This trip offers a great opportunity to see the two area of outstanding nature beauty; the North West highlands of Mai Chau and the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh. Biking is a great way to see this fascinating and visually stunning part of Vietnam, offering both physical activity and the unique opportunity to observe a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. As we ride in Mai Chau we encounter Muong and White Thai minorities and are guests in their traditional stilt houses allowing us to see firsthand how these minority peoples live. In Ninh Binh we explore the beauty of "Halong Bay on the rice fields" on bikes.

Tour Highlights

• Awesome scenery
• Tam Coc - the "Halong Bay on the rice fields"
• Home stay in Thai village
• Traditional foot massage

Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1: Overland to Mai Chau/bike to Buoc Village
Day 2: Bike on back road to Mai Chau
Day 3: Bike/drive to Ninh Binh
Day 4: Bike/sightseeing of "Halong Bay on the rice field". Drive back to Hanoi

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Overland to Mai Chau/bike to Buoc Village
Leave Hanoi at 8am. We drive southwest to Mai Chau, the gateway to the impressive mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The drive is very nice with stunning view of mountains, valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies. We would have a stop en route for refreshment. Upon arrival in Mai Chau we have a lunch stop in Pom Coong, a village of Thai ethnic minority. We will have lunch in a local house. After lunch we embark on a biking on village road to Buoc, a village of Thai minority group. We will have dinner and overnight in a traditional stilt-house of a Thai family.

Summary
Biking: 30km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

Day 2: Bike on back road to Mai Chau
Breakfast in the home stay and then we start biking on beautiful country road through scenic villages of Thai minority. We will have lunch in a local house in Xo village. After lunch we continue riding to Pom Coong village. Dinner and overnight in Pom Coong Village.

Summary
Biking: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

Day 3: Bike/drive to Ninh Binh
Breakfast and free at leisure to cycle around in the Mai Chau valley or shopping for Thai handmade fabric. Lunch in Mai Chau. After lunch we drive to Ninh Binh. Stop on the way for a beautiful ride through country side. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Summary
Biking: 30km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Bike/sightseeing of "Halong Bay on the rice field"/Drive back to Hanoi
Biking from the hotel to Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam date back from 8th century. Visit the temples and climb some hundred steps to the top of a mountain for a great view over the "Halong Bay on the rice field". After here we bike through an amazing area of limestone mountains uprising on rice paddies. After 1hr riding we reach Tam Coc. Lunch in local restaurant and then enjoy an interesting rowing boat trip on river to explore the Halong Bay on the rice paddies. Drive back to Hanoi. Trip concludes.

Summary
Biking: 22km
Boat trip: 2 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusion:

• AC vehicle
• Mountain bikes
• English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Hotel based on twin share
• Home stay permission
• First-aid kit
• Water & Snacks
• Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Tips
• Personal expenses

TRIP NOTES:
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Group size: 08 persons
Depart from: Hanoi
End at: Hanoi
When: Year round
Activities: Biking, Culture expedition, Sightseeing
Biking grade: Moderate
Transportation: Support vehicle, High-end Mountain bike
Guide: English or French speaking guide
Accommodation: 1 night hotel & 2 night home stays

Meals:
- Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2-3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch

Food
All meals, which are indicated in the itinerary, are included in the price of this trip. Since we travel away from town, the emphasis will be on healthy and nutritious fresh local produce. In Mai Chau, a local cook will accompany us and cook meals at the home-stay

Hotel & Home stay
Hotel in Ninh Binh is 3-star and centrally located.
Home stay Mai Chau simple in term of bedding condition and toilet. We will stay overnight in traditional house-on-stilt of the Thai people and, as the locals do, we will sleep on bamboo floor with mattress, clean sheet, pillows and mosquito nets. Toilet is some steps away from the main house.

The biking day
A typical biking day starts at about 8.30 am after breakfast. Lunch times can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5. During the biking we will have plenty short breaks for rest, snack and photographing.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.

The bike
On this tour we use 21-speed high-end mountain bike with different sizes. Biking helmets of good quality are also provided.

FST tour guide
The tour will be guided by one of our tour guides who are experienced in guiding trekking tours in Vietnam. He has been carefully trained in this field and is fully licensed in tour guiding by the government. In addition, he has been trained in first-aid by SOS International and he knows how to deal with difficult situations. You will have a great time traveling with him.

What to bring
Trekking boots, sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, sleeping bag (optional), rain coat, flashlight, toiletries, original passport,

Note on client safety
We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary for any reasons, including road and weather conditions, frequency of visits to a village, or for any other factor which may influence client safety.

* Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: info@easyvietnamtravel.com to get more information and assistance.