Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHong Ngoc Cochinchine Hotel in Hanoi
Centrally located and super clean, this hotel’s style is inspired by French colonial architecture. It has beautiful spacious rooms and city views.
Indulge in an unforgettable 10-day cycling journey in northern Vietnam
There’s no other way to say this: this is the trip of a lifetime. If you’ve been curious about Vietnam and interested in cycling around a country, this tour is the top choice. Spend 10 phenomenal days cycling around northern Vietnam, viewing its highlights and learning what makes it unique.
Begin in Hanoi, where French colonialism and Vietnamese tradition collide in beautiful chaos. The buzz of this city is palpable, and that’s not just because they have a whole street dedicated to coffee!
Spend the first two days getting acquainted with this enchanting place, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, and visiting the main attractions. Don’t forget to sip some bia hoi (fresh beer) on the popular Beer Corner—just pull up a plastic chair like everyone else and get your draught.
On Day 3, your cycling journey begins as you set out towards the Mai Chau Valley, an area that looks like a dinosaur may saunter around a mountain corner at any moment. You will cycle through breathtaking landscapes of limestone mountains covered in moss, rice paddies as far as you can see, and farmers among them with the iconic triangular hats.
After a couple of days pedaling through stunning nature reserves and Cuc Phuong National Park, you will head to the coast to embark on an overnight cruise in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. This overnight journey will open your eyes to a magnificent world of majestic pillars coming out of the vivid sea, and don’t miss the sunset and sunrise from your boat!
Cycle-touring Vietnam is, hands down, one of the best ways to experience this country. Treat yourself to this guided cycling tour with full local support and an incredible detailed itinerary for you to the best parts of northern Vietnam efficiently and comfortably.
Welcome to Vietnam! Your group will meet at the hotel in the afternoon for a briefing from your local Vietnamese guide. Settle into your hotel room then depart for an evening walking tour of Vietnam’s charming capital city. With many alleyways and adorable haunts to admire, you’ll get an excellent introduction to colonial influences blended with native traditions in this lovely city. Take a moment to admire the central Hoan Kiem Lake, which acts as the capital's heart. Return to your hotel for your first night—and be careful crossing the street!
Hanoi is a charming mix of colonial architecture and Vietnamese tradition. Today after breakfast, you’ll discover its highlights like the Temple of Literature inside the country’s oldest universities. Then, wander through the Old Quarter's narrow streets packed with eclectic crafts and goods for sale. Return to the hotel after lunch and pick your trusty bicycle for the rest of the week and hear the details from your guide about the exciting week of riding ahead. Get a good night’s sleep in Hanoi—maybe go out for a drink on one of the many plastic chairs and tables that line the streets at night and feel like a local.
Your first day of cycling will bring a challenge, but the effort is worth the reward. You receive transport to the starting point to avoid cycling on the highway. Start climbing through lush green mountains and over the incredible Thung Khe pass with magical views of Hoa Binh Lake. Stop at a waterfall for a refreshing dip, then continue towards Mai Chau situated in a beautiful green valley. This authentic village is populated with the Vietnamese Thai minority. You’ll spend the night with a homestay family here, allowing you to engage with the locals and learn about their traditions. Get a good night’s sleep after a challenging day of riding.
Fuel up on breakfast and a delicious Vietnamese iced coffee, ca phe sua da. You have the whole day to explore Mai Chau and the small villages in the surrounding valley. Aside from the region’s natural magnificence, it is packed with northern Vietnamese culture and traditions. Stop in one of the many villages to say hello, have a snack, and listen to the locals' stories. The area is breathtaking, and riding a bike around is one of the best ways to admire it. See the vivid green terraced rice paddies, bamboo stilt houses dotting huge grass fields, all while surrounded by karst mountains and lush foliage. Return to your hotel in Mai Chau for the night.
Once you finish breakfast, hop on your bike to descend deeper into the gorgeous Mai Chau Valley. Enjoy the quintessential Vietnamese landscapes as you make your way to Pu Luong National Park. Once here, you’ll witness the phenomenal limestone pillars comprising the landscape before you. Keep watch for the variety of foliage here—over 1000 plant species are listed for the area. Spend the night in a traditional, yet luxurious, stilt house near the park.
