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West to East Biking Exploration Tour
Highlight: Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Ban Ho Village - Trung Do Village -Coc Ly - Bac Ha- Xin Man - Hoang Shu Phi - Ha Giang - Bac Me - Bao Lac - Tinh Tuc - Ba Be Lake - Cho Ra - Hanoi

Why Cycling with us


''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd. offers affordable tours, great service, and fantastic routes. Our trips are fun, exciting, challenging and rewarding for experienced touring cyclists.


Affordable

We have worked hard to keep the price of the tours affordable while still maintaining quality. We have structured our tours to provide the essentials without the fluff. This means the hotels are tidy and comfortable without being extravagant. The restaurants are chosen based on good, clean food, not costly furnishings. 


Experienced Staff

We have young, helpful, well training first aid, experienced cycling guides out there on the road to provide repair assistance, translation help or encouragement.


Support Vehicle

We can supply a support vehicle to provide refreshments, mechanical assistance and carry sagging riders when they have had enough. And for those who wish to have their luggage transported, an undeniable indulgence, we offer luggage transfer.


No Camping or Cooking

''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' features bicycle tours that do not require any camping, cooking, or cleaning up afterward. You'll sleep in a bed every night, and you'll eat in restaurants for most of your meals. This means that you'll have more time to explore your surroundings! And the flexible structure of our rides will allow you to ride at your own pace.


Our tours are graded for varying abilities of cyclists: easy, moderately difficult, strenuous and Demanding. The routes explore this fascinating nation in ways unparalleled with any other way of travel. You can have an intimate experience with this once closed and forbidden country, able to stop and smell the roses, watch rice being planted or take photos along the way. While we encourage camaraderie among our guests, we do not hold anyone back from riding at the speed and in the style that is most comfortable.


''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd ''trips begin and end in major cities in Vietnam , Cambodia and/or countries around allowing connections from around the world, but we spend most of our time in Vietnam's, Cambodia's countryside, cycling through and spending nights in villages and small towns. It is here that one can really see the soul of Vietnam and Cambodia. Open, friendly, and very curious, the Vietnamese and Cambodian make foreigners feel that they are celebrities.


The mission of ''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' is to provide a memorable, affordable cycling adventure in Vietnam ,Cambodia and/or countries around There are many reasons that you should cycling with us:


We use the Internet

Offering our tours on the Internet is a prime example of our efforts to keep costs down. This allows us to become more efficient in a number of ways. First, there is advertising. We don't produce slick, full-color, glossy brochures, which saves you money. Our correspondence costs are significantly lower because we use e-mail rather than a postal system or telephone company. This means that we can pass significant savings on to you. 

We live in Vietnam , Cambodia And/or Country Around

We live in Vietnam , Cambodia and/or countries around, rather than some where around the world, so you don’t have to pay for our airfare to Vietnam ,Cambodia and/or countries around as part of your tour. In addition, our living expenses in Vietnam and Cambodia are about one-third those of living in the EUROPE or US - these lower required costs also help to keep our rates low for you.

We don’t sacrifice Quality

As bicycle travelers with many years of touring experience, we consider money to be a scarce resource, and we try to provide the best value. We evaluate the quality of a bicycle touring experience by the experiences of the road, rather than the bellhop, chandelier or maitre d’. This means that we choose clean, economical Vietnamese hotels before Holiday Inns or Best Westerns. We choose clean restaurants with quality food rather than those with expensive decorations. What this means to you is that you will enjoy the excitement and thrill of exploring a strange culture by bicycle without spending your life savings on all of the glitter that would actually distance you from the real Vietnam , Cambodia and/or countries around. 

