Meet at the group hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. A group transfer from Hanoi Airport is provided. We will aim to do the bike fitting before lunch and then, in the afternoon, we will head out with our guide on a walking tour of the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter, a maze of 35 streets, is essentially the original pre-20th century Hanoi. The names of the streets tell a fascinating story about the history of the city, prior to the modern age each street was named for the particular trade for which it was (and sometimes still is) known; look out for Hang Gai (Silk Street) and Hang Bac (Silver Street). We'll also make a stop at Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), the epicentre of old Hanoi. We will also stop at a shop where we can learn about traditional medicine and at an authentic Hanoian house, where we can enjoy a cup of local tea. Afterwards we head to a local restaurant where we can enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of our holiday. Our first chance to sample the deliciously fragrant Vietnamese cuisine and test out our chopstick skills!
12 Day Hill Tribes of Northeast Vietnam Cycling Adventure
HIGHLIGHTS
This unforgettable cycling expedition shows off the best of Northern Vietnam. Starting from Hanoi and the fertile Red River Delta, the cradle of Vietnamese heritage, we have chosen to include an achievable blend of transfers and cycling as we head northwards to the highlands on the border with China. Our bespoke route completes a loop through a magical landscape of endless limestone peaks, rushing rivers and spectacularly terraced farmland where the local hill tribe people grow their rice and maize.
En route, we’ll get to meet many different ethnic people and by making use of homestay accommodation on three nights we’ll learn a lot more about the Tay, the White Hmong and the Nung. In this remote part of Vietnam we’ll find these hill tribes still living in much the same way as they always have, far from the modern world. Beyong Thac Ba Lake, we’ll cycle on distinctly undulating roads through the UNESCO listed Dong Van Karst Plateau and onwards into the Thong Nong range where the scenery becomes even more mountainous. We’ll see dramatic waterfalls, visit a hill tribe Saturday market at Ma Le and spend time beside the picturesque, jungle-shrouded Ba Be Lake. On the completion of our quite challenging 8-day loop ride, we’ll head out to the Gulf of Tonkin and enjoy an overnight cruise in a comfortable, traditional junk on beautiful Bai Tu Long, adjacent to Halong Bay - the perfect way to sign off on one of the best cycling adventures in Vietnam.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
What's Included
What's not Included
NUTS & BOLTS
Bikes
Cyclists looking to enjoy this trip to the fullest are welcome to bring their own machines. However, for those that prefer not to travel with their own bikes, we offer bike hire at additional cost. Our bikes are Giant Anyroad 2 gravel road bikes, perfect for handling the few sections of rough road we'll encounter on the route. If you have your own seat or pedals, we'll fit them to your hire bike for the trip. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it's in working mechanical order.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Safety
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Guides
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Passports and Visas
Vietnam e-Visa is available to 80 nationalities. Please check this link to determine if your country is on the list. To apply for an e-visa please visit the official government website here and follow the required steps and make payment. You can apply for a single entry visa up to 30 days. Multiple entry e-visas are not currently available. For peace of mind, we suggest applying for your e-visa as early as possible, and no later than 2 weeks before your expected arrival in Vietnam. While processing time is generally no more than 1-3 working days (not including weekends and Vietnamese holidays), it is wise to give yourself some buffer time in case there are any issues.
If your nationality is not on the list for e-visa eligibility, or you need options for longer stays or multiple entries, then you may consider Visa on Arrival. The process for this is more complicated than e-visa and requires the acquisition of a visa letter prior to arrival. Please see here for a detailed
Overview.
If you are joining our "Saigon to Bangkok" or "Saigon to Siem Reap" tour, when you are applying for your e-visa, please select Song Tien Landport as the exit point. This refers to the river crossing at Chao Doc.
Health
Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Vietnam is a malarial area and you will need to take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information.
Food
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are Vietnamese food and features noodles, rice curries and soups. Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and we make sure you sample as much variety as possible. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Drink
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere in Vietnam but is NOT included in the price.
Solo Travelers
Vietnam travel memories does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Extra Expenses
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, we suggest US$ 3-4 per person per day is appropriate.
Money
The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.
