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Remote Vietnam at its best
Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where an unstoppable energy thrives alongside traditional Vietnamese culture and a colonial charm permeates the broad tree-lined boulevards, most noticeably from the faded French architecture. The leader will of course be on hand to point the group in all the right directions, so whether you’re buying baguettes and inexpensive coffee from the grand doorways of a past era, drifting alongside Hoan Kiem Lake or roaming the animated streets, Hanoi offers a delicious first taste of Vietnamese culture. Even crossing one of many manic roads serves as a memorable experience! In the evening, we offer a welcome briefing and an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *Lenid Hotel or similar*
We’ll transfer a very short distance to the outskirts of Hanoi and get set up on our bikes before heading out on our warm-up ride of Tay Ho/West Lake. Now very much the most fashionable of addresses in Hanoi, our ride provides a glimpse into modern and traditional Vietnamese life as fishermen patiently wait for a catch and luxury rooftop restaurants compete for space. There are numerous temples scattered around the shore and you’re likely to pass couples in swan boats, wedding parties in full swing and many coffee shops serving world-renowned Vietnamese coffee – certainly good for sweeping away any jetlagged cobwebs! *Lenid Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Today begins with a 1 hour transfer into the countryside to avoid the Hanoi traffic. We start cycling in Ba Hang and are soon in the countryside passing through quiet roads flanked by rice fields. We pause for lunch at Nui Coc Lake; containing 89 islands mostly inhabited by flocks of storks or mountain goats. The lake is also famous for a local legend involving star-crossed lovers that makes it a popular place for Hanoi day-trippers keen to escape the city. We continue our day passing through Thai Nguyen tea plantations, famed for green tea production since the appearance of French scientists in 1882 and finally end in the town of Thai Nguyen, a small bustling town. Our hotel is centrally located and we will have dinner tonight at a restaurant nearby with the opportunity to try a local hotpot. *Kim Thai hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 78
Distance in Miles: 48
We take a brief 10 minute transfer out of the town this morning and start our cycle through quiet country roads passing by small agricultural holdings; expect to share the road with the odd motorbike transporting cattle, furniture and often a whole family. Today is mostly undulating and after 40kms we have two one hour bus transfers, separated by our lunch spot. Expect two very steep climbs this afternoon; 4kms and then another 2kms. The last 20kms is on a more even road that takes us into the dense rainforest of Ba Be National Park. The plunging valleys of the park are speckled with waterfalls and caves and we cycle directly to the riverside homestay where we will receive a warm welcome. There are three generations living and working here and they are keen for you to experience the peace and serenity of their home. Elevation gain: 600m *Basic homestay *
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
We cycle directly from the homestay this morning. Leaving the lake we immediately climb uphill on an unsurfaced track to reach the road again. We leave Ba Be N.P and cycle through many small village holdings for approx. 45km. We jump on the bus for a couple of hours (50km) pausing for lunch at Tinh Tuc village, if we’re lucky seeking out some delicious sticky rice in banana leaves to power us through the afternoon’s riding. Back on our bikes we cycle the remaining 30km to our hotel in Bao Lac on the edge of the Nho Que River. The Black Lolo ethnic group are the main group residing here recognisable by their heavily adorned black clothing and died black teeth. Optional group dinner will be at a local restaurant where we will hopefully try the delicious fried lotus root with pork. Elevation gain: 1600m *Thuy Duong 2 Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 43
The first 20km are undulating until we reach the deep turquoise Gam River where locals cruise slowly along on bamboo rafts. We continue to climb and pass three new dams signalling the region's use of hydropower – it now generates more than a third of the country’s electricity. We pass through many Hmong villages where households harvest plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Today is a tough day’s riding; near the end of the day we work our way up an 18km climb but have the roads almost entirely to ourselves and views of the valley serve as a good distraction before taking the Ma Pi Leng Pass where every hairpin bend presents a new photo opportunity and the view from ‘Heaven’s Gate’ at the top is truly breathtaking. This high mountain pass was originally carved into the mountain edge by daring locals hanging off the cliffs to create a trade route between villages. Perfect for cycling we can admire the deep canyons with rivers winding through the valleys. Elevation gain: 1800m *Lam Tung Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 49
