Description

11-day tour with 7-day biking
Biking grade: Challenging
From 1,207 USD per person

Our unique biking trip in northern Vietnam takes place against a backdrop of endless lush green paddy fields and irregular tree-covered limestone mountains. Providing a fleeting insight into the traditional lives, friendly tribes and exotic landscapes of north-west and north-east Vietnam, our trip also delivers surprisingly good riding across the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. There are technical sections, easy hills, huge flowing descents and some glorious singletracks.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi International Airport. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel downtown Hanoi. The remainder of day is free at leisure to explore Hanoi yourself. In the evening we will take a welcome dinner at local restaurant with Vietnamese delicacies. Overnight in Hanoi.

Summary
Transfer: 50 mins
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Welcome dinner with Vietnamese cuisine in local restaurant

Day 2: Hanoi city tour & Night train to Lao Cai
After breakfast we will begin our city tour of Hanoi. At first, we will visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Uncle Ho house. After that we head to the unique One Stilt Pagoda, which date from one thousand year ago. Continue to the Hanois famous Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam founded in 1070. The highlight of this cultural, historical site is the garden of stelae where you find 82 stone stelae bearing names, places of birth and achievements of men who received doctorates in each triennial examination from 1442; each stelae sits on a stone tortoise. Lunch in local restaurant before heading to the Old Quarter for a relaxing cyclo tour through the ancient part of Hanoi.

After the cyclo tour we will drive to the Museum of Ethnology, which is quite away from the central Hanoi. It features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. On our trip we will meet some tribal groups now it is time to learn about them.
Drive back to hotel to take shower. Free time until we get on the night train to Lao Cai around 10pm.

* Cyclo is three wheeled rickshaws, operated by pedal-power, with a seat attached to the front.

Summary
City tour: Full day city tour
Accommodation: AC soft sleeper cabin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Biking Ban Ho Village - Sapa
Once we arrive in Lao Cai we get a transfer around 1hr to our hotel in Sapa. After checking in, freshening up and a light breakfast we will get our bikes together with a wonderful days biking though the Sapa Valley. At first on a dirt road then on single-track path. We will descent to Ban Ho village, home to Tay people. We will bike beside the main river, on a fast undulating route to Nam Toong, a village of Red Dzao people. Picnic lunch on the way before continuing to My Son, a village populated by Xafo people, one of the smallest ethnic group in Vietnam. We return to Sapa by a jeep ride. Dine at local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Summary
Transfer: 38 km from Lao Cai to Sapa
Biking: 32 km/descend 12 km/ascend 1 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sapa - Suoi Ho Village - Ban Khoang Village - Ta Giang Phin Village - Ban Seo Village - Lao Cai
After breakfast in the hotel we will begin the ride around 8.30am, directly from Sapa and straight away we are flying along on a 38km stretch involving a challenging climb at first and then a spectacular, fast flowing downhill to join a remote jeep track. We will meet up for picnic lunch at lower downhill. The jeep track climbs at first then provide a fast descent before we hit a short section of paved road that leads to Lao Cai Town. This is a long and challenging day with one short section where we might have to carry our bikes. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Summary
Biking: 85 km/descend 28 km/ascend 8 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Lao Cai Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Jeep

Day 5: Lao Cai - Phong Hai - Coc Ly - Bac Ha
Early rising for breakfast and load our bikes on support vehicle for 1-hr transfer to the village of Phong Hai. Our ridding begins on a good hardpack track along the side of a quiet road. Climbing gently then descending steeply to the small village of Coc Ly. Take a boat trip on Chay River, a beautiful river with stunning mountain gorge. The boat trip is followed by a ride on riverbank single-track and an alpine road climb to the quiet town of Bac Ha. Picnic lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in Bac Ha.