Meet at the group hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. A group transfer from Hanoi Airport is provided. We will aim to do the bike fitting before lunch and then, in the afternoon, we will head out with our guide on a walking tour of the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter, a maze of 35 streets, is essentially the original pre-20th century Hanoi. The names of the streets tell a fascinating story about the history of the city, prior to the modern age each street was named for the particular trade for which it was (and sometimes still is) known; look out for Hang Gai (Silk Street) and Hang Bac (Silver Street). We'll also make a stop at Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), the epicentre of old Hanoi. We will also stop at a shop where we can learn about traditional medicine and at an authentic Hanoian house, where we can enjoy a cup of local tea. Afterwards we head to a local restaurant where we can enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of our holiday. Our first chance to sample the deliciously fragrant Vietnamese cuisine and test out our chopstick skills!
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
After breakfast, we will board the support vehicle for the drive out of the city, heading north. We will drive for two hours and then we'll pull over and unload the bikes for the start of our cycling adventure on quiet roads. This first day of cycling will take us across the alluvial plain of the Red River Delta with distant views of the Tam Dao chain of limestone mountains that are such a distinctive feature of northern Vietnam. The landscape soon starts to become more impressive, with lowland rice fields bordered here and there by banana trees, palm trees and cassava and tea plantations. We will stop off for lunch en-route and arrive in the regional capital of Tuyen Quang in the late afternoon. Free time at our hotel before going out to a local restaurant for dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:150m
DISTANCE : 60km
DESCENT: 150m
TIME: 4 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
In the morning, we have a relatively short drive to Phuc An beside Thac Ba Lake, the largest body of freshwater in North Vietnam. In this area, the local Dao people make their living by farming and fishing and we will see many of their hamlets, the houses built on stilts and with thatched roofs. Our ride starts at the waterfall of Thac O Do and takes us on a variety of surfaced and unsurfaced roads and tracks amongst a patchwork of rice fields, bamboo groves, small ethnic villages, maize plantations and undulating streams, all surrounded by lush jungles. After a leisurely 3-hour ride we arrive in Tan Yen where we take lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we board the support vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive (2.5 hrs) to Ha Giang. Here, we will saddle up for a further hour's cycle out to the picturesque hamlet of Ha Thanh at the foot of the Tay Con Linh Mountain where we will stay as guests of the Tay people in a traditional wooden house on stilts.
ACCOMMODATION: Homestay
ASCENT: 300m
DISTANCE : 56km
DESCENT: 230m
TIME: 4 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
Before setting off this morning we can take a walk around the village with its vegetable gardens, and small ponds devoted to fish and duck breeding. Then, after a short transfer to the small village of Banh Cuom, we set off on our bikes into the UNESCO-listed Dong Van Geopark with views across to the border with China. Our route at first undulates beneath Phu Ta Ca (Three Fairies) Mountain (2276m) the highest peak of Du Gia limestone massif. In the Tung Ba Valley, we meet the Tay and Flower Hmong people who seem to live a timeless existence in small hamlets shaded by groves of lataniers and dominated by forest-clad limestone crags. The landscape becomes even more dramatic as we enter the Song Mien Gorge on the northern side of Phu Ta Ca Mountain and stop for lunch beside an impressive waterfall. After lunch, we get back into the support vehicle and drive to Seo Lung, a White Hmong village. (There is the option to cycle the steep 5-kilometre, concrete road climb up to the village). Tonight we will be welcome guests in the home of Mr So, who is the former chief of the village. In the evening, he will join us and we can learn about the history of the village and White Hmong traditions.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:950m
DISTANCE : 45km
DESCENT: 640m
TIME: 4 - 5hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
After another early start, we set out on a minor road, traversing a valley lined with maize fields and Hmong hamlets. We will have the opportunity for a quick visit to the colourful produce market at Duong Thuong which takes place every Friday. Our route turns north at the ruins of an old French colonial period fort and we'll have time to check this out before continuing towards Mau Due Village with a breathtaking panoramic view over the northern slopes of the Can Ty Massif, featuring rice terraces and Dao hamlets, with the southern foothills of the Dong Van Geopark in the background. There's a lot of up and down on today's ride as we continue northwards through this dramatic limestone massif to the small village of Lung Phin which is famous for its very traditional hill tribe market. The market is held every 6 days on the lunar calendar and attracts Hmong and Dzao villagers from throughout the region. This is a suitable place for us to stop cycling and board our transport for the onward drive to Dong Van. Notable for its central square known as the 'French Quarter', a well-preserved collection of 100-year old colonial buildings, Dong Van is overlooked by a limestone peak topped by another French-era fortress. We overnight here in a local inn and the rest of the day is at leisure.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:1560m
