NORTHWEST LOOP

The Northwest loop is for the travelers seeking out culture and natural beauty. This area of Vietnam has so much of both. We will start our ride from Hanoi and take the ride about 150 km to the White Thai minority village of Mai Chau. Exiting the excitement of Hanoi and entering the ever changing landscape and finally conquering a mountain pass before coming to a beautiful scenic overlook of the rice farming village nestled in between the mountains.

Enjoy a night with a local family at a traditional bamboo stilt house as they feed you dinner and wake up to the crowing chickens and roosters. Walk around the village before breakfast and set off through the mountains to the next destination of Son La. On this mountain ride, you will notice the ethnic minorities along the curvy mountain roads as they go about their daily work on the land in their traditional clothing. These are areas not often seen by tourists and their way of life and traditions have been untouched for generations. After a nice ride, it is enjoyable to relax for the night in a hotel in Son La near the local market

The next day we head off to Dien Bien Phu. A town close to the border of Laos. As you continue to enjoy the beautiful mountains and ethnic culture on your ride, you will also see the history left behind from the historic siege and battle of from the Vietnam/French ashes in the 1950's.

From this border town, we will continue to what may be the most breathtaking part of the journey. The ride to Sapa through the high

North West mountains. We will pass the famous rice terraces and cascading waterfalls and you will have an open air view of it all. Not confined to a packed shuttle bus filled with other tourists. You enjoy the freedom to stop wherever and have a clear 360 view to what may be the most beautiful land you have ever encountered. Getting a bit chilly in the high mountains even in the summer months. We will enjoy the beauty hidden behind each mountain curve before descending a bit down into the tranquil city of Sapa. Out of the cold mountain air and into the culturally packed town where you can organize a local tour with ethnic minorities such as locals from the H'mong, Dao, and Kinh ethnic groups. All different in their type of clothing and way of lifestyle. You will feel the friendly vibe when surrounded by these peaceful people and beautiful mountain surroundings.