30 Days Northern Vietnam Mystery Cycling Tour, Northern Vietnam offers some of the most spectacular cycling routes in Southeast Asia, ranging from the dramatic limestone peaks of the Ha Giang Loop to the tranquil, emerald rice valleys of Mai Chau, Cao Bang, Halong , Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National park....amazing karst scenery and the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Chinese border.Expect a mix of paved roads and challenging dirt tracks through remote highland villages, Often called the "Mecca" of northern touring, it features the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Dong Van Karst Plateau (a UNESCO Global Geopark), and deep cultural immersion with Hmong and Tay ethnic communities. Whether you are seeking a multi-day mountain challenge or a leisurely ride through rural villages, there are diverse options to suit different experience levels.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
Accommodation: Mayde Hotel
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast and we will visit Ho Chi Minh complex, Tran Quoc pagodas, Van Mieu temple before have local PHO soup for lunch and take a walk to visit old quarter and Hoan Kiem and Ngoc Son temple .
Accommodation: Mayde Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Day 3: Hanoi cycle to Yen Bai
Pick up at your hotel at 7:30 and transfer by vehicle to Trung Ha bridge and start cycling to Yen Bai along the banks of the Red River. Arrive late afternoon. Stay 1 night.
Accommodation: Hoa Mai Hotel
Cycling distance: 70 -90 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Yen Bai cycle to Sapa
After breakfast. A demanding, hilly, day along the mountain and Red river range culminating with the ascent of the spectacular, visiting the Vietnam & China border gate if time permitting. Stay 2 nights and explore dinner on your own.
Accommodation : Sapa Green Hotel
Cycling distance: 60-80 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 : Sapa Cycling to Village
Start from your hotel at 8:30 Am, and bike to explore Sa Pa an old French hill station, in a spectacular location close to the Chinese border. This morning we will cycle to Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van village ( Red Dzao and Hmong people ). Cycling uphill back to Sapa, lunch, and dinner by yourself.
Accommodation : Sapa Green Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Biking Distance: 19 km
Day 6 : Sa Pa – Ban Khoang Villages - Lao Cai
A long day but a fantastic day biking, Cycling to Silver waterfall and cycling to Ban Khoang villages to Lao Cai border with China, today mixing single-track paths and jeep tracks as we descend 2500 meters to the Chinese border and our hotel at Lao Cai.
Summary
Accommodation: Lao Cai Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 80 km
Day 7: Lao Cai – Bac Ha
Breakfast, Start transfer out of the city and cycle to Ba Ha via Co Ly market. Quiet lanes, Biking through the Chay River gorge, river bank single-track, and an alpine road climb, combine to make an epic day's ride to the village of Bac Ha.
Summary
Accommodation: Ngan Nga Legend Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 km
Day 8: Bac Ha – Market
Staying for 2 nights in our hotel, today if Sunday is the colorful Bac Ha tribal market. afternoon cycling visit Ban Pho -H, mong people villages and trekking around the valley.
