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Biking Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Duration
13 days
Site savings
$93
From
$3,007 USD
Come and cycle the majestic mountain ranges of Vietnam and Laos for a fresh perspective on these Southeast Asian countries that few others will ever have the privilege of seeing. The journey will lead you past flowing rivers, towering limestone cliffs, cascading green rice paddies and introduce you to fascinating hilltop tribal communities. Put simply: this is the adventure of a lifetime and one you will cherish forever.
- CategoryAdventurous
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration13 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainHilly
- Distance393.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance43.5 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration13 days
- Main DestinationVietnam
- Distance393.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance43.5 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainHilly
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meet in Hanoi
Welcome to northern Vietnam and the capital city of Hanoi—a vibrant metropolis where ancient heritage, French colonial charm, revolutionary history, and modern cosmopolitanism blend seamlessly. This afternoon, arrive at the tour hotel in the city center for a trip briefing, followed by a delicious Vietnamese welcome dinner.
- Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
- Dinner
- Day 2Hanoi - Overnight Train to Lao Cai
- Day 3Lao Cai - Sapa
Early in the morning, the train arrives at Lao Cai station, where the cool mountain air greets the northern reaches of Vietnam. From Lao Cai, transfer approximately one hour to the hill station town of Sapa, serving as the base for the next two days. Sapa acts as the gateway to one of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes, renowned for its steep mountain valleys and terraced rice paddies. The surrounding slopes are home to villages belonging to various hill tribes, including the Hmong, Dao, and Giay, each with their distinct cultures and traditions. Connecting these villages are a network of rural roads, offering some of the finest cycling experiences—featuring breathtaking views, winding paths, and encounters with local life. After arriving in Sapa and enjoying breakfast, a 38 km warm-up ride through a picturesque valley south of town provides the first taste of this scenic mountain countryside. In the evening, gather for dinner amidst these captivating surroundings.
- 23.6 miles
- 101.7 ft
2,614.8 ft
2,513.1 ft - Chau Long Sapa Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Sapa Loop
Today, the journey continues north of Sapa with a thrilling loop through the Tha Phin Valley, a stunning region characterized by dramatic mountain landscapes. The route follows undulating, winding, narrow roads that weave through rice-field-covered hillsides, offering sweeping views of the picturesque terrain and opportunities to visit hill tribe villages.
At Ma Tra, encounter the Black Hmong, known for their vibrant traditional attire and skilled handicrafts. At Tha Phin, meet the Red Dzao, recognized by their striking red headdresses and intricate embroidery. In the afternoon, cycle back to Sapa, leaving the rest of the day free for exploration before reconvening for dinner.
- 14.3 miles
- 6.6 ft
2,240.8 ft
2,234.3 ft - Chau Long Sapa Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Sapa - Lai Chau
Your journey begins heading west with a climb out of Sapa to Tram Ton, also known as “Heaven’s Gate,” Vietnam’s highest mountain pass at 2,000 meters above sea level. The ascent challenges your legs, but the effort is rewarded with a thrilling 25 km descent, winding through exhilarating twists and turns down to the valley floor. Enter Lai Chau province, where the ride takes you along country lanes through valleys adorned with tea fields, small coffee plantations, and rice paddies. Looking back, catch glimpses of Fansipan, the tallest peak in mainland Southeast Asia, towering in the distance. The day concludes in Lai Chau, the provincial capital, where you settle in for the night.
- 46 miles
- -1,640.4 ft
4,767.1 ft
6,407.5 ft - Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Lai Chau - Muong Lay
- Day 7Muong Lay - Dien Bien Phu
Prepare for another long and rewarding day of cycling as you make your way to the historic city of Dien Bien Phu. Start with a gentle 15 km warm-up along the river plains surrounding Muong Lay before tackling a winding, continuous ascent to the top of a mountain pass at 860 meters above sea level. Catch your breath at the summit, then enjoy an exhilarating descent past highland villages before the terrain levels out. The journey continues on undulating roads through stretches of forests and farmland, including one final climb and descent over another mountain pass, before arriving in Dien Bien Phu. This city holds great historical significance as the site of the decisive 1954 battle where the Viet Minh's victory ended French colonial rule in Vietnam.
- 63.4 miles
- 764.4 ft
5,643 ft
4,878.6 ft - Muong Thanh Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Dien Bien Phu Loop
Spend the day exploring Dien Bien Phu and its surrounding countryside. Begin with a visit to the War Museum, where artifacts, photographs, and exhibits provide an in-depth look at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, its lead-up, and its aftermath. Around the town, pass by various statues and memorials that commemorate this pivotal historical event. Afterward, head into the countryside by bike, where the ride begins with a 15 km climb. The route then winds through forests and past a large, scenic reservoir before descending back to Dien Bien Phu. Dinner is left to your choice, offering the opportunity to explore the city’s evening ambiance at your own pace and savor local flavors.
- 34.8 miles
- 101.7 ft
3,143 ft
3,041.3 ft - Muong Thanh Hotel
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 9Dien Dien Phu - Border - Muang Khoua
- Day 10Muang Khoua - Muang Ngoy
- Day 11Muong Ngoy - Nong Kiau
After a brief 15-minute boat transfer to the western side of the river, reconnect with your bike and set off toward Nong Kiau, following a route that primarily takes you along dirt tracks. The ride passes through ethnic Hmong and Khmu villages, offering plenty of sights and cultural encounters along the way. The undulating path starts as a jeep-width trail but narrows to single-track sections before transitioning to tarmac for the final 6 km into Nong Kiau. In the afternoon, explore an optional ride to fascinating limestone caves, once used as shelters by villagers during the US carpet bombings of the “secret war.”
- 14.9 miles
1,391.1 ft
1,391.1 ft- Pha Xang Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 12Nong Kiau - Luang Prabang
The final ride of the tour is an unforgettable one! Head west along the Nam Ou River, enjoying a route that offers stunning scenery throughout. The road undulates with short climbs, allowing for a fast, satisfying pace. Though the distance is significant, the sense of accomplishment peaks as you cycle into the beautiful and historic town of Luang Prabang, marking the end of this epic journey. Nestled on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang captivates with its glittering Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and timeless Old World charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as the crown jewel of Laotian heritage. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s many charming restaurants.
- 87 miles
- 3.3 ft
3,894.4 ft
3,891.1 ft - My Dream Boutique Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 13Luang Prabang Departure