Much has been said and written about the Northwestern route, from Lao Cai via Dien bien phu to Ha noi.. But what about the northeastern part, from friendship pass to Lao cai?
Anybody has cycled there, and can tell us if it's worth?
I guess there are guesthouses and restaurants on the way?
Or is it quite similar to the northwest?
Does anybody know how long does it take for a Vietnam Visa in Nanning (usual, not express), and how much it is?
The boarder is open 24 hours?
Thanks for help
Bill Weir has cycled this area. He has written it up on Crazyguy.
I've ridden a couple of days out of Lao Cai in that direction and remember big hills and fairly remote country.
You used to need a permit (easy to get) to travel through that area, not sure if still do.
The spectacular limestone mountains of far north Vietnam are great riding and very different culturally and scenically from the northwest. The rest of the northeast is good riding too. I always found accommodations easily. I recommend all these regions for cycling. For the north and northeast, my practical notes and travelogue will be useful, see www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/AsianJourney</a>.
We went there in 09' so may be a bit old, but it may help you out.
[www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/asia1]
The town of Cai Rong was our favourite. I'd been there twice and you can catch a boat to the islands, and then carry on to Halong by just paying local prices.
Hotel n the foreshore for $20
Edited by: onrrbike
The far north (Bac Kan-Meo Vac-Ha Giang) is hilly with very steep climbs (2000 m of climbing per 100 km). The road is tared, with quite a bit of rough patches and potholes north of Na Young.The limestone formations are nice, although I wouldn't call them spectacular. I saw or stayed in hotels in Bac Kan, Bao Lac, Meo Vac, Yen Minh, Vi Xuyen and Lao Cai (7 to 15 Eur), and 2 times I managed to wild camp, even it's difficult to find a good camping spot. You'll need a permit for Meo Vac area - can get it in hotels in Meo Vac and costs 11 eur.