Bicycling tours in Vietnam , Cambodia and/or Country Around are our advantage business

We know Vietnam , Cambodia and/or countries around well - it is the only country in which we conduct tours and we do advantage bicycle tours. While we have bicycled all over the globe in many extraordinary places, we believe that Vietnam and Cambodia offers some of the best cycling in the world. We have spent months at a time exploring this vast and amazing country by bicycle, and we have selected for you those experiences that appeal to us as cyclists. If you would like to combine your bicycle touring with some conventional sightseeing, we will be more than happy to refer you to other sources, but we will be spending our time cycling.

we are local tour operator in Vietnam , Cambodia an/or Country Around

We are local tour operator, it means we operate biking tour by ourselves. So we can guarantee in term of information that we provide to our clients as well as the qualities of the service. We are different with many travel agent, who are only sell tour and then do nothing but get profit and send their customers to another local agent. In that case, their clients have to pay double: one time for travel agent in your country and one more time for local travel agent. So please cut off the middle man and book directly with local.

Detailed Itinerary

West to East Biking Exploration Tour

 

Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi city tour & Night train to to Lao Cai
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Biking Ban Ho Village - Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Suoi Ho Village - Ban Khoang Village - Ta Giang Phin Village - Ban Seo Village - Lao Cai
Day 5: Lao Cai - Trung Do Village
Day 6: Trung Do Village - Coc Ly - Bac Ha
Day 7: Bac Ha - Xin Man
Day 8: Xin Man - Hoang Shu Phi - Ha Giang
Day 9: Ha Giang - Bac Me - Bao Lac
Day 10: Bao Lac - Tinh Tuc - Ba Be Lake
Day 11: Ba Be Lake - Cho Ra - Hanoi
Day 12: Departure

Set Departures West to East Biking Exploration Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi International Airport. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel downtown Hanoi. The remainder of day is free at leisure to explore Hanoi by yourself. In the evening we will take a welcome dinner at local restaurant with Vietnamese delicacies. Overnight in Hanoi.
Summary:
The transfer:  50min
Overnight:  hotel in Hanoi
Meals:   welcome dinner with Vietnamese cuisine in local restaurant

Day 2: Hanoi city tour & Night train to to Lao Cai
After breakfast we will begin our city tour of Hanoi. At first, we will visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the ?Uncle Ho? house. After that we head to the unique One Stilt Pagoda, which date from one thousand year ago. Continue to the Hanoi?s famous Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam founded in 1070. The highlight of this cultural, historical site is the garden of stelae where you find 82 stone stelae bearing names, places of birth and achievements of men who received doctorates in each triennial examination from 1442; each stelae sits on a stone tortoise. Lunch in local restaurant before heading to the Old Quarter for a relaxing cyclo tour through the ancient part of Hanoi. 

After the cyclo tour we will drive to the Museum of Ethnology, which is quite away from the central Hanoi. It features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. On our trip we will meet some tribal groups ? now it is time to learn about them.

Drive back to hotel to take shower. Free time until we get on the night train to Lao Cai around 10pm.
 Cyclo is three wheeled rickshaws, operated by pedal-power, with a seat attached to the front.
Summary:
The city tour:  full-day guided city tour
Overnight:  on the train
Meals:   Breakfast & lunch
The night train:  Sleeper cabin with 04 soft berths.

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Biking Ban Ho Village - Sapa
Once we arrive in Lao Cai we get a transfer around 1hr to our hotel in Sapa. After checking in, freshening up and a light breakfast we will get our bikes together with a wonderful day’s biking though the Sapa Valley. At first on a dirt road then on single-track path. We will descent to Ban Ho village, home to Tay people. We will bike beside the main river, on a fast undulating route to Nam Toong, a village of Red Dzao people. Picnic lunch on the way before continuing to My Son, a village populated by Xafo people, one of the smallest ethnic group in Vietnam. We return to Sapa by a jeep ride. Dine at local restaurant and overnight in hotel.
Summary
Transfer: 38 km from Lao Cai to Sapa
Biking: 32 km/descend 12 km/ascend 1 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sapa - Suoi Ho Village - Ban Khoang Village - Ta Giang Phin Village - Ban Seo Village - Lao Cai
After breakfast in the hotel we will begin the ride around 8.30am, directly from Sapa and straight away we are flying along on a 38km stretch involving a challenging climb at first and then a spectacular, fast flowing downhill to join a remote jeep track. We will meet up for picnic lunch at lower downhill. The jeep track climbs at first then provide a fast descent before we hit a short section of paved road that leads to Lao Cai Town. This is a long and challenging day with one short section where we might have to carry our bikes. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.
Summary
Biking: 85 km/descend 28 km/ascend 8 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Lao Cai Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Support vehicle: Jeep

