Essential Information - Vietnam N.E

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page. 

Tour status definitions: 

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

🚐 Support Vehicle – Full vehicle support throughout the tour

🏨 Accommodation – Comfortable local stays each night

🍽️ Meals – Most meals included (see Trip Notes for details)

🚰 Snacks & Water – Refreshments provided during cycling days

✈️ Airport Transfers – Provided on the first and last day of the tour

🧑‍🏫 Local Guides – Experienced, English-speaking professional guides

🛫 International Flights
Please arrange your own flights to and from the tour destination.

🍷 Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is not included in the tour package.

🍽️ Unlisted Meals
Meals not outlined in the itinerary are at your own expense.

🎟️ Entrance Fees
Entry to touristic sites is not covered.

🛂 Visa Fees
Visa arrangements and fees are the responsibility of each traveller.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Must be arranged independently before departure.

💰 Tips
Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included.

🚲 Bike Hire
Available on request for an additional fee.

🛬 Tour Start
The tour begins in Hanoi, Vietnam. Please plan to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your return flight should be booked for the final day of the tour.

🚐 Airport Transfers
We know redspokes riders join us from around the world. Whatever time you land in Hanoi on the first day, your airport transfer to the joining hotel is included.
🕒 Note: If you arrive before midday, your room may not be immediately available.

🏨 Extra Accommodation
Arriving early or staying on after the tour? We can assist with booking extra nights and additional transfers – just let us know in advance. (Additional costs apply.)

✈️ Flights

International flights are not included in the tour price.

🌍 Flight Suggestions

If flying from the UK, many of our riders prefer Singapore Airlines.
For flight times and pricing, check:

🔗 www.kayak.com

🔗 www.opodo.co.uk

The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). All purchases must be made in dong—foreign currencies are not accepted in shops, restaurants, or markets.

What to Bring:

We recommend around £250 / $340 in your local currency for exchange

 Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATM access and as a backup

Travelers from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand should bring USD or Euros, as these are the most commonly accepted currencies for exchange in Vietnam.

Where to Exchange:

You can exchange money or withdraw cash on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi).

 Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses

Better rates are usually available at licensed exchange offices or banks in Hanoi city

✔ Your redspokes guide will assist you with finding good exchange options and ATMs throughout the tour.

💸 Spending Money

Spending will vary depending on your preferences for food, drinks, and souvenirs, but £200 / $270 is typically more than enough for the 14-day tour.

🧭 Helpful Tips

Cash is essential in rural areas and smaller towns

Notify your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks

Carry small denominations for local shops, tips, and markets

Watch for foreign transaction fees on card payments

Your guide is always available to help with money exchange or finding ATMs

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is a common way to thank your local guide and support crew in Vietnam. While it’s not compulsory, it is a meaningful way to show appreciation for great service.

How to Tip

Tipping is usually done as a group at the end of the tour. The total amount is given to your guide, who distributes it fairly among the team.

Suggested Amount

💷 £60–£80 per person
💵 $80–$100 equivalent

Note: redspokes ensures that all local staff are fairly paid. Tips are a voluntary, personal gesture to recognise excellent service.

🚲 Bike Hire & Single Room Options
Want to enhance your comfort or convenience during your tour?

We offer the following optional extras:

🚴‍♂️ Bike Hire – Don’t want to bring your own bike? Hire one from us for the duration of your tour.

🛏️ Single Room Upgrade – Prefer your own space? Book a single room for an additional fee.

📅 How to Book These Extras:

Add them during your initial booking process.

Or, request them later by email, subject to availability.

🏨 Need Extra Accommodation or Transfers?
Arriving early or staying on after your trip ends? We've got you covered. We can help arrange:

🏘️ Pre- or Post-Tour Accommodation

🚐 Airport or Station Transfers

💌 How to Request:
Simply email us your requirements, and we’ll organize everything for you – extra charges apply.

🚐 Support Vehicle & Bike Assistance
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with full vehicle support throughout your cycling adventure.

🧳 Luggage & Transport
Your main luggage is transported daily between overnight stops by our support vehicle (jeep or bus).

Tired or need a break? You're welcome to hop in the vehicle at any time.

The backup van travels with the group and stops approximately every 12 miles (20 km) for rest, support, and water.

🔧 Bike Support
Our tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and are on hand to help with most common repairs.

You’ll only need to bring a daypack for essentials like your camera, snacks, or extra layers.

