"Biking Hidden Paths of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh"

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.

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: Homestay

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: Homestay

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

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.

Inclusion:

* Support vehicle
* High-end Mountain bikes
* Helmet & biking gloves
* English or French speaking guide
* Meals as indicated in the itinerary
* Hotel (twin shared room)
* Homestay permission
* First-aid kit
* Water & Snacks
* Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees

Exclusion:

* Travel insurance
* Visa
* Tips
* Personal expenses

To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.

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Price/Person: 281,00 EUR
Number of participants
Duration: 4 Days

Area: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
Accomodation is included in this tour: Hotel, homa-stay

The Guide is able to understand this language also    
   english

Special Hints: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Hanoi 4-day tour with various terrains, interesting home-stay and awesome scenery Biking grade: Moderate

edited at 05.05.09 | 05:36 AM
last update 05.05.09 | 05:36 AM

Guide details

Bobby Nguyen

Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
Active Travel Vietnam offers a wide selection of Vietnam adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, kayaking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. Our packages and custom itineraries will take you through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Vietnam. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable active vacation. We run the most adventure tours available in Vietnam and Indochina. Our active trips are designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, real people seeking real fun and adventure. Of course, a reasonable level of personal fitness, good health, and interest in outdoor activities is advisable, but you don't need to be a tri-athlete or be an expert in any of the activities you will undertake. Come along and even try something new if you wish. If you like to walk, run, trek, hike, paddle, bike, or go to the gym, you'll love our trips!
Being a responsible eco tour operator is at the heart of what Active Travel Vietnam is all about. From the start, we have been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Part of Active Travel Vietnam operating philosophy is to respect the communities in which we operate. We do this by acting in a manner that is environmentally, socially and economically responsible. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed.

Active Travel Vietnam
Add: # 303, 3rd Floor, Building 30 Nguyen Du Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 944 6230
Fax: (84-4) 944 6231
Email:
Website: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.


ACTIVELY EXPLORING HIDDEN LANDS


edited at 07.06.07 | 04:43 AM
last update 04.05.09 | 12:54 AM

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