Grand Northern Vietnam Cycling Tour 13 Days 12 Nights

Routing: Hanoi – Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Bao Lac - Meo Vac - Du Gia - Ha Giang - Hoang Su Phi - Tuyen Quang - Hanoi
Tour Style: Nature, Culture & History Tour
Tour Start: in Hanoi / Tour End: in Hanoi
Trip duration: 13 Days 12 Nights
No. of guests: Variable of pax

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be (L/D)
- Leave the capital behind and ascend into the quiet hills of Bac Kan.
  
  A private drive whisks you north through the delta before the landscape shifts to forested hills and Tay villages. Lunch en route. The afternoon offers a gentle immersion: 35–45 km on quiet concrete paths through rice fields, far from traffic. Arrival at your lakeside homestay near Ba Be National Park.
  
  - The Ride: 35–45 km. Gentle introduction to rural trails.
  - Stay: Selected Premium Eco-Lodge in Ba Be.
Day 2: Ba Be Cultural Cycling (B/L/D)
- A full day dedicated to the peaceful landscapes of the National Park.
  
  Cycle along quiet backroads, lakeside tracks, and forested hills. The route offers frequent stops for photos, cultural encounters with Tay communities, and moments of quiet immersion. This is active cultural cycling at its finest.
  
  - The Ride: 45–60 km. Lakeside loops and village paths.
  - Stay: Selected Premium Eco-Lodge in Ba Be.
Day 3: Ba Be - Cao Bang (B/L/D)
- Scenic progression into one of Vietnam's most visually distinctive regions.
  
  Ride selected sections toward Cao Bang, with support vehicle where needed to focus on the most rewarding roads. Limestone ridges, river valleys, and small farming settlements announce your arrival in the highlands.
  
  - The Ride: 40–55 km. Scenic transition with support.
  - Stay: Selected Hotel in Cao Bang.
Day 4:Cao Bang - Ban Gioc (B/L/D)
- One of the great cycling days: water, forest, and mountain scenery combine.
  
  Follow backroads through limestone country, riding through quiet hamlets before reaching the Quay Son River corridor. The final approach to Ban Gioc Waterfall is especially memorable—one of Vietnam's most photogenic border landscapes.
  
  - The Ride: 50–70 km. Backroads to the waterfall.
  - Stay: Selected Lodge near Ban Gioc.
Day 5: Ban Gioc Villages And Valley Roads (B/L/D)
- A relaxed day exploring the countryside around Ban Gioc.
  
  Cycle through quiet villages and cultivated fields, experiencing the region beyond the waterfall. This day offers a deeper understanding of local life in the borderlands, with a gentle pace and rich cultural moments.
  
  - The Ride: 35–50 km. Valley loops and village tracks.
  - Stay: Selected Lodge near Ban Gioc.
Day 6: Ban Gioc - Bao Lac (B/L/D)
- After breakfast, depart by vehicle for a scenic morning transfer towards Bao Lac.
  
  Enjoy the changing landscapes along the way as the route winds through remote mountain regions, offering glimpses of local life and dramatic limestone scenery.
  
  Upon arrival in Bao Lac around midday, begin an afternoon cycling session exploring the surrounding villages and countryside. Ride along quiet rural roads, passing traditional houses, terraced fields, and friendly ethnic communities.
  
  This short and relaxed ride provides a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs after the transfer while immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of this remote region.
  
  - The Ride: 20-40 km
  - Stay: Hotel in Bao Lac
Day 7: Bao Lac - Meo Vac (B/L/D)
- Morning in the van, eyes on the scenery. We wind through remote mountains—limestone walls, terraced slopes, glimpses of daily life in highland villages. No pedaling yet; just soak it in.
  
  Arrive in Bao Lac around midday. After lunch, we saddle up for a gentle afternoon ride. Quiet rural roads, easy gears, soft rollers to wake up the legs. You'll roll past traditional houses, terraced fields, and friendly faces—no rush, no pressure, just presence.
  
  Short, sweet, and deeply immersive. The perfect rhythm reset before the days ahead.
  
  - The Ride: 60-80 km. Highland backroads and villages.
  - Stay: Homestay in Meo Vac
Day 8: Meo Vac - Du Gia (B/L/D)
- Morning descent from the high plateau. Gravity on your side, wind in your face.
  
  We take the quiet backroads toward Du Gia, far from the tourist trail. Waterfalls appear around bends, rivers run beside the path, and traditional villages unfold slowly, authentically.
  
  The ride strikes that sweet spot: enough elevation change to keep your legs engaged, smooth sections to find your rhythm, and frequent reasons to stop - photos, greetings, moments of quiet wonder. This isn't about speed. It's about presence.
  
  Arrive in Du Gia late afternoon, tired in the best way. The valley welcomes you with stillness, simple hospitality, and the promise of a good night's rest.
  
  - The Ride: 50 - 70 km. Remote mountain roads.
  - Stay: Homestay in Du Giang
Day 9: Du Gia - Ha Giang (B/L/D)
- Morning departure from Du Gia, legs fresh, eyes on the horizon. The route unfolds through scenic valleys and rolling hills; steady climbs that reward with panoramic views, long descents that let you tuck in and fly. Shift with confidence, trust your line, enjoy the flow.
  
  Quiet villages, terraced fields, and farmland slide by. No rush, no noise—just you, the bike, and the mountain rhythm. Arrive in Ha Giang in the afternoon, tired in the best way. The highlands have shared their secrets. Now, rest.
  
  - The Ride: 60-80 km. Varied terrain, scenic valleys, rural landscapes
  - Stay: Hotel in Ha Giang
Day 10: Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi (B/L/D)
- Morning departure from Ha Giang; legs ready, eyes up. We transfer out of the city, then saddle up for the real work: long, steady climbs through mountainous terrain. Shift early, find your rhythm, trust your breath. The reward? Views that unfold like a promise.
  
