A Once-In-a-Lifetime-Trip! You will discover 3 exotic countries in 20 days:
Amazing THAILAND / Unseen LAOS / VIETNAM timeless charm
This tour starts and ends in the beautiful area of Chiang Mai (Thailand) with its breathtaking scenery, 800 km north of Bangkok.
This motorcycle tour provides an outstanding opportunity to obtain a thorough impression of the uniqueness of Northern Thailand, & Laos, and Vietnam. The selected roads are a mix of mostly rural two-lanes with a variety of surfaces. During most of the tour, we will ride through areas of spectacular mountainous beauty – some of the best ridings anywhere in the world. We start riding east towards Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong where we meet the Mekong River for the first time. Crossing the border into Laos and riding towards Oudom Xai. During our third day of riding, we will cross into Vietnam and visit the battleground at Dien Bien Phu. Heading north towards the Chinese border and the Phan Xia Pang, at 3,143 meters tall, it is Vietnam’s and Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Then we have a rest day in the pleasant and picturesque resort town of Sapa before continuing to ride to Vietnam’s capital and discover beautiful Hanoi. After we will spend a night on board a luxury cruising boat at the famous Ha Long Bay. Continue to the rice terraces at Nghia Lo. We’ll enjoy a boat ride along with the Limestone caves at Ninh Binh. And then we’ll enjoy riding on the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Phu Mat. Once back in Laos we visit the Plain of Jars and continue to Luang Prabang, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing the mountains on yet another road less traveled to Pakbeng before returning to Thailand. We will ride in the less-known mountains surrounding the province of Nan, which for centuries remained autonomous and cut off from the outside world. In every region during the tour, we will feast on the local Thai / Lao/ Vietnamese cuisine. During dinners, there will be Western dish options available at most locations. Truly 3 countries and 1 million impressions!
Please be informed that this 20-DAY TOUR does include the arrival and the departure day, which means that we will be actually for 18 days on the road. The hotel on the arrival and departure day, of course, includes the tour price. We run this tour only twice a year. Places are limited and in high demand. Please have a look at our tour dates section for further information. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Tour Highlights: Mekong River; Mountains of north Laos; Battleground of Dien Bien Phu; Mountains surrounding Sapa; Village roads where the car cannot reach, providing more fun and memorable riding
experiences; The Happiness Road – a legendary path to explore up-north Ha Giang attractions; Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of the “four great mountain pass” of the northern mountainous region
of Vietnam; Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark; Ba Be Lake – the largest natural lake in Vietnam; Explore the culture with ethnic Tay family homestay; Vietnam´s capital Hanoi; Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 1,600 islands and islets that rise up out of the
water; Limestone Caves at Ninh Binh; Plain of Jars, Luang Prabang (World Heritage); Mountains in Nan province
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Empress Hotel Chiang Mai (Thailand) | |||||||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | The tour will start at 8.30 am the day after the arrival day. | |||||||||||||
| RETURN TIME | The tour will finish after breakfast at the hotel on departure day. | |||||||||||||
| GEAR | We recommend bringing your gear to be the most comfortable. BUT we also offer helmets, jackets, gloves, and knee guards (European high-quality brands in many different sizes). Please be informed, that we do not offer boots and trousers due to hygienic reasons. |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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Please be informed, that our tours are all-inclusive. So you can completely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and unseen Laos & charming Vietnam. There are no hidden costs or other surprises – our tour prices are final. All is paid. Come ride with us – the real deal!
THAILAND – LAOS – VIETNAM – LAOS – THAILAND
(Distance: approximately 3.600 km / 2.240 miles)
Day 1. Chiang Mai, Arrival
Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel (recommended arrival to Chiang Mai, no later than 3 pm). At 5 pm, we meet for a welcome briefing and motorcycle handover at our Service Centre. Ride back to the hotel so you can get familiar with your motorcycle and local riding environment etc. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Hotel: Amora Tapae Hotel
Day 2. Chiang Mai – Chiang Khong (Thailand) 301 km
In the morning we start our motorcycle adventure. We ride in the eastern direction, passing the Doi Luang National Park, hot springs, etc. The first part will be on the main road, an enjoyable ride with nice twists and bends. In Chiang Rai, we will visit the White Temple, one of north Thailand’s main attractions. In the early afternoon, we ride along the magic Mekong River (mother of all rivers), which in this area makes the border between Thailand and Laos. We will meet the Mekong River often during our tour. Towards the end of the day, we arrive in Chiang Khong which is the destination of our first riding day. We park our motorcycles and enjoy the river view and Laos on the other side. Overnight in Chiang Khong.
