Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll meet your tour guide this afternoon for a bike fitting session, getting your equipment sorted before things really begin. After that, gather with the group for a welcome dinner that kicks off your cycling adventure through northern Vietnam.
Included Activities
- Bike fitting
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2
Tam Dao to Thac Ba Lake
Transfer out of the city and start cycling alongside rolling hills in Tam Dao. You'll ride toward Thac Ba Lake, a massive reservoir built back in the 1960s, and settle in for the night within a quiet community of the Dzao ethnic group.
Included Activities
- Cycling alongside hills in Tam Dao
- Visit to Thac Ba Lake
Landmarks/POIs Thac Ba Lake - Day 3
Hoang Su Phi
Cycle up a small mountain road with towering peaks on either side as you head toward Hoang Su Phi. Along the way you'll pass terraced rice fields and hear rushing mountain streams while riding through ethnic minority communities. Transfer to mountain lodging in the evening for dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycling to Hoang Su Phi
- Visit rice terraces and mountain streams
Landmarks/POIs Hoang Su Phi - Day 4
Quan Ba Mountain Pass to Nam Dam
This morning you'll ride alongside the Lo River before tackling the Quan Ba mountain pass, which gives you views of the Tam Son valley and its famous Twin Hills. From there, descend to Nam Dam where traditional Dzao culture continues in a village that sits beneath the Quan Ba mountain range.
Included Activities
- Cycling along Lo River
- Quan Ba mountain pass climb
- Visit Tam Son valley with Twin Hills
- Ride to Nam Dam
Landmarks/POIs Lo River Quan Ba Mountain Pass Tam Son Valley - Day 5
Dong Van Karst Plateau to Pho Bang
Ride into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and drop down 10 km through Hmong villages. You'll take riverside routes with two challenging climbs, then visit the centuries-old clay-walled townlet of Pho Bang and explore what remains of the Vuong Palace ruins, which once served as the seat of the family ruling this region.
Included Activities
- Cycling into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
- Descent through Hmong villages
- Riverside riding
- Visit Pho Bang
- Visit Vuong Palace relics
Landmarks/POIs Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark Pho Bang Vuong Palace - Day 6
Ma Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac
Tackle a series of sharp climbs to reach Ma Pi Leng Pass and navigate around Meo Vac Mountain. Later you'll enjoy a long downhill stretch through river valleys surrounded by bamboo forests, stilt houses, and green hillsides.
Included Activities
- Cycling climbs to Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Navigate around Meo Vac Mountain
- Downhill ride through river valleys
Landmarks/POIs Ma Pi Leng Pass Meo Vac Mountain - Day 7
Gam River to Ha Quang Farmstay
Pedal along the Gam River through rolling hills dotted with fruit orchards. You'll conquer the Me Pja and Khau Coc Cha passes, two of Vietnam's most scenic cycling routes, then descend through Ha Quang district to a well-constructed farmstay that showcases rural traditions.
Included Activities
- Cycling along Gam River
- Me Pja pass climb
- Khau Coc Cha pass climb
- Downhill ride through Ha Quang district
Landmarks/POIs Gam River Me Pja Pass Khau Coc Cha Pass - Day 8
Pac Bo to Ban Gioc
Ride to Pac Bo, the historic hideout where Ho Chi Minh once stayed. You'll meet local farmers using water buffalo to plow fields with surreal mountain backdrops all around. Cross the Quay River and finish your day in Ban Gioc.
Included Activities
- Cycling to Pac Bo
- Visit Ho Chi Minh hideout
- Cross Quay River
- Ride to Ban Gioc
Landmarks/POIs Pac Bo Quay River Ban Gioc - Day 9
Ban Gioc Waterfall to Cao Bang
Get up early to see Ban Gioc Waterfall cascading along the Vietnam-China border. Bike to Phia Thap, which is known for handmade incense production, then conquer Ma Phuc Pass to reach Cao Bang. Spend time exploring the town's unique businesses and cultural sites.
Included Activities
- Early morning visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Cycling to Phia Thap
- Visit handmade incense production
- Ma Phuc Pass climb
- Explore Cao Bang
Landmarks/POIs Ban Gioc Waterfall Phia Thap Ma Phuc Pass - Day 10
Scenic Plantations to Ba Be National Park
Cycle through scenic tea plantations, cornfields, and rolling hills with the pointed ridges called the Dragon's Back visible in the distance. Arrive at Ba Be National Park, where you'll find stunning mountain scenery, semi-tropical monsoon rainforest, and Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake.
Included Activities
- Cycling through tea and corn plantations
- Dragon's Back viewpoint ride
- Arrival at Ba Be National Park
Landmarks/POIs Ba Be National Park - Day 11
Ba Be National Park to Hanoi
Your final cycling day takes you south as the highest mountains fall away behind you. Pass through tea, palm, and gum tree plantations on your way back to the capital. Join the group for a celebratory dinner of Vietnamese specialties where you'll share memories from the journey.
- Meals
- Dinner (Vietnamese specialties feast)
Included Activities
- Final day cycling through plantations
- Celebration feast in Hanoi
- Day 12
Departure
Depart Hanoi to continue exploring Vietnam or head out on your next adventure.
