After a hearty breakfast, we begin our ride directly from the hotel, gently undulating through town for a few kilometers before leaving the urban area behind. The route then leads us past lush tea plantations and steadily climbs uphill toward Tram Ton Pass—also known as Heaven’s Gate—the highest mountain pass in northern Vietnam.

At the summit, we pause for a half-hour coffee break to take in the breathtaking panoramic views over the Muong Hoa Valley and the dense jungles cascading down toward Binh Lu. From here, a thrilling descent carries us into Tam Duong township, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, we venture 25 km off the beaten track on a combination of dirt trails and gravel roads that weave through scenic rice terraces, jungles, and streams. This segment takes us deep into the countryside, visiting remote villages like Na Hum and Ban Hon.

The ride offers rich cultural encounters, with stops to visit ethnic minority homes along the way and admire the natural beauty of the valleys. One highlight is a visit to a community village of the Lu people, also home to a few Black Mong families. Here, we’ll interact with locals, observe their daily lives, and explore a collection of original wooden stilt houses that have been preserved for generations.

You’ll have the chance to witness traditional Lu weaving techniques and learn how families store and preserve their agricultural products between harvests.

Our adventure continues through verdant farmlands, where water buffalo work the fields and the rural landscape unfolds in vivid green. We arrive in Lai Chau city by late afternoon and check in at our hotel to rest and reflect on the day’s journey.