Biking Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Escalating the most spectacular mountain range in Southeast Asia — this bike journey from Hanoi to Luang Prabang presents stunning views and rare cultural encounters. Challenging inclines and scintillating descents make our trail, which winds through Sapa’s grooved hillsides, up Vietnam’s highest mountain pass and through enchanting tribe villages. Cycle into the picturesque Na River gorge, through the surrounding hills and valleys to Dien Bien Phu, the historic site of the Viet Minh’s decisive victory over the French. Bike into Laos to witness agrarian local life and untamed topography as we overnight at riverside guest houses.  We’ll finish our bicycle trip in atmospheric Luang Prabang.

Tour Cost	US$1850	Single Supplement	US$275
Bike Hire	US$160	Total Cycling Distance	770 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	12 days / 11 nights
Number of Cycling Days	8 full days, 1 half day.	Tour Meets	Hanoi
Tour Ends	Luang Prabang	Countries Visited	Vietnam, Laos.
Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.

Day 1

Meet in Hanoi before we catch the King Express Train, the overnight train to Lao Cai and the start of our adventure.

Day 2

After an early morning arrival in Lao Cai we transfer to the hill station town of Sapa and check into our hotel. We test out the bikes with an off road ride on trails used by the ethnic locals to get to market.

Day 3

Starting from the hotel we head off road to the village of Ta Phin and ride on a loop track that traverses forested hillsides and takes in many of the minority villages of the Sapa area.

Day 4

Today we ride out of Sapa and climb up to Tram Ton pass – the highest road pass in Vietnam at 2,000 m. We pass tea plantations on our descent and later in the day wind back up to Khau Giang Pass.

Day 5

It's a three pass day as we head up and over Muong Mun, Huoi Long and Meo Hoa. The many ethnic tribal villages along the way offer a plethora of photo opportunities, so be sure to have your cameras handy.

Day 6

A gentler day with a route that undulates through quiet back roads and picturesque gorges that gradually lead downhill towards Dien Bien Phu.

Day 7

Enjoy a rest day in the history-rich city of Dien Bien Phu and time to visit the war museum and a local market.

Day 8

The trail twists and turns before reaching the Laos border. After a swap of crews we cycle to the crossroads town of Muang Khoua on dirt roads through remote villages mainly comprised of Red or Black Thai ethnic tribes.

Day 9

A mixture in scenery today, as we start with jungle that gives way to rice paddies, the road rises and falls and varies from broken road to dirt tracks. At the end of the day we have a long down hill into the town of Udom Xai.

Day 10

We are now in the central highlands of Laos and there are spectacular views across the rugged mountain landscape. Cycle through Hmong villages in a region that few people ever visit. Overnight in Nong Kiau at a guesthouse that overlooks the river.

Day 11

Cycling an undulating road we head west along the Nam Ou River to Pakbeng. After a transfer we cycle south to the historic town of Luang Prabang.

Day 12

The morning is free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang before onward travel.

Date	Availability	Price	Single Supplement	Bike Hire	Book
February 26, 2012	Guaranteed to Depart	USD 1,850.00	USD 275.00	USD 160.00
October 14, 2012	Guaranteed to Depart	USD 1,850.00	USD 275.00	USD 160.00
November 25, 2012	Available	USD 1,850.00	USD 275.00	USD 160.00

• The riding in Vietnam was tough but this is exactly what I had hoped for. The scenery was beautiful, I especially liked the big hill climbs followed by the thrilling decents. I loved riding through and visiting the villages.

  Then to Laos and words cannot decribe how wonderful this part of the trip was. The accomadation was always clean and comfortable and exceeded any expectations I had. The food including our picnic lunches was nothing short of sensational. The country side was amazing and the riding very very enjoyable.

  A huge thank to the guides and driver who really made this trip extra special.
  And once again I thank your company for making this such a memorable trip and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Spice roads to anyone interested in seeing Asia by bike.

  Emma Sandy - October 2011

• Overall a superb trip.

  Jill Blacklock - December 2010

• I LOVED the riding - some of the best I have ever done. The roads in Vietnam were terrific!! Laos was a bit rough, but with mountain bikes it was no problem. We really did not have much traffic at all. I was very pleasantly surprised.

  Allegra Calder - January 2011

• The tour guide and the support team in Lao were excellent. They worked hard to give us the best possible experience. They explained all about Lao culture. we were particularly lucky to cycle through Hmong communities during their New Year festival and the guide and drivers explained the customs and pointed out aspects to us as we went past.

  Mairead Forsythe - December 2010

• The Hanoi - Luang Prabang trip was tough but very enjoyable!! Spice Roads organisation was 1st class and it was a pleasure to do another trip with your organisation!!

  David L. Gunn - March 2009