Hanoi-LuangPrabang northern way gravel cycling 10 days

Cycling Vietnam Laos HANOI-LUANGPRABANG

Northern Vietnam & Laos Gravel Cycling Expedition

This unforgettable cross-border adventure is designed for gravel bikes or touring bikes, combining some of the most spectacular and remote mountain landscapes in both Northern Vietnam and Northern Laos.

We begin in the vibrant capital of Hanoi and finish in the timeless UNESCO town of Luang Prabang, Laos.

🚴‍♂️ TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Overnight Train & Sapa Highlands

Our journey starts with an overnight train to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border, followed by a scenic transfer to Sa Pa — the premier mountain destination of Northern Vietnam.

From here, we cycle over the legendary Tram Ton Pass, soaring above 2,000 meters — the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Expect dramatic alpine scenery, cool mountain air, and panoramic views stretching across endless valleys.

Into Untouched Mountain Worlds

We ride through landscapes still largely untouched by modern development. Continuing deeper into the mountains, we climb a spectacular 1,750-meter pass into the land known by the local Hmong people as Sin Ho.

The reward? A thrilling descent through:

• Vast tea plantations
• Remote tribal villages
• Rolling highland countryside
• Endless mountain horizons

We follow the breathtaking Na River gorge, cycling through the hills of Lai Chau before arriving in historic Dien Bien Phu, famous for its dramatic history and valley setting.

Crossing Into Laos

Leaving Dien Bien Phu, we cycle toward the Tay Trang border and officially cross into Laos — a true expedition moment.

From here, the adventure continues through the remote northeast of Laos, riding quiet mountain roads and authentic rural landscapes. At Muang Xai (Oudomxai), we turn south toward our final destination.

Grand Finale: Luang Prabang

Our journey concludes in the magical riverside town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for:

• Golden Buddhist temples
• French colonial architecture
• Peaceful Mekong River sunsets
• Timeless spiritual atmosphere

This is where the tour officially ends — but the memories will last a lifetime.

Testimonials of this trip

Joe,

Merry Christmas also. It’s been a week after I came back in Tokyo and just getting things settle after a long three weeks vacation .Just want to thank you that I have enjoyed every moment with you and the tour in Vietnam. I had a lot of fond memories and these will not be forgotten. It was a great trip and will see again soon

Jose

Dec,2008

See details of trip in below

night 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai

Hanoi meeting: PM group meeting, Transfer to Hanoi railway station to catch the night train to Lao Cai at 20:15. Overnight on train

Day1 :LaoCai-Sapa

Arrival Lao Cai at 6 AM,. Arrive in Lao Cai: after breakfast, transfer to Bat Xat ( 30 km )Back road riding to Sapa. Afternoon rest and free time for visiting Sapa. Overnight in Sapa . (B) Sapa hotel or homestay 2*

Day2 Sapa-Lai Chau:

Ride over Tram Ton Pass and downhill to  Tam Duong. (+- 80 km ) . Overnight in Lai Chau.(B)

3* Hotel

Day 3 :Lai Chau- Xin Ho( +-65km )

There are two hard climbs today the first starts after 1 km with a 11 km ascent but the second, and most challenging comes at the end of this stunning day, with an 25 km strength-sapping climb. All this hard work is easily forgotten as we finish the day with a stunning descend on a winding road into XinHo .Overnight in hotel in XinHo 2* hotel. (B)

Day 4: Xin Ho- MuongLay  ( +-75km)

Ride down to LaiChau We have a couple pretty big climbs and then follow the picturesque Nam Na river into Muang Say (aka “Old Lai Chau”). We stay at the hip Lan Anh Resort where there no doubt will be an active badminton game in the evening.  (B)  2* hotel

Day 5: Muong Lay-Dienbienphu

In 1954, the French Garrison at Dien Bien Phu was pinned down when the Vietnamese were able to do something thought impossible….carry heavy artillery into the mountains. When you ride in this area you will wonder yourself how they ever did it. The siege at Dien Bien Phu ended in a French surrender and marked the end of French Indochina. Little known is the fact that the US had developed a plan to aid the French by using tactical nuclear weapons at Dien Bien Phu. 105k – Rated 3.5. (B). 3* hotel

Day 6: DienBien Phu-Muong Khua

We depart Dien Bien and cross into Northeast Laos at Tay Tran. This is the least populated section of Laos. We continue on to Muang Khua on the banks of the Nam Ou river. (B)

Home stay

Day 7: Muang Khua to Odomxai   (+-95km)

Over night at the nicest place in town.(B)

Odomxai hotel : 2* hotel

Day 8: Udomxai- Pakmong

In the morning we will load our things into boats for a trip down the scenic Nam Ou River ( boat not including ).  We will pass places that are only accessible by boat and which do not  see many visitors.   At Nong Kiau we disembark and ride our bikes 37k to Pak Mong.  (B)  Pakmong Hotel 2*

Day9: PakMong-LuangPrabang

On to the historic and enchanting city of Luang Prabang. We follow the banks of the Mekong before entering the city proper. It’s also possible, with advance planning, to bike the 20k in the opposite direction to Nong Khiaw and then take a boat down the Nam Ou River. This will take you right by the Pak Ou caves at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers ( boat not including ). Luang Prabanghotel 2*

Day10:  Luang Prabang (B)

end of service

Customize this trip: bikingvietnam@yahoo.com: vietnamcycle@gmail.com

Tour cost self guide :

Note: Prices are based per person, double occupancy, with a separate cost for solo travelers. If you are traveling in a group but prefer single accommodations, a single supplement fee applies. Triple accommodations are not available in many of the destinations we visit.

Best time to go:  year around

Self-guide tour including :

• Pick up car transfer luggage, bicycle, biker
• Bicycle rental : Cinelli gravel/road bike or  Electric Specialized Tubo Tero  see the details of bike >>>
• Hotel 3* x 5 nights , hostel x 4 nights with breakfast.
• Drinking water