Pedalers Pub & Grille

Cycling the best of Asia, Alaska and the Pacific since 1987

“Explore the colorful world of Northern Thailand beyond Chiang Mai.
Discover its charm and cuisine. Delve into its history and culture.”

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.

Book Your Trip Request Trip Details

Journey to Sapa
10 days (6 days cycling)
Inn to Inn

Level

Price
$2495 - 2 to 5 guests
$2250 - 6 or more

Next Departure
At Your Request from October thru April

Itinerary
Day 1 - arrive Hanoi; Day 2 - explore Hanoi; Day 3 - cycle to Mai Chau; Day 4 - pedal to Moc Chau, Day 5 - bike to Phu Yen; Day 6 - bicycle to Nghia Lo; Day 7 - cycle to Than Uyen ; Day 8 - Sapa; Day 9 - Sapa, overnight train to Hanoi; Day 10 - depart

Route Character
Small paved roads, very little traffic, mountainous terrain

Mileage
Total: 341 mi / 550 km
Daily Avg: 57 mi / 91 km

Read More
Overview
Itinerary & Details
Route Map
Trip Extensions
Guest Reviews
Photo Gallery

Share This Tour

Vietnam Bike Tours » Journey to Sapa

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Noi Bai airport, transfer to hotel; freshen up and relax after a long flight; historical orientation walk through the Old Quarter; coffee at a family-style art cafe; guided walk through a restored Old Quarter home; Bach Ma Pagoda (White Horse Temple), hidden away in the back alleys; welcome dinner in one of Hanoi's top restaurants. Overnight in Hanoi's renowned Metropole Hotel, providing luxurious service and accommodation since the 1901.

Day 2 - Hanoi is an elegant city with tree-lined boulevards, graceful French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (established in 1076) and the highly acclaimed Museum of Ethnology. Also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed Hanoi Hilton, Camp One, Camp Unity, Heartbreak, Little Vegas, New Guy Village, and West Court among others, completed by the French in 1901. Interesting fact: Hoa Lo Street is the only street in Hanoi with only one address on it...the prison.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter and sprawling Dong Xuan Market. This large, three-story bazaar north of city center offers uniquely Vietnamese goods of all sorts. Hundreds of stalls (and literally thousands of traders) hawk fresh produce, dried foods, household goods and more. The market itself endured fierce fighting between Vietnamese resistance units and the French. After Dong Xuan enjoy a cyclo tour in one of Hanoi's famous reclining three-wheeled 'chariots'. In the evening, you're off to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a performance that captures the traditional life of Vietnam in a medium inspired by the abundance of water and rice paddy.

Day 3 - Depart Hanoi early for Mai Chau. Enjoy the spectacular scenery whist transfer. From the top of Cun Mountain, one can admire the superb panorama of Mai Chau surrounded by a green valley and stilt houses. Do not miss the opportunity to take a photo! At Cao Phong, we get off bus and pick up our bikes and start cycling on beautiful undulating road passing through cane plantation and rice paddies. Enjoy lunch en route. We finish our ride at the delightful Mai Chau Lodge. 34 mi / 54 km, *EM: H'mong, Thai

Day 4 - After a hearty breakfast we set off on a testing yet spectacular day, the majority of which is uphill! Transfer out of Mai Chau to Tong Dau crossroad, and start riding on the good winding paved roads ascending Mai Chau Pass we head into a region predominantly populated by Black Hmong minority cultures. Before getting to Moc Chau plateau, situated at 1000m, we pass through plum orchards and corn and tea plantations. Moc Chau is renowned for its banh sua (milk cake) and tea products. Along the way, we can contemplate the delightful countryside of Vietnam mountain region. Overnight in Moc Chau. 38 mi / 62 km, *EM: H'mong, Thai

Day 5 - We leave Moc Chau after breakfast, get on bicycle and we branch off right into HW43, and keep riding on good sealed roads passing through vast tea plantation to Phu Yen. Along the way, we can contemplate the delightful countryside of Vietnam mountain region. Overnight in Phu Yen. 59 mi / 95 km, *EM: H'mong, Thai, Dzao

Day 6 - We will ride south along quiet roads winding through lush jungle and verdant mountain scenery. We will have 2 small passes to tackle before hitting the main junction at Thu Cuc. We rest at this small town for lunch. Following lunch, we continue to cycle the through the charming villages. Along the way, we may stop to visit local ethnic minorities and interact with village life. We arrive at Nghia Lo later in the day. 63 mi / 102 km, *EM: Thai, Dzao, Mong Xanh (Blue H'mong)

