TRIP INCLUSIVE:

v      English speaking motorbike guide.

v      Motorbike hire from day 125cc Honda/ Yamaha motorbikes include petrol and maintenance.

v      Private boat trip in Halong Bay.

v      Meals as mentioned in the itinerary ( B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

v      All entrance fees and permits.

v      Accommodation in twin shared room in hotels with daily breakfast.

v      Simple first aid kit

v      International flight reconfirmation.

TRIP EXCLUSIVE:

v      International flight to/from Vietnam

v      Vietnamvisa

v      Accommodation in Hanoi pre/post trip

v      Travel Insurance. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home.

v      Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)

v      Tips for guide, driver, porters. We recommend 3 USD/person/day for guide, 2 USD/person/day for driver and 2 USD/person/hotel when you check in/out.

v      Beverage and alcoholic drinks.

v      Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be

After breakfast, our guide and driver meet you at your hotel in Hanoi and we head north, 140km along back roads to Ba Be National Park. The long winding pathways take us past kilometers of rice paddies and idyllic countryside scenes.  Although it is somewhat of a long ride, the quaint landscapes easily capture your attention. Once around Ba Be Lake, we’ll encounter people from the Tay ethic minority. The park covers 7000 ha and is home to numerous waterfalls, mountains, valleys and exotic animal species. Overnight in a local hotel outside the park.

Distance: 260km

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Ba Be Guest House

Day 2: Ba Be National Park

Today we leave the motorbikes behind and enjoy a full day of boating and exploration by foot. The cruise will take us to Puong Cave (30m high, 300m long), then onto the villages of Tau, Cam and Hua Tang. We also get to see the majestic Dau Dang Falls. Once back on dry land there is a 3-hour hike ahead of us, where you will experience the beauty of this tropical paradise up close.  There are over 400 plant species and 300 wildlife species in the park, many endangered. Overnight in local home 

Meals: Breakfast,  Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Home- Stay

Day 3: Ba Be – Cao Bang

After breakfast at our hotel, we drive from the home-stay via Cho Ra to hwy 3.  On the way to Cao Bang there will be stops at local villages. The highway, though not busy, is a narrow road with some heavy articulated traffic so we should take special care while driving.  There is an alternate route on a rough jeep road approx 55km uphill to Tinh Tuc before cruising on provincial rd 34 into Cao Bang. On the alternate route there are lots of opportunities to meet flower H’mong and Nung people and we can visit the Ho Chi Minh monument if time permits. This is a more challenging and remote option and offers less traffic. In Cao Bang we take you to see the night market.  Overnight in Hotel in Cao Bang.

Distance: 160km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Thanh Loan Hotel

Day 4: Cao Bang Day loop to Ban Gioc

We depart early for Ban Gioc waterfalls, the highest and most spectacular in the area. The falls also share a border with China. The ride there passes by massive landlocked limestone mountains and red-soiled farmland. Once at Ban Gioc we’ll have lunch and a swim before continuing the loop in the afternoon via Ha Lang and Quang Huyen. Second night in Cao Bang. 

Distance: 160km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Thanh Loan Hotel

Day 5: Cao Bang – Lang Son

This is a day of fabulous riding through thick forests, rolling hills and some steep ascents.  We take the famous Colonial Road No.4 through the pictorial countryside and will meet with very little traffic. Enroute we will see Nung Phan Sin and Red Dzao people and by late afternoon, will reach Lang Son. Dinner will be at a local restaurant and overnight at a hotel.

Distance: 180km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hoang Son Hai Hotel

Day 6: Lang Son – Ha Long Bay

As we continue down Highway 4b, the road becomes rougher and we will travel through some wild landscape. One stop will be to visit the Chua Hun or Con Son pagodas, which is also where we will have lunch. Once in Ha Long City we settle down for the night.  Overnight in standard hotel in Ha Long City.  

Distance: 220km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Halong Dream Hotel

Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Spend half of a day cruising around this enchanting emerald bay. Known worldwide for its numerous rocky islands jutting out of the sea, its impossible not to be mesmerized by the beauty of this place. It is also a perfect last day on our adventure tour.  When the cruise is over we have a 3 hour drive back to Hanoi and the day ends at your hotel.