Summary
Accommodation: Ngan Nga Legend Bungalow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 10 km
Day 9 : Bac Ha – Xi Man – Hoang Su Phi
Breakfast in the hotel and begin our ride directly from our hotel. Today we will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first, we tackle a steady climb of 6km on a good paved road but then turn into a short section of jeep track. After around 3-hr riding we will have a picnic lunch wherever we find good for that. After lunch, we continue riding to Xin Man, a small and busy town near the Chinese border. Xin Man is around 75 km from Bac Ha and biking in the afternoon is no less challenging than one in the morning. We will climb for the first hour or so up to a plateau at 2500m, where we have a fantastic view before hitting a roughly paved road for a steady descent into Xin Man and to Hoang Su Phi. During the biking, we will have a regular stop for a break, a snack, and to take photos. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Summary
Accommodation: Tay Con Linh hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 65-85 km
Day 10 : Hoang Si Phu – Ha Giang
Today we take a gentle ride covering 90km from Hoang Su Phi to Viet Quang Town. The ride takes us down to a bridge over the main river and for the next 40km, we ride along a quiet road that gently climbs and follows the river upstream to Hoang Shu Phi, a quiet town at 1000m. Have a break in town for a snack and refreshment then continue with a downhill quiet road 60km to Viet Quang. We will have a late light lunch in Viet Quang Town then take a bus transfer to Ha Giang Town, the capital of Ha Giang Province which is the final frontier in northern Vietnam, a lunar landscape of limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops. Dinner and overnight in Ha Giang Bungalow
Summary
Accommodation: Mr'Cay Bungalaow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 75 km
Day 11: Ha Giang – Tam Son ( Quan Ba )
After a full day yesterday, we will glide into our challenging adventure. After taking our time at breakfast, we set out on our first proper ride. We initially follow the river along an undulating landscape and after the first short climb and descent, we reach a village for lunch. We push on into the second climb and discover what the gradient of Ha Giang province is like. For the most part, it’s a continual, but predictable ascent where you will be at ease once you find a rhythm. The high pass today is called Heavens Gate. We have a short descent into Tam Son, a tiny community clinging to the side of the hill. A short exploratory ride or walk is a great way to see out the day. The village is surrounded by limestone hills and traditional-style houses.
Summary
Accommodation: Tam Son Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 48 Km
Day 12 : Tam Son Cycle to Dong Van
A long day starts early. After a steaming bowl of noodles, an egg baguette, and a strong coffee, we finish the descent that we interrupted the day before. Halfway down, we detour onto a minor road that takes us right down to the bottom of the valley. Here we ride through tiny hill-tribe communities and eventually reach a bustling village market where a dazzling array of bright costume-clad villagers are trading everything from piglets to bamboo shoots and forest fodder.
After following a river for a short while and just after we see the ruins of a defensive wall of speculative age, we start to climb. A gradient similar to the day before is a welcome warm-up before the main climb to come after lunch. As we enter the Ha Giang Plateau, the scenery that was already impressive is now nothing short of mind-blowing. At each stage, you find yourself wondering how you could continue to climb when you’ve climbed so far, but it goes on and on with an amazing variety of scenery. When you finally descend into Dong Van, a beer and a feast will be a welcome sight, and the news that you have just managed the epic Ha Giang Plateau climb is enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Summary
Accommodation: Yen Nhi Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 Km
Day 13: Dong Van Cycle to Meo Vac
After some time to soak up the sun with a coffee on the edge of the charming Dong Van Market ( If Sunday ) we may take a ride to the site of the palace of the former Hmong King. The news that you will continue climbing this morning may come as punishment for tired legs, but the reality is that you are about to ride one of the most scenic 10km of northern Vietnam. As you leave town, you descend slightly, but into the next climb, you are delivered an optical encouragement as the valley floor down to your right drops at almost the same level as you climb, pronouncing your climbing achievements. The huge gorges leading away from you at this point lead straight into the wild frontier land and Yunnan Province of China. You are less than 20km from a border that has been fiercely defended on various occasions by the Vietnamese, and where its porous nature makes all manner of trade possible.
Summary
Accommodation: Home-stay ( Private room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 19 Km
Day 14 : Meo Vac Cycle to Bao Lac
It’s reward time. After all those days of climbing, today comes the inevitability of physics as we descend for a continual 30km on the well-made road. The climate will noticeably change as we go, to the point where you’ll be shedding layers as soon as you stop at the bottom. From here, we have a lovely ride of ups and downs through sleepy villages in a very different lowland setting to what we’ve seen on the plateau. There are still some steep little hills, but after the last few days, these will be nothing more than a blip. We roll into the nondescript, but the convenient town of Bac Me in the mid-afternoon.
Summary
Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 78 Km
Day 15: Bao Lac Cycle to Babe lake
Morning transfer to Nguyen Binh and A pleasant ride today of rolling hills as we follow the course of a river. The scenery is enjoyable and the locals are sure to be out cheering you along. After a hill of a few kilometers, we descend into Babe lake, boat cruising around the lake to Pac Ngoi villages for the beautiful – Homestay of Tay people.
