DAY 1: HANOI
Begin the tour with a full day city tour. In the evening, sit back and enjoy a water puppet show – a performing art unique to Vietnam. (B,L)
DAY 2: HANOI – MAI CHAU (Cycle 75km)
After breakfast, take a support vehicle and drive out of Hanoi heading west for Luong Son town. From here, set off on bikes and ride along the scenic road for about 25 km to Hoa Binh town. After lunch, continue to Mai Chau. Overnight at Mai Chau Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: MAI CHAU (Cycle 40 km)
Today is a more challenging day climbing hills and descending into valleys. The ride will take you through several traditional and friendly hill tribes before making the loop back to Mai Chau valley. Overnight at Mai Chau Lodge. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: MAI CHAU – SON LA (150 km / part-cycle)
Son La is notable for the colorful ethnic minorities, the terraced rice fields, the tea plantations and delicious mangoes. Arrive in Son La mid-afternoon and enjoy some free time to discover the town. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU (160 km / part-cycle)
The scenery from Son La and Dien Bien Phu is extremely breathtaking. The early start this morning gives the opportunity to visit one or two colorful markets. After checking into the hotel, you will enjoy a tour of historic Dien Bien Phu. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: DIEN BIEN PHU – TAM DUONG (210 km / part-cycle)
Today’s part cycling is simply a great experience. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Arrive in Tam Duong in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: TAM DUONG – SAPA (73 km / part-cycle)
This morning, visit a colorful hill tribe market before making the ride up to Sapa. The ride today is more challenging cycling 26 km uphill to Tram Ton pass. Reach Sapa by mid afternoon and spend the remainder of the day strolling around town. (NB: support vehicles are available for those that wish not to ride) (B,L)
DAY 8: SAPA TREK
This morning, drive 7 km before commencing downhill walk to visit Lao Chai, the village of the Black Hmong people. Continue to walk 2 hours to visit the Zay minority at Ta Van. Then take a jeep transfer into the heart of the hill tribe region and continue trekking downhill to Thanh Phu, to spend the night in a stilt house of the Tay people. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: SAPA TREK
After breakfast, trek to the village of the Xa Pho tribe, the smallest ethnic group in Sapa who have very little contact with modern Vietnam. Continue to trek up to Nam Toong and visit the Nam Ken Village of Red Zao. Overnight in a homestay. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: SAPA - HANOI
After breakfast there will be a 2 hour uphill trek to Su Pan before a jeep transfer to Sapa town. Afternoon is free in town. Catch the overnight sleeper train to Hanoi. (B,L)
DAY 11: HANOI – HALONG BAY
Arriving in Hanoi early morning, transfer to Halong bay. Today is a well deserved day of relaxation, cruising Halong bay. Swimming, sunbathing, cave exploring or night fishing are activities available during the trip. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: HALONG BAY
Continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. As the sun begins to set, relax with a refreshing drink and gaze upon the natural splendor of the bay. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: HALONG BAY – HANOI
Whist having breakfast, enjoy a 2 hour cruise heading back to Halong City where the vehicle is waiting. Transfer back to Hanoi and enjoy a free afternoon and evening. (B)
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