Friday, March 7, 2014

Hill Tribe Visit on Bicycle Tour – 2 Days

On this trip, the ride takes you along Muong Hoa valley and then deep into Ban Ho valley, which is home to Tay, Red Dao minorities. You will enjoy beautiful landscape, meet friendly local people and spend one night in red Dao family.

Tour Duration: 2 days/ 3 nights
Tour Route: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Sapa – Thanh Phu – Sin Chai B – Nam Nhiu – My Son – Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi


Day 01: Hanoi – Night train to Sapa
Pick up at your hotel in the city central, transfer to the station for a night train to Sapa. Overnight on train

Day 02: Sapa – Su Pan - Thanh Phu - Sin Chai B (L, D)

Arrive Lao Cai station in the early morning, pick up and transfer to Sapa, having breakfast before starting the trip. You cycle downhill on a windy road, which goes along Muong Hoa valley. The valley is home to Black Hmong, Giay and Red Dao minorities. From the road you will have many opportunities to enjoy amazing scenery of mountains and rice paddy terraces as far as the eyes can see. After a short break in Su Pan, you will cycle downhill until you reach Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you stop for lunch in a traditional Tay house.
After lunch, your ride will be mostly uphill; you head toward Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority. Where you will stay overnight in in a bamboo hut in the village.

Approx: 6 hours cycling/ 1-hour lunch.


Day 03: Sin Chai B – Nam Nhiu - My Son – Ban Ho – Sapa- Night train to Hanoi (B, L)

Today’s ride will be a little softer. You will pass by some tinny villages. You can stop by a local school and give children some small gifts such as pens or books. You will also be able to meet Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest ethnic group, which cannot be found in other areas. You will pass by Thanh Phu and continue to Ban Ho.
In Ban Ho you will enjoy lunch in a local house. After lunch, you will take a short walk to the nearby river, where you will be able to have a swim. You can take a break and have a cup of tea in a Tay house before you get on a car for a journey back to Sapa. Evening transfer to the station for a night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train

Approx: 1.5-hour driving/ 1 hour walking/ 3 hours cycling/ 1 hour lunch.

Day 04: Hanoi – Departure
Arrival Hanoi in the early morning,  Back to your hotel by yourself. End of all the services.

What is included?

- All transfer and transportation vehicle
- Overnight in local house
- English speaking guide
- Good mountain bikes with helmets
- All indicated meals (B: as breakfast; L: as lunch; D: as dinner)
- Water on the whole trip
- Supply vehicles/ jeep
- All entrance fees and permit

What is excluded?

- Personal Pocket Money
- Other meals and Soft drink (beer, coca cola…)
- Travel Insurance
- All other services not indicated above