DISTANCE : 55km
DESCENT: 1600m
TIME: 6 - 7 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
Today is Saturday and we have the option to pay an early visit (7am) to the nearby and authentic hill tribe market of Ma Le. Many different ethnic groups (Hmong, Dao, Lo Lo, Giay and Nung, each in their distinctive dress) bring their wares to the market, helping to preserve the lifestyle and traditions of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Then, setting off on our bikes, we leave the Dong Van Valley via the pretty sensational Ma Pi Leng Pass (1500m), where the views extend over the deep valley of the beautiful, green Nho Que River towards the peaks that line the Chinese border. Descending from the pass on the aptly named 'happiness road' (opened in the 60s) we make several stops to enjoy the views of the patchwork of fields on the other side of the valley. At Meo Vac, we turn onto a smaller road that twists and turns its way down to Lung Pu beside the Nho Que River. This is the end of the ride today and after our picnic lunch we board small boats for an hour's cruise through a part of the spectacular gorge known as Tu San Alley. Disembarking at Bao Lam Dam, we transfer to Bao Lac and check in at our local inn accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:1010m
DISTANCE : 50km
DESCENT: 1445m
TIME: 6 - 7 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
We start out today beside the Gam River which flows out of China. The road twists and turns across the steep slopes of Xuang Truong district and crosses the challenging Khau Coc Cha Pass into a valley dotted with rice fields and Nung and Tay ethnic hamlets where time appears to have stood still. Approaching the northern slopes of the Thong Nong Mountains we once again let the support vehicle take the strain, transporting us to the top of the next pass, where we saddle up again and look forward to the descent. Our destination, Nam Ngu, lies in a beautiful valley overlooked by impressive limestone peaks covered in misty forest. Here we meet our Nung hosts and settle in at our homestay accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:1350m
DISTANCE : 50km
DESCENT: 1345m
TIME: 6 - 7 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
Cycling away from Nam Ngu through a landscape of limestone peaks covered by dense vegetation we reach the town of Nguyen Binh. From here we take the support vehicle for the steep climb up to the Lea Pass which is high on the slopes of Mount Pia Oac and close to the watershed of the Red River and Pearl River basins. Beyond the pass, it's back on the bikes for the amazing 26 kilometre descent to Phieng Diem, with Dao and Hmong hamlets on the heights, giving way as we descend to denser Tay habitation. We transfer the last part of the day's journey on a minor road into the Ba Be National Park and to Ba Be Lake, fed by three rivers and surrounded by high and jungle-clad limestone formations. We take a boat from the eastern pier to the Tay village of Coc Toc, located in a cove of the lake. On arrival, we settle in at a guesthouse run by a Tay family and look forward to a dinner of local specialties.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:2150m
DISTANCE : 55km
DESCENT: 2450m
TIME: 6 - 7 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
Completing our loop through northen Vietnam, we cycle southwards on a quiet road through a verdant landscape with many Tay hamlets, emerald green rice paddies and dense forest. Arrive at Phieng Lieng after just a couple of hours, we put our bikes away and board the support vehicle for the 4-hour drive back to Hanoi via Bac Kan. We soon find ourselves amongst the flooded rice fields of the lower delta and from Thai Nguyen where the road improves we make better time. Stopping off for lunch en-route, we arrive
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
ASCENT:600m
DISTANCE : 35km
DESCENT: 550m
TIME: 2 - 3 hrs cycling
MEALS: B,L,D
After breakfast, we set off on a two and a half hour drive to the Gulf of Tonkin through the colourful rice fields of the Red River Delta. Arriving at Bai Chay harbour around noon, we will be welcomed on board the Dragon's Pearl Junk and begin our cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. Quieter, but no less spectacular than neighbour (Halong), Bai Tu Long is a revelation with its steep cliffs and half submerged limestone towers. We'll enjoy lunch on board as we explore hidden hidden lagoons and discover the fascinating floating houses of the bay's inhabitants. There's the opportunity to kayak and swim in the clear waters of the bay. Dropping anchor for the night in an isolated area, we can look forward to sampling the chef's fine cuisine in the peaceful atmosphere of this magnificent place, before settling down on the upper deck to admire the beauty of Bai Tu Long as the sun sets. Overnight on board.
