14-daagse internationale groepsreis Vietnam - Sawadee
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Internationale groepsreis Cycle the Hilltribes of Vietnam

Remote Vietnam at its best 

Highlight

  • All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 3 dinners are included. Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious fresh and fiery flavours. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup). Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements) meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. As this trip is remote you will struggle to find Western food in most locations (although Hanoi will fulfil all of these urges with every type of cuisine on offer). Most breakfasts will be traditional Vietnamese; on occasion this might mean warm rice pancakes cooked with fresh herbs or a noodle soup. There will also be a basic hotel buffet of baguettes, eggs and some cold meats available in some locations. Lunch will either be a picnic lunch that the team expertly prepare on the day or a stop in a local restaurant to sample some of the regional dishes. Vegetarians can be catered for but the choices will be limited, especially when out of Hanoi in the hills. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.  For those who wish to contribute, a snacking kitty is arranged  – fresh exotic fruit, nuts, savoury and sweet biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with drinks. 

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Road Cycling

Route 14 daagse Fietsvakantie Cycle the Hilltribes of Vietnam

The remote mountains of northeast Vietnam encapsulate every element of a superb bike ride; challenging climbs and fantastic descents are rewarded with breathtaking views and an extremely warm welcome from the hospitable locals. We start our journey passing through verdant rice paddies and lake-flanked national parks before pedalling through the spectacular karst limestone scenery of Ha Giang. A recent addition to the UNESCO list, this mountainous province is recognised for its high peaks and deep canyons which make for an entirely unique landscape. This area is also one of the last few places where traditional hill tribe life reigns strong; nearly 90% of the population are ethnic minorities, traditional subsistence farming is the mainstay of most and the colourful attire of many of the inhabitants signals the cultural diversity of the area. This insight into remote Vietnam is for many the absolute highlight but time spent in fascinating Hanoi and a cruise around the islands of Halong Bay is definitely the perfect reward after 10 days of challenging cycling.  

  1. Dag 1 - Start Hanoi
  2. Dag 2 - Hanoi; warm up ride around West Lake on outskirts of the city 
  3. Dag 3 - Transfer to Ba Hang; cycle through tea plantations to Thai Nguyen 
  4. Dag 4 - Ride through rice paddies and karst cliffs; boat into Ba Be National Park; overnight homestay
  5. Dag 5 - Undulating day; Tinh Tuc for lunch; end Bao Lac 
  6. Dag 6 - Cycle next to the turquoise Gam River; pass through traditional Hmong villages; Ma Pi Leng Pass; end at Dong Van
  7. Dag 7 - Ride into UNESCO site of Ha Giang Geo Park; transfer to overnight homestay
  8. Dag 8 - Morning village trek; cycle amongst the thousands of limestone pinnacles and the famous 'twin hills' to Ha Giang town
  9. Dag 9 - Challenging ascent followed by exhilarating 20km descent past huge rice terraces to Hoang Su Phi 
  10. Dag 10 - Rolling hills through dense pine forests to Bac Ha, famous for traditional steam baths 
  11. Dag 11 - Easy morning ride; transfer to Hanoi 
  12. Dag 12 - Drive to Halong Bay; board boat and cruise among spectacular limestone formations
  13. Dag 13 - Return to Hanoi; free time to explore the Old Quarter
  14. Dag 14 - End Hanoi
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