Vietnam

Riding Vietnams Northern Mountains

In our usual tradition, we give you the real Vietnam. Not the touristy one. Vietnam’s northwest region is stunning and incredibly user-friendly for cyclists with lush mountains, traditional villages and very few cars. It is virtually tourist-free. On the way you will discover wild rock formations straight from earth’s mantle with stilted homes built in their grasp as if they were born there. This is also Vietnam’s best hill tribe area. It does not get more real then this. With the richest ethnic make up in Southeast Asia we can enjoy all the various traditions, markets and welcome signs as we cycle in the past and present. Join us before the rest of the world does.

Schedule

Day: 
1
WELCOME TO HANOI Hanoi is a beautiful and relaxed capital city compared to most capitals around the world. Rich in French Colonial architecture of the past, this marvelous city sits on the Red River Delta. Enjoy the lakes that lie within. Wander the old quarter, stop for coffee, shop and stroll. At night we meet for a mesmerizing theatre production of traditional water puppetry and some drinks after.
Day: 
3
TO SON LA Transfer out of the city to ride through small villages hosted by some of the many cultures in this region. We climb until we arrive on the plateaus edge and into Son La which as an old French Colonial Penal Colony. Guest House
Distance: 
44km.
Day: 
4
TO TUAN GIAO   A breakfast feast and a 5km climb for dessert starts takes us into this marvelous rolling countryside rich in rice fields and local orchards. It’s a very colorful day with the locals working the rice fields and water buffalo playing the role of spectator. Next on the agenda will be your first tough climb of 12kms. But as all cyclists discover, the reward is the mind blowing and peaceful scenery that accompanies your ascent. Wild karstic rock outcrops, peppered with trees are prolific here. An 11km downhill and the rush that it offers ends the ride before heading into Tuan Giao. Guest House
Distance: 
89km.
Day: 
5
to LAI CHAU By taking a side road through small villages we have a really cultural day ahead but the compromise is the quality of the road - not the smoothest tarmac in the world. This is the real Vietnam with a couple of good climbs, remote and serene scenery, and no cars to disturb the peace. Enjoy the stunning decent of around 18kms into town where we will eat like kings. GUEST HOUSE
Distance: 
102km.
Day: 
6
TO TAM DUONG Another great start to your morning by crossing the Hang Tom suspension bridge and following the road along the Na River. Have the camera ready as we ride through some spectacular gorges. Here again, culture changes with the locals often covered with intricate weavings, beads and coins. A gentle ride takes us into town to refill the tank. GUEST HOUSE
Distance: 
103km.
Day: 
7
TO SAPA   To many, this day is the favourite as we ride Vietnam’s highest mountain pass and enjoy the view of South East Asia's highest peak – Mount Fan Si Pan. Often shrouded in a rolling mist, fortune will decide if we get to see its beauty that day. SAPA is another old French Colonial village and is nicely settled into the Hoar Mountains to rest and enjoy the view of what you just accomplished. GUEST HOUSE
Distance: 
72km.
Day: 
8
REST DAY Well earned.
Day: 
9
TO THAN THUOC Yes, we are definitely in the mountains. Some more climbs and a great ascent up to Tram Ton Pass where you can stop to take a dip at the 26 waterfalls. Anyone for kayaking? The landscape is always stunning and a great decent of around 20kms let’s you take everything in at your own pace. Guest House
Distance: 
95km.
Day: 
10
TO TU LE A great day of rugged terrain, valleys and dense jungle-like vegetation. Here we will pass through areas of different tribes and cultures, particularly the indigenous region of the White Tay(spelling????) people. Guest House
Distance: 
85km.
Day: 
11
To Nghai Lo Limestone mountains are the view as we ride meandering roads to Nghai Lo. This spectacular setting on a mountain ridge perches high over the Balck River. This is also home to several different tribes like the Nung and H'mung. Guest House
Distance: 
65km.
Day: 
12
TO YEN BAI Lots of rich, lush forest follows us along this rolling road as we finish on backroads. Sit in town and enjoy tea from one of the tea plantations that we passed through the day. A feast tonight for a well earned adventure. Maybe some local beverages if you dare. GUEST HOUSE
Distance: 
74km.
Day: 
13
HANOI Drive back to Hanoi GUEST HOUSE
Day: 
14
FLY OUT OR STAY ANOTHER DAY If not in a hurry, stay and savour some stories from this incredible ride.

In our usual tradition, we give you the real Vietnam. Not the touristy one. Vietnam’s northwest region is stunning and incredibly user-friendly for cyclists with lush mountains, traditional villages and very few cars. It is virtually tourist-free. On the way you will discover wild rock formations straight from earth’s mantle with stilted homes built in their grasp as if they were born there. This is also Vietnam’s best hill tribe area. It does not get more real then this. With the richest ethnic make up in Southeast Asia we can enjoy all the various traditions, markets and welcome signs as we cycle in the past and present. Join us before the rest of the world does.