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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!
We ride to Dien Bien Phu, the site of the Viet Minh's historic and decisive victory over the French. We visit the battlefields and learning how Ho Chi Minh and his indefatigable people defeated the colonial French. Two long days of riding will be rewarded by a stay at the charming Mai Chau lodge. Before heading back to Hanoi we take a private boat for a 3-hour cruise on the Da River to Hoa Binh.
TRIP PROFILE
This is a tough mountain tour. There are five very long hard days riding that can vary from off road trails to badly broken roads, so participants should be fit and experienced riders.
We ride 530 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 (10 days/9 nights starting and finishing in Hanoi. There is a 6 day option for this tour, please contact us for more information. ) | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Climb over Pha Din pass to Son La. |
| Day 8 | Cruise down to Mai Chau valley to overnight at a luxurious lodge. |
| Day 9 | A morning of single track riding with stunning views of the valley before boarding a private boat for a 3-hour cruise on the Da River. |
| Day 10 | Enjoy a cyclo ride around Hanoi's Old Quarter before onward travel. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost | US$1,400 - Single supplement: US$275 |
| Bike Hire | US$130 |
| Total Distance | 530 km |
| Number of Days | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | Five full days and two half-days |
| 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 | SpiceRoads cycling leader (for groups of 10 or more), plus a local cycling guide, as well as drivers and assistants for all groups. Smaller groups will be led by our local guide and support team. |
| 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 starting with dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10, except lunch and dinner on day 6. |
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