Mountains and hilltribes in Northwest Vietnam
Ride the real deal in Vietnam. Satisfy your inner explorer with a ride through the most fascinating, often over-looked region of Vietnam's hinterlands. Far away from the sight-seeing trails of Saigon and the Mekong Delta, lies what we and many others acknowledge is the most authentic, exhilarating cycle route in Vietnam.
You'll have to pinch yourself to check you haven't ridden onto a film set when the spectacular panoramas come into view. Hidden within the breathtaking terraced mountains and green river valleys of this rarely travelled region, sits a rich tapestry of hill tribe people, ethnic minorities in traditional costumes and children herding buffalo along the roads.
The time you spend at the former French hillstation of Sapa and the famous battleground of Dien Bien Phu provide welcome downtime to explore the areas' rich history and culture. The unfolding mountain scenery will blow your mind. As will the screaming downhills you get as a reward after you've climbed the winding mountain passes.
Come test yourself on a challenging but unforgettable cycle in Vietnam, for a cultural feast and welcome contrast to the typical tourist haunts.
You'll have to pinch yourself to check you haven't ridden onto a film set when the spectacular panoramas come into view. Hidden within the breathtaking terraced mountains and green river valleys of this rarely travelled region, sits a rich tapestry of hill tribe people, ethnic minorities in traditional costumes and children herding buffalo along the roads.
The time you spend at the former French hillstation of Sapa and the famous battleground of Dien Bien Phu provide welcome downtime to explore the areas' rich history and culture. The unfolding mountain scenery will blow your mind. As will the screaming downhills you get as a reward after you've climbed the winding mountain passes.
Come test yourself on a challenging but unforgettable cycle in Vietnam, for a cultural feast and welcome contrast to the typical tourist haunts.
Dates
2010 Oct 17 - Oct 272010 Nov 07 - Oct 17
Itinerary
11 days - Departing Hanoi
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Day 1:Arrive Hanoi, capital of Vietnam (D)
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Day 2:Mai Chau ( B,L,D)
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Day 3:Son La ( B,L,D)
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Day 4:Dien Bien Phu ( B,L,D)
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Day 5:Rest day - Dien Bien Phu ( B,L,D)
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Day 6:Lai Chau ( B,L,D)
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Day 7:Phong Tho ( B,L,D)
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Day 8:Sapa ( B,L)
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Day 9:Sapa exploration ( B,L)
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Day 10:Hanoi ( B,L,D)
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Day 11:Depart Vietnam (B)
Level of Difficulty Moderate - Demanding
Whats Included?
- 10 night's twin share accommodation in hotel & guesthouses
- 4* hotel in Hanoi & Sapa
- Most meals, see itinerary
- Well maintained bikes, spare parts and tools
- All transfers and transport
- Snack stops & water during cycling days
- First aid trained cycling leader
- Local guides and support staff, mechanic
Image Gallery
Testimonials
Still coming off the highs of the fantastic ride - one the most memorable we've done in our thirty years of cycle touring.
The riding through more remote parts of the highlands was good - the back up with rest stops , energy food etc was excellent. Cycling was a great way to experience the friendliness of the local people. The stops to see local markets and village life were great.
"Spending time in the remotest part of Vietnam...felt truly immersed in the country. Cycling through such beautiful countryside particularly around the Tom Tram Pass. A great sense of achievement climbing the hills".
Vietnam
Other Cycling trips in Vietnam
- Vietnam North to South Classic - 13 days
- Angkor to Saigon - 14 days
- Private trips Vietnam - 5 days
Trek 4400
Bike Info
Equipped with Shimano's ever reliable Deore rear derailleur, gear shifts will be smooth and precise, while adjustable suspension forks with lockout absorb the bumps and holes to give you more precise handling in the rough stuff.
Please note that the bikes only have one water bottle cage and no back rack. The pedals are standard platform and have no cleat or foot strap/cage.
To customize the bike you can bring out your own seat, bar ends which give more riding positions and your own pedals (SPD cleats or cage). Our team will help you with the set up.
Bike specifications:
Frame Size variety of frame sizes
Frame Alpha SL Aluminum
Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub: Bontrager Camino rims
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Pedals Alloy platform
We provide standard mountain bike seats. If you have a comfortable/wider seat on your bike at home then please bring with you as it can be attached to the seat post. Alternatively you can bring a gel seat cover.
Bringing your own bike:
No problems but please be aware that you may have excess baggage charges to pay on the airlines (both international & domestic), and pay extra on boats or trains if part of the itinerary.
Cycling tips for overseas trips
Cycling is an amazing means of experiencing and discovering new places & cultures. We provide a thorough safety briefing following set up of the bikes and go over some of the local rules of the road.
Click here for our Asian Highway Code
The advantages of bar ends (handle bar extensions):
These allow you to have more than one riding position when sitting on the bike for several hours at a time.
Cleat pedals (SPD�s):
If you use cleat (SPD) pedals; bring them with you to attach to the bike. These allow for greater efficiency as you are clipped in allowing you to both push and pull on each pedal stroke. This gives increased power and makes uphill sections easier. Alternatively bring pedal straps/cages.
Please note that the bikes only have one water bottle cage and no back rack. The pedals are standard platform and have no cleat or foot strap/cage.
To customize the bike you can bring out your own seat, bar ends which give more riding positions and your own pedals (SPD cleats or cage). Our team will help you with the set up.
Bike specifications:
Frame Size variety of frame sizes
Frame Alpha SL Aluminum
Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM60 rear hub: Bontrager Camino rims
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Pedals Alloy platform
We provide standard mountain bike seats. If you have a comfortable/wider seat on your bike at home then please bring with you as it can be attached to the seat post. Alternatively you can bring a gel seat cover.
Bringing your own bike:
No problems but please be aware that you may have excess baggage charges to pay on the airlines (both international & domestic), and pay extra on boats or trains if part of the itinerary.
Cycling tips for overseas trips
Cycling is an amazing means of experiencing and discovering new places & cultures. We provide a thorough safety briefing following set up of the bikes and go over some of the local rules of the road.
Click here for our Asian Highway Code
The advantages of bar ends (handle bar extensions):
These allow you to have more than one riding position when sitting on the bike for several hours at a time.
Cleat pedals (SPD�s):
If you use cleat (SPD) pedals; bring them with you to attach to the bike. These allow for greater efficiency as you are clipped in allowing you to both push and pull on each pedal stroke. This gives increased power and makes uphill sections easier. Alternatively bring pedal straps/cages.
Visit www.trekbikes.com to view more