  As we approach Hoang Su Phi, the landscape sharpens: limestone walls, forested ridges, and the first glimpses of Vietnam's most iconic rice terraces. The road asks for effort, but gives back in spades.
  
  Arrive in the afternoon, tired but triumphant. The terraces await. So does a well-earned rest.
  
  - The Ride: 50-70 km. Mountain slopes and valley descents.
  - Stay: Homestay in Hoang Su Phi.
Day 11: Hoang Su Phi: Terrace Exploration (B/L/D)
- A full day cycling through terraced landscapes—the signature day of the tour.
  
  Winding mountain roads, dramatic viewpoints, Red Dao and Nung settlements. This day combines physical challenge with extraordinary scenery, offering some of the most iconic images of northern Vietnam.
  
  - The Ride: 40–55 km. Terrace loops and ethnic villages.
  - Stay: Homestay in Hoang Su Phi.
Day 12: Hoang Su Phi - Tuyen Quang (B/L/D)
- Depart from Hoang Su Phi and enjoy a long descent from the high mountains into lower valleys.
  
  The ride becomes more relaxed with smoother roads, passing through rural landscapes, tea hills, and local villages.
  
  Arrive in Tuyen Quang in the afternoon.
  
  - The Ride: 60-90 km. Transition with support.
  - Stay: Hotel in Tuyen Quang.
Day 13: Tuyen Quang - Hanoi (B/L/D)
- Depart from Tuyen Quang for the final cycling stretch through flat countryside and rural villages.
  
  After the ride, transfer back to Hanoi.
  
  Trip ends upon arrival.
  
  -The Ride: 35–50 km. Easy ride, countryside scenery, tour completion

Inclusions

Private Ground Transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle with commercial insurance & professional driver.
High-End Bicycles: Giant, Trek, or Marlin(Regularly serviced).
Support Vehicle: Follow van equipped with first aid, tools, and refreshments.
Accommodation: 14 Nights in selected premium eco-lodges, hotels, and homestays (Twin/Double sharing).
Guiding: Experienced English-speaking cycling guide.
Dining: All meals as stated (B/L/D). Private lunches with local families included.
Entrance Fees: All sightseeing tickets and park fees.
Hydration: Unlimited mineral water during rides and meals.
Support: 24/7 hotline support guaranteed.
Taxes & Insurance: Vietnam government taxes & Local Travel Insurance (per Vietnamese law).
Price Guarantee: No extra charge after confirmation.

Exclusions

Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities.
International flights & Visa fees.
Meals not specified in the itinerary.
Beverages during meals.
Any services not mentioned above.

Chat with a Guide

Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Mường Thanh Luxury Cao Bằng

Address:
42 Kim Đồng street, Thục Phán district, Cao Bằng, Việt Nam.

As a 5-star standard hotel, Muong Thanh Luxury Cao Bang enjoys a prime location on the Kim Dong walking street. The hotel features 223 guest rooms with panoramic views of Cao Bang City, one restaurant for dining and events, five conference rooms, as well as a fitness center, swimming pool, spa services, gym, and karaoke facilities.

Duc Tai hotel Bao Lac

Address:
To Dan Pho 2, Bao Lac Commune, Bao Lac District, Cao Bang Province

Đức Tài hotel is the most modern and newest, which is located in the centre of Bảo Lạc town, our hotel has elevator and English- speaking receptionist, which are really helpful for you. From here, you could easily take a walk to the main market, bus station, bank and many local restaurants... We have total 15 rooms with 3 types: 1 double bed, 1 double bed + 1 single bed, 2 double beds .. those are really suitable for your group. From the room, you can see the daily life of local people, beautiful river and mountain view. Our hotel stricly follows Hotel's rules : clean, friendly and welcomely. Thank for choosing us, hope to serve you soon.

Hoang Su Phi Lodge

Address: Nam Hong village Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, Vietnam, Ha Giang, Việt Nam

Hoang Su Phi Lodge in Ha Giang province features a restaurant, free bicycles, an outdoor pool, and a bar. There are also room services and playgrounds for children at this hotel. This location offers guests 24-hour reception, a shared kitchen, and foreign currency exchange services.

All rooms here are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, kettle, sprayer/toilet sink, sandals and desks. The rooms have private bathrooms, hair dryers and bed sheets.

The hotel serves breakfast à la carte and daily American breakfast.

A sunbathing patio is available at Hoang Su Lodge. Cycling is a popular sport in the area, and visitors can rent cars.

Hoang Su Phi Lodge is located 44 km from Bac Ha town.

Yen Nhi Homestay Ban Gioc

Address: Khuoi Ky, Ban Gioc, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, Vietnam

Located in Cao Bang, Yen Nhi Ban Gioc Homestay offers free WiFi, a communal sitting area, and a garden. The rooms provide garden views, a seating space for relaxation, a washing machine, a fully furnished kitchen with a hob, and a shared bathroom. Each room has a terrace with mountain views. Every morning, Homestay provides an Asian breakfast. Guests can go trekking in the surrounding region.

Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van

Address: Dong Van Town, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Hotel is located in the center of the ancient town of Dong Van district - Ha Giang, where the center of the Highland area of stone was recognized by UNESCO. The hotel opened in early 2015 is the most modern hotel in Ha Giang province

Ba Be Jungle Houses

Address: Coc Toc village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province

A step up in amenities to Ba Be's homestays, this lakeside place in Coc Toc village takes the form of six small, spic-and-span, wood-panelled private rooms, and a dorm. Visitors are well looked after by friendly English-speaking staff.