Summary
Accommodation: Homestay ( Private room )
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 40 Km
Day 16: Ba Be – Cao Bang
Today is one of the most challenging days of the trip. Some skills are required on this road. Cycling from Bac Ngoi to Na Phac and Driving up to the top of the Deo Gio Pass with lunch en route. From the top, get on our bikes again for going downhill and arrive at Cao Bang in the late afternoon. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at a hotel in Cao Bang.
Summary
Accommodation: Thanh Loan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance:55 km
Day 17: Cao Bang –Ban Gioc Water fall
After breakfast, we are cycling through the most beautiful road up to Trung Khanh and Tra Linh towns with a visit to villages en route. to visit most of the beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam on the border with China. Visit Nguom Ngao Caves before check in .Dinner and overnight at the village in Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Summary
Accommodation: Homestay ( private room )
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 km
Day 18: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Lang Son
From Bản Gioc waterfall, we follow the most beautiful route up to Dong Khe with a stop at villages and for photos. Our driver is waiting for us at Dong Khe for driving to Lang Son with a stop at That Khe for lunch. Arrive at Lang Son in the late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel in Lang Son.
Summary
Accommodation : Imperial Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance:75 km
Day 19: Lang Son – Tien Yen - Ha Long Bay
Breakfast and 7:30 Are cycling and driving from Lang Son to Ha Long. Arrive in Halong in the late afternoon check-in hotel, local seafood for dinner. Free for swimming and relaxing on the beautiful beach. Dinner and overnight in Halong Bay.
Summary
Accommodation: White Crown Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 65 km
Day 20: Halong Bay - Scenic cruise, Hiking, Swimming, Kayaking
• All morning relaxing on beach or shopping and 11:30 check out and transfer at 12.00 - Meeting at TuanChau harbour. Check in Royal Palace Cruise and you are warmly welcomed by a professional and friendly crew.
• 12:30 – You will board your Royal Palace Cruise and you are warmly welcomed by a professional and friendly crew.
• 13:00 – Check – in cabin and enjoy speacially prepared lunch while cruising through most beautiful parts of the magical bay with thousands of amazing limestone islands emerging from emerging from emrald water. Sailing with Roylal Palace Cruise in very tranquil route, expolling the exotic beauty of the legendary Bay, a feeling in paradise will come to you
• 14.30: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Pearl Farm
• 15:45 – Small tender brings you to visit Titop island, hiking to the top of the island from where tourists can capture a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
• 17h-17:15 : Back to the boat from the titop island to have shower and refreshing up
• 17:30– Join the sunset moment on the sundesk in a warm and romantic armosphere, making friends with other members in the group, enjoy fresh local fruit, listening soft, light music
• 19:00 – Enjoy special dinner cooked by our professional chef
• 20:30 - The moment you choose your own way to relax after dinner, listening to music, singing karaoke, relaxing on the sundeck, squid fishing available for entertainment during the night time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Halong Royal Palace Cruise
Day 21: Halong Bay - Surprising Cave, Scenic cruise, Cooking class – Thai Binh
• 05:45-06:00– Take photos of sunrise, morning exercise with our Tai Chi master, a perfectly healthy way to start a new day.
• 06:30 – Enjoy your breakfast, coffee, tea, fruits.
• 07:15 – Visit Surprising Cave – the most beautiful one in Halong Bay.
• 09:00 – Back to Royal Palace Cruise for check-out. Keep cruising towards Ha Long Bay, passing by hundreds of islands and islets with different shapes depending on your imagination.
• 10:00 – Cooking class opened right on the cruise.
• 10:30 – Farewell lunch served on the cruise before you arrive at harbor.
• 11:40 – Tour ends at Tuan Chau habour.
Transfer and cycle to Thai Binh City.Overnight in Thai Binh
Biking distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: White palace Hotel
Day 22 : Thai Binh – Ninh Binh
Sunrise welcome, leave the hotel for a biking day to Keo pagodas and other landscape surroundings. Cycling along Red river dykes to Ta De bridge for lunch before transfer to Tam Coc – Ninh Binh for check-in and cycling to visit Thai Vi and Bich Dong pagodas and back to the hotel for overnight.
