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NORTHWEST
ADVENTURE ON BIKE
Vietnam adventure tours
and outdoors activities
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Tour code
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Route
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HANOI
– MAI CHAU - SON LA - DIEN BIEN - LAI CHAU PHONG THO =
SAPA - BAC HA - HANOI |
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Duration
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08 days / 07 nights
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Features
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Discover hidden Vietnam and
scenic northwest and its people first hand. By taking to the
roads and cycling from the capital Hanoi to the remote area of
the northwest we can see the ordinary life of local Vietnamese.
You get the most out of the trip in terms of comfort and
enjoyment. Along the way we encounter dramatic landscapes and
sweeping panoramas as the rural population goes about its
business. Highlights include the terraced valleys of Mai Chau,
Sapa and the historic battlefields of Dien Bien Phu. As this is
an Exploratory program the times and details of the itinerary
may be subject to change.
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Gears provided |
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat,
mosquito repellent, water boiler, footrest stove, utensil set,
bowls and pots, raincoat, toiletry kits, maps, two-way radio,
GPS. |
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Note |
Clients are expected to provide their own bicycles for this
tour. However, bicycles are still available at Outdoor Vietnam
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Quotation
(per person)
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Currency |
USD |
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Rate |
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Includes
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Travel Insurance |
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English/French-speaking guides. Other languages are available
upon request.
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Home stays |
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Meals as mentioned in the Program. Special requirements could be
arranged upon prior notice.
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Transfer by Russian Jeep for the whole trip |
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Equipments, facilities and travel gears offered within the tour |
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Admission |
Excludes
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International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax |
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Visa arrangement. |
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Accommodation in Hanoi |
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Drinks and other personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.) |
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau
You will start early morning and head
out of Hanoi towards Hoa Binh. Having seen the huge hydroelectricity
dam at Hoa Binh you will then go uphill to a remote mountainous area
where a number of different ethnic minorities groups live. On the
way there will be several photographic pauses to enjoy the scenery.
Today’s drive ends in Mai Chau, where you will stay overnight in a
Black Thai village. (L,D)
Day 2: Mai
Chau – Son La
In the
morning we drive out on our support vehicle and head north to the
town of Son La. Son La is 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 the 20th century. We
stop in the top of pass then cycle down town. Overnight in Son La.
Day 3: Son
La – Dien Bien Phu (cycling distance 70km)
Today we
travel by jeeps the first 80km toward Tuan Giao then take to our
bicycles and ride the 80km to the town of Dien Bien. (Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included) Today you will have the opportunity to
cycle through some extremely beautiful landscape of terraced rice
paddy fields. You will also have time to visit a local market before
making camp and spending the night under the stars in a tent.
(B,L,D)
You will travel by jeep towards Dien
Bien Phu where the historical Vietnamese battle against the French
took place. Once there you will have the opportunity to visit places
of cultural interest including the local museum.
(B,L,D)
Day 4: 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 afternoon we drive to
Lai Chau. Overnight in Lai Chau.
Day 5:Lai
Chau - Phong Tho(120km)
Today we
cycle along the winding roads through the beautiful countryside that
characterizes this part of the country. On the way you will have the
opportunity to visit a few villages and observe the rustic
atmosphere and way of living amidst fantastic natural. At
times the roads are steep but the breathtaking panoramas afforded us
more than compensate for any hardships.
Day 5: Lai
Chau – Phong Tho (120km)
Following
breakfast we cycle through more superb mountain country 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.
(Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 6: Phong
Tho – Sapa (50km)
Y ou will cycle
towards the highest pass of Hoang Lien Son mountain range where you will be able to see
the spectacular Fan Si Pan mountain Vietnam's highest, before
taking support vehicle on a downhill route to Sapa.
(B,L,D)
(Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 7: Sapa
We have a
half day to see some of Sapa’s most colorful and interesting sights
by bicycle. A beautiful valley with villages of H'mong hilltribe
peopel and Tay hilltribe people. Afternoon you will take the vehicle
to Coc Ly with some short cycles before taking the boat along the
river and through limestone wall before taking support vehicle to
Bac Ha. Overnight in Bac Ha.
(Breakfast,
Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 8: Sapa
- Hanoi
You will
have short time to attend Bac Ha market ( available on Sunday )
before the return drive to the Hanoi.
Useful information
Fitness
Requirements: You would need to be in reasonable
physical condition to participate in the cycling. While the routes
are not challenging, the better you are the more enjoyment you would
get from them.