Day 5: Lao Cai - Trung Do Village
After breakfast in the hotel we have few hour in the morning for shopping. We will begin the ride around 10am, directly from Lao Cai and straight away we are flying along on a 38km stretch involving some small climbs at first and then a spectacular, fast flowing downhill all the way into Lao Cai town. Lunch before we begin our ride in the afternoon, 55km to Trung Do, a beautiful village of Tay people located on the bank of Chay River. From Lao Cai to Trung Do we take a short ride along the Chinese border before jumping into road 70 for about 2hrs. The last 10km we ride on beautiful country road and bumpy dirt path to reach Trung Do Village. Tonight we will stay overnight with a Tay family. While we enjoy our pre-dinner drink with the family, our local guide will cook a great dinner for us. Dinner and overnight in the local house.
Summary:
The biking: 95km. 20km of descent
Hotel:  homestay in village
Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: 01 local guide and support vehicle

Day 6: Trung Do Village - Coc Ly - Bac Ha
Early rising for breakfast and goodbye the hosts to board a long boat and transfer for around 1.5 hr along a stunning Yangtse-style river ride, though a high cliff gorge. The boat trip takes us to Coc Ly where the Dao, Tay and H?mong people gather for a market day on Tuesday every week.

We will begin our ride in Coc Ly and we will cover 60km of remote jeep track and challenging climb. At first we ride on a bumpy jeep track along the Chay River and then we turn off the road onto a steep climb up to Bac Ha. There is always an option to take the support bus if you do not feel like riding. Late lunch in our hotel in Bac Ha. The remainder of the day is free at leisure or take a relaxing ride for around 1.5 hr around the quiet town of Bac Ha through some tribal villages and a visit to the palace of H?mong King. Dine in local restaurant and overnight in hotel.

* It would be great if we could plan our trip to get to Coc Ly market on Tuesday. The market is so primitive and colorful.
Summary:
Boat trip: 1.5hr
The biking: 65km. 4km of descent and 25km of ascent
Hotel:  hotel in Bac Ha
Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: 01 local guide and support vehicle

Day 7: Bac Ha - Xin Man
Breakfast in the hotel and begin our ride directly from our hotel. Today we will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first we tackle a steady climb of 6km on good paved road but then turn into short section of jeep track. After around 3-hr riding we will have a picnic lunch wherever we find  good for that. After lunch we continue riding to Xin Man, a small and busy town near Chinese border. Xin Man is around 75 km from Bac Ha and the biking in the afternoon is not less challenging than the one in the morning. We will climb for the first hour or so up to a plateau at 2500m, where we have fantastic view before hitting rough paved road for a steady descent into Xin Man. During the biking we will have regular stop for break, snack and taking photo. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Summary:
The biking: 55km. 4km of descent and 15km of ascent
Hotel:  hotel in Xin Man
Meals:  breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: support vehicle

Day 8: Xin Man - Hoang Shu Phi - Ha Giang
Today we take a gentle ride covering 90km from Xin Man to Viet Quang Town. The ride takes us down to a bridge over the main river and for the next 40km we ride along a quiet road that gently climbs and follows the river upstream to Hoang Shu Phi, a quiet town at 1000m. Have a break in town for snack and refreshment then continue with downhill quiet road 60km to Viet Quang. We will have a late light lunch in Viet Quang Town then take a bus transfer to Ha Giang Town, the capital of Ha Giang Province which is the final frontier in northern Vietnam, a lunar landscape of limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops. Dinner and overnight in Ha Giang Town.
Summary:
Transfer:  45km from Bac Quang to Ha Giang
The biking: 90km. 30km of descent and 10km of ascent
Hotel:  hotel in Ha Giang
Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: support vehicle

