We would like to suggest the Vietnam–Laos Bicycle Route for your consideration. Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – Tuan Giao – Dien Bien – Muang Khua – Oudomsay – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang – Phoukhuon – Phonsavanh – Muang Kham – Samneua – Vieng Xai – Na Meo Border – Quan Son – Pu Luong – Mai Chau – Hanoi
We would like to respectfully propose a bicycling route through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Vietnam, which would allow you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. We also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of colourful ethnic minorities and enjoy the spectacular scenery. 
We would like to invite you to join us on a 21-day bicycle tour of Vietnam and Laos. The tour will take you through two fascinating countries, allowing you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. I believe that travelling on two wheels can really help you to gain a deeper understanding of a place. Allow yourself to feel the refreshing breeze on your skin and the gentle warmth of the sun on your back. The smells and sounds are readily apparent.

You have the opportunity to connect with your surroundings, to become immersed in the experience. And just ahead, you may find yourself experiencing a moment that will stay with you forever. You will have the opportunity to admire the fairyland scenery that appears in front of you, through a landscape of amazing karstic rock formations. You will also have the chance to cycle past stilted houses with thatched roofs and mountains nestled between limestone outcrops. We will be crossing into north-eastern Laos at Tay Trang, which is the least populated area of the country. From here on, we will be cycling on through tranquil scenery, with very few fellow cyclists to meet. Laos is a landlocked country with a mountainous landscape and a reputation for natural beauty. It is also known for the warmth and friendliness of its people.

We are delighted to include a visit to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, in our Vietnam and Laos cycling holiday. This ancient royal city, full of exquisite Buddhist temples, has a unique quality that allows one to feel as though time is standing still. It is a magical place to explore and relax. We would like to take this opportunity to share that our trip will continue to the south-east. 
We will have the opportunity to cycle on a hilly road and admire the mysterious plain of Jars. We will have the opportunity to cycle on scenic roads and through rustic villages to Muang Kham and Vieng Xai, where we will have the chance to learn more about the history of Phathet Laos. It is estimated that around twenty thousand Pathet Lao communist fighters made these caves their home during the secret war of Laos. 

This conflict, which was not supposed to involve the US in combat in neutral Laos, was part of the larger geopolitical events and changes of the sixties and seventies. While the communist forces were facing aerial bombardment from the CIA-funded Hmong Army, they sought refuge in these caves, which included a hospital, school and underground villages. We will bid farewell to our Laotian colleagues, check in at the Vietnam border once more and cycle to the Pu Luong and Mai Chau Scenic Valley.

Day 1: Ha Noi – Yen Bai – Nghia Lo

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel and bidding farewell to the city's hustle and bustle, we set off on our journey to Mid North Vietnam. We hope you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and magnificent limestone mountain ranges as we take the shuttle bus from Thanh Son to Yen Bai. Upon our arrival at the cycling point, we were greeted with a warm welcome. After lunch, we had the opportunity to fix our bikes and commence cycling to Nghia Lo. We hope you will enjoy the undulating route that leads to Van Tran and descends to Muong Lo rice field.  We had the opportunity to cycle around the village, taking in the scenic beauty and rustic village life of the Thai community. Upon arrival in Nghia Lo Town, which is nestled in a vast, tranquil Muong Lo valley, we have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely bike ride. Later on, we will have the chance to explore the villages of the Thai people and to take in a performance of the traditional Mua Xoe dance. We will also have the pleasure of dining in a stilt house on the hotel campus.
Summary
Activitiy: Trasferring and Warm up Cycling
Accommodation:  Muong Lo Retreat
Meals: B/L
Total distance: 55 Km

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Tu Le 

You might like to consider getting up early to join the colorful hill tribe market in the morning. It would be a great opportunity to interact with the local people and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. We enjoyed breakfast at a local restaurant before setting off from the hotel on our way to Tu Le. We are fortunate to have a wonderful day ahead of us as we cycle on tarmac and mixed-surface roads.
The first stage of our journey takes us along a rolling route, offering glimpses of local villages, tea plantations, and rice terraces.
The second stage presents a more challenging and demanding route, with an ascent to the pass followed by a descent to Tu Le Town.  Upon our arrival in Tu Le. We had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of our time was spent exploring the pristine nature and hot spring water with the kind assistance of the local people.  We would like to kindly request your consideration for dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling 
Accommodation:  Le Charm Tu Le Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 48  Km

