Lao Cai
4 days, 3 nights
AH-LC55
7/10
$454 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers looking for a longer cycling adventure through the mountainous north of Vietnam. The route combines some of the region’s most scenic roads with meaningful encounters in remote ethnic minority areas, all while offering the excitement of riding across high passes, valleys, riverside landscapes, and quiet towns. Highlights include cycling over Heaven’s Gate, passing through Binh Lu and Phong Tho, exploring the landscapes of Lai Chau, and finishing in the historically significant town of Dien Bien Phu.

Highlights

  • Cycle across one of the most scenic regions in Northern Vietnam
  • Conquer the famous Heaven’s Gate Pass, one of the highest roads in Vietnam
  • Ride through Binh Lu, Tam Duong, Phong Tho, Pa So, and Lai Chau
  • Pass remote villages and beautiful rice paddy landscapes
  • Meet local ethnic communities along the route
  • Enjoy support vehicle assistance on selected sections
  • Explore the riverside scenery of the Na River Valley
  • End the adventure in the historic town of Dien Bien Phu
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Sapa Town

  • Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Lao Cai

  • Activities: Cycling

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Sapa – Heaven’s Gate – Binh Lu – Tam Duong (-, L, D)

Begin your cycling adventure from Sapa, riding toward the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, known as Heaven’s Gate. At the top, take a break to enjoy sweeping views over the mountains and valleys before continuing through the spectacular scenery toward Binh Lu.

Along the route, you will pass through areas home to several ethnic minority communities and enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes. Later, with support vehicle assistance if needed on steeper sections, continue the journey and enjoy a rewarding downhill ride toward Tam Duong, where you stay overnight.

Approx.: 40 minutes driving / 4 hours cycling / 1 hour lunch

*Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tam Duong – Phong Tho – Pa So (B, L, D)

If the day falls on Thursday or Sunday, you may have the chance to visit Tam Duong Market, known for its colorful display of ethnic costumes and lively local atmosphere.

Today’s cycling begins with a vehicle transfer to the pass between Tam Duong and Phong Tho. From there, enjoy a long downhill section before continuing toward Phong Tho, a market town located on a picturesque tributary of the Na River.

The route then follows smaller roads through a quieter and less-visited area, passing ethnic villages and stretches of riverside banana plantations before reaching the small town of Pa So for the night.

Approx.: 5 hours cycling / 1 hour walking / 1 hour lunch

*Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Pa So – Lai Chau (B, L, D)

Today’s ride follows the beautiful Na River Valley, offering some of the most scenic cycling of the trip. Along the way, pass through a number of small villages inhabited by ethnic minority communities such as the Red H’mong, White H’mong, Kho Mu, and White Thai.

The sound of the river and the surrounding mountain scenery accompany you throughout the ride. You will reach Lai Chau in the early afternoon. After arrival, you can enjoy a relaxed walk around town, do a bit of soft trekking nearby, or simply unwind with a shower and a drink after the day’s ride.

Approx.: 5 hours cycling / 1 hour lunch

*Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lai Chau – Muong Lay – Dien Bien Phu (B, L, D)

Today is the easiest day of the journey. You will begin with support vehicle assistance for the first section before cycling downhill toward Muong Lay. From here, continue along a sealed road toward Dien Bien Phu, making the ride smoother and more relaxed.

Along the route, you will continue to pass ethnic villages and beautiful landscapes before arriving in Dien Bien Phu in the afternoon, where your 4-day cycling adventure comes to an end.

Approx.: 30 minutes driving / 4 hours cycling / 1 hour lunch

*Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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