Day 7 - Today the ride is mixture of ups and downs throughout the days, with some challenging passes to tackle. The trail winds its ways along the mountain ranges. Along the way, we'll be awarded with exceptional views of Chan Hung mountain. The route today offer not only excellent ride but also many points of interest and our guide will stop often at villages to show us the traditional hamlets of ethnic minority people such as La Ha, Hmong and Ma people. Our ride will finish at Tu Le village and from here we shuttle the rest way to Than Uyen . 54 mi / 87 km (bike into Than Uyen 85 mi / 137 km), *EM: Dzao, La Ha, H'mong, Tay, Ma

Day 8 - Today's activity is a fantastic bike ride from Than Uyen to Than Thuoc village. The trails take us up and down the hilly mountain. The first legs to Than Thuoc village passes through local hamlet of Tay, Hmong people. Whilst cycling, we can admire the stunning view of rugged mountains and terrace rice paddies. The second part of the day is a little more challenging as we climb over the 2147 m Heaven gate. From the peak of this pass, we can catch the scenic panoramic view over Lai Chau province. Our bus will pick up at the foot of the pass and transfer rest way to Sapa via Silver waterfall. Overnight in Sapa 62 mi / 100 km

Day 9 - Today we have a chance to relax, stroll to nearby villages, get some presents and soak up the atmosphere of Sapa. Late check out is included until 18.00. At 18.30, we meet again at hotel's lobby and transfer to Lao Cai station for boarding the overnight train to Hanoi. Relax onboard the luxurious Victoria Express train in comfort and style.

Day 10 - You are at your leisure, until it is time to transfer to airport for your outbound flight.

*EM - Ethnic Minorities that reside along each day's routing. The Northwestern Mountains are home to a number of Ethnic Minority Groups, most of whom still live their traditional ways relatively free from westernization. While we will be able to observe their day to day life, as we pedal through the area, we don't engage in numerous "village visits" as we don't want to turn their lives into a tourist attraction. The few visits we do make are spontaneous, not orchestrated and each departure visits different villages.

Book Your Trip Request Trip Details

At Your Request:
Tour cost: $2495 (2 to 5 guests)
Tour cost: $2250 (6 or more guests)

Optional Costs:
Single supplement: $495
Bike rental: $190

Deposits):
Tour deposit: $200
Bike rental deposit: $25

At Your Request:
Private departures can be arranged October through April. Get your wheels rolling and request your At Your Request date today. Plan a trip for your bike club or corporate incentive, contact us for more details.

Lodging:
Boutique Hotels, Inns & Resorts
... More about this trip's inns.

What's Included:

8 nights Accommodation in the area's better hotels (double occupancy)
1 night Deluxe night train* Sapa to Hanoi
All meals from Dinner on Day 1 until Breakfast on Day 10
Water, sodas and beer included at dinner
Service of bilingual Team Pedalers Guide(s)
Full Van Support
Daily route directions and maps
Sightseeing and cultural activities
Airport pick up & drop off

* Cabins on the Victoria Express are four berths, guests will be assigned four to a room for this night only. Meeting & Flights:
Meet at Hanoi Airport on Day 1

Fly into Hanoi (HAN) anytime on Day 1
Fly out of Hanoi (HAN) after 10 am on Day 10

Check current airfares to: Hanoi

Route Conditions:
The entire ride is on paved roads, narrow but with little or no traffic. Pavement is a bit course and suitable for touring, sport road and also performance road bikes with wider tires (25 or wider). The terrain is fairly hilly, some some big alpine style climbs

Visas & Travel Documents:
Passports are required for all guests. Your passport should have at least 6 months validity past your intended travel dates. Visas can be obtained from the Vietnam Embassy in your country.

Giving Back
Guests often ask what they can do or bring to help people in the region. We suggest purchasing school notebooks after you arrive in Vietnam to pass out to children in the remote villages we visit. Or if you have a discount store nearby home, pick up some simple reading glasses (2 to 3.75) to pass out to elderly villagers, so that they can continue to lead productive lives.

Read More
Overview
Itinerary & Details
Route Map
Trip Extensions
Guest Reviews
Photo Gallery

Share This Tour

Vietnam

Bicycle Tours & Cycling Holidays

Journeyto Sapa

Journey
to Sapa