Today we start from the hotel and ride along the magnificent Ha Giang Geo Park for 25km of cycling above the clouds amongst the towering limestone cliffs. We will stop at Vuong House, home to the much revered 19th century Hmong king. There’s enough time to visit the house which has photos of him with his family, before we continue our ride. Another 20km descent takes us to the town of Yen Minh, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant before short transfer by bus for 15km to a hill top before launching our bikes again to cycle to the Nam Dam village where will we stay in a homestay overnight at Dzao village. We will visit the house of Mrs Mai en-route to learn about the huge role she has had in working with victims of human trafficking, an issue that pervades many of the poorer provinces in Vietnam. We’ll have a chance to visit her textile workshop that supports many women in the area during our visit also. Elevation gain: 1500m *Basic homestay*
Distance in Km: 80
Distance in Miles: 49
We start this morning with a short trek through the village of Nam Dam to Chuc Son for a home breakfast. From here we will unload our bikes and cycle our way up into the mountains again and will arrive at the wide tree-lined boulevards of Ha Giang town in time for a well-earned dinner in the provincial capital. Elevation gain: 1000m *Truong Xuan Resort or similar*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
We jump on the bus for a short transfer to start the day (1 hour) before starting a challenging ascent through forest-flanked roads. The first 10kms are very steep but then the climb for the next 20kms is a little easier going. Our reward from the top is views of the multitude of tiers of rice paddies. Said to be the most spectacular in all of Vietnam, these magnificent layers of terraces stretch as far as the eye can see and are classified as a National Heritage by the Vietnamese Government. The main ethnic groups here are the Tay, Nung, Hmong and Dao, most of who work these steep rice terraces, some which sit above the clouds clinging to the edge of the mountains. A 20km descent takes us to our hotel door in Houng Su Phi town. Elevation gain: 1500m *Basic Hotel*
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
Today sees us leaving the national park as we have a 30km undulating start to the day. We’ll pass through dense pine forest with the smell of these trees staying with us all morning. There are many small road side waterfalls which make for a refreshing face wash for those in need. Today’s climb of 19kms is one of the toughest of the trip as we continue on a road carved through the mountains. The first 10kms is the most challenging as it is both steep and on a poorly surfaced road. Be prepared for potholes and loose gravel. The next 9kms is not quite as steep. As this section of the road is under constant repair, depending on the previous weather and the work being done there may be the need to jump on the bus for a small section – the leader will make this call on the day dependent on the timing and the conditions. We end today on a fantastic descent into Bac Ha town. Elevation gain: 2000m *Sao Mai Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 75
Distance in Miles: 47
Departing Bac Ha town is a largely downhill affair as we leave the hills and mountains behind and head into the lower lands for a leisurely cruise to the main highway. Our bus will be waiting for us for the transfer (4-5 hours approximately) back to Hanoi and we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Once back in Hanoi we’ll have a celebratory group meal and for those keen we’ll pay a visit to the Mojito Lounge to sample the famous Pho and fish sauce cocktail. Elevation gain: 300m *Lenid Hotel or similar*
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
Today is a well-deserved full day of relaxation. We’ll board the bus to Halong Bay (4 hours) and board our private traditional junk boat upon arrival. Halong Bay is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. *Overnight on boat*
We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi and there will be time to explore the Old Quarter of the city for those keen. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings and is a shoppers' delight. The centre of Hanoi has a faded charm with broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period as well as some attractive lakes and pagodas. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. *Lenid Hotel or similar*
* 10 nights hotels, 1 night boat and 2 nights homestay
* 10 days cycling (including 1 half day ride) with full vehicle support
* 80% tarmac, 20% dirt roads
* Some very long ascents and descents
* Group normally 5 to 12, plus local leader
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 3 dinners are included.
Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and
consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in
the world that still packs a punch with delicious fresh and fiery flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup). Each
dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements) meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. As this trip is remote you will struggle to find Western food in most
locations (although Hanoi will fulfil all of these urges with every type of
cuisine on offer). Most breakfasts will be traditional Vietnamese; on
occasion this might mean warm rice pancakes cooked with fresh herbs or a
noodle soup. There will also be a basic hotel buffet of baguettes, eggs and
some cold meats available in some locations. Lunch will either be a picnic
lunch that the team expertly prepare on the day or a stop in a local
restaurant to sample some of the regional dishes.
Vegetarians can be catered for but the choices will be limited, especially
when out of Hanoi in the hills. Please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of
certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or
dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring
these specialised dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to
bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home if you have high energy bars
or gels that you like to use during a ride.
For those who wish to contribute, a snacking kitty is arranged – fresh
exotic fruit, nuts, savoury and sweet biscuits and local snacks are all
provided from the snacking kitty along with drinks.
* 10 nights hotels, 1 night boat and 2 nights homestay
* 10 days cycling (including 1 half day ride) with full vehicle support
* 80% tarmac, 20% dirt roads
* Some very long ascents and descents
* Group normally 5 to 12, plus local leader
This trip is rated Activity Level 5- Challenging and classified Road.
10 days cycling (including 1 half day) average 80km/day (49 miles), 100%
vehicle support.
*Terrain and Route:*
The majority of road surfaces will be decent tarmac (approx. 80%). The
remaining 20% will be on road but some sections are likely to be potholed and
uneven/broken tarmac. This will at times make the cycling a little harder
going but there is plenty of time each day to take it at your own pace. As
the area is mountainous, you should be prepared for some very long climbs in
particular on day 6, 7, 9 and 10, but these are very much rewarded with long
descents. There is very little traffic on the roads here and mostly you will
just have to contend with the odd motorbike passing you. The exception to
this is on day 8 when you will be cycling on a road that heavy goods vehicles
do use as it is the main road into Ha Giang. However, this is only on a short
section of the trip and the leader will make sure the group cycle together.
In addition, the vehicle support will closely follow the group. Overall
these peaceful roads are certainly a highlight of the trip and makes passing
through remote villages even more special as you are very much an unexpected
sight!
There are some transfers included which are detailed in the itinerary days.
These are mostly short and are unavoidable due to the lack of accommodation
options available in this remote region. We have tried to keep these to an
absolute minimum and there are a few days with no transfers at all.
Hotels, Guesthouses, Homestays and Boat
Our nights in Hanoi are spent in a comfortable hotel.
We stay in homestays while in Ba Be National Park and in Nam Dam village
which are basic but the rooms are clean and comfortable, with friendly staff.
There are no en suite rooms here with 2 or 3 bathrooms available for the
group.
The guesthouses/ hotels used for the remote sections of the trip are basic
but are the best available in the area. Tourism is very new to the area so
please bear this in mind. The hot water supply may be sporadic at some
properties and Wi-Fi not always available.
In Halong Bay on the boat we stay in en-suite twin cabins (with bedding) but
some may prefer to sleep on deck under the stars.
Single rooms are available for a supplement for hotel/guesthouse nights only,
not at the homestays in Ba Be or in Nam Dam village or overnight on the boat
in Halong Bay. Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you
would like to request a single supplement.
All groups will be accompanied by an experienced cycling tour leader from
start to finish. The tour leader will be assisted by a bike mechanic and
local guides will be used at various sights. Local guides will be used at
various sights.
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 3 dinners are included.
Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and
consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in
the world that still packs a punch with delicious fresh and fiery flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup). Each
dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements) meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. As this trip is remote you will struggle to find Western food in most
locations (although Hanoi will fulfil all of these urges with every type of
cuisine on offer). Most breakfasts will be traditional Vietnamese; on
occasion this might mean warm rice pancakes cooked with fresh herbs or a
noodle soup. There will also be a basic hotel buffet of baguettes, eggs and
some cold meats available in some locations. Lunch will either be a picnic
lunch that the team expertly prepare on the day or a stop in a local
restaurant to sample some of the regional dishes.
