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Trip Overview Cycle through the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside |
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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We start in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, a delightful mélange of traditional and contemporary styles strongly influenced by the French, Chinese, and Soviet styles, as well as by its Vietnamese heritage. For its size, Hanoi is accessible and friendly, with a youthful, energetic pulse. We'll visit ancient treasures by day and enjoy fine food and a taste of Hanoi's nightlife. After spending one full day exploring the capital, we journey into the mountains and valleys northwest of Hanoi to experience up close the cultural diversity of rural Vietnam. We bike along meandering rivers, next to historic battlefields, down forest-clad mountainsides, and through mountain villages lost in time. We'll savor the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, be it a simple bowl of pho noodles or an entire feast, and we'll delight in the views of terraced hillsides, waterfalls, and of Fan Si Pan, Indochina's highest peak. 
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1: Arrival Day
Most flights arrive in Hanoi in the late evening, so we have no official tour activities scheduled for today. However, if enough people are arriving early for the tour, our tour director may organize an informal walking tour of the city in the afternoon.
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2: Hanoi
Today, we have the first of two half-day tours to explore the sights and wonders of Hanoi. (The second half-day tour is when we return to Hanoi after our bike trip). After breakfast at the hotel, we'll see Hanoi's Belle Époque neighborhoods evoking a sense of the French colonial era. One of our stops is a visit to the complex dedicated to the national hero: the Ho Chi Minh Complex. (Note this site is closed on Fridays and Mondays and may be seen upon our return to Hanoi). Completed in 1975, the complex contains Ho Chi Minh’s granite and concrete mausoleum that is reminiscent of Lenin's tomb, the Ho Chi Minh museum, the beautiful Presidential Palace built by the French in 1901, and behind it, Uncle Ho's former stilt-house residence, where he resided from 1958 to 1969. It's quite an experience as you queue alongside Vietnamese people, many of whom have made a long pilgrimage to the site. Appropriate, respectful attire is required. Shortly after the founding of Hanoi as Thang Long (Soaring Dragon) in the eleventh century, construction started on the Temple of Literature and what has become the National University. We will visit the two entities built there: Van Mieu, built in 1070 as a temple to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and Quoc tu Giam, built six years later as an elite institute established to teach the doctrines and teachings of Confucius and his disciples. Inside are 82 stone stelae (tablets) dating between 1484 and 1790, mounted on the backs of giant tortoises. The stelae, beautifully inscribed stone slabs, list the names, dates, places of birth, and achievements of over 1300 men who earned their doctorates here. The temple and university are architectural wonders honoring knowledge and those who pursue the rigorous path of learning. This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner at one of Hanoi's splendid restaurants.
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3: Hanoi to Mai Chau
In the morning, we transfer by support vehicle to Hoa Binh town, where we stop for a lunch break. We then drive to Mai Chau province and visit the White Thai village of Lac. Lac is well known for its handicrafts, especially its brightly colored clothes that are all handmade by the local population. This afternoon there is an optional 40 to 50 kilometer bike ride. Tonight, we spend the night as guests of the Thai people in a traditional home built on stilts.
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4: Mai Chau-Son La
In the morning we drive out of Mai Chau valley, then get on our bikes for an invigorating day covering 70 - 90 kilometers (43 - 55 miles) as we head north toward the town of Son La. Son La is located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half of the 20th century.
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5: Son La to Tuan Giao
Today we drive (approximately 80 kilometers) before we take to our bicycles and ride about 90 kilometers. During this challenging day, our van will be available to take you over Pha Din pass. We spend the night near Tuan Giao where we will enjoy a relaxing dinner.
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6: Tuan Giao to Muong Lay
Today we continue our tour of northwestern Vietnam, cycling along the winding roads that snake through beautiful countryside. At times the terrain is steep but these hills and mountains give us stunning panoramas that more than compensate for our efforts. We pass through villages and negotiate around water buffalo and farm animals loose on the road. We'll see vistas of verdant forests, bright green fields, and lush farmlands, framed by ribbons of rivers and waterfalls. Today we will cycle 80 to 100 kilometers (49 to 60 miles). We arrive in Muong Lay late afternoon, and check in at Hotel Lan Anh, our home for the next two nights.
