Hailed as one of the best Wildlotus off road mountain biking adventures in Vietnam, this trip combines the famous tourist destination of Sapa with National Parks, natural beauty and an experience of Vietnam truly off the beaten path. Ride through dozens of minority villages from the Lu to the Nong, red Dao to blue Hmong, experiencing unsurpassed warmth and hospitality of people. Bike in areas that visitors seldom visit, high up in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam. Starting with a gentle cycle through the Sapa valley, enjoy a taster of things to come. Overnight in an ecolodge with stunning views down into the valley. Ride the following days on a tough trail up and over several ranges, with some bike carrying a possibility! The trail is mostly smooth, and some sections are jeepable. Overnight in two different minority home stays. Ride down out of the mountains to the red river valley of Lao Cai. Take a breather before cycling over one of the largest passes in Northern Vietnam and beyond to Ha Giang, stooping off en route to visit local schools and markets. The last leg of the journey involves a very remote ride through a little known nature reserve, home to the endangered Tonkin Snub Nosed monkey. Finish with a spectacular boat journey deep into the heart of one of Vietnam’s most beautiful National Parks, Ba Be.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi. The day is at leisure. Board the train and overnight in an air-conditioned soft sleeper.
Day 2: Drive to Sapa. Cycle on mix of trail and tarmac into the heart of the Sapa valley. Overnight at Eco lodge.
Day 3: Epic mountain bike on single-track and jeep trails across valley ranges to Red Dao village.
Day 4: Ride to Lao Cai along scenic country lanes skirting the mighty Mekong River.
Day 5: Cycle off the beaten path to the undiscovered town of Muong Khuong.
Day 6: Combine boating on the Chay River with a tough day in the saddle to Bac Ha, a famous hilltribe market town.
Day 7: Bike across one of the highest passes in Vietnam. The scenery is spectacular!
Day 8: Cycle off road through remote villages. Soak tired limbs at Hot Springs.
Day 9: Cycle towards the Chinese border to Quan Ba. Overnight in local homestay to support community tourism initiative.
Day 10: Take a day to explore the fascinating people and scenery surrounding Quan Ba.
Day 11: Loop through Du Gia nature Reserve, home of the endangered Tonkin Snub nosed monkey. A remote ride through the heart of the reserve.
Day 12: Cycle off road to Ba Be National Park, home to the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam.
Day 13: Rest Day. Explore the beauty of this amazing National Park.
Day 14: Drive to Hanoi. Overnight in five star French colonial hotel. This cycling adventure is fully supported with experienced guides and back up team. However some support will be by motorbike and at other times your guide will ride with you through the most inaccessible parts of the route. At all times our support van will be as close by as possible relaying baggage, food, drinks and first aid kits. Please note this trip is for the fitter mountain biker only. Be prepared to ‘rough it’ at times.
