Cycling Northwest Vietnam Tour 11 Days: Mountains, Ethnic Cultures & Remote Trails

Our Contacts

Address

15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

Email

info@goldentrailtravel.com

Phone

+84(832) - 126 - 699

Cycling North West Vietnam Tour 11 Days

CODE: GDT214

Private Tour

Duration: 8 - 12 days

Price from: Contact

Route: Vietnam - Hoang Su Phi - Lang Son - Ha Noi - Sa Pa - Bac Ha - Cao Bang - Ha Giang

Overview

Embark on an epic 11-day cycling tour through the majestic Northwest of Vietnam, an unparalleled adventure designed for intrepid cyclists eager to conquer challenging terrains, immerse themselves in vibrant ethnic cultures, and discover some of Vietnam's most breathtaking, remote landscapes. This meticulously crafted bike tour offers a comprehensive exploration, taking you from the vibrant border regions to the historical valleys, all while pedaling through a diverse tapestry of natural beauty. Your journey begins with an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, setting the stage for an unforgettable expedition into Vietnam's rugged yet captivating frontier.

Over eleven exhilarating days, you'll traverse an incredible range of landscapes, cycling along secluded back roads, thrilling single tracks, and adventurous off-road biking trails. You'll pass through iconic destinations such as Bac Ha, famous for its colorful markets, the misty mountains of Sapa, and the dramatic passes leading to Binh Lu, Tam Duong, Phong Tho, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien Phu, a city steeped in history. A core highlight of this Northwest Vietnam cycling tour is the profound cultural immersion. You'll encounter and interact with a rich diversity of ethnic groups, including the vibrant Flower H’mong, the traditional Giay, and the distinct Lu people, gaining unique insights into their customs, colorful attire, and daily agrarian lives in remote villages. The tour culminates with scenic rides around the picturesque Mai Chau valley, known for its serene rice paddies and stilt houses. With comprehensive professional support including an experienced English-speaking cycling guide, a dedicated support vehicle for luggage and emergencies, and high-quality Trek mountain bikes, you can fully immerse yourself in the ride and the spectacular surroundings. This Vietnam mountain biking holiday promises an unforgettable blend of physical challenge, breathtaking natural beauty, and deep cultural connection, making it the ultimate adventure for exploring the scenic core of Northwest Vietnam.

Highlight

Extensive Northwest Vietnam Traverse: Undertake an epic 11-day cycling journey from Lao Cai to Mai Chau, exploring the diverse and rugged landscapes of Northwest Vietnam.
Diverse Cycling Terrain: Experience a dynamic ride combining secluded back roads, exhilarating single tracks, and challenging off-road biking trails, offering a varied and engaging experience.
Rich Ethnic Cultural Immersion: Encounter and interact with a variety of ethnic minority groups, including the vibrant Flower H’mong, Giay, and Lu people, gaining unique insights into their customs, traditional villages, and daily lives.
Iconic Sapa & Bac Ha: Cycle through the misty mountains of Sapa and experience the cultural richness of Bac Ha, famous for its colorful Sunday market (if timing permits).
Conquer Remote Mountain Passes: Challenge yourself by cycling over dramatic mountain passes and through remote valleys, from Heaven Gate to Phong Tho and Lai Chau, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Historical Exploration in Dien Bien Phu: Visit Dien Bien Phu, a city with significant historical importance, adding a historical dimension to your adventure.
Scenic Mai Chau Valley Cycling: Enjoy beautiful rides around the picturesque Mai Chau valley, characterized by serene rice paddies and traditional stilt houses.
Optional Sin Ho Uphill Ride: For an added challenge, take on the optional bike ride up to Sin Ho, known for its stunning vistas.
Full Professional Support: Ride with peace of mind knowing you have an experienced English-speaking cycling guide, a dedicated support vehicle for luggage and emergencies, and high-quality Trek mountain bikes provided.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Things to be prepared:
Hat
Small backpack
Shoes and shorts for cycling
Sunglasses
Gloves
2 pairs of riding shorts
2 riding jerseys (quick-dry)
2 pairs of quick dry socks for cycling
Comfortable shoes for biking and walking
Riding gloves
2-3 t-shirts or casual shirts
Trousers or jeans
1-2 pairs of casual socks for non-cycling activities
3-5 sets of underwear (quick-dry)
Cool-weather jacket or rain jacket
Extra layers and gloves for cooler season or climate (thin, thermal, water-wicking)
Bathing suit
Sandals

Your Perfect Cycling Adventure, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier bike tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke cycling experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced biking guides, skilled mechanics, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate bicycle specialists—is committed to ensuring your adventure is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian biking tour. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream biking adventure across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai.

Overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Lao Cai – Bac Ha.

Arrival in Lao Cai train station around 6 am, after breakfast in Lao Cai & short relax we have a jeep transfer to Bao Nhai to have biking ride 20 km up hill to Bac Ha , after lunch visiting the most colorful hill tribe market which is the most colorful market in North Vietnam. At the market, you have chance to enjoy Bac Ha people’s simple but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches… Leave the market for the H’mong King’s house (King Hoang A Tuong) built by the French colonists and the Chinese in 1920.Then short walking to another village (Ban Pho village). Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 3: Bac Ha – Sapa.

In the morning, transfer to Lao Cai, then challenge 35 km climb up to Sapa. Afternoon we start cycling in the surrounding area and visit a number of fairly traditional predominantly Tavan, a village of Giay minority. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Lai Chau.

Say goodbye to Sapa, along the road to Lai Chau, we have best mountain view today, about 3 hours up hill, with a stop over Silver waterfalls for relax and take photos before we conquer the highest mountain pass Oquiho. From there you can see stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. Continued by car or van uphill to Heaven’s Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Here you will have a fantastic opportunity to view the magnificent scenery. Lunch en route. Stop en route to visit some nice villages of Hmong and “coins” Dao near BinhLu. Overnight in Lai Chau.

Day 5: Lai Chau – Muong Lay.

We cycle down hill to Chan Nua then cycling to Lai Chau have a couple pretty big climbs and then follow the picturesque Nam Na river into Muang Say (aka “Old Lai Chau”). Some part of the road is bad, but we will have great view along Nam Na river. Scenic Da river from Hang Tom suspension bridge. Overnight in Muong Lay.

Day 6: Muong Lay – Dien Bien Phu.

Following breakfast we will have a nice day with stop over the red H’mong village then climb up to Mathiho pass. In the late afternoon we arrive in Dien Bien town and check into our guesthouse for the night. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Day 7: Dien Bien Phu – Tuan Giao.

After breakfast we together ride back to the former French battlefield : A1 hill, De Castries bunker, Dien Bien museum, Muong Thanh airport…you will see some old US weapons here too. After lunch we ride have easy ride through many Thai villages to Tuan Giao . Overnight in Tuan Giao.

Day 8: Tuan Giao – Son La.

Leave Tuan Giao for 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. Challenge 20 km winding climb up hill and 15 km down hill. Nice landscape of green rice fields and karst valley. Light traffic, wandering water buffaloes, Thai and Hmong kids.Overnight in Son La.

Day 9: Son La – Mai Chau.

After breakfast, leaving Son La for Mai Chau. Along the road we can stop the trip in Moc Chau for taking photos and enjoy the fresh air. The road passes beneath spectacular karst cliffs with the valley floor visible far below. Arrive Mai Chau late afternoon. O/N on stilt house of Thai.

Day 10: Cycling around Mai Chau.

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day cycling and walking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlights on this walk is to experience the everyday life and culture white Thai people and stay in their traditional house on stilts as honored guests. We will return to the village around late afternoon. Have a short break before enjoying the Thai traditional Music and Dance show which is performed by the village young girls and boys. Although they are not professional artistes, they will give you an unique experience of their culture life. Overnight in stilt house.

Day 11: Mai Chau – Hanoi.

After breakfast. We have a cycling trip about 15km out of Mai Chau is up Thung Nhuoi pass, then we go 17km down to Man Duc and two more gentle hill to Doc Cun. (25km). We take a small route to Bai Chao onto Luong Son. Our bus pick up and come back to Hanoi. Cycling North West Vietnam 11 Day is completed

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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