Motorcycle Tour Northern Vietnam
Escorted Group Tour Dossier.MBVT15

Exploring Vietnam northern mountains by motorbike is the perfect way of seeing this country. With the majority of the population travelling by bicycle and motorbike you will never be alone.

This particular tour takes you into the mountainous region of northern Vietnam where numerous ethnic hill tribes inhabit this wild corner of Asia.

Many people have no idea of the stunning visual beauty and traditional culture that Vietnam has to offer. Vietnam is a unique and fascinating land of great physical and rich cultural diversity whose history spans over 4,000 years.

Picture a land of idyllic tree-lined beaches, tranquil bays dotted with the sails of junks and sampans, offshore coral islands, mountains, valleys, primal forests, plains crossed by countless rivers and emerald rice fields enriched with the varied scenes of everyday life. The traditional rural life, embodied in the villagers tilling the land with rudimentary tools under their conical hats in the patchwork paddy fields, and children riding their water buffaloes home from the fields at the end of the day, contrasts dramatically with the sights, sounds and pace of the cities whose busy streets overflow with humanity borne along on a rising tide of bicycles and motor scooters.

The country's long history is an every present companion: sites of ancient battles, ancient civilisations and kingdoms which flourished in this enigmatic land long before the French colonialists, Communism and the tragic war of the more recent past.

In a traditionally agricultural country, new to the concept of tourism that you have to expect the unexpected, you won't be disappointed.

This tour traces the complex history and culture of Vietnam and its people, introducing some of the many different faces and places of this fascinating country. Almost all travel restrictions have been dropped, and can now visit the whole length of the country.

MEKONG TRAVEL - SIGHTSEEING TOUR POLICY
Major sightseeing highlights of Indochina include a huge variety of religious and historic monuments; a rich cultural and artistic heritage; museums and beautiful scenery. Such key elements are naturally include in sightseeing tour itineraries, but Mekong Travel also seeks out the less obvious attractions - interesting local markets, festivals, wherever these coincide with travel plans, traditional handicrafts and industries, plus the opportunity to meet local people in their own environments. Also include are opportunities to try regional cuisine and to see typical or traditional forms of entertainment.

Mekong Travel includes such extra dimensions to make any visit to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos a richer, more rewarding and more memorable experience.

GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELLING IN INDOCHINA

Motor Biking Conditions
Anyone in a reasonable physical condition can join our regular biking trips. Experienced bikers will best enjoy them. If you feel tired, you can always rest in the escort vehicle. You don't have to carry your belongings, so the trip is more fun! On request and subject to space availability, non bikers accompanying persons are welcome to join the trip in our escort vehicle.

The trip is considered moderate with sections that are demanding. Biking is mostly on tarmac which is in a fair condition but with occasional pot holes. Allot of the route is relatively flat, following river valleys though several sections are mountainous with winding roads. Distances
are flexible ranging from 100-300km a day.

Bike Repairs

We will carry a certain amount of basic spares and a set of tools for any mechanical repairs that may need to be carried out.

What to bring? Recommended personal equipment: Gloves, sunglasses. A pair of boots, Biking gear including leathers. We require participants to wear helmets (although this is not a legal requirement). Driving licence.

Clothing: Long-sleeve sweater or jogging suit, windbreaker. T-shirts, packed in a soft bag we take in the escort vehicle. Pullover for winter season, and light nylon rain breaker (K-way type) for rainy season (May-September). A small backpack would be useful for small personal items, like cameras. For most trips, large suitcases can be carried in the support vehicle. Helmets, gloves and a wide range of equipment can be purchased in Hanoi.

Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere.
The support Vehicle will carry supplies of water and snacks of fruit/bread etc.

Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A high factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when biking.

Travellers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A first aid kit with items such as aspirin, elastoplast, antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoea pills will be useful. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable. Useful too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors, which are often not properly illuminated

Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first.

Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Asian people. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.

Begging is widespread in some parts of Indochina but not in others and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travellers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local schoolteacher or headman.
Contributions can also be arranged to recognise local charities two of which we support.

HOTELS

In spite of the building boom that is creating new hotels up to international standards for the first time in key tourist centres, accommodations in Indochina still varies widely in quality and, during high seasons, availability can be limited. Mekong Travel clients will generally receive hotel reservation priority, but Mekong Travel cannot guarantee specific hotel requests and reserves the right to substitute accommodation of the best available alternative standard when a first-choice hotel is not available. Clients are advised that accommodations, especially outside the main locations, may not always be up to international standards.

ACCOMMODATION. On most of this tour the accommodation is in basic guesthouses that offer private bathrooms that are clean but simple. We also stay for one night with an ethnic tribe where accommodation is in dormitory style.
The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. In general, the hotels we use are of a good standard, and will be clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibar and TV.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

WEATHER. Except between November and February) the weather will be hot and humid throughout, with temperatures during the day between about 28C and 34C. It is only a little cooler at nights. November to March is a cool season in the north, and there may be some drizzly rain: a jumper or warm jacket may be required. Other than that, rain when it does fall usually comes in short, violent bursts with bright sunshine in between. There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam: it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though it is unlikely that the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

VACCINATIONS. No vaccinations are compulsory unless arriving from and infected area, but we recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended and there has been some chloroquine resistance reported, so please see your Doctor for advice.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of Vietnamese dishes can be tried.. Lunches are on a daily kitty of £4 Nutrition is important when cycling. Main meals include rice. There is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES. Lunch (see above): Visa £40. Departure tax: currently US$7. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price: as it is hard to say what people would like to visit . There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling , though this is unlikely to cost more than about £20 for the trip.

