Adventure Planet

Highlights

A heady landscape of towering evergreen peaks and scattered hilltribe villagers. A great place to get off the beaten track and escape the urban brawl. You will ride into Sapa – An old French hill station, pass the stunning vistas of Mt Fan Si Pan and through the lush lowland valley of Mai Chau. The fabled north-west loop route snakes an incredible scenic path across a few provinces.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai
Arrive in Hanoi, free and easy during the day. At 1800hrs, transfer to Hanoi train station for 2030hrs night sleeper train to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa (Est. 70km) (B/L/D)
Arrival Lao Cai at 6 AM, transfer to Bat Xat ( 30 km ). Arrive in Lao Cai: after breakfast, Back road riding to Sapa. Afternoon rest and free time for visiting Sapa. Overnight in Sapa

Day 3: Sapa – Than Uyen (Est. 80km) (B/L/D)
Today is the highlight for many; as we cycle up to the Tram Ton Pass (1,900 m; 6,230 ft) the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, on our way to Than uyen. We start with a relatively easy 7km ride before we hit the first of two major downhill. As we start the down hill, we slowly start to witness the beauty of Mt. Fan Si Pan, Indochina is highest peak. Continue ride over Tram Ton Pass to ThanUyen. (80 km ) Overnight in Than Uyen .

Day 4: Than Uyen – Tuan Giao (Est. 85km) (B/L/D)
There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 5 km with a 12 km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 18km strength-sapping climb. Overnight in Tuan Giao.

Day 5: Tuan Giao – Son La (Est. 90km) (B/L/D)
The ride begins with is a 15km off road up hill, climb into the beautiful surrounding countryside of Pha din mountain range pass and ride down . We finish the day with a thrilling 5 km decent before we reach the town of Son La. Overnight in Son La

Day 6: Son La – Yen Chau – Moc Chau (Est. 67km) (B/L/D)
Continue cycling to Yen Chau. Virtually we go through an active market. Everything is brought in fresh daily. The larger markets serve as distribution points for smaller markets. End of cycling after 80km and driving to hotel in MocChau. Overnight in Moc Chau hotel

Day 7: Moc Chau – Mai Chau (Est. 72km) (B/L/D)
Back road cycling to MaiChau. Virtually we go through an active off road.

Day 8: Mai Chau - Hanoi (Est. 40km) (B/L/-)
After breakfast riding to Co Luong then continue in the off road to Ben En. ( +-26 km off road ), making this a day not to be forgotten by boat trip on Ma river before meet the bus and driving back to Hanoi. Free time for dinner and overnight in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi (B/-/-)
Free and easy until transfer to aiport

Includes:

- English speaking local cycling guide
- Additional guides on certain sections/days
- Hotel and Homestay accommodations
- Ground transportation
- Meal as mentioned
- Refreshment breaks in between rides
- Entrance fees and permits
- Cold water & energy drinks during cycling ONLY
- All activities mentioned in itinerary
- Basic first aid

Excludes

- International flights and taxes
- Travel Visa and Insurance
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Emergency charges (if any)
- All personal expenses
- Rental of bikes. Trek 4500, Giant Yukon, Giant XTC, Cannondale F3
- Drinks on personal nature
- Tips
- Any additional activities during free time
- Any other expenses not mentioned in “Cost Includes”

Summary of Cycling Tour

Best Time: October – May

Total Distance: Est. 500km

No. of cycling days: 7 Full days

Daily distance: Average of 72km a day

Max Altitude: 1800m

Road Surface: Mixture of well surfaced road and off roads on to single trails. Many rough tracks. Off road riding skills are an advantage

Support: One or two 15 seater air-conditioned vans converted to take bikers with their bikes

Group Size: Min 2, Max 8

Staff: Vietnamese cycling guides, assistants, support vehicle, motorbikes and mopeds

Food: As per itinerary. After every 15 – 20 km, there will be a break which includes tea/coffee, drinks, bread, tuna, apple, banana, energy bars (3 per day), etc