Hotel: Teak Garden Riverfront
Day 3. Chiang Khong – Oudomxay (Thailand / Laos) 311 km
A bit earlier start today, the goal is to be at Thai Immigration when they open at 8 am. After clearing the Thai border formalities, we will cross the Thai – Lao Friendship Bridge. On the Laos side, our Lao tour guide greets us and helps us with the border formalities. The immigration- and customs procedures are always an experience. It simply takes time, so relax, and be patient.
Don’t forget! In Laos, we drive on the right side of the road! We have lunch in Luang Namtha and then continue the remaining stretch to Oudomxai. The road is quite good and the scenery is great as we are passing through a couple of villages, where it is time to stop and “mingle” with the locals. The first stretch of today to Luang Namtha is the main transit road between Thailand and China and normally has a bit more traffic. After lunch, the road is more provincial, with plenty of cures and villages. Part of this stretch is full of trucks due to the high-speed railway construction between China and Vientiane. Once the high-speed train is in service this part of Laos will change a lot, especially Luang Prabang. Overnight at a lovely resort in Oudomxai.
Hotel: Charming Lao
Day 4. Oudomxay – Muang Khua - Dien Bien Phu (Laos / Vietnam) 221 km
Our motorcycle adventure continues in an eastern direction on low-traffic density provincial roads to the Vietnamese border. On the first stretch, we ride along the Nam Phak River and enjoy the scenery. At Pak Nam Noy we start climbing up the mountains towards the Vietnam border. This is a remote area of Laos, the scenery is spectacular, not many villages. Not much is happening at the Laos / Vietnam border, said that it can still take some time to work through the paperwork. Our Vietnamese guide will wait for us at the Tay Trang border crossing and together we will ride to Dien Bien Phu. You will notice how things have changed once you cross into Vietnam, different landscapes, more people, villages, and traffic.
The Battle of Dien Bien Phu was the climactic confrontation of the First Indochina War between the French Union’s French Far East Expeditionary Corps and Viet Minh communist-nationalist revolutionaries. We can visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum, the notorious hill
Hotel: Muong Thanh Grand Dien Bien Phu Hotel
Day 5. Dien Bien – Sapa (Vietnam) 271 km
Today we have quite a long ride ahead of us, we will pass endless villages, with plenty of photo opportunities. Toward the end of the day we start climbing up the mountain, the scenery gets better by the hour. After an early breakfast, we depart follow the NR12 to Muong Lay, then head up to the Taphin plateau to conquer a scenic and stunning road through the Sin Ho Valley. We stop at the Sin Ho Market, which is more lively and crowded if we arrive early. We continue this less traveled road until Lai Chau and drive the winding road to Sapa with a photo stop at the O Qui Ho pass at 2005 meters from where we have a spectacular view of Phan Xia Pang, 3,143 meters, Vietnam’s and South East Asia highest mountain. In Sapa, there are plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars, something for every taste. Overnight in Sapa.
Hotel: BB Sapa Resort and Spa
Day 6. Rest Day in Sapa (Vietnam)
Today is a rest day. Sapa is a mountainous town in Northwestern Vietnam, blessed with a cool climate throughout the year. The Hoàng Liên mountain range dominates the area with a dramatic backdrop for many scenic treks.
There are many things to do in Sapa. You can do an optional ride in the area. Or you simply chill out. For a remote small town in northern Vietnam’s mountains, Sapa is surprisingly modern. It offers a great variety of gastronomic options – from local street food and Vietnamese specialties to high-quality Italian restaurants and wine bars. Not to mention the many local cafes that serve super robust Vietnamese coffee. If you are up to it, take the cabin to the top of Phan Xia Pang or simply just stroll around the town. Overnight in Sapa.
(Laundry service possible)
Hotel: BB Sapa Resort and Spa
Day 7. Sapa - Ha Giang (Vietnam) 240 km
After breakfast, we ride into the Red River valley to Lao Cai, on the Chinese border. If we have time, head along the river to the main border gate with China. There’s a strangely compelling atmosphere here, as informal trade passes from country to country, oftentimes on the backs of bicycles pushed across the border by older women.
