Day 2: Lao Cai – Coc Ly - Bac Ha ( B, L, D )

This is the principal town in Lao Cai Province in North Eastern Vietnam, bordering Yunnan province, China. The border was closed from 1979 –1993 following the war with China and the town mainly consists of modern architecture constructed since then. The town is now a popular destination for those journeying between Hanoi or Sapa and Kunming in China, and a key trading post. We will arrive at around 6.30 am and have breakfast in a local restaurant. Our cycling begins at Coc Ly villages with 45km on a gently inclining sealed road towards an uphill route over the mountain pass to Bac Ha. As we cycle up to the pass the final 15km is a tough 800m climb on an unsealed road as the terrain becomes more challenging. Our efforts are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Bac Ha is famous for the delicious plums that grow in forests on the hillsides.

Summary

Accommodation: Sartuday Hotel

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling distance: 75 km

Total climb: 1,115m

Total descent: 202m

Day 3: Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi ( B , L , D )

We’re back on the bikes today cycling to Xin Man. Our route takes us into some of the remotest areas of Northeast Vietnam. The ride begins with a 10km climb of around 400m on a newly sealed road before we turn off onto an unsealed rough track for the next 15km heading into rural tribal areas. Then it’s a massive descent of 1000m to Xin Man. Located right on the Vietnamese/Chinese border Xin Man is hidden away in a landscape of wild mountains and forest and inhabited by 15 ethnic groups including the Nung, the Flower H’mong, the Tay, La Chi, Kinh, Hoa. After lunch we cross over the river Cahy for 40km of cycling along a quiet road; there is a gentle incline as we approach Hoang Su Phi. We encounter some rough sections of road along the way but are rewarded with beautiful views of the river.

Summary

Accommodation: Hotel Tay Con Linh

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 80 km

Total climb: 1,509m

Total descent: 1943m

Day 4: Hoang Su Phi – Heaven Gate – Ha Giang ( B , L , D )

Hoang Su Phi is one of the most untouched regions of Vietnam and communities have lived in total isolation from mainstream society until very recently. At an average elevation of 800 m above sea level with high mountains, deep valleys, streams and forestland, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and unspoiled traditional life. Today we undertake the challenge of cycling over the ‘Heaven Gate 2’ mountain pass +895m, en route to Tan Quang. The pass offers stunning views beneath a wide open sky.  You really will feel on top of the world. This afternoon we make our descent cycling past villages, and rice and maize terraces cultivated by the Red Dao and Tay tribes. The aromatic scents of cardamom and star anise fill the air as we pass along our route to Tan Quang nestled down in the valley. For the final stretch of this long day’s cycling, we take it easy with a leisurely cycle of 46km along the Lo river bank through unspoiled countryside to Ha Giang the sleepy capital of Ha Giang Province and approx 215 miles (350 km) Northwest of Hanoi. This is the old Silk Road.

Summary

Accommodation: Huy Hoan Hotel

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 105 km

Total climb: 1,074m

Total descent: 1,440m

Day 5: Ha Giang Uphill to Quan Ba ( B, L, D )

This is the challenge day climbing up to heaven gates of the Hmong people (elve. +1,100m). Beautiful view from the summit of QuanBa heaven gate, and nice road along river Nhiem.Setting off this morning we head out of town cycling for the first 25km on a relatively flat road through the landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. Passing through minority villages we cycle the next 25km up winding roads into the vast limestone mountain range with its perpendicular walls of rock, climbing 800m towards the mountain road pass “Heaven gate 1”. As we pass through mountain villages sometimes covered by clouds, we will receive a friendly greeting from the local communities. From the pass we can look down at amazing views, including the famous vista of the Tam Son valley with the ‘Twin Hills and can spy Quan Ba town, our destination, in its beautiful location. It’s mainly downhill for the last 15km into Quan Ba.

Summary

Accommodation: Hotel 567

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cycling Distance: 50km

Total climb: 1,108m

Total descent: 348m