Lao Cai
3 days, 2 nights
AH-LC53
6/10
$297 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want to discover the highlands of northern Vietnam in an active and authentic way. Over three days, it combines scenic cycling through beautiful countryside, encounters with ethnic minority communities, colorful highland markets, and a peaceful cruise on the Chay River. With overnight stays in Bac Ha and visits to both Can Cau Market and Bac Ha Market, this trip offers an enjoyable mix of adventure, culture, and local life.

Highlights

  • Cycle through beautiful countryside, valleys, and highland villages
  • Ride across the peaceful landscapes of the Red River Valley
  • Stay overnight in a local homestay in Bac Ha
  • Visit the colorful Can Cau Market
  • Explore the lively Bac Ha Market
  • Visit Ban Pho Village and discover local culture
  • Meet ethnic minority communities such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung
  • Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Chay River
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Sapa Town

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Cycling

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Lao Cai – Bac Ngam – Bac Ha (-, L, D)

After breakfast, start your cycling trip from Lao Cai along a good, flat road heading toward Bac Ngam. The route passes through the peaceful countryside of the Red River Valley, with villages and rice fields along the way.

Arrive in Bac Ngam around noon and stop for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, continue cycling on a longer and sometimes steep ascent toward Bac Ha, the final destination of the day. If you feel tired, a jeep can pick you up and give you a lift to Bac Ha.

Upon arrival, check in at a local homestay of the Tay people, where you will stay for the next two nights. After a refreshing drink and a shower, enjoy dinner and relax for the evening.

Approx.: 5 hours cycling / 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Bac Ha – Can Cau – Bac Ha (B, L, D)

Today is dedicated to a special market experience at Can Cau Market. The road between Bac Ha and Can Cau is hilly but extremely beautiful, and the cycling ride takes around 1.5 hours.

The market itself is vibrant and fascinating, with a wide variety of local products and many different ethnic minority groups gathering to trade. Spend the morning walking through the market and enjoying its colorful atmosphere.

Picnic lunch will be served along the way.

In the afternoon, cycle back toward Bac Ha. On the return route, you may also enjoy a nice ride to Ban Pho Village, where you can observe local life and perhaps taste a cup of traditional corn wine, one of the area’s best-known local specialties.

Return to the homestay in Bac Ha for dinner and a second overnight stay.

Approx.: 4 hours cycling / 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Bac Ha – Bao Nhai – Chay River – Lao Cai (B, L, -) 

After a morning coffee, take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former H’mong King, where you can enjoy a nice view over the town.

Then continue to explore Bac Ha Market, one of the largest and most colorful markets in the region. Here, you can see many ethnic minority groups such as the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung, all gathering to buy and sell local goods. Spend the whole morning exploring the market before having lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, start cycling downhill from Bac Ha to Bao Nhai, where you will board a boat for a relaxing cruise on the Chay River. It is a perfect way to end the trip, with beautiful scenery and glimpses of daily life along the riverbanks.

At Coc Ly, your jeep will be waiting to transfer you to Lao Cai Railway Station for your onward journey to Hanoi. Another option is to return to Sapa for more adventures in the mountains.

Approx.: 1.5 hours cycling / 1-hour boat cruise / 1-hour walking / 1-hour lunch

* Meals included: breakfast, lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • 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
  • Water, tissue, snacks on the whole trip
  • Support vehicles
  • All entrance fees and permit
  • Accommodation (hotel or homestay if any)

Exclusion:

  • Tips
  • Soft drink (beer, coca cola…)
  • Medical Insurance
  • All other services not indicated above