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7: Muong Lay Day: Boat trip and Biking
After breakfast we will enjoy a boat trip to visit a Hmong Village. Following lunch we cycle through more superb mountain countryside. Along the way, we pass through several different minority villages and are able to see at close quarters how people go about their daily lives.
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8: Muong Lay to Paso
Today we continue winding our way through the scenic hills and valleys and begin to curve our way back to the northeast. Our ride will cover about 60 to 80 kilometers (37 to 49 miles). Upon arrival at Paso, check in at Lan Anh 2 Hotel and relax over dinner.
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9: Paso (Phong Tho) to Sapa
After breakfast, we continue cycling toward Sapa today. We will ride to Binh Lu then either cycle or take the support vehicle for the final 50 kilometers as we snake our way up to the celebrated former hill station of Sapa. We will check into the elegant Victoria Hotel, our home for the night.
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10: Sapa and Train to Hanoi
Today we have a full day free to see some of Sapa's most colorful and interesting sights and to hike among the nearby villages. These include the Red Dao village of Ta Phin, nestled on the floor of a beautiful valley, and the picturesque Tay village of Ta Van. The town of Sapa itself is not very large, with a few markets and a scattering of streets tumbling down the mountainside, but every Saturday night its streets fill with women and men from the surrounding mountains in a Hmong courting ritual called the Love Market. (We're not making this up!) Hmong men are known for their creativity, and a man will pursue a mate through song or ballad, trying to impress her with tales of his endurance, strength, and craft. If he wins her attention, then he will likewise be cleverly courted in return. As the love banter continues, he may be able to grasp a piece of clothing or embroidery. If the object has not been requested nor returned by the end of the evening, then consent has been gained to spend three nights of conjugal bliss together in the hillsides and a union has been made. Should you ever be in Sapa on a Saturday night, you can wander the town to witness the early efforts of the Love Market. Traditionally, tourists are not pursued, but then again anything is possible here in Shangri-la. Before breaking into song yourself, however, remember that you have only two days and one night here in Sapa. Tonight, we will board an overnight train to Hanoi with comfortable 4-person sleeping car accommodations.
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11: Hanoi
Our train will arrive very early in the morning in Hanoi. If our rooms are available, we will check in and relax in the morning. Then in the afternoon we will enjoy the second part of our city tour which may include: Museum of Ethnology: This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. Along with the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds. Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island in Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the The Huc Bridge which literally means the "Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams". Hoan Kiem Lake is the focal point of the city and the source of many legends. One legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. While rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honor of the event he renamed the lake "Ho Hoan Kiem" – Lake of the Restored Sword. We may also have a chance to take a one hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter: Also known as the 36 Streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally each of the 36 streets names' was related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Street to Bamboo Street. It's a great place to explore on foot with numerous photo opportunities. Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner at one of Hanoi's finest restaurants.
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12-14: Departure Day or Halong Bay Extension
Today is departure day for those not joining the Halong Bay Extension. We hope you enjoyed your time in Vietnam and we look forward to seeing you on another Alyson Adventure in the future. For those joining the extension, after breakfast we depart for Halong Bay, approximately three hours drive from Hanoi on the coast. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Dao center run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Halong Bay, we transfer to our air-conditioned junk, the "Jewel of the Bay". Once we have settled in we can begin our cruise around majestic Halong Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we'll explore some of the limestone caves scattered around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or explore the waters by kayak. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we anchor in a secluded part of the bay. Those who are interested can try night fishing from the boat. Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we set sail to explore more of the bay's unique treasures. Those who enjoy kayaking can spend most of the morning with your kayaks, then return to the Jewel for lunch. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use. The junk will act as a back up vessel following the kayakers at all times. In the afternoon, we once again move around the bay at a leisurely pace stopping to view more caves. As the sun begins to set, why not relax in the Games Room with a refreshing beverage and gaze upon the natural splendor of the twilight. This evening, another tasty meal will be served on board. On our final morning on the bay, we continue to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak. We will return to the main harbor before transferring to our waiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free.
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15: Departure Day for Extension
Today after breakfast, our tour is over for those who have joined our extension. We wish you the best in your future travels and hope you will join us again.
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