Day 9: Ha Giang - Bac Me - Bao Lac
Today the ride is mostly road based. At first we tackle 12 km climbs and then it is an undulating, idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills. Around noon time we will reach Bac Me Town where we will have lunch in local restaurant. After lunch we will continue riding to Bao Lac. The long and gentle section in the afternoon can be done partly by biking and partly by driving. We may ride around 35km on quiet road then take a drive to Bao Lac Town where we stay overnight in a simple guest house. Dinner in town.
Summary:
Transfer:  35km from mid way to Bao Lac
The biking: 95km. 8km of descent and 10km of ascent
Hotel:  guesthouse in Bao Lac (no AC but hot water)
Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: support vehicle

Day 10: Bao Lac - Tinh Tuc - Ba Be Lake
Having a relaxing breakfast and then we leave the town around 9am. Today we will enjoy the last ride of our trip. We start with a climb 6km, followed by an undulating quiet road though scenic villages. We will have snack break on the way and have late light lunch in the small town of Nguyen Binh. After the lunch we will take a relaxing drive to Ba Be National Park. We will stay  overnight in the beautiful village of Pac Ngoi, which is home to Tay people who live on Ba Be Lake in stilt house. Our hosts will cook us a great dinner and we will have a great time talking with the friendly hosts.
Summary:
Transfer:  90km from Nguyen Binh to Ba Be
The biking: 95km. 8km of descent and 10km of ascent
Hotel:  homestay in Ba Be
Meals:  breakfast, lunch, dinner & snack
Support crew: support vehicle

Day 11: Ba Be Lake - Cho Ra - Hanoi
Today we have a relaxing and peaceful day. After the breakfast we say goodbye to the hosts and take a short walk through the village. We will board a long boat for a fantastic boat trip on the stunning Ba Be Lake. This lake is one of the country?s largest natural lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfall, caves and an abundance of wildlife. The interesting boat trip lasts around 1.5hr and we will ride along the Nang River to reach Cho Ra Town. Drive 5hr back to Hanoi with a lunch stop on the way. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi.
Summary:
Boat trip: 1.5hr
Transfer:  190km from Cho Ra to Hanoi
Hotel:  hotel in Hanoi
Meals:  breakfast, lunch

Day 12: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home. Trip ends.           
Summary:
Transfer:  50min from hotel to the airport
Hotel:  hotel in Hanoi
Meals:  breakfast

Departure & Price

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and time of travel. An indication of the cost for this itinerary is between US$1679 -US$2218 per person based on four people travelling in high season.


We act responsibility by contributing to local communities, ensuring we work with reliable suppliers and paying our staff and guides a fair wage, so that you, the traveler, can sit back and enjoy your holiday in the knowledge that you have booked through a well established, professional, reputable and responsible tour operator. For more information about us please click here.


Our teams are well trained, bursting with information and eager to help put together a customized quote for you so please enquire here.

INCLUDING
 * English Speaking tour leader (other languages upon requests)
 * All accommodations base on twin-share at hotel, guesthouse and Home stay.etc…
 * Meals detailed in the itinerary (B = Breakfast , L = Lunches ,D = Dinners)
 * A/C transfers and transportation.
 * Boat trip mention in itinerary
 * Sightseeing excursions as outlined in itinerary
 * Train Ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai
 * Pump, bike tools, spares tubes.
 * Spare bike
 * Mineral water drinking.
 * Seasonal fruits.
 * Snacks

NOT INCLUDING
 
* International airfares
 * Travel insurance and bike helmet (compulsory)
 * Items of a personal nature
 * Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
 * Mineral water beyond that supplied
 
* Single Supplement
 * Optional excursions
 * Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
 * Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
 
* Mountain bicycle (Bike Hire US$20/per day)
 * Visa fees
 * Departure taxes
 * Tipping for guiding

Get lost in so many choices? Let's make it easier!
Fill out the form below to tell us your interests, your schedule and people in your group to Vietnam and/or countries around. Your private travel consultant in '' Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' will contact you within 0.5 - 23.5 hours to give you a proposal including a tentative itinerary tailor-made for you and the most competitive price GTT can offer. Not all information is necessary in this form, but the more you tell us, the better we can serve you.

