VIETNAM

A thrilling nine-day tour to the most north-western part of Vietnam, visiting the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the world. The trip includes seven days of riding on agile Honda CRF 250 L motorcycles, along a route approximately 1,200 km long, of which about half will be off-road riding. 

After visiting Hanoi, we head toward the Red River Delta, crossing extraordinary scenery including rice terraces, imposing mountains and traditional villages. Following the Ho Chi Minh Trail, we reach the Pu Luong Natural Reserve with its forests, waterfalls and native ethnic communities. The first night of the trip we will stay in a traditional Thai stilt house. 

The program includes a stop in the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by mountains, and we then go on to the Moc Chau Plateau, famous for its tea hills and refreshing climate. On the third day, we ride up a mountain following an old abandoned French colonial road, enjoying panoramic views over the valleys and six mountain ranges. We cross the Black River on a ferry and continue on asphalt to Phu Yen. 

The following two days are mainly dedicated to off-road riding on secondary roads, with trails, single tracks, fords, suspension bridges, mule tracks and jungle paths. We meet the Dao, Thai and H’mong groups, renowned for their artisanal skills in the making of fabrics and wood carvings. The adventure continues on the paths of the Mu Cang Chai Valley, where we immerse ourselves in the area’s natural beauty.

We continue our trip along secondary roads leading to the Xuan Nha Natural Reserve, with its waterfalls, forests and canyons.

On the last day we will cross the Pu Bin and Pu Luong natural reserve, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, and have a short stop in the cities of Phu Vinh and Phu Cuong, famous for their iconic sugar cane plantations and orange groves. Return to Hanoi and return flight.

Climate

In this period, Vietnam’s climate is humid with day temperatures around 20-25 °C: They can vary dramatically depending on the altitude, which on this trip reaches 1,800 meters. At night, temperatures can be as low as 15 °C.

Honda CRF 250 L

• Displacement | 249 cc
• Power | 24,7 cv (18,2 kW) @ 8.500 RPM
• Torque | (22,6 Nm) @ 6.750 RPM
• Dry weight | 134 kg
• Saddle height | 850 mm

The Honda CRF 250 L is a lightweight off-road motorcycle equipped with on-/off-road tires suited to any terrain. It is an easy-riding motorcycle, with a very smooth engine that facilitates riding in low-grip conditions.

The motorcycle will be equipped with a Dainese watertight bag (19 l) included in the kit, for the storage of personal items.

WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?

This Experience is designed for riders with good off-road riding skills. The roads are partly paved, but we will have to ride on gravel and dirt tracks and cross a few small fords. In the event of logistical issues or particularly severe weather conditions (strong wind or heavy rain), the organization reserves the right to modify the itinerary in the road-book if riding some sections proves to be too challenging. Participants must therefore be ready to face demanding situations in the saddle of their motorcycle. 

In the event of difficulties, participants will be able to count on the support of expert guides, who will provide useful tips on improving riding technique and having as much fun as possible in complete safety, even in the toughest conditions. 

It is not possible to participate in pairs. It is not possible to travel on the assistance vehicle.

THE RIDER’S PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES: 

7,490 euros per rider

• Use of Honda CRF 250 L motorcycle (refueling included)
• Dainese clothing kit, specially designed for the trip (value approx. €3,000), which the participant will be able to keep at the end of the trip.
• 8-night stay in 4/-5-star hotel in a double room.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• 2 tour leaders on motorbikes
• Local guide
• 4x4 assistance vehicle to transport luggage
• Mechanical assistance (2 mechanics + spare parts)
• Medical assistance 
• Photo shoot (professional photographer).
• Medical and trip cancellation insurance.
• Travel documents.
• Entrance to the National Parks
• Entrance to the Monuments
• Hanoi guided tour
• Off-road riding training
• Private transfer between airport and hotel
• Road-book

Motorcycle insurance: 

A local Civil Liability (RC) insurance policy is taken out and included in the travel package.

Any limitations to the insurance coverage will be communicated at the time the policy is activated or together with the contractual documents.

Damage from wear and scratches due to off-road use will not be considered. 

Supplements

Single room: €450.00 (subject to availability).

Before the departure of the tour the Organizer reserves the right to charge the single room supplement, if there is no participant available to share the previously booked double room.

THE PARTICIPATION FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Round trip flight (Hanoi-Hanoi) 
• Anything not explicitly indicated in the section “The participation fee includes”.

Participation in the trip is subject to selection by the Experience Team.

To participate, you must fill out the form that appears after clicking “Participate in the Expedition”. Once the participation requirements have been verified, and only after receiving written confirmation from the Experience Team, the participant will be contacted by the FAST ATPI Tour Operator, the trip organizer, to complete registration.

Number of participants: min 10, max 16 motorcycles.

The Organizer reserves the right to confirm or cancel the trip if the required number of participants is not met. We therefore recommend including cancellation insurance for the flight.

Registration deadline: while places last. Participants are required to confirm their attendance 90 days before departure.

Payment methods. Withdrawal and penalties.

Once the required deposit of €3,000 has been paid, the FAST ATPI Tour Operator will send the participant the participation contract with all the details for the payment of the balance, which must be made no later than 75 days before departure. 

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the deposit will be refunded in full.

After paying the balance, in case of cancellation, the deductibles stipulated by the cancellation insurance included in the package will apply.

For more information regarding the cancellation policy, please contact the travel agency (Tour Operator FAST ATPI, Ref. Karin Costa, E: karin.costa@atpi.com, T: +39 0544 30040 ext. 1).

• Passport with residual validity of at least 6 months
• International driving license, to be requested from the AAA (issuing time approx. 30 days)
• Visa: Italian citizens do not require a visa for stays shorter than 15 days. International citizens are recommended to enquire with their local authorities.
• No mandatory travel vaccinations. Recommended: Tetanus, typhoid-cholera, hepatitis A