🛠️ Bringing Your Own Bike?
Make sure your bike is in excellent working condition before the trip.

✅ We recommend a full service by your local bike shop before departure.

While we aim to help with most issues, we cannot guarantee support for all breakdowns—especially with unique or specialist parts.

🚴 Available Bikes
For this tour, we offer high-quality bikes suitable for all terrain:

Trek Marlin 7 (hardtail mountain bike)

E-bike option: Giant Explore+ – available in a range of sizes

🧰 Included with Rental

Spare parts: tubes, tyres, chains, etc.

Tool kit & track pump (carried in the support vehicle)

One water bottle cage per bike

✅ All included in the bike rental price.

🔧 Pedals & Saddles

Bikes are fitted with flat pedals by default.

If you prefer to ride with clip-in (SPD) pedals, feel free to bring your own pedals, cycling shoes, and cleats.

You're also welcome to bring your own saddle if preferred.

🛠️ DIY Repairs
If you're comfortable with basic bike maintenance, we recommend carrying a small repair kit with you. This can help avoid delays if the support vehicle is not immediately available.

⛑️ Helmets – Mandatory
Cycle helmets are not included with bike hire.

Please bring your own helmet, as local hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed.

Helmets must be worn at all times while cycling.

⚠️ Riding without a helmet is at your own risk and may invalidate your travel insurance.

🚴‍♀️ Bike Requirements & Preparation
This tour is suitable for most types of bikes.

🔧 Bike Check Before Departure:
We strongly recommend a full bike service before joining the tour. Ensure the following are inspected:

🛞 Spokes & Wheel Rims – Check and adjust

⚙️ Gears & Brake Cables – Test and replace if needed

🪛 Nuts & Bolts – Tighten securely

🔩 Bearings – Grease all

🔄 Chain & Quick Release Clamp – Check condition

🧰 Tyres & Inner Tubes – Install new tubes and inspect for wear

🎒 What to Bring With You
Prepare for basic roadside maintenance by packing the following essential bike tools:

🛠️ Multi-tool

🚴‍♂️ Tyre levers

🔧 Pump

🛞 Spare inner tubes

🪛 Spare spokes

🧱 Chain links

🧪 Spares for unique components (e.g., brake fluid, bleed kit)

🛑 Check with your bike shop for extra disc or brake pads

📦 Luggage & Bike Transport
Your bike will count as part of your luggage allowance.

The average boxed bike (in a cardboard box) weighs 15–20 kg.

📏 Please pack accordingly – excess luggage charges may apply.

💡 Tip: Contact your airline in advance to confirm their bike transport policy.

🍽️ Meals on Your Trip
Most meals are included in your trip price, with a few exceptions:

🗓️ Not Included:

Non-cycling days

Lunch & dinner in Hanoi

Lunch & dinner in Sa Pa

One lunch at Ha Long Bay

📋 Please check your itinerary for full details (B,L,D)

🥗 Dietary Requests Welcome
If you have special dietary needs, let us know at the time of booking.
✅ Most diets can be catered for – but it’s important to notify us in advance.

🍜 Vietnamese Cuisine Highlights
Vietnamese food is known for its fresh flavors, healthy ingredients, and balanced spices.

🍚 Staple: Rice

🍜 National Dish: Noodle soup (often served with herbs and meat/fish)

🥦 Common Ingredients:

Vegetables, meat & fish

Garlic, onions, ginger, lime juice

🌿 Herbs & Spices:

Basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint, black pepper

🍢 Snacks: Rice & noodle wraps in rice paper or leaves

🍰 Desserts: Cakes & fresh fruit like:

🍌 Bananas, 🥭 Mangoes, 🍍 Pineapples, 🍊 Oranges, and more

☕ Popular Drinks
🍵 Tea

☕ Coffee

🍺 Beer

🥃 Rice Wine (local spirit)

🛏️ Accommodation on Tour – Vietnam
At redspokes, we prioritise comfort over luxury to give you an authentic and enjoyable travel experience.

🏨 Where You’ll Stay
🛌 Guesthouses & Hotels – Carefully selected for comfort and local charm.

⛵ 1 Night on a Traditional Vietnamese Junk Boat – A unique and memorable stay on Ha Long Bay.

🛁 Room Features
🚿 En-suite Bathrooms (available in most accommodations)

❄️ Air Conditioning (in selected hotels)

👥 Room Sharing & Single Supplement
Prices are based on twin-share accommodation.

