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NORTHWEST MOUNTAINS
This is the ultimate mountain ride, a cycle-journey through Southeast Asia's most spectacular mountain range. Starting in Hanoi, we 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 where few foreigners ever venture. The stunning Lai Chao and Fansipan valleys are as remote as they are beautiful. The Hmong, Tsao, 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.
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 kilometers. 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.
| ITINERARY (7 Days/6 nights starting and finishing in Hanoi.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive/meet in Hanoi, day free for sightseeing. Evening, catch the overnight train. to Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. |
| Day 2 | Arrive in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. Afternoon ride in the Supan valley close to Sapa. |
| Day 3 | Ride a beautiful loop taking in many minority villages. |
| Day 4 | Ride over Tram Ton Pass and off road to Pa So. |
| Day 5 | Stunning scenery and remote valleys to Lai Chau. |
| Day 6 | Outstanding ride over many hills and through rarely visited villages to Dien Bien Phu. |
| Day 7 | Morning visit war museum and battle fields. Fly to Hanoi. End tour in Hanoi. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | USD $925 - Single supplement: USD $100 |
| Bike Hire | USD 110 |
| Total Distance | 305 km |
| Number of Days | 7 days / 6 nights |
| 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 | 4WD Jeeps and Air-con support vehicles and where required motorbike support. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | The bike tour will be supported by an experienced SpiceRoads cycling guide, as well as drivers and assistants. For groups of 8 or more, an additional local guide will also support the tour. |
| 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 staring with dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7, except dinner on day 3. |
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