Sapa and Ha Giang are gateways to the outstanding mountain scenery of Vietnam’s northwest and extreme north respectively. But the journey between these two mountain towns is just as thrilling as the landscape which lies beyond them. Connecting two of the most mountainous provinces in the country (Lào Cai and Hà Giang), this motorcycle route straddles the Chinese border, carving a meandering course over mountain ranges and along river valleys.
Hotel: Trường Xuân Resort
Day 8. Ha Giang – Meo Vac (Vietnam) 210 km
The road from Meo Vac to Ha Giang (via Dong Van) is considered one of the most remarkable
journeys. You have to pass Ma Pi Lang Pass to reach Dong Van. This staggering road clings to the edge of a wall of limestone mountains, towering hundreds of meters above Nho Que River. All of the things are so incredible.
Dong Van Town is located in the heart of Dong Van Rock Plateau, which was recognized as part of the Global Geo-Park Network. If time permits, you can take a short walk to wander the ancient streets lined with Hmong clay bricks built centuries ago.
Hotel: Hoa Cuong Hotel
Meo Vac - Ba Be Lake (Vietnam) 194 km
Heading down south and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery, you will reach Ba Be Lake – the largest natural lake in Vietnam. The whole area is full of limestone country, lakes, waterfalls, caves, and unusual rocks, which make you feel entirely comfortable after 220km of riding. We offer you a night in a lakeside bungalow where you can indulge yourself in the serenity of surrounding nature.
Hotel: Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
Day 10. Ba Be Lake - Hanoi (Vietnam) 206 km
It is a long motorbike ride back to Hanoi, so we will have an early start today. As usual, we boot a new day by enjoying a full breakfast with a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Getting away from the highways and riding on small rural roads, we once again admire the stunning views of the rice fields and peaceful villages looming in the distance. If we are lucky enough, our team will return to Hanoi at 4:30 pm before the crazy rush hour and visit some of the historical sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ngoc Son Temple. Overnight in a 4-star hotel in the Old Quarter.
Hotel: Tirant Hotel
Day 11. Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Travel to Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus and embark on an overnight cruise to explore this extraordinary piece of Vietnam and relax.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name is Hạ Long means “descending dragon”. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various shapes and sizes. Ha Long Bay is the center of a larger zone which includes Bai Tu Long Bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà Island to the southwest. Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2 (600 sq mi), including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 (129 sq mi) with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.
Overnight at the Ha Long Bay.
Boat: Era Cruise 5*
Day 12. Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Vietnam) 114 km
Disembark after lunch and return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Upon arrival, our team will get ready again leaving the capital of Vietnam to Ninh Binh. We arrive at Tam Coc, a small town, full of guest houses, coffee shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops (a good opportunity to buy inexpensive Vietnamese handicrafts), etc…… once the ancient capital of Vietnam settled in the 10th century. We can visit the temples of the two dynasties Dinh and Le with very unique architectures. Explore the local area by bicycle.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Hotel: La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay
Day 13. Ninh Binh – Pu Mat (Vietnam) 267 km
In the morning we board sampan boats (2 people share one boat) and drift down the river among the villages, beautiful mountains, and lush rice fields. We pass through 3 caves (“Hang Ca”, “Hang Hai”, and “Hang Ba”). Enjoy the peaceful fullness and watch the skills of the boat operator.
Once back on our motorcycles, we continue our journey to Pu Mat. We follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Ca (big) river and arrive in Pu Mat town in the Nghe An province towards the end of the day. Most of today’s route is on good enjoyable low-density roads. Next to our hotel is a swimming pool with a bar, full of locals. Enjoy a swim and a beer with them. There is also a possibility to ride and visit a waterfall, and paved road, a total of 50 km return. Overnight at a hotel in Pu Mat.
Hotel: Muong Thanh Con Cuong
Day 14. Pu Mat - Nam Can - Phonsavan (Vietnam / Laos) 269 km
Today we continue to the Nam Can border gate and check out to Laos. The last part of our riding in Vietnam passes through endless villages and just before the border, we climb up the mountain range creating the natural border between Vietnam and Laos. We better be there on time. At 11:30 am the immigration office will take their rather long lunch break. After the immigration process, we ride in the direction of Phonsavan. You will notice the change in landscape and fewer villages once in Laos. We will stay overnight in Phonsawan.
