Biking Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Price from
US$ 3,100
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Distance
637 km
Tour Code
MCT-MHL
Next departure
28-Oct-2024
Number of Cycling Days9
Average Distance Per Day: 71
0
150 Km
Average Climbing Per Day: 1313
0
2,250 m
Accommodation
Basic
5 Star
Total Cycling Distance637 kilometres
Accommodation12 Nights Hotels and Overnight Train All Included
Bike HireMountain Bike: US$ 275
Single SupplementUS$ 500
Client Rating (based on 14 reviews)

About this Cycle Tour

This 13 day Southeast Asian bicycle tour explores the mountainous regions of two magical countries: Vietnam and Laos. Our adventure begins in Vietnam, a land of shimmering rice fields, lush jungles, and radiant beaches. Beginning in Hanoi, we spend our trip exploring the lesser known northwestern region of Vietnam, home to spectacular mountains and valleys. We ride amidst the crests of Indochina’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, and along the fascinating hill station of Sapa, a colonial retreat created by the French. Crossing into Laos, we cycle riverside where we venture into remote villages far from the tourist track.

This mountain bike journey from Hanoi city 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.

Book Your Cycling Holiday

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet at our tour hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Day 2

In the morning we discover some of Hanoi’s most iconic sites such as the Temple of Literature, Hoa Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the evening we board an overnight train to the mountains of Lao Cai Province where our biking adventure begins the following morning!

Day 3

Our train arrives in far northern Vietnam and we transfer to the town of Sapa. We’ll enjoy a fun, mostly downhill, 38 km warm up ride passing through hill tribe villages and overlooking terraced rice fields.

Day 4

We ride a thrilling loop in the Tha Phin Valley, a beautiful area filled with dramatic mountain scenery and villages of the Black Hmong and Red Dzao tribes.

Day 5

We begin our traverse west, starting with a climb to Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam’s highest mountain pass. After a thrilling descent, we then ride through country lanes to the town of Lai Chau.

Day 6

We climb up and down the mountains of Lai Chau to reach the Nam Na River and trace its meandering southward course all the way to the small town of Muong Lay. This is blissful, leisurely cycling in remote northern Vietnam at its finest!

Day 7

We head for the historically-important city of Dien Bien Phu, along the way climbing up and down some mountain passes and enjoying more scenes of rural and remote northern Vietnam.

Day 8

In the morning we learn about the importance of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnamese history. In the afternoon, we ride on a loop out of town to discover the surrounding countryside, including some scenic reservoirs.

Day 9

We say goodbye to Vietnam and sabai dee (hello!) to Laos. After crossing the border, we ride on country roads through untamed wilderness and the rustic countryside. We spend the night in the sleepy town of Muang Khoua.

Day 10

A rest day to lean back and relax in a longtail boat as we cruise down the Nam Ou River. Enjoy scenes of towering limestone cliffs and daily life on the river banks before reaching the picturesque village of Muang Ngoy.

Day 11

After a short boat trip, we ride primarily on dirt roads past ethnic villages in a region that few people ever visit. We overnight in Nong Kiau at a guesthouse that overlooks the river.

Day 12

Cycling an undulating road away from Nong Kiau we head west along the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang, the crown jewel of heritage sites in Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage awarded city. In the evening we meet for a farewell dinner.

Day 13

Extend your stay to discover more of Luang Prabang or head to the airport for your onward flight.

Elevation Profiles

Day 3 - Lao Cai –  Sapa Ride 38km. +511m / -1,405m.
Day 3 - Lao Cai – Sapa Ride 38km. +511m / -1,405m.

Reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable way to experience a new (or new area of a ) country. I like the fact that a lot of emphasis is put on eating local foods (another passion of mine).

Simon BrookesJanuary 2024

Excellent local guides who worked hard to make the trip an authentic and comfortable experience.

Jonathan SpencerDecember 2019

Good mix of biking and travel experiences.

Werner SteinerMarch 2019

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