HOW TO BOOK

Send inquiry to Asian Trail Tours

Get reply from your private travel consultant

Optimize itinerary according to your needs

Confirm itinerary then pay 30% deposit

Make final payment

Take off with GTT tour voucher and travel guide

Enjoy your vacation!

 

We turn what you have in mind into fabulous experience!
You might have decided a specific plan to visit Vietnam and countries around. Now, you need a trustworthy tour operator to review, optimize and carry out this plan. As a tailor-made tour operator specializing in Vietnam and countries of Indochina (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos
and/or countries around), we are confident that '' Asian Trail Tours is one of the online travel portals market, which is operated by the team of professional travel consultants at Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' will be your best choice. Because no other company puts more efforts in every detail of your personal requirement than we do. Our service guarantees not only a smooth journey but also an enjoyable experience belonging to you and yours. (more about us)

Bellows are all up to you.

 

1. private service.

2. personalized travel schedule.

3. Tailor-made destinations & itinerary.

4. Visit some places in a certain city per your request.

5. Experience something special.

6. When and where to start your travel.

7. When and where to end your travel.

8. The length of your tour.

9. Accommodations in which you wish to stay.

10. Transport you like.

11. Ramble by yourself or have a local tour guide.

12. Decide the number of people in your travel group.

 

Besides, we also do.

 

1. GTT's careful and full-of-surprise service.

2. International flights booking.

3. Domestic flights booking.

4. Visa application.

5. Optimizing your itinerary.

6. Quick response within 0.5-23.5 hours.

7. Modifying your tour to fit your personal taste before you actually making the final purchase.

8. Specific single service at reasonable price.

 

Package 1 pax 2 - 3 pax 4 - 6 pax Over 7
West to East Biking Exploration Tour $ $ $ $ Book now !

Before you go

BEFORE YOU GO ON CYCLING TRIP VIETNAM - CAMBODIA AND/OR COUNTRY AROUND


Check your passport
It is a standard requirement for entry into any country in the world that you have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you complete your travels. If your passport has only a few months' validity or only a few pages remaining, you should to apply for a new one before you start your trip. If you need to apply for a new passport, make sure you can get it before your travel date. In most parts of Vietnam, Laos ,Cambodia and/or countries around you will have to show your passport when checking in to hotels and resorts, buying airline tickets, changing airline date or changing money.

Make a copy
Cycling thought Vietnam, Cambodia and/or countries around, we are highly recommended that you make a note of your passport details: passport number, visa number and place and date of issue of both, or even better, take a photocopy. Keep this information separate from your passport. If you lose your passport you must report it at once to your local Guide or Tour Leader, the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate of your country.

Visas
Most travelers to Vietnam need to apply for a visa. ''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' help you arrange it.

A Vietnamese entry visa is required for all foreigners wishing to visit Vietnam except for citizens of countries with visa exemption agreements who may stay up to 30 days without a visa. Exempted countries include most Asean countries, Korea, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. All other citizens are required to get an entry visa before arrival or a pre-approved entry visa (a visa that is issued on arrival at Vietnam’s international airports but which must be arranged before arrival in Vietnam).

Visa Services
There are two ways to apply for your visa to Vietnam:

First: Apply by yourself at the embassy or consulate of Vietnam in your country or to any one of the Vietnam embassies and consulates around the world.
Documents needed: Passport of six months’ validity, visa application forms, and any other documents requested by the particular embassy or consulate. Visa forms are available directly at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country or by sending the embassy or consulate a stamped, self-addressed envelope addressed to the Visa Section. Fees vary between embassies. It will take 4 to 10 days depending on your country of origin.