Day 3: Tu Le - Mu Cang Chai -  Than Uyen 

We would like to suggest that you enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off on your cycling challenge. The route will take you on a 22 km journey to the Khau Pass. Upon reaching the summit, we would be delighted to offer you a selection of soft drinks and fruits. Then we will endeavour to descend on a scenic route that leads to Mu Cang Chai. We will have the opportunity to enjoy some lovely cycling around the village and to take in the wonderful terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai. We kindly request that you regroup for refreshments before embarking on the undulating route along the river to Muang Kim. We would like to suggest that you have lunch en route. After lunch, we will continue our cycling trip to Than Uyen or take a transfer to the hotel.
Summary
Activitiy: cycling 
Accommodation:  Love Hill Ecolodge
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 87 Km

Day 4: Than Uyen -  Tuan Giao 

If I might humbly offer my impression, today is perhaps the most challenging day of our journey thus far. However, we hope you will be pleased to see the stunning scenery and brilliant landscapes as we cycle through unspoilt nature and colourfully hill tribes villages. We are fortunate to have a breathtaking panoramic view over the Da River.
We will begin our cycling day at the hotel. We will then ascend a road that leads to Kim T Junction, where we will turn off to Ban Chat Highdro Power. This will be a challenging steep pass and hairpin road along the dam that will lead us to Muong Gion Town. We will have lunch en route. After lunch, we will enjoy a descending road to Quynh Nhai before conquering 18 km of pass to Minh Thang. The last distance is highly recommended for those who wish to transfer to the hotel.
Summary
Activitiy Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation:  Tuan Giao guestHouse/ Hotel 
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 90 Km

Day 5: Tuan Giao -  Dien Bien

Today, we have the opportunity to enjoy a different experience than we did yesterday, when we had the chance to cycle on a route with some undulating hills and take in the breathtaking scenery that led us to Dien Bien Phu. We will begin our journey from the hotel. Once we have prepared our bicycles, we will embark on a short ascent before gradually making our way down a lengthy incline to Bung Lao. We begin our cycling journey on an undulating road, leading us to Muong Ang Town. We then embark on an 8 km challenge to the summit, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, we will begin our descent towards Dien Bien Phu city.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation:  Muong Thanh Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 78 Km

Day 6: Dien Bien  Phu – Muang Khuar ( Hello Laos – Bye VietNam)

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was a pivotal moment in history, marking the beginning of the end of the French colonial occupation. The French garrison was besieged for 56 days, a testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people and their determination to achieve independence. The site of the battle now boasts the Dien Bien Phu Museum, which offers visitors the opportunity to view a number of historical artefacts, including old French tanks and artillery, as well as the reconstruction of the bunker headquarters of the French commander, Colonel Christian de Castries. We would like to take the opportunity to explore the city in the morning, before cycling 20km (approximately two hours on the winding road to the foot of Tay Trang Pass). We hope you will enjoy your picnic lunch. After that, we will transfer you to the border gate for the final 10 km. Once the Laos visa procedure is complete, we will drive for approximately two to three hours to Muang Khua, where we will spend the night.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Phong Padit G.H
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 75 Km

Day 7: Muang Khua – Udomxai

After breakfast, we head east in the direction of Udomxai province. You may feel refreshed after your meal. The route is mostly downhill, although there are a few uphill sections. Please be assured that these are not too steep. There are some excellent photo opportunities of the friendly Khmu tribe and their families, which we would be delighted to share with you. Lunch will be prepared by our guide and helpers, so we can find a nice spot for lunch. Perhaps we could stop by the stream? We are hopeful that today will be a great day for riding.  
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Charming Laos Hotel ***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance :98 Km

Day 8: Udomxai – Pakmong – Nong Khiaw

Today is a challenging day, but also offers some of the most rewarding rides of the trip. We embark on a journey along Route 13 north, and after 5 km from the guesthouse, the road begins to ascend, marking the start of a series of demanding climbs through the majestic highlands. Despite the challenging terrain, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. We find ourselves in the land of the Hmong (High Landers), a people known for their traditional habitation of high-altitude regions in northern Laos. In the past, they sustained themselves through the cultivation of opium. After a lengthy ascent, we take a moment to rest on the first peak, where we enjoy some refreshments and seasonal fruits. We then continue for a further 30 km to the second and third peaks, where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we begin our descent into the valley, which lasts for another 30 km. This is the last downhill section of the journey. Upon reaching the end of the descent, we find ourselves at our destination in Pakmong, a village that marks the junction where the road turns towards Luang Prabang. We then have the option of taking transfer 31 km to Nong Khiaw.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation:  Phaxang Resort***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 120 Km