ACCOMMODATION: Junk
MEALS: B,L,D
Optional Tai Chi on the deck before breakfast, a great way to start the day as the South-east Asian sun rises. After breakfast, we'll take a rustic rowing-boat to visit a fishing village, an opportunity to discover the traditional culture and customs of the local fisherpeople. Later, we explore an impressive cave with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. And, there's another opportunity to kayak and swim, before cruising slowly back to the pier around midday. From Bai Chay Harbour it will take us two and a half hours to retun to Hanoi and our hotel. After resting and freshening up. we can visit the Temple of Literature, a masterful representation of traditional architecture, dedicated to Confucius. If there's time, we can also visit the colourful 6th century Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the edge of Ho Tay (West Lake). This evening, we'll have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
ACCOMMODATION: Junk
MEALS: B,L,D
Your holiday ends after breakfast. A single group transfer to Hanoi Airport is provided. If you would like to extend your stay in Hanoi additional hotel nights can be arranged. Contact the Vietnam travelmemories Office for details
MEALS: B
Answer some simple questions to start building a lifeline that celebrates a life. See how your answers create an entirely unique shape that will live on in digital memorial. Explore the story that we create and discover new insights into their life. Every lifeline is unique, inspired by the people, interests and achievements that have shaped someone's life. During this experience, we will help you remember and celebrate all these things, beginning with a few simple questions. We will guide you through the experience, step by step, and basing on what story we will create a unique page accompanied with the music resonating with the life.
Answer some simple questions to start building a lifeline that celebrates a life. See how your answers create an entirely unique shape that will live on in digital memorial. Explore the story that we create and discover new insights into their life. Every lifeline is unique, inspired by the people, interests and achievements that have shaped someone's life. During this experience, we will help you remember and celebrate all these things, beginning with a few simple questions. We will guide you through the experience, step by step, and basing on what story we will create a unique page accompanied with the music resonating with the life.
Answer some simple questions to start building a lifeline that celebrates a life. See how your answers create an entirely unique shape that will live on in digital memorial. Explore the story that we create and discover new insights into their life. Every lifeline is unique, inspired by the people, interests and achievements that have shaped someone's life. During this experience, we will help you remember and celebrate all these things, beginning with a few simple questions. We will guide you through the experience, step by step, and basing on what story we will create a unique page accompanied with the music resonating with the life.
These four majestic mountain ranges make up the Kootenays of British Columbia, and are home to some of the finest, gnarliest and most fun trails we’ve ever experienced. Inspired by our epic 13-day Ultimate B.C. ride (only available for private groups) but wanting to offer a shorter package, this masterfully-crafted itinerary hits all the high notes and hot spots we could cram in a week. From Rossland we’ll head north to Revelstoke, then east through Golden and Alberta’s famous Bow Valley, discovering five funky little towns along the way where mountain biking isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. Along the way, we’ll show you the goods as you witness some of the most striking mountain scenery these two provinces have to offer and ride some of the most heavenly singletrack that’s blessed this Earth. Post-ride, you’ll enjoy our careful selection of mountain lodges and plush cabins, equipped with hot tubs and well-stocked fridges. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Tour highlights:Northern Vietnam has long attracted adventurers in awe of its vistas, but vastly improved roads have caught the attention of the cycling adventurers. And it's not hard to see why road cycling in Asia is developing: an endless green expanse of climbs and descents, ribbon roads through forests, rice paddies to peaks and cloud-skimming mountain passes. Our road cycling Northern Vietnam trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes riders through the very best of Southeast Asia's next cycling paradise, for a truly unforgettable cycle tour.
