The Best Of North Vietnam Biking – 15 Days Of Discovery
Do you want to discover Vietnam by bicycle? This is the best of North Vietnam biking tour that demonstrates the captivating nature of the country through its magnificent scene of a clear blue sky, massive limestone mountains, stunning rice fields, and the pace of daily life.
You will undoubtedly retain a memorable impression and experience unforgettable moments as after this cycling trip. You will also have a chance to learn more about the fabled city’s distinctive culture and ethereal atmosphere.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to take cycling tours in Vietnam, which will take you from one surprise to another.
The Best Of North Vietnam Biking: Vietnam Biking Tour Details
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Our guide and driver from MTB Vietnam met us at Noi Bai International Airport and drove us to my hotel in the center of Hanoi. We were immediately taken aback by Hanoi, the historic and vibrant capital of Vietnam, which has managed to hold onto much of its colonial architecture and distinct old-world charm.
After checking in, we unwinded for a little before setting out to explore Hanoi’s historic and contemporary splendor on a cyclo through the Old Quarter’s busy streets. After the trip, we received a warm greeting with a special welcome meal at a restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese food, and we stayed the night in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Vu Linh Ecovillage Bike Tour
On day 2 when cycling in Vietnam, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the hotel before boarding the shuttle bus to the bike zone, leaving the bustle of the city behind. We arrived in Tam Dao, where our support team and a van had their bikes ready and water provided for our group after an hour and a half of sightseeing on the bus.
We started cycling through the lush and picturesque landscape of Central North Vietnam with simple villages, children herding buffaloes in the fields or going to school, and unspoiled limestone mountains. After lunch, we walked along the asphalt road to Vu Linh village to learn more about the Dao people and their culture.
Day 3: Thuong Lam – Lam Thuong Ecovillage Bicycle Tour
From the cycling community, we pedaled to Luc Yen, a town well-known for its gems and rubies in the northern region of Vietnam. We had a chance to explore the market and learn more about Rubi’s incredible products. Then, we took a Lam Thuong Eco Home village bike tour through a stroll crossing a beautiful cinnamon forest.
There we met the Dao Hill people, who have resided in Lam Thuong for hundreds of years, developing a distinctive culture and identity.
Day 4: Lam Thuong – Bac Ha Cycling Trip
We passed through the Tan Duong – Bao Tan bicycle trip to reach Bac Ha after a hearty breakfast. We cycled through picturesque landscapes, quiet villages, and markets, pulling over along the way to observe the daily activities of the hill tribes while gazing at the lovely rocky mountains located along both sides of the bike path.
We continued the difficult adventure through the amazing pass to reach Bac Ha town after lunch, checked in, and rested upon arrival at the guesthouse.
Day 5: Bac Ha – Coc Pai – Hoang Su Phi – Thong Nguyen Biking Tour
We left the hotel early in the morning and rode to Lung Phing before turning onto the only trail to Sin Man. After stopping for a picnic lunch on the way, we carried on with a Coc Pai town bike tour before conquering the “two-gate pass” and descending down to Hoang Su Phi town.
The landscape was extremely beautiful and spectacular, dotted with flowers in H’Mong, Tay, Nung, and Dao Phu La villages.
Day 6: Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang Bike Trip
The northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang, is circled by the provinces of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang, and shares a 270 km border with the Yunnan province of China. 705,100 individuals, representing 23 different ethnic groups, have developed a vibrant culture and tradition there.
We experienced one of the most spectacular limestone mountains and breathtaking rice terrace landscape in Hoang Su Phi – Hagiang bicycle route, as well as the National Rice Terraces Heritage in Mu Cang Chai. We also scaled several significant hills before leaving Viet Quang and moving on to a hotel in Ha Giang.
Day 7: Ha Giang – Quang Ba – Yen Minh Bike Tour
We woke up early in the morning and pedaled along a landscape of terraced rice fields for the first 25 kilometers on a very flat road outside of town. We then cycled 25 km through ethnic minority communities, took twisting roads through a large mountain range with parallel stone walls, and climbed 800 m to the pass known as “Heaven’s Gate No. 1.”
We took part in a Quan Ba village biking tour, ate lunch on the top of the peak, and admired the breathtaking views from the top of the pass, including the well-known panorama of Tam Son valley with the “Twin Hills.” After that, we rode bikes down the river after lunch and cycled alongside the Gam River until we came to another pass.