Get a short break for your legs in a private transfer to today’s cycling route in Cau Tram. You’ll pedal through fragrant plantations for the morning until stopping for lunch in a local eatery. Visit the serenity of Van Long Nature Reserve in the afternoon and ride into Ninh Binh province. Stunning limestone pillars and rivers abound in this naturally splendid area. Take a boat ride down one of the shallow rivers with a guide who will likely be wearing an iconic triangular hat for sun protection. Enjoy the peaceful journey on the water, admiring the sky's reflection in the water, making the landscapes look as if they were painted. Once the boat ride comes to an end, get on your bike to ride to your hotel in Ninh Binh for the night.
Today, you’ll receive a transfer in the morning to the Dinh Le Temple to start your route. Ride through the picturesque areas of Trang An and Tam Coc, and stop here for lunch. The afternoon will be devoted to exploring the tremendous Cuc Phuong National Park—if you want to immerse yourself in nature, now is your chance! Cycle through truly stunning jungle landscapes replete with cascading waterfalls, rivers, giant trees for a shady exploration, and even some cheeky monkeys. The native Muong people remain living near the park—consider purchasing some souvenirs from them to support their work in preserving their traditions and culture. Once your park tour is complete, take a private transfer to the hotel in Ninh Binh.
Enjoy your breakfast in Ninh Binh, and hop on your bike for a short ride this morning. Riding through the Thai Binh province, you end up at Haiphong, a large port city on Pacific Ocean. Leave your bike behind for a day as you embark on a cruise around the famous Halong Bay. You will be blown away by the splendor of this place. The idyllic location comprises 1,900 limestone islands only accessible by boat and uninhabitable—it’s no wonder it has earned a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views spending the night on the boat. Lunch and dinner will consist of freshly-caught seafood, the latter accompanied by an unparalleled view of the sunset from the boat’s upper deck. Onboard, you’ll get a chance to watch an evening fishing session before you settle into your cabin for the night.
Don’t miss your chance this morning to witness the sunrise over the vivid waters of Halong Bay. Your guide will navigate through the bay in the morning and return you to a port to disembark. You’ll then enjoy a ride to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon with free time to shop for final souvenirs before a group farewell dinner.
Indulge in a final ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) with breakfast. Make your own way either to the airport or your next destination on your adventure in Vietnam.
This guided tour in Vietnam is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you).
Prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-02-27 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-03-08 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-03-21 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-03-30 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-04-04 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-04-13 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-04-25 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-05-04 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-05-27 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-06-05 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-05-27 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-06-05 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-07 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-08-16 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-09-11 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-09-20 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-10-23 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-11-01 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-10-30 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-11-08 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-11-27 Hanoi 10 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-12-06 Hanoi | 10 | 5+ | $1,975USDBook Now | Book Now |
This tour is based in 3- and 4-star hotels with modern amenities that make this trip more comfortable. You will also spend one night aboard a ship in Halong Bay. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
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 $295USD to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with your group. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Centrally located and super clean, this hotel’s style is inspired by French colonial architecture. It has beautiful spacious rooms and city views.
Amid rice fields and mountains, this hotel offers pure serenity. With Thai-style furnishings, friendly service, and a pool, it feels like paradise.
Scenic views of terraced rice paddies and mountains abound from this traditional retreat house. Sleep among nature in a comfortable, airy room.
Sleep like royalty in this grand and sleek hotel. Enjoy plenty of entertaining amenities like the billiards room, pools, fitness centre, and lounge.
Sleep on board a boat in the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Sip a drink while you watch the sunset, and get a cozy rest in the sleeper cabins.
Centrally located and super clean, this hotel’s style is inspired by French colonial architecture. It has beautiful spacious rooms and city views.
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 dinners are included.
Accommodation for 9 nights is included in the tour.
Transport for your luggage is included throughout the tour. A support vehicle will be available on cycling days in case of an emergency.
How hard is the Cycling Hanoi to Halong Bay Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable riding a bicycle for up to 6 hours daily on moderate terrain.
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.
Are meals included on the Cycling Hanoi to Halong Bay Tour?
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 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 reach Hanoi by plane from several major airports in Asia. You will have to arrange your own transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Is the Cycling Hanoi to Halong Bay Tour in English?
Yes, the local guides are English-speaking.
Where does the Cycling Hanoi to Halong Bay 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).
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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23 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
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We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable riding a bicycle for up to 6 hours daily on moderate terrain.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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