Tour highlights: Ha Long Bay Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Descending Dragon Bay' or Ha Long Bay, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Approximately 1,553 km2, it includes numerous islets, most of which are limestone and schist. The karst rock formations have developed over 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. There is huge geographical diversity here, which has led to biodiversity, with ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and tropical forests hosting thousands of species of animal and plant life. Evidence suggests the presence of pre-historical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. Most of the islets are uninhabited due to the nature of the karst structures. The bay has the aura of an ancient forgotten world; as you journey around the bay seeing the stones from different vantage points their formations appear to change. Spanning the coastline of Bai Chay Beach, the best way to enjoy the bay is to travel out on a junk-styled boat from which you can swim, dive, fish and explore the endless caves and grottoes. This 15 day southeast asian bicycle tour explores the mountainous regions of two magical countries: Vietnam and Laos. Our adventure begins in Vietnam, a land of shimmering rice fields, lush jungles, and radiant beaches. Beginning in Hanoi, we spend our trip exploring the lesser known northwestern region of Vietnam, home to spectacular mountains and valleys. We ride amidst the crests of Indochina’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, and along the fascinating hill station of Sapa, a colonial retreat created by the French. Crossing into Laos, we cycle riverside where we venture into remote villages far from the tourist track.
Tour highlights: Challenging the mountain biking in Vietnam to conquer the mountainside of fanxipang. Spectacular landscapes and wild nature of the Hoang Lien mountain range and nature reserve.
12 Day Hill Tribes of Northeast Vietnam Cycling Adventure
HIGHLIGHTS
This unforgettable cycling expedition shows off the best of Northern Vietnam. Starting from Hanoi and the fertile Red River Delta, the cradle of Vietnamese heritage, we have chosen to include an achievable blend of transfers and cycling as we head northwards to the highlands on the border with China. Our bespoke route completes a loop through a magical landscape of endless limestone peaks, rushing rivers and spectacularly terraced farmland where the local hill tribe people grow their rice and maize.
En route, we’ll get to meet many different ethnic people and by making use of homestay accommodation on three nights we’ll learn a lot more about the Tay, the White Hmong and the Nung. In this remote part of Vietnam we’ll find these hill tribes still living in much the same way as they always have, far from the modern world. Beyong Thac Ba Lake, we’ll cycle on distinctly undulating roads through the UNESCO listed Dong Van Karst Plateau and onwards into the Thong Nong range where the scenery becomes even more mountainous. We’ll see dramatic waterfalls, visit a hill tribe Saturday market at Ma Le and spend time beside the picturesque, jungle-shrouded Ba Be Lake. On the completion of our quite challenging 8-day loop ride, we’ll head out to the Gulf of Tonkin and enjoy an overnight cruise in a comfortable, traditional junk on beautiful Bai Tu Long, adjacent to Halong Bay - the perfect way to sign off on one of the best cycling adventures in Vietnam.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
What's Included
What's not Included
NUTS & BOLTS
Bikes
Cyclists looking to enjoy this trip to the fullest are welcome to bring their own machines. However, for those that prefer not to travel with their own bikes, we offer bike hire at additional cost. Our bikes are Giant Anyroad 2 gravel road bikes, perfect for handling the few sections of rough road we'll encounter on the route. If you have your own seat or pedals, we'll fit them to your hire bike for the trip. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it's in working mechanical order.
Bike Repairs
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Safety
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
Guides
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Passports and Visas
Vietnam e-Visa is available to 80 nationalities. Please check this link to determine if your country is on the list. To apply for an e-visa please visit the official government website here and follow the required steps and make payment. You can apply for a single entry visa up to 30 days. Multiple entry e-visas are not currently available. For peace of mind, we suggest applying for your e-visa as early as possible, and no later than 2 weeks before your expected arrival in Vietnam. While processing time is generally no more than 1-3 working days (not including weekends and Vietnamese holidays), it is wise to give yourself some buffer time in case there are any issues.
If your nationality is not on the list for e-visa eligibility, or you need options for longer stays or multiple entries, then you may consider Visa on Arrival. The process for this is more complicated than e-visa and requires the acquisition of a visa letter prior to arrival. Please see here for a detailed
Overview.
If you are joining our "Saigon to Bangkok" or "Saigon to Siem Reap" tour, when you are applying for your e-visa, please select Song Tien Landport as the exit point. This refers to the river crossing at Chao Doc.
Health
Recommended vaccinations are typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days. Vietnam is a malarial area and you will need to take anti-malarial tablets. Please speak to your doctor for the most up to date information.
Food
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are Vietnamese food and features noodles, rice curries and soups. Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and we make sure you sample as much variety as possible. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Drink
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere in Vietnam but is NOT included in the price.