Day 8: Yen Minh – Lung Cu – Dong Van Cycling Tour
We were having an incredible day cycling in the world’s largest geopark, the Dong Van Rock Plateau Geopark, today. Cycling to the top was rewarded by pristine nature and stunning views of the karst plateau.
The Hmong King’s Palace (Dinh Vuong Chi Sinh) was our next destination to explore before moving on to Pole Lung Cu Flagpole via bicycle. We continued traveling to Dong Van Town after lunch.
Day 9: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac Bicycle Trip
The White Mong, Tay, and Lo Lo tribes atop the hill primarily frequented the market in the middle of Meo Vac town. Women walking around town with bamboo woven baskets brimming with maize and veggies are clothed in colorful traditional garb. And people from the area’s minority cultures were strolling down the streets in bright tribal garb. All were so peaceful and lively.
On that day, we biked alongside the Gam River and up a rough mountain road to reach Bac Me. The surrounding area was a bizarre panorama of peaks, valleys, towers, and caves, with the majority of the landforms being limestone. After that, we enjoyed lunch and proceeded to go along the banks of the Gam River to get through this rather challenging pass and then drop to Bao Lac town.
Day 10: Bao Lac – Cao Bang Bike Tour
The hardest riding day of our trip was this day. But it was amazing since we got up early to see the hill people’s everyday activities while our host and I ate pancakes and drank hot coffee.
We spent a half-day traveling 38 km uphill on a paved road to Pia Hoac’s summit before returning to Cao Bang City. We cycled across a stunning limestone mountain range and discovered a remote place in a frontier area.
Day 11: Cao Bang – Tra Linh Bicycle Trip
After going to Pac Bo through serene towns, we took in the unspoiled landscape and stunning views. The best part was that we got to talk to hill tribe members on the road or kids heading to or from school.
We gained more knowledge about Ho Chi Minh’s life and the Post-Revolution in Vietnam by visiting this important location. We put our skills to the test after lunch before leaving Tra Linh Township.
Day 12: Tra Linh – Ban Gioc Biking Tour
Once in Chongqing, we spent some time taking a short rest before pedaling along the Quay Son River. As we went along the border belt, over the bamboo bridge, and then cycled past charming villages and rice terraces, the breathtaking scenery and the luscious rice fields filled our mind with a refreshing sense.
After eating lunch at Eco Homestay, we cycled along the river to the Ban Gioc waterfall. Showering under the waterfall was a once-of-a-kind experience, striping off our tireness, anxiety, and stress of this hustle life.
Day 13: Ban Gioc – Quang Uyen Bike Tour
After breakfast, we set out on the new border route from the hotel to Quang Uyen Town to behold the gorgeous limestone highlands while passing numerous hills inhabited by the Tay and Nung tribes.
We continued riding on trails and country roads to Quang Uyen Town after lunch. We grabbed dinner at a neighborhood eatery that evening and spent the night at the Duy Huong hotel.
Day 14: Quang Uyen – Bac Son Valley Cycling Tour
After eating breakfast at the hotel, we hopped on our bicycles to Lang Son via the famed 4D highway, passing the towns of That Khe and Dong Khe. We were greeted with smiles by the locals as we traveled through the occasionally cloud-covered towns.
We had the chance to see the entrance to the battlefields at Dong Khe and That Khe while cycling. The breathtaking scenery, mighty mountains, and lovely rice terraces were also so charming.
Day 15: Bac Son – Hanoi Bicycle Tour
The Bac Son – Huu Lung bike route offered we cyclists breathtaking natural landscapes on the last day of the trip. After lunch, when our bike tour was over, we explored the lush tea farm, palm leaves, rubber trees, and some ethnic minority villages.
Then, we took the van back to Hanoi. And our Vietnam mountain biking tours came to an end.
Conclusion
You will be astonished by how much there is to see on Vietnam mountain biking tours, and you will regret not having enough time to visit every location.
Why are you holding out? Experience the best of North Vietnam biking tour now to be ready for your trip to experience Vietnam! In addition, we also have many other Vietnam cycling tours that you can refer to to suit your desired time.
Check out what bicyclists said about MTB Vietnam on Tripadvisor!