Weather:
The weather in Vietnam is usually warm and humid. From
June to September July and August, it is rain and hot (25-30oC) ,
humid conditions with afternoon monsoon rains During the
months of November to March the weather will tend to be drier but
with colder temperatures (25-30oC). In
the hills, mornings and evenings may be cool. Rain is always a
possibility. You need to be prepared for several types of
conditions. Humidity can also play a role, and it's important
to stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Optional
Gears: Besides the outdoors and travel gears provided
within the tour, we would like to recommend you some items for this
trip. All are available at Outdoors and
Travel gears:
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Official
Papers |
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Valid passport
and visa |
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Airline tickets |
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Yellow
International Immunization Card |
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Luggage |
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Duffel bag, large
and sturdy |
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Daypack or fanny
pack |
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Luggage tags and
luggage locks |
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Bicycling
Accessories |
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Helmet—REQUIRED,
please bring your own |
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Cycling shoes,
mountain bike shoes or trail shoes work well |
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Cycling gloves |
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Cycling glasses
or sunglasses |
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Water bottle
(sent in final packet) |
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Bicycling
Clothing |
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Long-sleeve
riding jersey |
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Padded cycling
shorts, (2-3 pair) |
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Short-sleeve
shirts or jerseys (several) |
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Outerwear |
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Waterproof,
breathable rain/wind jacket |
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Rain or wind
pants, able to slip on and off easily over your shoes |
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Lightweight
fleece sweater |
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City Clothing |
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Bring a few
lightweight, easily washable items for city and travel wear |
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Comfortable
walking or running shoes |
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Accessories |
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Sunglasses and
retainer strap |
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Sunscreen (SPF 15
or higher) |
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Lip protection
(SPF 15) |
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Toiletry kit
(toothbrush, etc.) |
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First-aid kit,
see medical bulletin |
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Plastic bags,
various sizes including one extra-large garbage bag to line
duffel bag |
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Insect repellent |
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Favorite snack
food, GORP, energy bars, etc. |
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Laundry cord and
clips |
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Face mask/bandana
(for car exhaust) |
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Hand sanitizer/Handi
wipes |
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Optional
Accessories |
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Own bike seat or
'gel' seat cover |
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Camera and film |
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Swimsuit |
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Small neck pouch
or passport carrier |
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Reading and
writing materials |
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Electrical
converter and adapter |
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Flashlight |
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Stuff sack
dedicated to laundry |
Official Papers |
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Valid passport |
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Airline tickets |
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Luggage |
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2-small duffels
(with plastic liner) or dry bags (approx. 18"L x 10"W)—bags must
be this size or smaller to fit in the kayaks |
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Small daypack or
belt pack with plastic bag liner for notebook, camera,
sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. |
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Luggage tags and
luggage locks |
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City Clothing |
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A few lightweight
easily washable items for city wear (these can be left in town
while paddling) |
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Clothing |
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Lightweight
long-sleeve shirt |
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Short-sleeve
T-shirts or tank tops |
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Lightweight
sweater for cool evenings |
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Wool shirt or
sweater (Nov-Mar) |
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Swimsuit(s) |
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Pants
(quick-drying)—long pants are necessary if you choose to do the
optional mule ride |
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Shorts |
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Long underwear
top and bottom (no cotton)—great to wear while snorkeling to
protect yourself from the sun or if the water is cool |
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Underwear |
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Wool or pile
socks (Nov-Mar) |
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Several pairs of
athletic socks |
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Outerwear |
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Wind jacket or
windbreaker |
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Clothing
Accessories |
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Wide-brim hat |
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Wool or pile
gloves (Nov-Mar) |
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Bandana |
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Footwear |
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Tennis or running
shoes for hiking and optional mule ride |
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Old tennis shoes,
river shoes, or dive booties for kayaking |
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Accessories |
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Small flashlight
or headlamp with spare batteries and bulb (one per person) |
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Personal
first-aid kit |
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Personal insect
repellent |
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Moisturizing
lotion and/or aloe vera gel for sunburns and dry skin |
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Sunscreen and lip
protection (SPF 15+) |
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Sunglasses and
retainer strap |
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Toiletry kit |
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Hand sanitizer
gel |
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Seasickness
medication |
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Small container
of biodegradable saltwater soap (Sea Suds or Camp Suds) |
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Plastic ziploc
baggies (various sizes) |
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Medium-size towel
and washcloth |
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Plastic bags - 2
to 4 large Hefty bags |
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Pocket knife or
pocket tool (*pack in checked luggage) |
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Watch with alarm
or travel clock |
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Favorite snacks
and drink mixes |
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Optional
Accessories |
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Camera, lenses
and film in waterproof bag |
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Binoculars |
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Frisbee, cards or
travel game |
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Paddling gloves |
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Reading and
writing material |
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Beach cover-up |
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Short wetsuit or
vest |
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Mask, snorkel and
fins (only a few masks and fins are available, on shared basis) |
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Dry bag for
personal gear (small) |
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Security wallet/
money belt |
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Ground
cover/tarp, if you prefer not to sleep in your tent |
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Camp chair kit
(converts self inflating sleeping pad into chair) |
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Solar shower |
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Compression stuff
sack for sleeping bag |
See also:
other adventure tours
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