Second: Get your visa instantly by using ''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd ''
In the event that there is no Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country, or you just want to make Vietnam part of a multi-destination trip, then we recommend Visa on Arrival as your best option.
This is most likely the easiest way to obtain your visa without having to chase down embassies, consulates and the like prior to your trip, and is a valid alternative when applying for a tourist visa. The entry visa will be stamped on your passport as you pass through our immigration checkpoint at the airport. Though valid for thirty days, it can be extended once you enter Viet Nam. With this type of visa, you only can enter the country by air.
This is where the service at ''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' comes to the fore. We are one of best travel agencies to offer this kind of service, whereby we will obtain what is called an “Approval Letter” for you from the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi. After we obtain the approval for you, we will forward you a copy by fax or email. Copies of the same document will be forwarded on your behalf to Vietnam immigration checkpoints at International Airports, so that when you arrive in Vietnam, the immigration officers will have those documents on hand and will be able to issue your entry visa expediently. For further information please click here...

Travel Documents & Vouchers
When you book a tour you will be issued with a Confirmation Invoice. Please ensure that all the services which you have booked and paid for are shown on your travel documents and that all names have been spelled correctly. If you have booked additional services like extra nights' accommodation, transfers or excursions, please make sure that these are shown on your Confirmation Invoice and that you have been issued with a voucher for these services. (please contact to the sales agent for your service voucher)

Money

Currency Exchange
There are a wide variety of different ways that you can obtain or carry money overseas, including credit cards, ATM cards and cash. Traveller's cheques are a useful back-up which are popular for security reasons. Foreign currencies and tourist Traveller's cheques can be exchanged into Vietnamese Dong or Cambodian rail at all banks or foreign exchange agencies in most City in Vietnam and Cambodia. Credit cards are popularly used, especially in cities and big tourist centers. Before leave Vietnam Cambodia , Vietnamese dong or Cambodian Riel can be changed into foreign currencies at the airport.
Do carry some cash – a small amount is often useful in more remote regions. It is a good idea to obtain a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival as this can be very useful for any immediate expenses. If you can’t obtain currency in advance, you will usually find banking services in the Arrivals Hall of the airport, port or border post, though these won’t necessarily be open 24 hours a day.
You should try to carry at least some of your money in small denominations so that you can change only the amount you will actually need. US dollars are widely accepted in all city of Vietnam ,Cambodia and/or countries around. This is particularly important near the end of your holiday as it is sometimes difficult to change back surplus local currency.

Safety
By choosing to cycling with ''Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' you can be sure that your safety and well-being is our prime concern. Over the years we have built up a network of local offices, and local staffs enable us to maintain constant contact with events on the ground in each of our destinations, and to ensure that every aspect of your tour runs as smoothly as possible.
If you find yourself worrying far too much about all the terrible things that might happen to you while traveling in Vietnam and Cambodia, remember that generally Vietnam and Cambodia cycling travel is safe and group travel even more so. If you would like us and advice please feel free to contact at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Insurance
Our tour prices do not include insurance. However, it is a condition of joining our tours that travelers are fully insured for any medical expenses they might incur while traveling. At the start of your tour the Tour Guide will ask to see your insurance documents and will note down the policy number and emergency contact number.
Travel insurance is compulsory for any participant. It is advised that all travelers should have travel insurance covered before your departure. This will be really helpful in case of medical emergency evacuation. It is with go safe. The travel insurance will cover against Hospital and Medical expenses, the cover relates to expenses as a consequence of accidents occurring to the bearer during the period of Insurance and/or unforeseen illnesses which arise during that period as well.

Entrance Fees
Concessions are available on some entrance fees for holders of some student and youth cards. If you have a card, or are entitled to one, you should bring it along so you can take advantage of any discounts.