Vegetarians can be catered for but the choices will be limited, especially
when out of Hanoi in the hills. Please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of
certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or
dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring
these specialised dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to
bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home if you have high energy bars
or gels that you like to use during a ride.
For those who wish to contribute, a snacking kitty is arranged – fresh
exotic fruit, nuts, savoury and sweet biscuits and local snacks are all
provided from the snacking kitty along with drinks.
Throughout the tour, we use a private mini-bus, usually with
air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to
5 hours). Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in
Vietnam, however progress can be slow leaving and arriving into Hanoi due to
traffic. The mini-bus will accompany the riders all the time, allowing you
the flexibility to cycle as much or as little as you like, plus a support
truck for the bikes and baggage.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Hanoi, ending in Hanoi*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Hanoi in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through
Exodus before a trip commences.
Ha Giang’s weather is typical for the Northern highland area of Vietnam,
which is a tropical monsoon climate, but somewhat temperate climate due to
higher altitude. The weather here is mild all year round with the year
average temperature at approx. 22 degrees. Temperatures will drop in the
evening and can be as low as 10 degrees when in the mountains. The hottest
months of Ha Giang are June and July, while coldest months are from November
to February. March/April/May and September/October (Spring and Autumn) have
been chosen to operate this trip so that we avoid the wettest and hottest
months of June/July and August. Due to the altitude there is often a little
drizzle and mist in the mornings but this often clears to present blue skies
and clear riding.
Please be aware that the boat trip on Halong Bay can be subject to short
notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip.
These could occur all year round, but especially in monsoon season (from
October to April). Boat trips on Halong Bay are governed by the local
authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If
your Halong Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result
in a reduced excursion on Halong Bay for your group, or less likely, the need
to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Halong
Bay. Whilst this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are
well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate
options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
* As the weather will generally be warm we advise that you bring comfortable
cotton clothing for your days in Hanoi. Once in the hills it is likely to
be cooler in the evenings so we suggest packing a pair of long trousers
and a fleece/jumper for the evenings.
* Cycling helmet (compulsory on this trip)
* Water bottle
* Lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket
* Padded cycling shorts
* Cycling jerseys/tops/similar
* Waterproof gloves
* Strong sun cream
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is
thought to be highly effective
* Torch/head-torch
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts wherever possible,
this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great outdoors! If no
toilet facilities are available at some of the planned stops or during our
ride, there may come a time when you need to go to the loo behind a
tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind we recommend taking
biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once you have done your
business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take it with you to
dispose of when there are appropriate facilities available.
* In case of rain or mist in the mornings you may wish to bring some shoe
covers to keep your feet dry. You may also find that a sleeping bag liner
and pillow case will come in handy – clean laundry should be provided
everywhere but it may be the case that you prefer your own for nights were
accommodation will be very basic.
* As there is very little chance we will be able to do laundry outside of
Hanoi (and because we only have one night at each stop) we would advise
you to bring enough cycling clothes for the days on the bike.
You will need about GBP 130-180/USD 170-235 for meals not included, which
will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to
cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Most groups also find it useful to operate a snacks kitty system to buy
snacks and drinks for the group on the cycling days. If the group would like
the leader to arrange this, the suggested amount is around GBP 20/USD 25 per
person depending on the groups size.
This is entirely at your own discretion, but we suggest that you allow some
money for tips for the local guides and staff. In Vietnam, with the increase
in tourism, tipping has become customary. The local staff will probably
expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The leader will
suggest to the group that they donate a sum of GBP 66/USD 86 per person
towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for tipping of local
guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to ensure that the hassle
is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute
to a central pool for tips you are of course free to do so.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip,
you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose
to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, 2-4GBP/3-6USD per person per
day would be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for
their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request - hotel nights only)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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