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Personalized tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, crafted for unforgettable, immersive experiences.

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  • Address

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

  • Email
    info@goldentrailtravel.com
  • Phone
    +84(832) - 126 - 699

Northwest Vietnam Bicycle Trip 6 Days

  • CODE: GDT400
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 5 - 7 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: Vietnam - Moc Chau - Son La - Tuan Giao - Ha Noi - Sa Pa - Lao Cai - Lai Chau

Overview

Embark on an invigorating and culturally rich Northwest Vietnam Bicycle Trip, a captivating 6-day journey designed for adventurers eager to explore the dramatic landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures of Vietnam's stunning northern highlands. This meticulously crafted itinerary offers a perfect blend of challenging cycling, profound cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic and active exploration of this less-traveled region.

Your adventure begins as you delve into the heart of the Northwest, leaving behind the urban sprawl to immerse yourself in a world of towering peaks, lush valleys, and an intricate mosaic of diverse communities. The initial days will see you cycling through picturesque areas, perhaps starting in the serene Mai Chau valley, known for its peaceful stilt houses and verdant rice paddies. The crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas provide a truly invigorating start, setting the tone for the exhilarating days ahead.

As you continue your 6-day Vietnam cycling expedition, you'll venture deeper into provinces like Son La and potentially Lai Chau. This region is renowned for its awe-inspiring terraced rice fields, which cascade down steep hillsides in a magnificent display of human ingenuity and natural beauty. You'll spend significant time cycling directly through these iconic landscapes, particularly vibrant during the planting and harvest seasons, gaining an intimate perspective that only a bicycle can offer. The ever-changing scenery, from lush greens to shimmering golds, provides endless photographic opportunities and a constant reminder of the region's rich agricultural heritage.

The routes on this Northwest Vietnam bicycle trip are carefully selected to showcase the most stunning vistas while offering a rewarding challenge. You'll conquer exhilarating mountain passes, feel the rush of invigorating descents, and pedal along winding roads that lead to remote villages and hidden gems. Expect varied terrain, from smooth paved roads to more adventurous dirt paths, catering to cyclists with a good level of fitness and a thirst for adventure. Iconic passes like Pha Din Pass might be included, offering breathtaking panoramic views that make every climb worthwhile.

A significant highlight of this journey is the unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion with the numerous ethnic minority villages Vietnam that dot the landscape. As you cycle through the different areas, you'll encounter diverse groups such as the Thai, H'mong, Dzao, and potentially others. Each community boasts unique customs, languages, vibrant traditional attire, and distinct architectural styles. Through planned stops and genuine homestay Vietnam experiences, you'll have the chance to interact directly with locals, share meals, learn about their livelihoods, and gain a profound understanding of their resilient spirit and rich cultural heritage. These authentic encounters will undoubtedly be some of the most memorable moments of your trip.

This Northwest Vietnam bicycle trip with Golden Trail Travel is more than just an active vacation; it's an immersive exploration, a cultural odyssey, and a true adventure for the senses, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Vietnam's breathtaking beauty and its warm, welcoming people. You'll return refreshed, invigorated, and with a collection of unforgettable memories from the heart of the Vietnamese highlands.

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Compact Yet Comprehensive 6-Day Journey: A perfectly balanced trip offering an in-depth exploration of Northwest Vietnam's highlights within a manageable timeframe.

  • Immersive Terraced Rice Fields Cycling: Spend significant time cycling through and around the globally renowned, cascading terraced rice fields, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities, especially during planting and harvest seasons.

  • Conquer Mountain Passes: Experience the thrill of cycling over exhilarating mountain passes (such as Pha Din Pass, if included), enjoying challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and breathtaking panoramic views.

  • Authentic Ethnic Minority Village Encounters: Visit numerous traditional villages of diverse ethnic groups (Thai, H'mong, Dzao, etc.), gaining direct insights into their unique cultures, customs, and daily lives.

  • Genuine Homestay Experiences: Enjoy authentic cultural immersion with overnight stays in traditional stilt houses with local families, sharing meals and experiencing their warm hospitality firsthand.

  • Diverse Landscapes & Challenging Terrain: Cycle through a wide range of stunning environments, from lush valleys and serene rural paths to more demanding mountain roads and adventurous dirt trails, providing a rewarding cycling experience.

