Cycling and Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam

Upon arrival in Hanoi you are met and transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Vietnam! Overnight in Hanoi

Discover Hanoi with its French colonial architecture on a day tour, passing by Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword,” en route to one of the city’s many fascinating museums. Continue to the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Nearby is Hoa Lo museum, known as “Hanoi Hilton,” where American Prisoners of War were imprisoned. Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter on foot, a densely populated section of Hanoi with labyrinthine alleyways. This evening you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the train station for an overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train

Arrive Lao Cai train station this morning and transfer to Sapa for a hearty breakfast before a full day of cycling through an enchanting landscape. Begin by pedaling uphill to Silver Waterfall and Heaven’s Gate, via the highest road in Vietnam with stunning views across the valley. Riding downhill towards Tam Duong, visit a village the Black Thai, and then on to a village of the Lu minority, and a local market. Next, visit a remote village inhabited by the Dao minority. At the end of a long day of adventure you will arrive at your hilltop bungalow at Topas Ecolodge, one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. Enjoy a well-earned dinner. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge
Today’s Travel: Approximately 5 hours cycling & 1 hour walking

After breakfast, start your walk ascending Mount Silverstone to the Black Hmong village of Lech. Enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and rice paddy terraces in this remote and lush countryside. Like other Black Hmong villages, this one is located high on the mountain. Visit a blacksmith family in their traditional house for a glimpse of their culture and lifestyle. The Black Hmong’s are known for wooden furniture, musical instruments, jewelry, and indigo dying. Descending to the bottom of the valley, with a picnic lunch on the way, the scenery is beautiful. Soon you will reach the Red Dao village of Lech, a colorful Red Dao minority. Head back to Ecolodge for another delicious dinner. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge
Today’s Travel: Approximately 5 hours walking (moderate trek)

Departing the Ecolodge this morning, cycle on a quiet road before enjoying a long descent to Ban Ho village. On the floor of the valley, you will meet the largest ethnic minority group living in Sapa: the Tay minorities, famous for their traditional stilt houses and silk-wear. Leaving Ban Ho village your ride becomes a bit more challenging on winding roads. At Thanh Phu village, also inhabited by Tay minority, your lunch is served at a nice local family home. Drink in the view of the valley while having a local meal. Bike your way back to ecolodge and enjoy dinner before retiring to your hillside bungalow. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge
Today’s Travel: Approximately 4.5 hours cycling & 1 hour walking (moderate trek)

This morning embark on a short ride to visit the My Son village of Xa Pho ethnic minority, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Vietnam. The Xa Pho people are very traditional, keeping their original way of life, getting married early, and dyeing their teeth black. After an interesting visit, cycle back to Thanh Phu Bridge for the transfer back to the Ecolodge. The rest of the day is at leisure until the transfer to Lao Cai station for the overnight train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train

Arrive Hanoi and transfer to your hotel or the airport – or extend your stay in Asia!