The journey
Ten days in the saddle across Vietnam's remote northwest, from Sapa's highlands to the streets of Hanoi.
This is one of Vietnam's great cycling expeditions: eight demanding days on the bike, tracing back roads and mountain passes through the remote northwest from Sapa to Hanoi. Climb Heaven's Gate, the highest pass in northern Vietnam, with Mount Fansipan on the horizon, then wind through Dien Bien Phu's wartime history, Moc Chau's terraced hills and the Thai minority villages of Pu Luong. A serious ride through some of Vietnam's least-visited scenery, with a support vehicle never far away.
Highlights
- Cycle from Sapa to Hanoi over eight demanding days through Vietnam's remote northwest
- Climb Heaven's Gate, the highest mountain pass in northern Vietnam, with views of Mount Fansipan
- Ride through Dien Bien Phu, site of Vietnam's decisive 1954 victory over French forces
- Cross Moc Chau's terraced rice paddies and limestone cliffs
- Spend a night with a Thai minority homestay family in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- Travel the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai to begin the ride
Included
Accommodation
9 nights in hand-picked hotels and a homestay, plus 1 night aboard an overnight train
Activities
Hanoi city tour · Overnight train to Lao Cai · Sapa to Lai Chau cycle via Heaven's Gate · Dien Bien Phu cycle · Son La & Moc Chau cycle · Pu Luong homestay & cultural evening · Mai Chau to Hanoi cycle
Also included
Private guide, support vehicle & bikes throughout · Daily breakfast, plus 19 additional meals · Entrance fees
The route
Eleven days across Vietnam
10 stops · Hanoi to Pu Luong and back
Hanoi
Sapa
Lai Chau
Muong Lay
Dien Bien Phu
Tuan Giao
Son La
Moc Chau
Pu Luong
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Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Hanoi (overnight train to Lao Cai)
Arrive into Hanoi, where your guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After dropping your bags, head out for a short tour of the capital: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Pagoda, the Old Quarter, and the eleventh-century Temple of Literature. In the evening, your guides will run through the trip ahead over a welcome dinner at one of the city's top restaurants, before transferring to the station for the overnight train to Lao Cai in a comfortable four-berth sleeper cabin. Overnight aboard the train.
Day 2
Sapa
Arrive into Lao Cai early this morning, around 40 kilometres from Sapa. After breakfast, begin riding with an easy descent through the villages around Matra, continuing on to Ta Phin, home to the Red Dao community, for a warm welcome from local families. Transfer on to Sapa, with time to browse the central market. (Cycling distance up to 20 km, rated Medium.) Overnight in Sapa.
Day 3
Sapa to Lai Chau
Today's ride takes on Heaven's Gate, the highest mountain pass in northern Vietnam. The climb through Hoang Lien Son National Park is a demanding one, rewarded at the top with views of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. A long descent follows on the far side, with a picnic lunch along the way before continuing to the newly built town of Lai Chau. (Cycling distance up to 95 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Lai Chau.
Day 4
Lai Chau to Muong Lay
An easier start from the quiet town of Lai Chau, with the first climb of the day arriving after around 10 kilometres, either on the bike or with a lift from the support van, followed by a long, sweeping descent. The afternoon continues over rolling terrain with magnificent views toward Muong Lay, a valley that will eventually be submerged by the Son La Hydropower Project, set to form Vietnam's largest reservoir. (Cycling distance up to 105 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Muong Lay.
Day 5
Muong Lay to Dien Bien Phu
Follow the Na River through a lush landscape of ferns, banana groves and bamboo to Dien Bien Phu, a town best known as the site of Vietnam's decisive 1954 victory over French colonial forces. (Cycling distance up to 93 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
Day 6
Dien Bien Phu to Tuan Giao
A gentler day than the three before it, riding quiet back roads through picturesque gorges before a gradual descent into the town of Tuan Giao. (Cycling distance up to 81 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Tuan Giao.
Day 7
Tuan Giao to Son La
One of the most scenic rides of the trip, starting with a short warm-up before a challenging 12-kilometre climb and a coasting 14-kilometre descent. Continue on through Thuan Chau, home to the White Hmong community, known for their distinctive black headdresses and pink tassels. (Cycling distance up to 90 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Son La.
Day 8
Son La to Moc Chau
Set out from the hotel for a gradual climb through terraced rice paddies framed by jagged limestone cliffs, a little less hilly than the previous day but no less spectacular. Stop for lunch in Yen Chau before continuing to Moc Chau, a hill town at around 1,000 metres elevation known for its milk cake and tea. (Cycling distance up to 121 km, rated Hard.) Overnight in Moc Chau.
Day 9
Moc Chau to Pu Luong
A mostly downhill day, starting with an easy ride across a plateau of tea plantations and peach orchards before following quiet back roads into a region home to Thai minority communities. Arrive at the village of Buoc, inside Pu Luong Nature Reserve, for an overnight homestay, a home-cooked dinner, a taste of local rice wine, and, availability permitting, a local dance performance. (Cycling distance up to 67 km, rated Medium.) Overnight in Buoc village, Pu Luong.
Day 10
Pu Luong to Hanoi
The final day of cycling begins with an 800-metre climb before a long descent into the town of Muong Khen, continuing on to Hoa Binh City, the ride's finishing point. After a local lunch, trade the bike for a 2.5-hour drive back to Hanoi, with the afternoon free before a farewell dinner at one of the city's restaurants in the evening. (Cycling distance up to 66 km, rated Medium.) Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11
Hanoi, Departure
Enjoy a final morning at leisure before transferring to Noi Bai Airport for your departing flight.
Moments
Along the way
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