Cycling Vietnam's Northeast Mountains

This cycle-journey is to the relatively unexplored northeast region of Vietnam, near the border with China where, until recently, you needed special permits to visit. Starting in Hanoi, we take the train to Lao Cai and from there we head east into the province of Ha Giang and you'll be riding through dramatic landscapes and colorful ethnic minorities who are still living as they have for hundreds of years. It will be as if everyday you are riding through an open air museum – as you cycle by villagers weaving in their homes and blacksmiths forging their tools. We end our tour on a unique island in Halong Bay, so you can take advantage of the sandy beaches.

Tour Cost	US$1,995	Single Supplement	US$325
Bike Hire	US$150	Total Cycling Distance	Up to 660 kilometres
Tour Grade	out of 5	Number of Days	14 days / 13 nights
Number of Cycling Days	8 full days	Tour Meets	Hanoi
Tour Ends	Hanoi	Group Size	Minimum 2. Maximum 16.
Minimum age on scheduled departures	18 years old

Day 1

Meet in Hanoi and after dinner catch the overnight train up north and the start of our adventure.

Day 2

After breakfast in Lao Cai, we transfer to a regional market of the local ethnic tribe people such as H'mong, Zao, Tay, and Phu La. We then cycle on an undulating tarmac road to Bac Ha.

Day 3

We cycle through rice terraces and deep open valleys. There will be climbs in the morning but after lunch the riding is easier with a long descent to our eco lodge nestled in a valley.

Day 4

Today is at your leisure to go for a stroll through local villages or to indulge at the resort's small spa, which offers traditional medicinal hot tubs and massage.

Day 5

This morning we transfer to the top of Con Troi Pass, and start the long cycling day to Ha Giang. There are numerous small, and often steep climbs and descents. We overnight at a homestay in a Nung village on the outskirts of Ha Giang.

Day 6

We ride to Dong Van - an ancient town comprised of many ethnic people. On the way we stop to see Vuong's Palace which once belonged to a H'mong king during the French domination.

Day 7

We'll get an early start to tackle the challenge of Ma Pi Leng Pass, but it is worth the effort. On the summit you will enjoy the view over the Nho Que River snaking through the valleys and the scenery changes from rocky mountain peaks to rolling lush hillsides.

Day 8

We drive to Bac Me to start our ride following the Gam River as it cuts a gorge through the karst mountains. In Ban Lam we board a longtail boat on the Nang River and cross Ba Be Lake. We stop for a swim and spend the night in a Tay stilted house.

Day 9

We ride around Ba Be Lake and then have a few climbs on our way to Cho Ra. We follow the Ha Hieu River down to Na Phac and our overnight at Cao Bang.

Day 10

On our last day of riding there are no big hills and the road undulates through villages and small hamlets. We have lunch in a local restaurant before riding to That Khe.

Day 11

This morning we drive to the pier where we'll meet our speed boat that will take us through Ha Long Bay to Quan Lan Island, an ancient commercial port. Arrive at the hotel with time to explore the beach and relax.

Day 12

Free day on the beach or take a trip around the island to see sleepy villages and local fishermen returning from their daily trips.

Day 13

We catch the speed boat to the mainland and onward to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi late afternoon for some last minute shopping before gathering for a farewell dinner.

Day 14

Transfer to the airport for onward international flights.

• In summary, the tour exceeded all expectations, especially the scenery and people along the country roads. We really enjoyed the chance to interact with the locals.

  The physical challenge of cycling through has been rewarding. Many thanks to Tuan, for the logistics and for the delicious meals he prepared along the road, and the driver,
  who picked us up with the van wherever we stopped at the end of every cycling day.

  Ivan and Marko - November 2010

• A great preview of the Ha Giang region by the New York Times.

  The New York Times - October 2010