Often when Sa Pa is shrouded in cloud and fog, this side is clear and blue. The newly paved road descends 26 km through one of the most picturesque and inspiring valleys in the North where you'll glide down through the fresh mountain air to the Binh Lu Junction. Turning off this main road will add a moderate challenge to your adventure. The sometimes rocky road meanders along the base of the mountain range past old growth forest and through the villages of Thai, H'mong and Lu ethnic minorities. The area sees few tourists, so expect plenty of curious faces and smiling children shouting "Hello!" as you stop to meet the locals along the way.
Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Hanoi-Lao Cai. At 8:30 pm depart from Hotel by private coach to Rail way station and catch the 10:00 pm night train to Lao Cai, arrive at 5:30 or 6:00 am. Day 2: Lao cai-Sapa-Than Thuoc. The bus ride up the mountain to Sa Pa takes a little over an hour, where you'll stop for breakfast before gearing up for your exciting ride. It's a tough climb out of Sa Pa to Heaven's gate, so your support vehicle will transfer you out to a starting point at the "Silver Waterfall". Then it's a 3 km climb up the highest mountain pass in Indochina where you'll stop to marvel at the spectacular view of Hoang Lien Mountains before free-wheeling down 26 km to Binh Lu Junction. Heading off the main road, its 20 km of sometimes rocky road to Than Thuoc, a charming little tea town where you'll spend the night in a local guest house. The guest house in Than Thuoc is very basic but clean. Green Trail Tours is currently making arrangements for a home stay in a local village. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 3: Than Thuoc-Than Uyen. After breakfast, your support vehicle will transfer you up a steep mountain pass to the starting point where you'll glide down 20 km to Than Uyen through valleys where the old growth forest, tea plantations and verdant rice paddies surround you during your ride. After lunch in Than Uyen, you'll have a wonderful afternoon as you explore some single track trails to visit local minority villages, including the interesting Lu people with their distinctively black teeth. Arrive back in Than Uyen for dinner and overnight in the local guest house. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 4: Than Uyen-Lao Cai-Hanoi. After a good breakfast, ride 40 km around the other side of the stunning Muong Kim valley with time for lots of stops to take pictures of the local hill tribe people and the stunning scenery there. Arrive in Van Ban for a late lunch then hop on the minivan to drive back to Lao Cai. In Lao Cai you'll be able to have a refreshing shower before sitting down to a dinner of local Vietnamese food. Night Train back to Ha Noi. Trip ends 5:30 am at Ha Noi Station. Includes: (B), (L), (D). What to bring: - Rain Gear - Sun Block - Wide brim hat - Camera and film - Comfortable shoes - Original Passport - Warm clothes in winter. Notes: Price Includes:
Also see tour packages in: Asia Vietnam Outdoor: Land Rambler Bicycle Touring Mountain/Rock Climbing Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend |
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