 | £643 | Departure guaranteed! | Register |
| Feb 8, 2009 | 6 | Itinerary 2 | £643 | -- | Register |
* NOTE. Prices indicated on this website are shown as a guideline only and may be subject to currency fluctuations, banking fees and other changes outside our control. Pricing information is available in
other currencies.