Day 9: Nongkhiaw  – Luang Prabang

After breakfast, we set off on Route 13 north, heading towards Luang Prabang. Today is a long day, with the road undulating, but without any significant climbs. It is a straightforward ride. At the 30-kilometre mark, we will turn from Route 13 onto a dirt road that leads us towards the Mekong River and the beautiful Pak Ou village, where we will have the opportunity to visit the incredible Buddha Caves. You may wish to consider riding or driving the last 30 km to Luang Prabang, should you so desire.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: The Sanctuary Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 126 Km

Day 10:  Khuang Si waterfalls 1 day cycling

The route offers an easy ride to the scenic Khuang Si Waterfalls, which can be enjoyed along the way through visits to the local ethnic villages, such as those of the Hmong and Khmu communities. At the falls, the water is clear and sparkling, cascading into idyllic turquoise pools. If you would like to swim, we kindly ask that you bring a bathing suit. You may also wish to consider visiting the nearby Sunbear Refuge, where you can learn more about the poaching of these endangered creatures.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Relaxing
Accommodation:  The Sanctuary Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 55 Km

Day 11: Luang Prabang -  Phoukhoun

After a two-hour transfer, we will commence cycling in Kiu Ka Cham. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and traditional hill tribe villages as we cycle through altitudes between 1000 and 1400 metres.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation:  Xala Phoukhuon Guesthouse
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 85 Km

Day 12: Phoukhoun -  Phonsavan

I believe the total distance to Phonsavan is around 130 kilometres. The initial portion of this route traverses mountainous terrain. The second half of the journey is relatively flat, with the route descending to an altitude of 1,100 metres on the plains. Today, we are happy to be flexible about which part of the day we will spend cycling.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling  and Transferring
Accommodation:  Favanhmai Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 86 Km

Day 13: Phonsavan -  Plain of the Jar

The Plain of Jars is arguably South East Asia's most enigmatic tourist attraction. It is estimated that there are hundreds of large stone jars scattered across several square miles. While many ancient Asian sites, such as the Angkor temples in Cambodia, have revealed much about their history and significance, the origin, age and meaning of the jars remain a mystery to historians. They are, in short, jars that could perhaps be described as having a deeply spooky nature. We would like to visit the two most interesting sites by bicycle if that is agreeable to everyone.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and visiting
Accommodation:  Favanhmai Hotel****
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 38Km

Day 14: Phonsavan -  Muang Kham

We are fortunate to have a relatively straightforward journey ahead of us today, with a mostly flat road over the high plains leading us to Muang Kham. As we journey through the highlands, we will have the opportunity to admire the unique presence of towering pine trees, a sight that is not commonly found in the rest of Laos.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling 
Accommodation:  Hot spring G.H
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 58 Km

Day 15:  Muang Kham -  Sam Neua

We begin our journey with a transfer of approximately two and a half hours to a mountain pass. Today, we have the opportunity to cycle through a variety of landscapes,  including thick forest at elevations between 1,400 and 1,600 metres. On our journey, we have the opportunity to visit Saleuy Waterfall, where we can enjoy a refreshing dip. After a lengthy descent, we arrive in Sam Neua.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation:  Chittavan Hotel ***
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 85 km

Day 16: Sam Neua -  Vieng Xai

In the morning, we have the opportunity to enjoy a cycling tour through a beautiful landscape, with a stop in Vieng Xai, which is renowned for its caves. It is estimated that around twenty thousand Pathet Lao communist fighters made these caves their home during the secret war of Laos. This conflict, which was not intended to involve the United States in direct combat in Laos, was part of a larger set of geopolitical events and changes that occurred during the 1960s and 1970s. While the communist forces were facing aerial bombardment from the CIA-funded Hmong Army, they used these caves as a refuge, complete with a hospital, school and underground villages.
In summary,
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation:  Naxay 2 Hotel/ Bungalow
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 49 Km

Day 17:  Vieng Xai -  Ban Sop - Na Meo - Pu Luong

As we make our way through a narrow valley, we will be saying farewell to our Lao support team at the border. Our private Vietnamese driver will be waiting to transfer you to Pu Luong. The road trip will last approximately five and a half hours, after which you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Pu Luong Boutique Garden
Meals: B/L/D
Total distance: 89 Km

