Biking in Northern Vietnam

Vietnam Mountain Biking Tour

Biking in Northern Vietnam

Prices

From $2,325USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotel

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Highlights

Discover the heart of Vietnam on this adventurous 13-day guided mountain biking tour

Explore a remote part of Northern Vietnam that only opened to tourists a few years ago

Challenge yourself to bike along backroads, trails, and winding roads high up in the mountains

Meet Vietnam’s ethnic hill tribes and learn about their lives and culture

Relax on an overnight cruise to the unspoiled corners of Ha Long Bay

Northern Vietnam is thought to be one of the best destinations in the world for adventurous cyclists. This tour has you cycling in Northern Vietnam on a mountain bike. Expect this tour to take you away from the tourist trail into the heart of rural Vietnam. Cycle along winding roads high up in the clouds and through tiny villages in the foothills of forest-covered mountains. Marvel at the famous rice terraces which create beautiful patterns in the landscape.

On this tour you can challenge yourself to bike some challenging routes, on a mixture of asphalt, single-track and dirt roads. But it isn't all about cycling. There is ample time to explore Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city too.

And what trip to Northern Vietnam would be complete without seeing the stunning Ha Long Bay. Reward yourself at the end of the tour with a relaxing and restful overnight cruise in beautiful Ha Long Bay.

Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight time, there will be some free time to explore the city.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hanoi
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Explore Hanoi

You will spend today discovering Hanoi. Begin by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum followed by the Temple of Literature where you will hear a music performance. At lunch, you will have the chance to try Pho, one of Vietnam's iconic dishes. In the afternoon, see more of Hanoi, visiting museums, temples, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. There is time to have dinner in the city before boarding the night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight Location
Sleeper train to Lao Cai
Distance
None
Meals
Lunch

Day 3 Bike from Lao Cai to Bac Ha

You will wake up this morning in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. First things first – sit down to a hearty breakfast! The first ride of the trip is a straightforward one, along paved and dirt roads for around 50 km. En route, you will pedal through scenery of rice terraces and high mountains and see local people going about their daily life. The ride finishes at Coc Ly. Have a look around the colorful market where the hill tribes of this region meet to sell livestock, produce, textiles and handicrafts. You will continuer along a single-track trail to the village of Bac Ha.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bac Ha
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Ride to Hoang Su Phi

Today, you will begin to see why people come to Northern Vietnam for bicycle touring – the steep rice terraces that create beautiful swirling patterns in the landscape. After breakfast, there is a short transfer to Lung Phinh. From there you will ride to Xin Man, around 40 km along winding roads through rice and cornfields. Many hill tribes live in this area including the Flower H’mong, the Tay and the Ha Nhi people. In the afternoon, you will follow a quiet road to Hoang Su Phi. Arrive and settle into your accommodation in an eco-lodge hidden among lush gardens.

Overnight Location
Lodge in Hoang Su Phi
Distance
60 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Cycle to Ha Giang

Today the scenery becomes more and more spectacular as you follow winding roads through the mountains to Ha Giang. In the morning, you will cycle over Heaven’s Gate, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Follow roads that seem to ascend and descend through the clouds, with otherworldly views of limestone mountains and forests. In the afternoon you will cycle along the Lo River through countryside and tea plantations to Ha Giang.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ha Giang
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Ride to Yen Minh

You are deep in the mountains of North Vietnam now, and the views are simply spectacular. Today's ride from Lung Tam to Yenh Minh is the most challenging so far. You will ride along roads cut into the sides of the limestone hills and tackle plenty of ascents and descents, winding turns and hairpin bends. There is a tough climb to an elevation of 1000 m before the final descent into Yen Minh. In the village, you will be able to see inside the homes of local tribes, who are known for beautiful textiles, handicrafts, and folk music.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ha Giang
Distance
80 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Bike to Bac Me

You are well off the tourist trail now, in the heart of rural Vietnam and if you thought the scenery couldn’t get any more spectacular, well – it does! Cycling to Lung Ho, you will stop for a picnic lunch at a viewpoint with dramatic views of the forest-covered limestone peaks. Then, you will descend to the village of Du Gia, and finally to the village of Bac Me in the afternoon.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ha Giang
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Biking to Ba Be National Park

Today you ride to Ba Be National Park, 23,000 hectares of protected lakes, rivers and limestone peaks covered in lush vegetation. The journey takes you through remote tribal villages which are home to the Dao and Hmong tribes. You will arrive in the late afternoon. Ba Be is home to many different ethnic groups, as well as Vietnam’s largest lake. Your accommodation this evening is in a traditional homestay. Dinner will be prepared by your hosts.

