Vietnam

Home to numerous ethnic tribal groups, Vietnam's northeastern mountains offers some of the country's most dramatic scenery and spectacular cycling. Our journey through the area takes in mountain trails, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, village of stilt houses and colorful markets. Explore Hanoi's ancient quarter and discover the old French hill station of Sapa, perched in the cool hills.

Our journey begins in Hanoi where we work off the jetlag by enjoying some walking tours through the ancient streets and neighborhoods of the city, exploring old temples and colonial avenue. Transferring to the foothills to our delightful lodge at Mai Chau, we warm up with some easy riding and then its off to the mountains. The cycling on this trip is not long, but it is challenging ... plenty of climbing, followed by dramatic descents, rolling along and through lush valley dotted with Montagnard villages (French name for the mountain tribes of Vietnam). Pedal past tea plantations and rice paddies, watching the buffalo til the fields and the villagers going about their daily live.

Several more days of challenging yet invigorating cycling fill out the balance of our trip. These rides of some of the best, mixing spectacular landscapes with exciting bicycling routes. We take a day off in picturesque Sapa, to explore the markets or simply stroll to quiet streets. It was a favorite getaway spot for the colonial French settlers, who enjoyed its cool air and beautiful scenery. Enjoy evenings in simple, yet clean hotels in the country, complimented by deluxe accommodations in Hanoi, Sapa and Mai Chau. Its a journey to remember for a lifetime to come.