Solo Travelers
Vietnam travel memories does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Extra Expenses
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra dollars, perhaps US$10, for incidentals. It is customary to tip local tour guides and drivers, however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide, we suggest US$ 3-4 per person per day is appropriate.
Money
The official national currency is the Vietnam dong (d), but the US dollar is widely accepted in tourist centers. However, in smaller towns and villages the dong is preferred. ATMs are available in all major tourist destinations and big cities. Vietcombank has the best network with a single withdrawal limit of 2,000,000d (about US$125). Most major currencies can be exchanged at leading banks in Vietnam, but the US dollar is preferred away from the tourist centers. Changing US$100 will make you an instant millionaire! You cannot legally take the dong out of Vietnam but you can reconvert reasonable amounts of it into US dollars on departure.
12 day
Contact
Private Departure?
Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.
BOOK WITH VIETNAM TRAVEL MEMORIES CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, WE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.
Vietnam Travel Memories is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 10-009/ /TCDL_ GPLHQT) and are bonded with GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM
AT A GLANCE
GENERAL BOOKING INFO
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
FLEXIBLE BOOKING CONDITIONS
Booking a Vietnam Travel Memories is easy and we try to do everything possible to make sure you have full flexibility and peace of mind. We do not require a deposit to hold your place on a tour and once full payment has been made your money is protected in our client account and you have the flexibility to cancel or change your booking if needed.
CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a Vietnam Travel Memories tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
TRIP STATUS
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
BOOKING ONLINE
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+84 373089668) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
BOOKING OFFLINE
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from Vietnam Travel Memories. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from Vienam Travel Memories.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
FULL FLEXIBILITY FOR TOUR CANCELATIONS
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any Vietnam Travel Memories tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another Vietnam Travel Memories tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
Loyalty Riders Club
For those who have been on several long tours with us, we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for a loyalty discount.
International Flights
International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.
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Mountoin Biking
TRIP PROFILE
This is tour is designed for road cyclists seeking a true challenge. In 6 - 8 cycling days, this ride traverses some of the most fantastic mountain terrain in Indochina, featuring tough climbs, high mountain passes, and consistently stunning scenery. Overall, accommodation is plush and comfortable to reward and rejuvenate riders, but there a few days in remote locations in smaller hotels and guesthouses. The route takes cyclists through Vietnam's tribal mountains with opportunities to see and interact with many tribal people, however the focus of this tour is on the physical challenge of the ride.
Suitability: Almost all cycling days include over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, with two days of well over 2,000 meters of elevation gain. Climbs range from short and steep to long and gradual. Though a support vehicle with water, refreshments and empty seats is always nearby, strong cycling fitness and solid climbing experience is recommended for full enjoyment of this trip.
Biking conditions: Our route takes us on scenic mountain roads on tarmac in primarily good condition, though there will be a few rough sections. Some ascents and descents will be steep, requiring good handling skills. Most of the roads contain minimal traffic, and we will utilize the support vehicle to make a few short transfers through busy areas.
Four seasons of travel:
The Northwest climate has subtropical and temperate climates, so it is cool all year round, the average annual air temperature is 15ºC. Summer is not as hot as the coastal plain, the temperature is about 13ºC - 15°C (night) and 20ºC - 25°C (daytime). Winter is usually cloudy and very cold, the temperature sometimes drops below 0°C, sometimes it snows.
From May to August in Sapa, there is a lot of rain. The average annual rainfall reaches 1,800 - 2,200mm.
Weather in Vietnam a day has four seasons: the morning is spring weather; at noon the weather is like summer, usually with light sunshine, cool climate; Clouds and dew fall in the afternoon, creating a cool feeling like autumn and the night is the cold of
Weather in Vietnam is divided into 4 main regions - the far north, north, central and south.
The far north can get very cold in December and January while the dry season runs from October to late March and the wet season between April to September.
In Hanoi & the north, it is hot, wet and humid from May to October while November to April is cooler and dry.
Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January & August with temperatures ranging in the mid 30°C. High levels of rainfall are during September - November.
Southern Vietnam is dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.
MODERATE TO STRENUOUS:
Suitable for very active cyclists with an excellent level of fitness looking for more demanding and challenging cycling. Moderate to strenuous itineraries involve extended steep ascents and descents along routes. Cycling distance is typically between 65 and 100 km per day.
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