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:
- Sun Block
- Wide brim hat
- Camera and film
- Comfortable shoes
- Rain Gear
- Warm clothes in winter
- Original Passport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
- All accommodations base on twin-share at hotel, guest house and home stay
- Meals detailed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunches, D=Dinners)
- A/C transfers and transportation
- Boat trip mention in itinerary
- Mountain bicycle 24 or 27 Speed (LA bike or Trek bike)
- Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
- Pump, bike tools, spares tubes
- Spare bike
- Cold water box, small fresh towel
- Mineral water drinking
- Seasonal fruits
- Snacks.
Price Excludes:
- International airfares
- Travel insurance and bike helmet (compulsory)
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Optional excursions
- Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
- Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
- Visa fees
- Departure taxes
- Tipping for guiding.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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