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North West Cycling 9 Days
| ITINERARY IN BRIEF | |
| Day 1 | Hanoi - Mai Chau |
| Day 2 | Mai Chau - Son La |
| Day 3 | Son La - Dien Bien Phu |
| Day 4 | Dien Bien Phu |
| Day 5 | Dien Bien - Lai Chau |
| Day 6 | Lai Chau - Phong Tho |
| Day 7 | Phong Tho - Sapa |
| Day 8 | Sapa |
| Day 9 | Sapa - Hanoi |
DAY 1: HANOI - MAI CHAU
Leave Hanoi on our support vehicle, drive to Hoa Binh for our starting point, this really depends on how fit you are so we can choose the best terrain that suite you, 35 km before Hoa Binh town on tortuous quited road to Bai Lang to Bai Chao then to Highway No 6, get on bus and drive to Man Duc. Lunch in Man Duc.
Continue cycling another 50 km to Mai Chau valley passing Thung Khe pass and Thung Nhuoi pass.
Arrive Mai Chau late afternoon. Overnight on Thai's house on stilts. (Lunch, dinner)
Cycling distance: 85 km
DAY 2: MAI CHAU SON LA
Today we head north to the town of Son La. Son La is located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half the 20th century.
We drive out of MaiChau about 20km to our starting point and set the bike to ride to Moc Chau plateau for tea break and lunch. Moc Chau is very famous for its tea plantations.
After lunch we continue to Son La. Overnight in hotel.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 3: SON LA - DIEN BIEN PHU
Today we drive the first 120km to Tuan Giao town before we take to our bicycles and ride the 80km toward Dien Bien town. Today is our most challenging day as we have a chance to pass the longest pass in VietNam, the 24-km-long Pha Din pass.
When we get to the top of this pass, we will stop for a picnic lunch and taking photos of the magnificent mountain view. Drive 20km to Dien Bien. Overnight at Hotel.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PHU
It was at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 that the French planned to lure the Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh into the valley by sending 16,000 French troops as bait. The French however did not count on the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap who somehow managed to place the Vietnamese artillery on the surrounding ridges and by the time the battle was ready to start. From March until May 1954 the Viet Minh pounded the French positions until the French capitulated. The following day the French government announced that it intended to withdraw from Vietnam.
08 00 am, after breakfast we set out on our bikes to explore the historically important area around Dien Bien such as Dien Bien History Museum, A1 Hill , Semitary, De Catri bunker….
In the evening we return to our hotel in Dien Bien town.
Cycling distance: 80 km
DAY 5: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU
Today we cycle along the windy roads that snake through the beautiful countryside that characterizes this part of the country. At times the roads are steep but the stunning panoramas afforded us more than compensate for any hardships. Overnight in Lan Anh 2 Hotel. The best hotel between Dien Bien to Sapa town.
Cycling distance: 100 km
DAY 6: LAI CHAU - PHONG THO
Following breakfast we cycle through more superb mountain roads en route to Phong Tho. Along the way we pass through several different minority villages and are able to see how people go about their daily lives. Stop for visiting some local markets en route.
Arrive Phong Tho late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel.
Cycling distance: 100 km
DAY 7: PHONG THO - SAPA
Today we continue winding our way through the scenic hills and valleys. We stop at Binh Lu to visit the Binh Lu Market.
Transfer by van to top of Tram Ton pass (2,000 m above sea level). From here, we cycle downhill to Sapa, passing the Silver Waterfall. Overnight in Sapa.
Cycling distance: 50 km
DAY 8: SAPA
Morning, we have a short ride to the Red Dao village of Ta Phin. Transfer back to Sapa for lunch.
Afternoon, we have the option of doing a short trek to Cat Cat village of Black Hmong.
Cycling distance: 20 km
DAY 9: SAPA - HANOI
Following breakfast we embark on the return drive to the capital. Along the way we will make numerous photo stops as we pass through different hill tribe villages. Arrive Hanoi around 17 00 pm. Tour ends.
Trip Highlights : Hanoi, Mai Chau, Son la, Dien Bien, Phong Tho, Sapa
INCLUSIONS
Travel insurance
All transportation and transfers
Professional Bikes
English speaking guide
Accommodation
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
All admission fees and permits
Reasonable supply of drinking water during the trip.
EXCLUSIONS
Personal expenses
Tips and Gratuities
HOTELS
| Mai Chau: | House on stilts |
| Son la: | Cong Doan hotel / Phong Lan hotel |
| Dien Bien: | Muong Thanh hotel / Dien Bien Hanoi hotel |
| Lai Chau: | Lan Anh 2 hotel |
| Phong Tho: | Phong Tho Guest House |
| Sapa: | Chau Long old wing / Bamboo Sapa hotel / Khanh Hai hotel |
This tour is of Challenging grade. Participants are require to be in good shape and able to complete 60 - 80 km / day along undulating routes.
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Information
| Days: | >= 5 days |
| Price: | N/A |
| Start from: | Hanoi |
Sender
| Name: AsianaTravelMate |
Tour Map
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Related Places
 Hanoi |  Mai Chau Valley |  Son La | ||
| Dien Bien | Lai Chau |  Sapa |