  • Cultural Exchange & Learning: Your experienced local guide will facilitate meaningful interactions with villagers, providing insights into their livelihoods, traditions, and the challenges they face, enhancing your understanding of the region.

  • Breathtaking Scenery & Photography: Be constantly surrounded by majestic mountains, verdant valleys, and picturesque villages, offering endless chances for stunning photography.

  • Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor authentic Vietnamese and regional dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients, enriching your overall sensory experience.

  • Physical Challenge & Reward: This tour provides a significant physical challenge suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness, rewarding you with an immense sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories.

  • Comprehensive Support: Travel with peace of mind knowing you have dedicated support vehicles, luggage transfers, and expert guides ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey.

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration: Discover remote and less-visited areas of Northwest Vietnam, providing a truly authentic and unique travel experience away from mass tourism.

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:
1. Hat
2. Small backpack
3. Shoes and shorts for cycling
4. Sunglasses
5. Gloves

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 – Son La.
8:00: You will be met up with Vietnam Cycling team and transferred to Son La. The drive will take you through different minority villages as we climb onto a higher plateau. We pass through coffee and tea plantations before arriving Son La in the late afternoon. Son La was once the site of a French penal colony where radicals and revolutionaries were incarcerated during French rule. The prison was destroyed by American war planes during the Vietnam War (or as the Vietnamese sensibly call it the American war) except for a lone peach tree planted by an inmate in the 1940s. Since then the prison has partially rebuilt and a museum opened. Check in hotel for overnight.
Day 2: Son La – Tuan Giao.
The bicycle tour begins with a 5km riding up to the beautiful surrounding countryside. We bike through a patchwork of rice fields and plum orchards. The scenery makes up for the hard work as the rolling land erupts into stunning karst rock outcrops bristling with trees. The land is home to the Black Thai. The women can be glimpsed working the fields in brightly colored dresses and hats, the children riding water buffalo and the men speeding along on noisy motor cycles. We finish the day with a thrilling 11km decent before we reach the town of Tuan Giao.
Day 3: Tuan Giao – Lai Chau.
Once out of Tuan Giao the road deteriorates as we take a spectacular back road to Lai Chau. We cycle past rice fields and bananas plantations as we pass through small minority villages of Red Hmong and Kho Mu. There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 50km with a 5km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 8km strength-sapping climb. All this hard work is easily forgotten as we finish the day with a stunning descend of 18km on a winding road into this lush valley of Lai Chau.
Day 4: Lai Chau – Tam Duong.
After we leave Lai Chau we cross the Hang Tom suspension bridge and follow the Na River passing through spectacular gorges and Black Dao villages. The Dao worship spirits and ritually sacrifice pigs and chickens. The women clothes are covered with intricate weaving and silver colored beads and coins. It is said the wealth a women can be judged by the weight of the coins she carries. We finish this long day with a 15km ascent followed by a gentle 10km ride down to Tam Duong.
Day 5: Tam Duong – Sapa.
Today we cycle up to the Tram Ton Pass (1,900m; 6,230 ft) the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, on our way to Sa Pa. We start with a relatively easy 7km ride before we hit the first of two major climbs. A 8km tough ride sets us up for the 26km monster climb later in the day. As we start the second climb we slowly start to witness the beauty of Mt. Fan Si Pan, South East Asia’s highest peak. Often hidden with a veil of moving mist and fog, we will hopefully get a glimpse of its lofty peaks. Sa Pa is an old French hill station perched in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains near the Chinese border. Its position gives it some of the best vantage points to savour the surrounding mountain peaks.
Day 6: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi.
Enjoy a half day walking to visit hill tribe villages before you take the night train trip to travel back to Hanoi. You will commence your short journey by driving south toward Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your walk by descending into the valley, which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The  guide  can  provide  you  interesting  information  about  rice.  If  you  visit  the  valley  sometime  in between May and October, you will be able to observe and experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in the daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village  of  Black  Hmong minority  to  Ta  Van  village  of  Giay minority  including  a  visit  to  the  local Catholic Church. After visiting Ta Van the car will return you to Sapa. Have quick shower in a mini/standard hotel before taking the overnight train to Hanoi. Northwest Vietnam Bicycle Trip 6 Days 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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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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