Day 1: Hanoi – Son La
In the morning we drive out of the capital on our support vehicle and head north to the town of Son La. located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half 20th century. (L,D)
Day 2: Son La – Dien Bien Phu (cycling distance 70km)
Today we drive the first 80km as far as to Tuan Giao before we take to our bicycles and cycle the 80km to the town of Dien Bien. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Dien Bien Phu (60km)
After breakfast we set out on our bikes to explore the historically important area around Dien Bien. It was here in 1954 that the French planned to lure the Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh into the valley by sending 16,000 French troops as bait. The French however did not count on the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap who somehow managed to place the Vietnamese artillery on the surrounding ridges. From March until May 1954 the Viet Minh pounded the French positions until the French capitulated. In the evening we return to our hotel in Dien Bien town. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Dien Bien – Lai Chau (120km)
Today we cycle along the windy roads that snake trough the beautiful countryside that characterizes this part of the country. At times the roads are steep but the stunning panoramas make the trip well worth it! (B,L,D)
Day 5: Lai Chau – Phong Tho (120km)
Following breakfast we cycle through more superb mountainous countryside en route to Phong Tho. Along the way we pass through several different minority villages and are able to see at close quarters how people go about their daily lives. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Phong Tho – Sapa (50km)
Today we continue on our way through the scenic hills and valleys. We stop at To Binh Lu and for the remaining 50km we take the support vehicle as we snake our way up to the celebrated former hill station of Sapa. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Sapa
We have a full day to see some of Sapa’s most colorful and interesting sights by biking. These include the Red Dao village of Ta Phin, nestled on the floor of a beautiful valley and the picturesque Tay village of Ta Van. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Sapa - Hanoi
Following breakfast we get the return drive to the capital. Along the way we will make numerous photo stops as we pass through different hill tribe villages. (B,L)
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