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TRIP PROFILE.
This unique
trip is designed for the motorcycle enthusiast. Using the robust
Russian Minsk motorcycle our trip takes us from Hanoi into the northern
mountains where numerous ethnic hill tribes inhabit this wild corner
of Asia. We travel along the Old French colonial road through some
of the most scenic and interesting parts of Vietnam stopping at
all the main sights on the way.
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You will
come into close proximity to the tribes and 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 travelling is more enjoyable although parts of the route
are very demanding. We travel through sections of step mountain
passes until reaching the old hill station at Sapa in the shadow
of Vietnams highest mountain Fan Si Pan.The last couple of days
are a little easier as we follow the Red River Valley back to
Hanoi. The trip is designed for those who enjoy motorcycling
and the more adventurous. |
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 hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the city.
DAY 3: Early morning depart Hanoi to Moc Chau. 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. After lunch depart for Dien Bien Phu where
the French where finally defeated in 1954. Approximately 150kms.
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. 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 biking 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 easy cycling through beautiful countryside. After lunch continue
along the valley eventually arriving in Yen Bai. Over night guesthouse.
Approximately 130km ride
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.
DAY
13: Depart Bangkok at 00.45. Arrive 06.20 at London, Heathrow
airport.
Click
here for further information in our dossier MBVT15.
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
ACCOMMODATION. On most of this tour the accommodation is
in basic guesthouses that offer private bathrooms that are clean
but simple. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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