Hotel: Anoulackkhenlao Hotel
Day 15. Phonsavan – Luang Prabang (Laos) 265 km
Phonsavan is home to the famous “Plain of Jars”, a megalithic archaeological site that we will visit in the morning – a must-see stop on our Motorcycle Tour of Vietnam Thailand & Laos. Then we will jump straight back to the twisties, winding our way northwest towards Luang Prabang. Some stunning mountain trails give way to a wide-open track through the beautiful countryside with remote villages along the way. Luang Prabang with its gleaming temple roofs, fading French architecture, and stunning mountain backdrop has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best-preserved city in South East Asia’. In the evening we will enjoy a deserved dinner in the old quarters of the town. Take the opportunity to visit the night market. We stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Hotel: Chaluenxay Villa
Day 16. Rest Day in Luang Prabang (Laos)
As this is a rest day the day is totally at our disposal. In the morning you will have the option to rise early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice that dates back centuries. It is done early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk you make merit, which should augur well for your next life.
You may also want to visit the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls. It’s possible to swim in the lagoon, so bring your swimming gear. A great way to get there is to take a local “Tuktuk”.
Another option is cruising a couple of hours on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. If this is too long-time spent on a boat, enjoy a short sunset cruise on the river.
Once back in Luang Prabang, you can visit the major temples, including the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers, and Wat Wisunalat, which is the oldest temple in the city. Another great optional activity is to sample a traditional Lao massage and herbal sauna. Along the walking street, you find plenty of antique shops, bakeries, bars, etc. After sunset, the night market takes off. Enjoy and have fun! We will stay another night in Luang Prabang.
(Laundry service available)
Hotel: Chaluenxay Villa
Day 17. Luang Prabang - Hongsa - Chiang Klang (Laos / Thailand) 298 km
In the morning you will have the option to rise early to view the procession of monks on their daily outing collecting alms, a practice that dates back centuries. It is done early, as the monks cannot eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk you make merit, which should augur well for your next life.
Today is our last day in Laos on our motorcycle tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Once on our motorcycles, we start riding in the southern direction to Xayaburi. The road heralds the start of a 170 km wild stretch of highway along steep ridges and around hairpin bends, with headlong views of rugged valleys and remote mountains as far as the eye can see. From Xayaburi we take the narrow and winding local road passing a couple of remote villages to Hongsa where we enjoy lunch.
Today is our last day in Laos on our motorcycle tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The first part of the route takes us back in the direction of Hongsa. We cross into Thailand at the Huai Kon border point. Normally the border formalities for leaving Laos and entering Thailand are rather straightforward.
In the last part of the day we ride to Chiang Klang. The scenery is stunning, the pace is slow. Enjoy the hotel’s infinity pool after a long day. Overnight in Chiang Klang.
Hotel: Sangthong Resort
Day 18. Chiang Klang - Bo Kluea - Nan (Thailand) 149 km
We are back in Thailand, in Nan province, one of the few remote areas left in Thailand. Enjoy road R1081 south towards Bo Kluea. At Bo Kluea (salt well) we stop for lunch and visit the salt well where we will experience old traditional salt extraction. Back on the road, we continue a great windy and scenic road towards Nan, the capital of this province. For centuries Nan was a separate, autonomous Kingdom with few relationships to the outside world. Now, the city is a beautiful town with many well-preserved temples. For local bikers, the area is a treasure. Overnight in Nan.
Hotel: Namthong Nan
Day 19. Nan - Chiang Mai (Thailand) 297 km
After breakfast, we drive from Nan in a western direction. During the last day of our motorcycle tour, we cruise once again on hilly roads from Phayao to Chiang Mai. In Phayao we enjoy a nice lunch by the lake before we arrive back at Bike Tour Asia Service Center in Chiang Mai in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel and get ready for our farewell dinner. We end the day together with our new friends, sharing good riding memories and looking at some of the pictures from our adventures. We will overnight in Chiang Mai.
Hotel: Amora Tapae Hotel
Day 20. Chiang Mai, Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport (International Terminal) or stay and explore Chiang Mai and the surrounding area.
