For those seeking a physically and culturally rewarding experience off the beaten path, this is the perfect trip for you, and with no set departure date it's flexible for those on a tight schedule but looking for an alternative to the more touristy destinations. With visits to the villages of the Black Dzao, Flower H'mong, Tay, Phu La and Nung people, and a night in the home of the local Tay people, you'll have a unique insight into the diverse culture here that few have experienced.
Highlight:
Glide down hills, through villages and fields to experience the north's wilderness.
Included:
* English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
*All accommodations base on twin-share at hotel, guesthouse and Home stay.etc…
* Meals detailed in the itinerary (B = Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
* A/C transfers and transportation.
* Boat trip mention in itinerary
* Mountain bicycle 24 or 27Speed (LA bike or Trek bike. etc…)
* Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
* Pump, bike tools, spares tubes.
* Spare bike
* Cold water box, small fresh towel.
* Mineral water drinking.
* Seasonal fruits.
* Snacks
Excluded:
* International airfares
* Travel insurance and bike helmet (compulsory)
* Items of a personal nature
* Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
* Mineral water beyond that supplied
* Optional excursions
* Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
* Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
* Visa fees
* Departure taxes
* Tipping for guiding
What to bring:
Sun Block , Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain Gear , Warm clothes in winter, Original Passport
Accommodation:
Hotels.
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Hanoi - Lao Cai
Day 2: Lao Cai - Bac Ha
Day 3: Bac Ha - Chay River
Day 4: Bac Ha -Lao Cai - Hanoi
Detail Itinerary
For those seeking a physically and culturally rewarding experience off the beaten path, this is the perfect trip for you, and with no set departure date it's flexible for those on a tight schedule but looking for an alternative to the more touristy destinations. With visits to the villages of the Black Dzao, Flower H'mong, Tay, Phu La and Nung people, and a night in the home of the local Tay people, you'll have a unique insight into the diverse culture here that few have experienced.
Day1: Hanoi - Lao Cai
8:30pm Depart from Hotel by private coach to the railway station and catch the 10:00pm night train to Lao Cai (soft sleeper with aircon), arrive 5:30 or 6:00am
Day 2: Lao Cai - Bac Ha ( B, L, D)
Have breakfast in a local restaurant then gear up and start riding the rolling, sealed road 46km from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai Bridge. Board a long boat for a 1.5hr trip up the Chay River to relax and take in the spectacular scenery. Following a picnic lunch in 'Fairy Cave', head back down river (1hr) to Trung Do village in a Tay Hamlet. You'll enjoy dinner and the warm hospitality of your Tay hosts during this wonderful home stay experience.
Day 3: Bac Ha - Chay River ( B, L, D)
After Breakfast, spend an hour walking around the hamlet to meet the locals and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Gear up to head out along a 2km local trail to pick up the main road, then it's an 18km climb to Bac Ha. For those who find it tough, your support vehicle will be there to help you up the stunning mountain pass. Check into the hotel in Bac Ha, relax and enjoy lunch. Following lunch you'll do an 8km loop around Bac Ha to visit the locals, stopping in Ban Pho village. After this, you'll hit a single track trail and dirt road winding through plum gardens and rice fields, and past local homes and inhabitants of the villages surrounding Bac Ha. Overnight in your Hotel in Bac Ha.
Day 4: Bac Ha - Hanoi ( B, L, D)
Following breakfast, visit the impressive house of the former H'mong King before embarking on a 12km ride to Lung Phin village, home of Flower H'mong and Phu La people. The ride is on sealed road and has a 3km steep climb which you can ride or drive depending on your energy level! Spend 30 minute visiting the locals, then you can relax and glide the 12km back to Bac Ha. After lunch in your hotel, you'll check out and start riding out of town, down the stunning mountain road, along the Chay River valley and back to Lao Cai. You can choose to ride 24km down the mountain to Bao Nhai Bridge then drive to Lao Cai, or ride the full 82km to Lao Cai. You'll be able to shower in Lao Cai before sitting down to dinner. Night train back to Ha Noi. Tour ends 5:30am at Ha Noi Station.