Randonnee Vietnam

Trip highlights: This tour combines some of the best parts of our Vietnam and Laos Tours. We start  in Hanoi and end of tour in Luoang Phrabang. We take the overnight train to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border, and then on to Sapa . The premier destination in North Vietnam, then cycling  over 2,000 meter high Tram Ton Pass.  we’ll ride through a land still untouched by the modern world.
Continuing on, we’ll climb the region’s 1,750 m mountain pass into the land known by the local Hmong people as  Xin Ho. The subsequent exciting descent also offers outstanding sceneries through local tea plantations, tribal communities and vibrant countryside. We'll cycle into the picturesque Na River gorge, through the surrounding hills of Lai Chau and into Dien Bien Phu. Leaving Dien Bien Phu, we’ll bike into Laos. Agrarian local life and untamed topography means that most of the population lives in bamboo huts that cling to the sides of scarred, limestone hillsides.  We’ll finish our bicycle trip in atmospheric Louang Phrabang.
A true cycling expedition

Day 01: Hanoi  arrival
Pickup in airport transfer to hotel, free time.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi meeting – Night train to Lao Cai - (D)
16h00: group meeting at your hotel. Dinner. Transfer to Hanoi railway station to catch the night train to Lao Cai at 20h15.
Overnight on the train.

Day 03:  Lao Cai – Sapa.  -  (B,L,D)
06h00: Arrival Lao Cai station. After breakfast, transfer by van to Bat Xat (30 km). Back road riding to Sapa. Afternoon rest and free time for visiting Sapa.
Overnight in Sapa .

Day 04: Sapa – Tam Duong (new Lai Chau ) - (B,L,D)
(Ride over Tram Ton pass and downhill to  Tam Duong. (+/- 80 km )
Overnight in Tam Duong.

Day 05: Tam Duong - Xin Ho (Cycling +/- 65 km) - (B,L,D)
There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 6 km with a 11 km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 25 km strength-sapping climb. All this hard work is easily forgotten as we finish the day with a stunning descend on a winding road into Xin Ho.
Overnight in hotel in Xin Ho. 

Day 06: Xin Ho – Lai Chau ( Muong Lay ) (Cycling +/-75 km)  -  (B,L,D)
Ride down to Lai Chau. We have a couple pretty big climbs and then follow the picturesque Nam Na river into Muong Lay (aka "Old Lai Chau"). We stay at the hip Lan Anh resort where there no doubt will be an active badminton game in the evening. 106k - Rated 2.7
Overnight in hotel in Lai Chau. 

Day 07: Muong Lay (Lai Chau ) – Dien Bien Phu.  (Cycling +/-75 km) - (B,L,D)
In 1954, the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu was pinned down when the Vietnamese were able to do something thought impossible....carry heavy artillery into the mountains. When you ride in this area you will wonder yourself how they ever did it. The siege at Dien Bien Phu ended in a French surrender and marked the end of French Indochina. Little known is the fact that the US had developed a plan to aid the French by using tactical nuclear weapons at Dien Bien Phu. 105k - Rated 3.5.
Overnight in hotel in Dien Bien Phu. 

Day 08: Dien Bien Phu - Muang Khua (Laos) (Cycling +/- 98 km) -  (B,L,D)
We depart Dien Bien and cross into Northeast Laos at Tay Trang. This is the least populated section of Laos. We continue on to Muang Khua on the banks of the Nam Ou river.
Overnight in hotel in Muong Khua 

Day 09: Muang Khua - Odomxai   (Cycling +/- 95 km) - (B,L,D)
This is a scenic lightly traveled road to bustling Odomxai. Odomxai seems to be undergoing a renaissance. Lots of construction and activity in the town these days. They have an airport here also (with less than daily service). We stay at the nicest place in town.
Overnight in hotel in Odomxay.

Day 10: Odomxai - Pak Mong  (Cycling +/- 75 km)  -  (B,L,D)
A tough climbing day at the start and then rolling hills with magnificent scenery before a 29 k Descent to Pak Mong.
Overnight in hotel in Pak Mong

Day 11: Pak Mong - Louang Phrabang  (Cycling +/-105 km) - (B,L,D)
On to the historic and enchanting city of Louang Phrabang. We follow the banks of the Mekong before entering the city proper. It's also possible, with advance planning, to bike the 20k in the opposite direction to Nong Khiaw and then take a boat down the Nam Ou river. This will take you right by the Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers.
Overnight in hotel in Louang Phrabang.

Day 12: Rest day in Louang Phrabang  (B )
Today is a rest day in Louang Phrabang. Louang Phrabang is encircled by mountains and situated on the banks of the Mekong where it meets the Nam Khan river. There is a lot to see in this World Heritage Town: Temples, Monasteries, the Royal Palace and French Colonial Architecture as well as the beautiful falls outside of town. It’s worthwhile to get up and observe the monks collecting alms at 6 am
Overnight in hotel in Louang Phrabang.

Day 13: Louang Phrabang departure - (B)
Free at leisure for shopping or for walking around Louang Phrabang until transfer to Louang Phrabang airport for international flight.
End of Services

Price

Note:
•        Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers.
•        If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit

Services includes:
•        1 night in 3 star hotel in  Hanoi, home stays and  local hotel around trip as mention.
•        Transfer and transportation with private vehicle. Click here to have more information
•        English speaking local cycling tour guide
•        Sightseeing and entrance fee
•        Additional guides where necessary
•        Meals as indicated (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Diner)
•        Sightseeing and activities as noted in the itinerary

•        Train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai: Cabin with 04 soft sleepers and with Air-con (Shared cabin). Click here to have more information
•        Sight seeing for visiting per itinerary and permits.
•        Basic medical

Services excludes:
•        Meals and drink not mentioned
•        Option tour
•        Vietnam, Laos visa
•        Tip and personal expenses
•        Travel Insurance
•        Guide and local staff
•        Excess baggage charges
•        International airport taxe
•        Cost of medical immunizations
•        Items of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc…)
•        All the others not mentioned in the program

Bike Hire:
Trek4500, Giant Yukon  including in tour price in Vietnam, Trek 4300 in Laos
Bikes suggest :  XC hardtail,  Cyclo-cross, Touring, 29er rigid

If you bring your bike please ensure that you bike is in good working order before you leave on tour. If you are not the most mechanically minded we suggest that you get your bike looked at by a professional bike mechanic. In particularly we would suggest looking and adjusting all wheel spokes, greasing all your bearings, checking your brakes/gears cable, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamps, tires and put in new inner tubes and check wheel rims are not worn. In addition make sure the bike is well serviced and ride it with as much care and attention as possible.