Cycle Luang Prabang to Hanoi

Social Cycles' 12-day Laos to Vietnam ride runs from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, covering about 419km over eight riding days. It is one of their most demanding journeys: the mountain days in northern Vietnam are long with big climbs, and the day over the O Quy Ho Pass into Sapa has 2,291m of climbing. A small group of up to ten rides with a local guide, a support van and a mechanic, and the van is always on hand for a rest or a lift. Everyone rides at their own pace on the hills.

It starts gently with a relaxed 28km ride to Kuang Si Falls, with stops at the Lao Buffalo Dairy and the Free the Bears sanctuary. Next comes Nong Khuay, a Hmong and Khmu village of 80 families reached by a 21km ride on dirt tracks and a 9km trek (or van), where riders share meals and stay the night in a basic homestay. After a day of villages and karst peaks to Nong Khiaw, a long boat carries the group up the Nam Ou River, before the Tay Trang border crossing, where the Vietnam team waits with a new set of bikes.

From Dien Bien Phu it is three mountain days to Sapa, with a 25km downhill into the Sapa valley as an optional finale. An overnight sleeper train then takes riders to Hanoi, where a morning with Hope Box, which supports women affected by gender-based violence, comes before the final dinner. AU$200 is donated to the organisation each rider chooses from those met along the way.

Highlights:

• Kuang Si Falls, with stops at Free the Bears and the Lao Buffalo Dairy
• A night in the Hmong and Khmu village of Nong Khuay, with a trek or van option
• A day on the Nam Ou River by traditional long boat
• Crossing from Laos into Vietnam at the Tay Trang border
• The O Quy Ho Pass to Sapa, Northwest Vietnam's longest mountain pass
• Overnight sleeper train to Hanoi and a morning with Hope Box

Surface and terrain:
Mostly paved country roads, with some dirt tracks (21km into Nong Khuay, then a 9km trek or van). Big climbs and descents in northern Laos and Vietnam, including 2,291m of climbing over the O Quy Ho Pass. Flat-bar mountain bikes, average pace 15-18km/h.

Weather:
Estimated: Nov-Feb is the cool, dry season (about 15-28°C, with cold nights in the northern mountains and Sapa). Mar-May is hot and hazy. Jun-Oct is the wet season, with humid heat and heavy afternoon rain.

Suitable for:
Fit, experienced riders confident on long mountain days; rated 4 of 5 for difficulty and described as one of Social Cycles' most demanding rides. Expect days of 70 to 95km with 1,600m or more of climbing, though the van is always available. Not suited to beginners without hill training.