Health & Medical

Vaccinations
Vaccinations are officially required by the Vietnamese authorities, however immunization against cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis is advised. Please consult your doctors for further medical advice. Also plan to bring mosquito repellent. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and slacks from dusk onward and avoiding perfume is also recommended. In addition to an ample supply of any prescription drugs you are taking (and a prescription which can be filled in case your pills go missing) bring medicines for: Headaches, diarrhea, constipation, insect bites, sore throats, eye drops, cuts, etc. Medical standards outside Hanoi and Saigon, Siemreap and Luangprabang are lower that those found in western countries.

Personal Medical Kits
It is up to you to bring along a personal supply of basic medical items like plasters, aspirin, insect repellent etc. In areas of limited or suspect medical facilities, some travellers also like to take their own emergency medical kit which can be used by the local medical staff in case of accident or illness. Our cycling Tour Leaders carry a comprehensive First Aid Kit (including a sterile pack) for emergencies, but do not dispense medicines.

Existing Medical Conditions
All persons joining our tours are assumed to be in good health and to have a sufficient level of fitness to complete their chosen itinerary. If you have an existing medical condition or disability you must make this known at the time of booking. If accepted on the tour, you must also make your condition known to the cycling Tour Leader.

What to Pack

Travel Light
The first thing to remember when you are packing for your trip is that your airline baggage allowance is almost certainly going to be no more than 20kg. The next thing to remember is that apart from a few occasions when hotel porters will take your bags from the hotel out to a tour bus, you will have to carry your own luggage.

Luggage
For ease of use, the best type of bag to bring is a backpack or a hold all, preferably with some sort of shoulder strap. This type of bag tends to be less bulky and easier to handle than rigid suitcases. Wheeled suitcases might be useful for airport concourses, but not for anywhere else.

In addition to your main bag, we also recommend that you bring:
A smaller day pack for items like camera, water, sun cream, hat, etc.
A money belt or waist pouch (bum bag) for your travel documents and money.
Your luggage, bags and personal belongings are your own responsibility at all times.

Luggage Requirements checklist
As a guideline we have compiled a list of things that you might need on tour. Naturally you will have your own ideas so please remember that with the exception of The Essentials these lists are only intended as a guide and you should choose which items you wish to bring.
-Passport
-Money
Keep a note of the emergency contact number for your Visa or ATM card, and the serial numbers of any traveller's cheques, if used.
-Travel insurance
-Take a photocopy of your policy with you and make sure you leave a photocopy at home.
-Airline ticket
-Travel documents / service vouchers
-Comfortable clothing for cycling allowing your legs to move freely
-Helmet
-Cycling gloves
-Stiff soled cycling shoes
-Insulated water bottle
-Waterproof jacket (rain is always possible in South East Asia)
-Spare inner tube
-A Bike (please see below for more details)
-Front and rear bike lights
-Cycling Water bottle
-Money belt or pouch
-Torch and batteries
-Personal washing / shaving kit
-Camera and film / memory cards
-Sunglasses
-Swiss Army Knife / Leather-man
-Lightweight wind / waterproof jacket

 Medical / Personal
-Insect repellent
-Sun cream or sunblock
-Lip balm
-Moisturizer / After Sun lotion
-Personal medical supplies
 Aspirin, paracetamol, plasters, bandage, safety pins, antiseptic cream, diarrhea tablets, tampons, etc. Our Cycling Tour Leaders carry comprehensive First Aid Kits but these are for emergency use only.
-Antihistamine / insect bite cream
-Dehydration solution
-Personal medication
If you are taking any medication or have a condition that needs specific medicines (e.g. asthma) you must take all necessary medicines with you. You must also inform your Cycling Tour Leader of your condition at the start of your tour.

Clothing
As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, hard-wearing and easily washed. Almost everyone brings too many clothes so try to travel as light as possible.
you should not forget that special cycling clothes and shoes are not easy available in Vietnam, Cambodia and/or countries around. You may want to bring SPD shoes or sandals with overshoes. You will be not able to buy specialized cycling clothes during your journey in Vietnam, Cambodia and maybe in some Asian cities (Bangkok, Hong Kong, Penang) but don't count on it. Shoes can be outside the western world a problem since the sizes are limited. If you have big feet, buy your shoes at home.