Biking distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tam Coc – Thanh Dat Bungalow
Day 23 : Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park
Following breakfast, we start cycling from your hotel to the gate of Cuc Phuong Park to recharge your energy for 12km cycling to the center of the park. We will start again and make a couple of stops along the way to visit the Cave of Ancient Man. Transfer back to Cuc Phuong gate to visit the rescue central before checking in at Cuc Phuong National guesthouse.
Summary
Biking Distance: 65 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong National Park Guesthouse.
Day 24 : Cuc Phuong -Mai Chau
Breakfast and start cycling to Mai Chau's picturesque landscapes. To VuBan villages for lunch at a local restaurant. cycling to Cao Phong and Man Duc villages. Arrive in Mai Chau villages and overnight in the homestay of white Thai ethnic.
Accommodation: Homestay ( private room )
Meals: Break, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 Km
Day 25: Mai Chau via Moc Chau – Son La
Route: Cycle through the lush Mai Chau valley before heading north toward the Moc Chau Plateau. Highlights: Tea plantations, plum orchards, and the rolling green hills of the Moc Chau Plateau., Distance: ~150–160 km (Heavy climbing; early start required).Stay: Hotel in Son La City.
Accommodation: Green ( Xanh ) hotel
Meals: Break, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 75 Km
Day 26: Son La to Tuan Giao
Route: Follow National Road 6, crossing the legendary Pha Din Pass one of the four "great passes" of Northern Vietnam.
Highlights: Panoramic views from the 1,648m summit of Pha Din and the historic Son La Prison, museum.
Distance: ~85 km (Technical downhill after the pass).Stay: Local guesthouse in Tuan Giao
Accommodation: Hotel Boutique
Meals: Break, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 Km
Day 27: Tuan Giao,to Than Uyen
Route: Ride northeast along National Road 279 winding through remote villages and along the Da River reservoir.
Highlights: Encounters with Thai and H'mong ethnic communities and the quiet, scenic roads of the Quynh Nhai district.
Distance: ~100–110 km (Undulating terrain). Stay:local hotel in Than Uyen.
Accommodation: Hotel Duc Huy
Meals: Break, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 Km
Day 28: Than Uyen to Nghia Lo
Route: Traverse the Khau Pha Pass (the "Horn of the Sky"), which overlooks the world-famous rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai.
Highlights: The Tu Le valley and the sprawling Muong Lo rice field—the second largest in the Northwest.
Distance: ~100 km (Strenuous climbing followed by a long descent).Stay: Hotel in Nghia Lo
Accommodation: Muong Lo Hotel
Meals: Break, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling distance: 85 Km
Day 29: Nghia Lo to Hanoi
Route: A long final push back toward the capital. This section involves heavier traffic on National Road 32.
Highlights: Tea plantations in Phu Tho province and crossing the Black River.
Distance: ~180 km (Mostly flat/downhill; a vehicle transfer for the final 80km into Hanoi is strongly recommended for safety). Dinner by your own.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Break, Lunch
Cycling distance: 80 Km
Day 30 : Hanoi - Departure
Breakfast and transfer to airport . End The Tour .
Meals: Breakfast.
Please consider the environment before printing
Join in group departure dates: 2nd Jan, March, July, Sept, Nov
Private departure dates: around the year
Group size: 2 to 12 pax
Tour price : Usd / Pax ( Prices are subject to change without notice )
Tour Cost Includes:
- Accommodation in tour 29 nights
- MTB Bikes for complete Tour and helmet. ( E-bikes available for extra cost )
- All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D =Dinner
- Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
- Boat trip, local ferry in tour
- Halong bay cruise in private cabin
- Back up AC vehicle for the complete tour
- English-speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
- Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only the Cycling Part)
- Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
- All road and transport taxes
- Driver Allowance
- Toll and Parking charges
Tour Cost Excludes:
- International flight tickets, visa
- Other personal expenses
- Some meals not in tour
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel Insurance
- Any Hard and Soft Drinks with meals
Please consider the environment before printing
