Tackle forested hills – Challenge yourself with steep climbs through lush, forested landscapes from Hanoi to Luang Prabang.
Experience minority culture – Visit remote villages and connect with the unique traditions of Vietnam and Laos.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. We’ll have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)
In the morning, we’ll visit Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, stop by Dong Xuan Market, and continue to the Old Citadel. Next, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. After lunch, we’ll visit the Ethnology Museum, the Temple of Literature, and Quoc Tu Giam. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a water puppet show before staying overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Overnight Train to Lao Cai (B)
You’ll have the morning free, followed by an afternoon walking tour of Hanoi and an evening trip briefing. We’ll take the overnight train to Lao Cai, a town on the Chinese border. Lao Cai, once closed after the 1979 war between China and Vietnam, reopened in 1993 and is now a major hub for travelers heading to Sapa and Kunming.
Day 4: Sapa 20km Cycling (B, L)
After arriving in Lao Cai, we’ll travel up the mountainside to Sapa and adjust the bikes before cycling into the Sapa Valley. Known as the "Queen of Mountains," Sapa overlooks a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains. Built as a French hill station in 1922, Sapa is rich in history and natural beauty. We’ll stay overnight in Sapa.
Day 5: Sapa Full Day 30km Cycling (B, L)
We’ll cycle off-road to the village of Ta Phin, tackling steep, forested hillsides and passing through minority villages. We’ll loop back and stay overnight in Sapa.
Day 6: Sapa – Tam Duong (Phong Tho) – Pa So 80km Cycling (B, L, D)
We’ll start with a short uphill ride as a warm-up to Tram Ton Pass, followed by a long descent to Binh Lu. We’ll then ride an off-road jeep track with a mix of hard-packed gravel and clay to Tam Duong and Pa So, where we’ll stay overnight.
Day 7: Pa So – Sin Ho – Lai Chau (Muong Lay) 45km Cycling (B, L)
Today’s ride to Lai Chau and Sin Ho will be challenging but rewarding, with spectacular views. We’ll cycle uphill on the main road and descend on a mix of gravel and hard-packed clay. We’ll stay overnight in Lai Chau.
Day 8: Lai Chau (Muong Lay) – Tuan Giao – Dien Bien Phu 90km Cycling (B, L)
We’ll take on the toughest ride of the trip, cycling to Tuan Giao and Dien Bien Phu on rough tarmac terrain. The challenging route will be rewarded with stunning views and untouched villages. We’ll stay overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
Day 9: Dien Bien Phu – Muang Khua 70km Cycling (B, L)
We’ll explore Dien Bien Phu, a historic battlefield where Vietnam fought for independence from France. Then, we’ll cycle 70km to the border crossing at Tay Tran. This remote northeast region of Laos is sparsely populated. We’ll continue along the Nam Ou River to Muang Khua, where we’ll stay overnight.
Day 10: Muang Khua – Oudomxai 75km Cycling (B, L)
After breakfast, we’ll cycle 75km along the main road to Oudomxai. This scenic route is lightly traveled. Oudomxai, once a center for Chinese troops during the Indochina War, is now a key trade hub between Laos and China. We’ll stay overnight in Oudomxai.
Day 11: Oudomxai – Pak Mong 60km Cycling (B, L)
We’ll begin the day with a tough climb, but the breathtaking scenery will make it worthwhile. After a break to re-energize, we’ll continue to Pak Mong, where we’ll stay overnight.
Day 12: Pak Mong – Luang Prabang 95km Cycling (B, L)
Today’s ride will be the longest of the trip. We’ll cycle along the Nam Ou River, passing through rural villages and beautiful countryside. After a picnic lunch on the riverbank and a short rest, we’ll continue to Pak Ou, home to the famous Pak Ou Caves. We’ll finish the day in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we’ll have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 13: Luang Prabang 50km Cycling (B, L)
We’ll head south from Luang Prabang, cycling through mountains and forested scenery. When we reach the Nam Khan River, we’ll take a long-tail motor taxi downstream. Your bike will be ready at the pier near Ban Phanom for the return ride to Luang Prabang. On the way back, we’ll visit Tai Lue, a weaving village that once supplied textiles to the Lao royal family. We’ll return to Luang Prabang for a guided city tour before sunset.
Day 14: Luang Prabang 42km Cycling (B, L)
At sunrise, you’ll participate in giving alms to the Buddhist monks. We’ll then cycle north to Ban Pak Ou, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by picturesque countryside, and visit the Pak Ou and Thamting Caves on the Mekong River.
Day 15: Luang Prabang Departure (B)
After breakfast, we’ll visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which houses artifacts reflecting Lao culture from the first kings to the last sovereign rulers. We’ll also visit Phousi Market, where you’ll see dried buffalo skin, local tea, unique vegetables, and hill-tribe weaving. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Inclusive:
Air-conditioned van/bus
Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
English speaking cycling guide
Entrance fees, boat trips
Airport transfer in/out
Pick up & drop off at your hotel
Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
All biking gear (mountain bike - MTB, tool kit, water cage)
Water, snacks, soft drinks and fresh fruit on cycling days
Accommodation
Exclusive:
Travel insurance
Visas
Personal expenses
Optional E-bike, Gravel bike, Road bike