Travelling solo and prefer your own space?
✅ Single room supplements are available on most tours.
💬 For more info, check the Dates & Prices page.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants and must cover you for the entire duration of the tour.

Your policy must include protection for:

• Personal injury and medical expenses

• Death and repatriation

• Emergency rescue (including helicopter or aircraft evacuation)

• Loss or theft of luggage and equipment

• Trip cancellation or curtailment

• Damage to or breakage of hired equipment (any such costs must be paid directly to our local agents at the time of the incident and reclaimed from your insurer)

Please make sure your insurance policy does not include exclusions for any activities involved in your tour, such as cycling or adventure travel.

We strongly recommend taking out your travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case of cancellation before the trip begins. 

All insurance claims must be made directly through your provider.

🚴‍♀️ Who Travels with Us?
We welcome a wide mix of cyclists on our tours — from couples and friends to solo travellers.

🛏️ Room Sharing & Single Supplement
Our tour prices are based on twin-share accommodation.

Solo travellers are paired with another solo participant of the same gender.

Prefer your own space? You can usually upgrade to a single room for an additional charge (subject to availability).

Let us know your preferences at the time of booking — we’re here to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.

• A valid passport is required to enter Vietnam.

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Vietnam.

• You should have at least one blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

• The redspokes North East Vietnam Cycle Tour starts and ends in Hanoi, so most travellers will enter and leave via Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

Visa Requirements

• UK passport holders can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for tourism for up to 45 days.

• If you plan to stay longer than 45 days, you must apply for a Vietnam e-visa before travelling.

• Visa requirements vary by nationality and can change, so travellers holding non-UK passports should check the latest rules with their local Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Important

• Visa and entry requirements can change at short notice.

• You are responsible for checking the latest passport and visa requirements before travel.

• Government travel advice websites are the most reliable source of up-to-date information.

We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or a local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before departure for advice on general health precautions for travel to Vietnam.

You should also review guidance from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or equivalent authority in your country, such as the CDC (USA), Travelvax (Australia), or Public Health Agency of Canada.

☀️ Best Time to Cycle in North Vietnam
The ideal time for cycling in North Vietnam is during the autumn months:
🍂 September to November

🌤️ Why Autumn Is Perfect for Cycling
🌡️ Comfortable Temperatures:

Lowlands: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)

Mountains: 8°C to 21°C (46°F to 70°F)

💨 Reduced Humidity:
Enjoy a cooler, fresher atmosphere with less stickiness – great for long days in the saddle.

❄️ What About Winter?
🗓️ December, January and February are also good months to visit.

🌬️ Cooler temps, especially in higher altitudes, but:

✅ Still suitable for cycling

🌵 Generally dry conditions

What to Pack: Clothing & Essentials

Packing for your Redspokes Vietnam tour? Here’s a flexible guide to help you prepare. Adjust it to suit your personal needs and preferences.

- Cycle Helmet (Mandatory – must be worn at all times while cycling)

- Sunglasses

- Water bottles or CamelBak

- Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)

- Base layer tops

- Padded cycling shorts

- Cycling shoes

- Overshoes (for warmth)

- Fingerless cycling gloves

- Warm gloves

- Buff

- Warm fleece hat

General Clothing

- Fleece jacket or pullover

- Lightweight T-shirts

- Long-sleeved shirt

- Trekking shorts

- Walking shoes

- Trousers

- Lightweight and heavyweight socks

- Thermal long johns & top

Personal First Aid Kit
(Our guides carry first aid supplies, but we recommend you bring your own basic kit.)

- Paracetamol / Ibuprofen (or whatever you use for pain relief)

- Anti-diarrheal (e.g. Lomotil, Diacalm)

- Rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte)

- Antiseptic cream

- Throat lozenges

- Plasters (band-aids)

- Nasal spray

- Eye drops

- Ear plugs

- Lip balm / sunscreen

- Anti-bacterial hand wash

- Antiseptic wet wipes

- Insect repellent

Miscellaneous

- Energy bars, gels or power snacks

- Energy or recovery drink powder

- Camera

- Travel adapter (universal)

In Vietnam, you’ll commonly find:

• Type A – two flat pins (same as USA)

• Type C – two round pins (standard European)

Most hotels and guesthouses can accept both Type A and Type C plugs.

Official Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Capital: Hanoi

Population: 92 million

Area: 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)

Main Language: Vietnamese

Major Religion: Buddhism

Life Expectancy: Men: 73 years  /  Women: 81 years

Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)