Northern Vietnam Altitude Challenge: Hanoi to Sapa

We meet at our tour hotel in Hanoi and gather for a welcome dinner.

Transfer beyond Hanoi city limits by van and begin riding through the peaceful rural beauty of Northern Vietnam. Test your legs on some climbs before arriving at a stunning resort on the shores of a large lake.

Leaving the lake, we cycle westward on a long and gradual climb into Son La Province. Reaching a plateau, we glide a gentle descent into Moc Chau, known for its variety of wildflowers, fertile farmland and the diverse ethnic groups who live there.

This morning, we give ourselves a break with a fun descent for 25 km to the shores of the Da River. Admiring this important waterway, we then climb a short distance before enjoying a flat stretch into Phu Yen, home of many Hmong people.

We start with a steep climb up the Long Lo Pass, with its surreal views of the jagged limestone mountains. Crossing into Yen Bai Province, we ride along a green valley with a few climbs along the way, arriving in the town of Nghia Lo, with its mesmerizing rows of tea plants.

Take time to visit Nghia Lo’s market this morning. We then up the ante with a major climb up to the Khau Pha Pass at over 1500 m elevation! We are then treated to a long, spectacular downhill overlooking rice terraces, pristine mountain streams, and vast swathes of jungle.

Our final day of cycling on the trip begins with a warm-up over rolling hills, then appropriately crescendos to the top of Tram Ton Pass at almost 2000 m above sea level. A steep, technical descent brings us into the town of Sa Pa, traditionally a major market hub of Northern Vietnam.

This morning, switch the bikes for walking shoes and explore Sa Pa, its markets, and its cultural heritage, including Dao, Hmong, Tay, Pho Lu and Giay people. After lunch, we will board our van to drive back to Hanoi and gather for our final night dinner.

We say goodbye and make our way to Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport or to onward destinations in Vietnam.