Vietnam’s Northwest & Far North Cycling Journey

We’ll start the day with an early breakfast and depart Hanoi at 7:00 AM for a 4-hour drive along the freeway to Xuan Giao, home to a lively local farm market. After lunch, we’ll get fitted with our bikes and begin our first day of mountain biking.

Leaving the market behind, we cycle alongside the river and follow a dirt road that climbs into the rolling hills toward Suoi Thau. The route is truly spectacular, taking us through remote villages and serene valleys. Along the way, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of lush green landscapes, meandering streams, forested hills, grazing buffalo, and cascading rice terraces.

We then continue pedaling toward Thanh Phu Bridge, where we turn onto small trails that wind through the mountainous terrain, eventually arriving at our destination for the night—Topas Riverside Lodge Homestay.

After checking out of the hotel, we take a short transfer to a nearby T-junction and begin cycling along the quiet DT155 road toward Ba Khoang and Ban Xeo. The morning ride is challenging, with steep hills and winding gravel paths, but rewards us with stunning views of misty valleys and layered rice terraces.

Reaching the peaceful village of Ban Khoang, we encounter the Red Dao people and their rich culture amid beautiful forests and terraced fields. The crisp air and friendly locals add to the charm.

We then descend toward Ban Xeo, joining the gentler DT158 route through lively valleys dotted with farms, grazing buffalo, and welcoming villagers. The final stretch follows a scenic riverside path along the China border, mostly downhill, leading us to Lao Cai city—ending a diverse and unforgettable day.

After an early breakfast, check out and transfer by vehicle to the outskirts of Lao Cai, enjoying spectacular mountain views and lush hillside orchards along the way. Today’s ride will be a challenging one, taking us along paved mountain roads through hilly farmland.

As we cycle through the scenic terrain, you'll discover remote mountain landscapes, encounter local tribes working their fields, and experience the vibrant culture of ethnic minority groups. Our journey takes us to the Coc Ly Market (held every Tuesday), where we’ll witness how local people exchange goods in a traditional setting. Livestock such as buffaloes, cows, dogs, horses, chickens, and even cats are traded, often through bartering if their values match. The Coc Ly Market is a bustling and colorful event, rich in local character and cultural exchange.

After visiting the market, we continue cycling along single tracks toward Bao Nhai Bridge, then turn off toward Bac Ha town. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore Bac Ha on your own.

Today begins with a short, scenic vehicle transfer west to Lung Phinh, where we set off on pave roads, exhilarating mountain ride toward Xin Man, a remote and tranquil district nestled along the Vietnam–China border. This region, lying between Ha Giang and Lao Cai provinces, boasts some of the most stunning, dramatic, and unspoiled landscapes in northern Vietnam.

Our route takes us deep into the culturally rich homeland of several ethnic minority communities, including the Nung, Flower Hmong, Tay, and Ha Nhi tribes. As we cycle through this isolated yet vibrant region, we’ll witness their authentic, time-honored lifestyles and colorful traditions firsthand.

One of the highlights of today’s ride is the breathtaking, panoramic view of Hoang Su Phi’s iconic terraced rice fields—recognized as a national heritage site and widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders.

In the afternoon, we continue our mountain biking journey along a quiet, winding, and gently ascending road that traces the course of a serene river, eventually leading us to Hoang Su Phi town. Every moment of this ride is a memorable celebration of remote beauty and cultural richness. The rest of the journey is a comfortable shuttle transfer to Thong Nguyen.

We set off this morning, leaving town behind as we cycle the first 25km along relatively flat roads, surrounded by picturesque terraced rice paddies. Continuing on, we pass through ethnic minority villages before tackling the next 25km on winding roads that climb into a dramatic limestone mountain range, its sheer rock faces rising sharply around us as we ascend 800m toward the ‘Heaven Gate’ pass. 

Along the way, we ride through mountain villages—often wrapped in mist—where friendly locals greet us as we pass. Reaching the summit, we’re rewarded with breathtaking views, including the iconic panorama of Tam Son Valley and its distinctive ‘Twin Hills.’ In the distance lies Quan Ba, our destination, set beautifully among the mountains. From here, it’s mostly downhill for the final 15km ride into town. Break for coffee in town, and resume passing the buckwheat field, and gear up a gentle hill to H'mong Village Resort. Explore the village on your own for the rest of the day.

Enjoy swimming in the pools and wandering through the villages, giving your legs a chance to relax after days of adventure. Get ready for the days ahead

Today is an extraordinary day, filled with stunning and dramatic mountain passes—Can Ty, Tham Pha, and Chin Khoanh—before we roll into one of northern Vietnam’s most breathtaking regions: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

The smooth, winding road carries us along fascinating routes that twist and climb over majestic mountain passes. With each steady pedal stroke, we ascend higher, rewarded by sweeping, awe-inspiring views that make us feel as though we’re riding on the roof of the world. The challenging terrain tests our endurance, but the rewards are truly unparalleled. We'll break for lunch in Yen Minh Township.

The Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized natural wonder, lies near the Chinese border, where surreal limestone formations rise in striking conical shapes and plunge into lush, verdant valleys.

We end this memorable day with an overnight stay in the charming town of Dong Van.

After a leisurely breakfast, we set off from the hotel and venture into a vibrant hill-tribe region, offering an authentic glimpse into local life. We cycle along one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain roads—the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass—winding high above the emerald ribbon of the Nho Que River. Towering limestone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and exhilarating descents guide us toward Meo Vac, where a well-earned lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, we continue through rolling hillsides and quiet hamlets, soaking in the remote beauty of the landscape. After approximately 75 km of riding, we reach a small town, where we conclude the day with a comfortable shuttle transfer to Bao Lac.

Nestled in the highlands, Bao Lac District is home to a vibrant mosaic of colorful ethnic communities. Just a short 10-minute stroll from the hotel, the lively local market offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life—where hill tribes gather to trade goods, while exchanging traditional customs and trading fresh produce, livestock, and handcrafted bamboo items. It’s a perfect morning exploration before returning to the hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Afterward, we take a 30-minute shuttle transfer to a charming small town, where today’s cycling adventure begins. The route winds through rolling hills, lush farmland, and emerald rice paddies, unfolding across a series of picturesque valleys. Along the way, we’ll pause for a scenic lunch and, if fortune favors us, catch a glimpse of traditional buffalo and cattle markets still in session.

We continue riding along quiet paved roads, making frequent stops in tiny villages to soak in the authentic rural atmosphere and meet friendly locals. As the day draws to a close, we arrive on the outskirts of Ra Market, where a short shuttle transfer takes us onward to the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake.

We’ll take a scenic boat trip to tranquil Ba Be Lake and explore the mysterious Puong Cave. Then, the leisurely cruise continues to charming Cam Ha Village, where you can experience the peaceful, authentic life of the Tay people before getting back on the boat that takes you upstream along the serene Nang River. 

The river has gradually eroded the majestic karst, eventually breaking through to the other side and leaving behind a magnificent tunnel of fascinating rock formations. Finish the memorable boat trip, then get on the support vehicle at the park gate and head out for a delicious lunch before a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi. Tour ends.