Overnight Location
Homestay in Ba Be
Distance
50 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Explore Ba Be National Park

Make sure to get up early this morning to take some photos in this beautiful national park. After breakfast, you cycle to a nearby tea plantation, learn how the local tea is picked and grown and try some for yourself. The rest of the day is spent on the road as you head back to Hanoi. In the evening there will be free time to rest, have dinner, and to see more of the city if you wish.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hanoi
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay

This morning you transfer to UNESCO-protected Ha Long Bay for your cruise. En route, you will stop to watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show in a local village. At around 1.30 PM your boat will head out into the bay, sailing among the famed limestone islands. Bai Tu Long Bay is some distance from the port and therefore sees fewer tourists.

One of the best parts is exploring a local floating fishing village by kayak. The boat will moor in the bay overnight.

Overnight Location
Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Distance
None
Meals
Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

Wake up early to see the sunrise over the bay. This morning, you cruise to one of the most unspoiled parts of the bay, Cong Dam, and learn about its unique geology. A BBQ lunch will be served on the boat or a nearby beach. Depending on the water level you may be able to explore nearby caves. The rest of the day is yours to spend enjoying this amazing location. Swim, kayak or simply relax onboard the boat with a drink in hand and take in the view!

Overnight Location
Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Return to Hanoi

This morning, you can explore the bay by sampan (traditional bamboo rowing boat). Visit the floating village of Vung Vieng and see how the residents manage to go about all their daily activities on the water. Lunch will be served on board as you head back to the port. In the afternoon you will be driven back to Hanoi, in time for one final special evening in the city.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hanoi
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 Departure

After breakfast, there may be time to squeeze in some shopping in Hanoi depending on the time of your flight. Then, it is time to say your farewells as the tour ends.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour Prices and Dates

This guided biking tour in Northern Vietnam Tour is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price always depends on the number of people in your group.

Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Guided Groups of 2: $3,075USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 3: $2,995USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 4: $2,525USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 5-6: $2,325USD per person
  • Guided Groups of 7+: on request
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Accommodation on the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour

This tour includes a good balance between comfortable 2-3* hotels, homestay, boat and sleeper train. Hotels are well located, with comfortable amenities.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $550USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Hanoi Boutique Hotel in Hanoi

Centrally located hotel in the heart of the old town with Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, laundry facilities, restaurant, spa, and health club.

Night 2

Sleeper train to Lao Cai

Spending a night on a sleeper train is a must-do while in Vietnam. It saves time and lets you taste an important part of Vietnamese life.

Night 8

Homestay in Ba Be

Staying in authentic local homestays is the best way to learn about local culture and is one of the highlights of the trip!

Hanoi Boutique Hotel in Hanoi

Centrally located hotel in the heart of the old town with Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, laundry facilities, restaurant, spa, and health club.

Dragon Pearl cruise in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay cruise boat with comfortable air-conditioned rooms will take you to the most beautiful hidden corners of Ha Long Bay.

Hanoi Boutique Hotel in Hanoi

Centrally located hotel in the heart of the old town with Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, laundry facilities, restaurant, spa, and health club.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What is included on the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour?

Meals

10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners are included. Snacks during the biking days are included too.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 12 nights along the tour.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation is included for you and your luggage. Airport transfers are included too.

Also Included

  • English speaking tour guides
  • Vietnam cycle ride on day 2
  • Puppet Show on day 2
  • Kayaking and boating during the cruise in Ha Long Bay
  • Biking support vehicle
  • Entrance fees and permits
  • Bike rental (including helmet). Bikes are Trek 4500 models.

Not included

  • Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour
  • Visa
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Anything not stated as ‘included’

Optional Extras

  • Additional night in Hanoi before or after the tour

Frequenty Asked Questions about Biking in Northern Vietnam

How hard is the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour?

We rate this tour as 4/5. You will be riding up to 80 km daily on rough terrain.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

This is a challenging tour, and we don’t recommend this for children younger than 16. If you have younger children, the tour can be customized for shorter length rides.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Can I rent a bike?

The bike rental (Trek 4500) is included in the tour package.

What should I bring to the trip?

Here is a list of what recommended items to bring with you:

  • Passport
  • Change of clothes
  • Sunglasses & hat
  • Toiletries
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlights
  • Camera
  • Proper sport boots/shoes
  • Personal first aid kit & medicine
  • Small VND notes for buying drinks
  • If you feel the need, you can bring along a luggage lock for your belongings.

Are meals included on the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour?

9 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 8 dinners are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Hanoi to start this tour?

You can get to Hanoi by bus or train from most major Vietnam cities. The closest airport is Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, located 45 km from central Hanoi.

Is the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide speaks English.

Where does the Biking in Northern Vietnam Tour end?

The tour ends in Hanoi.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Vietnam?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Vietnam?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam for this tour?

The best time to travel to Vietnam for hiking and biking is from October to March, as well as April and May (hot season), and June to August (green season with occasional rains).

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $2,325USD

Difficulty

Guided

Hotel

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as 4/5. You will be riding up to 80 km daily on rough terrain.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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