End of Tour
VISA THAILAND
Most nationalities do not require a visa to enter Thailand for a stay that does not exceed 30 days. However, it is important to note that Thailand’s immigration regulations require that passports must remain valid at least six months beyond visitors’ intended length of stay in Thailand.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Thai Immigration authorities only grant a visa-free stay of a maximum of 15 days in Thailand if tourists enter the country overland (from Burma) rather than through an international airport. Hence, after returning overland from Burma, you will only be allowed a maximum visa-free stay of 15 days in Thailand.
VISA FOR LAOS
For Laos also Visa on arrival is possible, the same as it´s in Thailand. The Visa fee on arrival for Laos is about 30 US$ for 30 days (1,200 THB). We will, of course, support you with all the paperwork at the border.
VISA FOR VIETNAM
First of all, please note that today it is irrelevant whether you refer to Vietnam.
To facilitate the issuance of visas through a Vietnamese Embassy or Permanent Mission, it is best if persons with pre-booked travel arrangements submit along with their visa application a so-called “Visa Confirmation Letter” from the tour operator in Hanoi responsible for the tour arrangements. We shall obtain the visa confirmation letter and forward it to you. The confirmation letter implies that the tour operator is responsible for you during your entire stay in Vietnam and eliminates further questioning by the Vietnamese Embassy.
Please note that Vietnamese Embassies generally do not consider the exact travel dates but simply stamp visas valid for 3 months and entitling the holder to 1 single entry into Vietnam within these 3 months. Therefore, we will forward to you the visa confirmation letter approximately 1 ½ months before the start of the tour to ensure that the validity of your visa will extend beyond the length of your stay in Vietnam. Once you have received your visa confirmation letter, you should contact the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Permanent Mission to obtain visas application forms, fill in the visa application forms in triplicate, attach one passport photo to each copy of the application form and enclose a printout copy of the visa confirmation letter with the application. Please refer to the List of diplomatic missions of Vietnam for a list of all Vietnamese Embassies, Permanent Missions, and Consulate Generals.
REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT
Due to the cumbersome logistics involved with obtaining all necessary permits and border formalities, we must impose the following conditions for registration of your participation in the tour:
- The deadline for the latest registrations is two months before the tour start
- Confirmation of your participation in the tour will only be confirmed against the payment of a 10% deposit (down payment) of the total tour price.
- First, come – first served: the date of receipt of your deposit (down payment) will determine whose participation will be confirmed first. We will not confirm participation in the tour before receipt of your deposit.
We shall guarantee the departure of the tour with a minimum of 4 bikers and shall limit the maximum size of the group to no more than 15 bikes.
With your registration for the tour, we also need the following personal data from you:
Family Name(s) – as per passport:
First Name(s) – as per passport:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
Passport Issue Date:
Passport Issue Place:
Passport Expiry Date:
Please note that to participate in this tour, you must own a valid international driver’s license for motorcycles over 500cc.
For inquiries or in case of any uncertainties, please contact us at info@bigbiketours.com.
FULL PREPAYMENT
Because we shall have to fully prepay all suppliers far in advance, we require your full prepayment of the tour (minus the deposit) by the latest two months before the tour start.
CANCELLATION FEES
Please note that the following cancellation fees apply in the case that you are obliged to cancel the reservations for the tour at the last minute:
If cancellation is received: Fee (in % of the total tour price)
60 Days to 15 Days 30% of Tour cost
30 Days to 8 Days 50% of Tour cost
14 Days or less 100% of Tour cost
We strongly recommend that you purchase individualized travel and/or medical insurance from any insurance company in your home market to prevent having to incur any unexpected medical or travel expenses.
INSURANCE – THAILAND & LAOS
The motorcycles carry compulsory third-party insurance according to Thai law but do not carry full comprehensive insurance as this is not available in Thailand for rental motorcycles. The tour participant, therefore, carries the maximum risk of 175.000 THB in case of total damage to his/her motorcycle. The participant is not liable for technical failure in the case of engine or gearbox problems nor for wear and tear.
INSURANCE – VIETNAM
The motorcycles only carry compulsory third-party insurance for Thailand – not for Vietnam as our Thai insurance company’s coverage does not extend beyond Thailand. Consequently, the participant carries full risk in case of an accident, regardless of whether the accident is caused by the tour participant or by a third party. Please bear also in mind that in the case of an accident, the adversary will most likely not be carrying any insurance coverage at all. Hence, the tour participant carries the maximum risk of 175.000 THB in case of total damage to his/her motorcycle.
