On your arrival, you are met local guide and driver who will take you to hotel. If time is permitted, you will take an orientation tour of Hanoi and take a cyclo ride (pedicab) around the ancient quarter of Hanoi. It absolutely is a fascinating way to get the first look of this peaceful and beautiful city.

Evening we enjoy the water puppet show, a unique northern Vietnamese art performance that we cannot be missed on our schedule for today. We will have a chance to learn more about the rural life of Vietnamese peasants and national heroes via a series of history story which were beautifully demonstrated by the artists. 

Morning coach departure to transport you to Son La, your starting point for seven days of cycling adventure. The scenery along the way will whet your appetite for what’s in store. Plenty of stops are scheduled along the way and a great opportunity to get to know your fellow cyclists. O/N in Son La.

Cycle Son La to Tuan Giao (90 km). A stunning day of cycling through a region populated by the Black Thai mountain people. An early climb in wild rugged terrain gradually transforms into a meander through cultivated crops and friendly villages. A late afternoon climb will reward you with mountain vistas that go on forever and a final exhilarating descent to Tuan Giao. O/N in Tuan Giao.

Cycle Tuan Giao to Dien Bien Phu (81 km). Just when you thought the cycling couldn’t get better it does. We cycle through picturesque gorges, lush forest and farming communities with plenty of chances to greet the locals. One word of warning though, is wary of a challenge to ‘drag race’. This is where the barefooted young boys and girls on their rickety single speed bikes put us to shame. However their cheeky grins will remain a treasured memory long after the pain of defeat has subsided. O/N in Dien Bien Phu.

Cycle Dien Bien Phu to Lai Chau (100 km). In 1954 Vietnamese nationalists overran the French Garrison stationed here and effectively drove the French out of Vietnam. An early morning excursion to the war museum is definitely recommended, especially when the tour is given from the personal perspective of our guide, Tran. Day after day of fabulous cycling continues with a late arrival into Lai Chau. Dinner and drinks are served at local hotel. O/N in Lai Chau.

Cycle Lai Chau to Tam Duong (106 km's). Today’s ride has some of the most spectacular scenery in Vietnam as you follow the Nam Na River. A great day to get lost in your thoughts and the rhythm of cycling. We spend the night at the simple Phuong Thanh Hotel with some of the most charming and friendly staff we have been lucky to meet in Vietnam. O/N in Tam Duong.

Cycle Tam Duong to Sa Pa (73km). An amazing day of touring is in front of you, with sections that have been voted the ‘best downhill’ and the ‘toughest climb’ on tour. The final climb is breathtaking in its grandeur, length and sense of remoteness. It will take you over the highest pass in South East Asia with glorious views of Mt Fansipan, the tallest mountain in Vietnam. At the top we take a short break and as you gaze into the distant valley below you will be filled with a sense of achievement that does not come often or easily. An oasis in the form of the luxurious Victoria Sa Pa Hotel awaits you in Sa Pa. O/N in Sa Pa.

Rest day in Sa Pa, truly unique and it would be unforgivable to not spend a full day here. A former French hill station, you will marvel at the towering mist covered hills, terraced rice paddies and alpine streams. Combine this with the hill tribe people, particularly the delightful H’mong girls selling handmade silver jewellery, and bustling markets, and you will understand why it is our favourite destination in Vietnam. Explore, laze around the indoor pool or hike to one of the minority villages, the choice is yours. O/N in Sa Pa.

Sa Pa to Lao Cai (35km). After all the mountains you have climbed, this day of complete downhill will almost (but not quite) make you feel guilty. Once in Lao Cai we travel to the border crossing with China where in 1979 the Chinese invaded Vietnam before being driven out. We have dinner in town before travelling overnight on the private luxury Victoria Express train back to Ha Noi. Stay up late in the dining car sipping on Sa Pa wine and swapping stories and experiences with you new best friends. 

Saddle up for a cycle tour of Ha Noi (20 km) exploring many of the small back streets and merchants of the Old Quarter. Prepare to be swept up in the sea of riders and motorcycles circling Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of Ha Noi, and cycle respectfully past Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. This night a celebratory dinner is held at ‘Indochina’ one of Ha Noi’s finest Vietnamese restaurants. O/N in Ha Noi.

Free time for shopping or at leisure until your flight home.