Day 18: Pu luong – Mai Chau

Get up early and head to the ecolodge to soak up the fresh air and take in the absolutely stunning rice terrace scenery! Enjoy a delicious hot drink while you admire the incredible sunrise over the mountain! We're off on another amazing Pu Luong cycling day, starting from our cosy homestay or ecolodge. Get ready to be blown away by the absolutely brilliant scenery as we cycle right through the heart of the Nature Reserve! 
Get ready for an amazing adventure! The first stage of our trip is going to be really exciting as we tackle some challenging hills on a brand new paved road or dirt track, through some incredible villages and rice terraces. But the best is yet to come! You'll be blown away by the incredible scenic beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. 
The second stage is a fantastic descent on a beautiful road. Your legs will be free for some distances while we cycle the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the T-junction of Co Luong.
We'll be cycling the back roads through some really lovely, quaint little villages where you'll get to experience Mai Chau up close and personal! You'll have the chance to see a bamboo factory and some of the surrounding villages, like Poom Coong or Lac village. After lunch, we'll set off on an amazing cycling adventure along a single-track trail around the stunning Mai Chau Valley.
This is an amazing opportunity to experience the best of what Vietnam has to offer!
Here's a quick summary of what you can expect: Cycling tours only!
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Onsen Retreat
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 76 km

Day 19: Mai Chau Back Road

Wake up to the delightful sound of birdsong and the cheerful clucking of chickens! Start your day with a delicious Thai traditional cake accompanied by a steaming mug of coffee or tea. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our amazing Mai Chau cycle tour! We'll be exploring different villages on a mix of good single track paths, linking from villages to others. The views are absolutely stunning as we ride through and cross lush rice paddies. This area is unique because of the fan palms, which are grown specifically for roofing. We'll also get to see some amazing hot springs, cross suspension bridges, and follow the contours around some truly gorgeous terraced rice fields. We'll stop for lunch at a local family's place, where we'll get to try some delicious local cuisine. After lunch, we'll cycle back roads, single tracks, and buffalo trails through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests, and even stop by a bamboo chopstick production workshop. Then, we'll cycle back roads to Mai Chau town. When we arrive, you can relax, have dinner, and stay overnight in a hotel or eco homestay.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling loop
Accommodation: Onsent Retreat
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 46 km

Day 20 : Mai Chau – Thung Khe – Lo – Muong Khen – Hanoi

Today is our last amazing bicycle adventure tour day in Northern Vietnam! After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we're off to Mai Chau, Thung Khe, Lo, Muong Khen and finally, Hanoi! Our support vehicle whisks us away on a short transfer from the sleepy Valley of Mai Chau to the top of Thung Khe. Once we arrive at the cycling point, we'll be setting off on our bikes to explore the vibrant Lo Market for 8 km!
We then turn onto a secondary road, which takes us through some truly stunning scenery. We cycle through rice paddy fields, cornfields and even a sugar plantation, before arriving in a village where life is as tranquil as can be. We then cycle on a scenic road that winds its way along the hillsides and through a sparsely populated region to Man Duc. After that, we have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we transfer for three hours back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: The Light Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 56 km

Day 21: Hanoi – Onwards

We hope you will enjoy a hearty breakfast in the hotel before you are free to spend the day as you wish until departure time. We would like to kindly remind you to meet our crew again and take the transfer to Noi Bai Airport to catch the next flight onwards. We hope you have enjoyed our service. We would like to thank you for joining us on our cycling tours.
Summary
Activitiy: Transferring
Accommodation:  No
Meals: B
Total distance: No

Note: Hotels  are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose equivalent  accommodation
Meals: if you have any specific food requirements ( vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us in advance so that we can provide notice to our restaurant, tour guide, our partners so that they can server you better. If you are a food lover, Snail Adventure tours can be your culinary guide and provide you opportunity to savor tempting local food and world famous – dishes.

Tour included in:

English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 20 breakfast, 19 lunches, 19 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transporttion
Van or bus supported during the cycling times.
Truck supported for the group size from 6 and above.
Trek mountain bikes – 4300  with disc brake and  helmets
Sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries
Bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
First aid kit
Cold water box, small fresh towel.
Mineral water for drinking
Fruit and snack for cycling days

Tour excluded in:

International airfare
Travel insurance
Items of personal nature
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals
Mineral water beyond that supplied
Optional excursions
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills.
Visa fee
Visa fee in Laos ( 35 USD per person upon arrival + 02 passport pictures )
Departure  tax
Tip for team and guide