Distance: 170km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

What type of motorbike you provide?

Vietnam Traffic laws prohibited the use of motorbikes larger than 175cc until May 2007 when Vietnam joined WTO. It took sometimes to have big bikes imported into Vietnam, but it's likely that nobody rents out these bikes as import tax is 90% and VAT is 10% (a bike costs twice as much as in your country!). Motorbikes in Vietnam will not break the sound barrier but they will easily carry two people (locally, even more) down all of Vietnam's roads. They are light, balanced and fun to ride. We also offer Honda SL 230cc or Baja XR 250cc. They are our biggest motorbikes.

When is the best time to ride in northern Vietnam?

In the north there's no best time to ride, as there are four distinct seasons, each with their own unique advantages. Summer runs from April to October, winter from November to March. Hottest months are June and July, coldest month is February. Expect the possibility of passing rain from April to September, while winter months are normally dry. For rides down south in Vietnam, its best to avoid the monsoon season of September through to October, while in Laos, a ride down the original Ho Chi Minh Trail is only possible from November to late April.

I hear the traffic is crazy in Vietnam. Is it safe to ride there?

Traffic in the big cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is chaotic to the uninitiated driver. For this reason we always use the easiest roads to get out of town. We can also arrange for riders to be dropped off at the city limits by taxi where the bikes are waiting. Once out in the countryside, the level of traffic drops off remarkably and on some roads it is possible to not pass a single vehicle for the whole day. That said, it must be emphasized that the riding conditions in Vietnam are demanding which means extremely defensive driving is imperative. All riders must be very careful and be fully aware that the purpose of the trip is not to ride performance bikes hard into the bends, but rather to drive along nice and slow and enjoy the sites and sounds of the passing countryside. Motor biking is just the link between so many facets that make up the touring experience with us – people, scenery, markets, food, drink, historical vestiges, rural life. We will send you an extensive document covering all aspects of driver safety particular to the conditions found in Vietnam. This document and constant support from your guide will make your ride as safe as possible.

Do we carry everything on the bike, or can I leave some of my luggage at "base"?

We provide you with spacious saddle bags which can carry a large amount of belongings. It's also possible to strap a further bag or rucksack onto the bike's back rack if required. Any other luggage may be left safely in storage at your hotel in Hanoi waiting for your return.

What type of clothing should I bring?

Vietnamis a developing country and size selection and/or quality products are real issues. Local products are cheap but almost just one size for all or the quality is poor. See our recommended list as below:

- Clothing: helmet, rain gloves, Wellington boots (rubber boots for rainy season from April to September), summer gloves, balaclava, t-shirt, socks & underwear, long sleeved shirt, turtleneck shirt, extra jeans, light jacket, leather chaps, zip-lock bags, riding boots, bandannas, sunglasses and goggles.

- Personal items: basic toiletries, emergency cash, sunscreen and earplugs.

- Emergency items: first aid kit, emergency contact number, list medical conditions, list medications, flashlight, chargers and duct tape.

- Miscellaneous: small towel, bath towel, trash bags, bungee cords, camera and cargo net.

What about medical insurance?

It is advised that travelers should have some form of medical insurance before arriving in Vietnam. Although there are several international medical clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, generally the country still lacks adequate medical care for serious illnesses and injuries, especially in other areas. Therefore, we advise that travelers have sufficient cover for emergency medical care as a precautionary measure.

Is an international license valid in Vietnam?

Despite some press reports to the contrary Vietnam does recognize the validity of international licenses. Whilst some authorities in remote regions may not be able to comprehend a document written in a foreign language they go a long way in smoothing out any potential difficulties should an issue arise. They also take care of any license requirements that you might have in your insurance polices.

I'm concerned about the footwear situation; thinking about leaving walking boots at home to lighten the load, what do you recommend?

It's essential to have strong footwear for the tour to protect your feet whilst driving. Trekking shoes or leather boots are perfect. No driving in open-toed shoes. It is possible to buy a pair of boots (including big sizes) in Hanoi for about US$25.