Bike Hire: There is a very limited choice of bike available in Vietnam so we use the Russian Minsk 125cc. We can provide well-maintained, bikes that are in good condition and generally very reliable. These bikes can cope with the rough conditions both on and off road.
Spare parts and tools are brought by our escort vehicle.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 14. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus a Vietnamese guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle.

TRIP PROFILE. Our trip takes us from Hanoi into the northern mountains. We travel through some of the most scenic and interesting parts of Vietnam stopping at all the main sights on the way. There is plenty of time to explore the towns, historical sites, markets and to relax. Generally the roads are much less used than others so the biking is more enjoyable.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

· Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately if required, see main box).
· UK Air Passenger Duty Tax
· Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
· Services of a Western tour leader throughout
· Local guide throughout
· Private support vehicles
· Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations
· Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.
· Breakfasts & Dinners
· Bike Hire
· The services of our local staff in Vietnam

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
· Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
· Visas
· Fuel
· Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).
· Helmet or equipment.
· Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

ITINERARY
From London

DAY 1

Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.

DAY 2

Connecting flight from Bangkok to Hanoi arriving around mid-morning

Arrive Hanoi, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the Dan Chau Hotel (this hotel is a refurbish French colonial hotel located in the centre of the city opposite the Metropole Hotel. It offers a reasonable standard of accommodation with large, air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms). The afternoon is free to explore the city.

DAY 3

Early morning depart Hanoi to Moc Chau passing numerous hill tribe villages and through picturesque scenery with stunning views of the mountains on the way. Visit Thai ethnic minority village where we have lunch. Continue to Son La the old French garrison town. Over night in local hotel. Approximately 300km ride.

DAY 4

After breakfast visit the old French Prison where many of the leading independent fighters where held. Continue along the valley to Tuan Giao, Approximately 70kms. After lunch we continue to follow the river valley past water wheels, fruit plantations and beautiful tranquil villages to Dien Bien Phu where the French where finally defeated in 1954. Approximately 80kms. The route for the first section is generally easily going until the last 30km where we cross a mountain pass which is very step before dropping down into the Dien Bien Phu Valley. Over night in local hotel.

DAY 5

Day to relax and explore the Dien Bien Phu area, the site of the famous Vietnamese victory over the French in 1954, which ended the first Indochinese war. Dinner and accommodation at a Guest house.

DAY 6

Morning depart for Lai Chau through absolutely spectacular scenery and local tribes of Hmong and Dzao.
Much of this route is on dirt track through forests, mountains and tribal villages. Sections of this route are demanding.
Dinner and accommodation at a basic Guest house. Approximately 100km ride.

DAY 7

Morning continue along the mountain road through tribal villages, forest and river valleys to the small town of Phong Tho. Approximately 100km ride over both dirt track and tarmac road. After lunch depart for Sapa. Approximately 50km ride on tarmac road through tea plantations and then a long climb up the spectacular mountain pass to the old French hill station of Sapa, Over night in local Hotel.

DAY 8

Day free to explore the area with its National Park and hill tribes or just to relax.

DAY 9

Early morning depart for Lao Cai travelling down hill to the town and continuing along the Red River Valley to Bao Ha. Although not a very well known area of Vietnam this route offers some pleasant biking through beautiful countryside. Approximately 80km ride. After lunch continue along the valley eventually arriving in Yen Bai. Over night guesthouse.

DAY 10

Depart for Hanoi and as we near the capital the increase in traffic means this section of the route we will have follow the support mini bus to Hanoi. Transfer to the Dan Chau Hotel. Remaining afternoon free.

DAY 11

Tour of city to include Ho Chi
Minh's mausoleum and museum. the
Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first
university and the backstreets of the
old quarter.
In the evening we will watch a performance of Vietnamese water-puppetry before dinner. This art is unique to Vietnam.

DAY 12

The morning is available for a little last minute shopping before departure at mid day. We arrive in Bangkok at approximately 13.50 for the onward flight. There is time to go into the centre of Bangkok for some shopping or alternatively day rooms are available in the airport at a reasonable rate.

DAY 13

Depart Bangkok at 00.45. Arrive early morning 06.20at London, Heathrow airport.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

For currency conversions, click here: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

We will arrange twin share accommodation for single travellers, the supplement is for those requesting for their own rooms.

The information in this dossier has been given in good faith and covers the average range of conditions to be found on the trip. Vietnam is a poor country were services are not up to international standards consequently unexpected changes sometime occur.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

DAY 14

Leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay. Board the private boat for a journey around Halong Bay. Fishing junks sail by as we cruise among the 3,000 limestone peaks. Rising directly from the emerald sea this is an essential experience for anyone visiting Vietnam.

After a fresh seafood lunch cooked on board, then return to the main land and drive back to Hanoi transferring to the Hotel.

DAY 15

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Price: Based on two people sharing a room and includes all accommodation with breakfast, transfers and transport by modern air-conditioned car, guided tour where indicated and boat ticket with lunch.

Excludes: Personal expenses and dinner.

£130.00

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