Summary
Boat trip: 1.5 hr
Biking: 41 km/descend 14 km/ascend 15 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Bac Ha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Jeep or Van

Day 6: Bac Ha - Lung Phin - Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi
After breakfast in hotel we drive 10 km west to Lung Phin where we start climbing toward Xin Man. Today we will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first we tackle a steady climb for 1 hr and then hitting the tarmac for a fast descent into the quiet town of Xin Man. Lunch in Xin Man before starting the afternoon ride. The riding in the afternoon takes us down to a bridge over the upstream of Chay River and for the next 40 km we cycle along a quiet road that gently climbs and follow the river to the town of Hoang Su Phi. We will stay overnight in the only hotel in town

Summary
Transfer: 9 km from Bac Ha to Lung Phin
Biking: 88 km/descend 16 km/ascend 14 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoang Su Phi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Van

Day 7: Hoang Su Phi - Cao Banh - Vi Xuyen - Ha Giang
This is one of the most challenging biking days of the trip. Leaving Hoang Su Phi early morning, there are 6 km downhill before we turn off onto a remote track leading though mountains. On this part our support vehicle will not be able to follow us and continue on the main mountain road to Viet Lam, where we will meet up later this day. However, we still have the emergency back up for water, lunch and first-aid, as we ride through the mountains. The ride highlight today is a long descent punctuated with waterfall and switchbacks, which flows seamlessly into some sinuous riverside single track making for fantastic riding. Eventually we emerge onto rough tarmac and climb before finally dropping down again to the hot springs of Viet Lam, where we can ease our aching muscles. Refreshed, we transfer the final 20 miles along Highway 2 to the busy district capital of Ha Giang. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

Summary
Transfer: 45 km from Viet Lam to Ha Giang
Biking: 58 km/descend 19 km/ascend 14 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Ha Giang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Van (or Jeep or Motorbike depending on the condition of the road)

Day 8: Ha Giang - Bac Me
Today the ride is mostly road based. At first we tackle 12 km gentle climbs and then it is an undulating, idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills. Light lunch en route and we will reach the small town of Bac Me early afternoon. The rest of the day, we can explore this litter town and its surroundings or relax with a cold beer in local bars. Dinner and overnight in Bac Me.

Summary
Biking: 55 km/descend 20 km/ascend 12 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Bac Me
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Van

Day 9: Bac Me - Duong An - Yen Hoa - Da Vi - Dau Dang - Boat trip to Ba Be National Park
Just outside Bac Me, we cross the Gam River and leave the main road to follow a small track cross-country off-road all the way to Ba Be. Our support vehicle will not be able to follow us on this route and travel along way to meet us in Ba Be National Park. Depending to the condition of the track we will have an emergency jeep or motorbike for water, food and first-aid. The ride involves three climbs, crossing a succession of river valleys, but is rideable all the way. At the village of Dan Dong, we will be transferred into traditional long boats for a relaxing 1.5-hr ride along the beautiful Nang River and cross the lake into the stunning Ba Be National Park. The park is centered on the countrys largest natural lake which is surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfalls, caves and abundant of wildlife. We will have dinner and spend our night in a traditional house of Tay minority.

Summary
Boat trip: 1.5 hr
Biking: 82 km/descend 18 km/ascend 22 km
Accommodation: Home stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Jeep or Motorbike(s)

Day 10: Ba Be - Cho Ra - Hanoi
Today we have a relaxing and peaceful day. After the breakfast we say goodbye to the hosts and take a short walk through the village. We will board a long boat for a fantastic boat trip on the stunning Ba Be Lake. After 1.5-hr interesting boat trip reach Cho Ra Town for lunch. Drive 5 hrs back to Hanoi with a lunch stop on the way. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.

Summary
Boat trip: 1.5 hr
Transfer: 190 km from Cho Ra to Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home. Trip concludes

Summary
Transfer: 50 mins from hotel to the airport
Meals: Breakfast

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

Highlights

* Colorful tribes
* Stunning scenery
* Glorious single tracks of Sapa and Bac Ha
* Homestay among friendly tribesmen

Travel Types

• Cycling (Mountain)

Cost in US$:

From 1,207 USD per person

Program Fees Include:

2 persons: USD 1641
3-4 persons: USD 1362
5-6 persons: USD 1244
7-8 persons: USD 1207
From 9 persons: price on request
Single Supplement: USD 174

Inclusion:

- Support vehicles
- One-way train ticket Hanoi - Laocai (AC, soft sleeper)
- English or French speaking guide
- High-end Mountain bike
- Helmet & biking gloves
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Hotels (Twin shared room)
- Homestay permission
- Boat in Ba Be
- First-aid kit
- Water & Snacks
- Entrance and Sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips
- Personal expenses

Note: These prices are subject to change without prior notice.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• In-Person Interview Required
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Active Travel Asia's Mission Statement

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. Our packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Asia. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. We run the most adventure tours available in the area. Our active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, real people seeking real fun and adventure.

Year Founded

2002