Our Bikes
We generally use TREK mountain bikes as they have high quality, durable pieces of equipment. However, we also use others kind of bike depending on the grade of the tours and places. Please be advised  that a certain frame model is not guaranteed.

We prefer the Trek mountain bike as it has been special designed to deal with different types of road and riding.  Even on a our road trips, the asphalt can often be broken or potholed, and there are usually unsurpassed sections included, so mountain bikes are the most suitable. The bike has 24 and 27 gears, which you can change easily when padding up hill or down trails.

As the case of soft cycling in the country side, where the road is paved and flat, we general use simple Japanese pushed bikes.

Bike Sizes
We provide mountain bikes on all our tours (except Tibet). Available sizes are 15"(38cm), 17"(43cm), 19"(48cm), and 21"(53cm). If you normally ride a mountain bike you simply need to tell us its size. If you are not sure, have a look at the table below for our suggestions. If in doubt it may be a good idea to visit a bike shop and try a few mountain bikes to find a comfortable size.
HeightBike Size
less than 1.62m (5'4")15"
1.62m (5'4") - 1.80m (5'11")17"
1.80m (5'11") - 1.88m (6'2")19"
Over 1.88m (6'2")21"

Photography

Special Permits
Occasionally some historical sites have a charge for taking your camera on site, and others prohibit cameras altogether. Often flash photography is prohibited (even if you have bought a permit). Rules for video cameras are usually more restrictive than for still cameras. Video cameras must be declared to customs on arrival in many countries and special permits are often necessary for use at historical sites.
Film & Digital
Film may not always be available locally and can be of variable quality, so you should bring plenty with you. If you use digital, ensure you have an adequate supply of memory cards. Many internet cafés or photo shops can burn memory cards onto CD, but do not delete any images from the card until you have seen the CD on a different computer. Take spare batteries, especially if they are of an unusual size. Two sets of rechargeable are best so one set is always full. Don't forget to take the charger as well as a travel plug adapter.
Emergency Contact
If someone needs to contact you while you are on tour, the best method is for them to contact your sale agent, who can then pass on a message. If your sale agent is closed and someone needs to make contact with you urgently, they should telephone our hotline in the tour operation department in ''Asian Trail Tours is one of the online travel portals which is operated by the team of professional travel consultants at Green Trail Tours Co., Ltd '' . Emergency Contact details are shown in each service voucher. We recommend that you leave a copy of your Trip and Service Voucher and details of your booking agent with someone at home.
Phoning Hotels
We do not recommend that you ask friends and relatives to contact you by phoning tour hotels. Receptions are often manned by non-English speaking staff and it is highly unlikely that the person answering the phone would be able to locate you. In addition it is also not possible to give out details of hotels before the tour starts (except for the Meeting Point hotel) as these may be subject to change.
Email
The internet is everywhere, Vietnamese people adopted it massively. E-mailing and chat gather several thousands of people in the Internet Cafes now equipped with ADSL, which is convenient when we use vocal chat and webcam. Using the internet in Vietnam is cheap, about 3000-4000 dong / hour depending on the place where you go.
Mobile Phones
You can use your own cell phone if you come from a European, Asian country or Australia (GSM 900/1800). If it isn’t yet unlocked, it’s going to be easy to do it here. For those who come from USA or Japan, you will need to buy a new cell phone.

Three telecom companies are sharing the market, Vinaphone, Mobiphone and Viettel. They propose prepaid cards and pay as you call solutions (You receive a bill at the end of the month). But whatever solution you pick, you will need to get a SIM card (your telephone number), about 300.000 VND.

Cell phone shops can be found very easily everywhere in Vietnam and/or countries around, even in the most remote part of the country.