OPTIONAL
Against the surcharge of 9.000 THB, we offer limited comprehensive insurance cover with a maximum liability/participation of 35.000 THB (instead of 175.000 THB) for the participant in case of damage sustained to his/her motorcycle. For minor damage, we will collect the costs for repair at the end of the tour as it is easier to handle such minor cases on the spot. Tour participants who opt for fully comprehensive insurance cover will also have to deposit 35.000 THB in cash at the beginning of the tour.
It is also important to know that the participant is liable for damage caused to his/her motorcycle in the case of an accident caused by a third person. Third-party insurance in Thailand generally only covers bodily harm caused to the third party and does not cover damage caused to the vehicle of a third party.
THAILAND CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa, and Master Card are widely accepted in Thailand. Cash payments are only accepted in Thailand’s own currency (Thai Baht). It is easy to exchange major foreign currencies into Thai Baht as there are official money changers at most tourist places. ATMs can be found almost everywhere. Please do not bring Euro cheques as these can only be cashed at major banks.
LAOS CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
The best way to Laos will be to use Thai Bath over there. In Laos, Thai Bath can use and is accepted everywhere. 1 Thai Bath is about 250 KIP. ATMs can be found almost everywhere.
VIETNAM CURRENCY / CREDIT CARDS
ATMs are not yet widespread in Vietnam, and only major hotels and sometimes upcountry accept the most common credit cards such as American Express and Visa. In many places, however, credit cards will not be accepted at all. Hence, it is useful to bring cash US Dollars, preferably also in small denominations as many shops upcountry cannot easily provide change for a 100-Dollar bill. You may also want to change some foreign currency into Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the Vietnamese only trade in their currency. When paying for something small with US Dollars, the change will most likely be rendered in Vietnamese Dong (VND). This change, in turn, can be used again for buying a drink or for small tips, etc. Bringing traveler cheques is useless as only the Vietnamese Investment, and Commercial Bank (VICB) or the Vietnamese Foreign Trade Bank (VFTB) in Saigon would trade in these through cumbersome and time-consuming procedures. However, it is now possible to change US Dollars and even Euro into local currency at most airports and many other places. We recommend changing some Vietnamese Dong (VND) already in your home country.
Tour Highlights: Mekong River, Mountains of north Laos, Battleground of Dien Bien Phu, Mountains surrounding Sapa, Vietnam´s capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Rice Terraces at Nghia Lo, Limestone Caves at Ninh Binh, Plain of Jars, Luang Prabang (World Heritage), Mountains in Nan province
Day 1. Chiang Mai, Arrival
Day 2. Chiang Mai – Chiang Khong (Thailand) 301 km
Day 3. Chiang Khong – Oudomxay (Thailand / Laos) 311 km
Day 4. Oudomxay – Muang Khua – Dien Bien Phu (Laos / Vietnam) 221 km
Day 5. Dien Bien Phu – Sapa (Vietnam) 271 km
Day 6. Rest Day in Sapa (Vietnam)
Day 7. Sapa – Ha Giang (Vietnam) 240 km
Day 8. Ha Giang – Meo Vac (Vietnam) 210 km
Day 9. Meo Vac – Ba Be Lake (Vietnam) 194 km
Day 10. Ba Be Lake – Hanoi (Vietnam) 206 km
Day 11. Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Day 12. Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Vietnam) 114 km
Day 13. Ninh Binh – Pu Mat (Vietnam) 267 km
Day 14. Pu Mat – Phonsavan (Vietnam / Laos) 269 km
Day 15. Phonsavan – Luang Prabang (Laos) 265 km
Day 16. Rest Day in Luang Prabang (Laos)
Day 17. Luang Prabang – Hongsa – Chiang Klang (Laos / Thailand) 298 km
Day 18. Chiang Klang – Bo Kluea – Nan (Thailand) 149 km
Day 19. Nan – Chiang Mai (Thailand) 297 km
Day 20. Chiang Mai, Departure
2023 Tour Starts
| 14. May – 02. June |
| 22. October – 10. November |
2024 Tour Starts
| 12. May – 31. May |
| 20. October – 08. November |
