Road Biking Vietnam's Frontier

Road Biking Vietnam's Frontier

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12 Days From

$3400

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Tour Overview

Vietnam’s remote north-eastern frontier holds a special mystique, even for seasoned Vietnamese travelers. There is a reverence for the vast scale of its dense jungles, jagged mountain ranges, clear streams and deep canyons; for the sheer number of indigenous ethnic groups, each with distinct languages and customs, different from one valley to the next; and for the region's formative role in the Vietnamese identity from ancient times until the present. This is also the heartland of Vietnamese independence: it was in the gorges and caverns of the North-East that the national hero, Ho Chi Minh, trained and built up his nascent guerilla army to prevail first against the occupying French, then eventually against the Americans and South Vietnamese. Today, this is a peaceful and welcoming land, with smiles aplenty from local denizens as we roll through their small villages and farms. Every bend in the road brings sights and encounters that will stay with us as we pedal our way across this formidable territory.We first meet in Hanoi, then depart for a day of lakeside riding to Vu Linh. From here, the spectacular territory and tougher cycling begin, as we make our way to Hoang Su Phi and Quan Ba. Stunning geological formations and an array of cultural stops await as we enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. We then enter Cao Bang Province, passing over the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass to arrive in Bao Lac. Approach the Chinese border on remote roads as you make your way deeper into the province, with views of rice terraces and dazzling mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see. The Pac Bo caves, favoured hiding spot of Ho Chi Minh, make for an evocative stop before we continue on roads flanked by stilted houses and water buffalo. The towering cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall greet us in the soft morning light before we ride through charming stone villages and arrive in lively Cao Bang City for a night. Leave town on a sustained climb surrounded by gorgeous countryside, with an equally long downhill as we arrive at serene Ba Be Lake, a favourite natural sanctuary. Our last ride takes us southward out of the mountains towards Bac Kan, and we then return to Hanoi, emerging from this thrilling whirl through the realms of the north! Join us as we venture to the heights of Vietnam’s frontier on this unforgettable 12-day road cycling journey! ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Cycle alongside the hills in Tam Dao and visit Thac Ba Lake.

  • Explore the rice terraces and mountain streams of Hoang Su Phi.

  • Ride along the Lo River and climb the Quan Ba mountain pass.

  • Experience the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and visit the Vuong Palace.

  • Conquer the Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoy the scenery around Meo Vac Mountain.

  • Visit Pac Bo, the hideout of Ho Chi Minh, and cross the Quay River.

  • Witness the Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam-China border.

  • Stay in Ba Be National Park, home to Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Hanoi

Meals Included: Dinner

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide to go for a bike fitting. Later, we will meet for a welcome dinner to set the stage for our journey.

Day 2

Location: Tam Dao, Thac Ba Lake

Accommodation Name: community of the Dzao ethnic group

After a transfer out of the city, we begin cycling alongside a range of hills in Tam Dao. We reach Thac Ba Lake, an enormous reservoir that dates to the 1960s, and spend the night in a quiet community of the Dzao ethnic group.

Day 3

Location: Hoang Su Phi

Accommodation Name: mountain lodging

Meals Included: Dinner

Continue up a small road flanked by huge mountains on the two sides to approach Hoang Su Phi, with its rice terraces and rushing mountain streams where a rich mosaic of ethnic minority groups retain their distinct cultures in daily life. Transfer to our mountain lodging for dinner.

Day 4

Location: Lo River, Quan Ba Mountain Pass, Tam Son Valley, Nam Dam

Accommodation Name: village at the foot of Quan Ba mountain range

Ride along the Lo River and climb the Quan Ba mountain pass. Take in stunning vistas, including the famous Tam Son valley with the Twin Hills. Descending the pass, ride to Nam Dam, where the traditional Dzao lifestyle carries on in a beautiful village at the foot of Quan Ba mountain range.

Day 5

Location: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Pho Bang, Vuong Palace

Ride into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark with a 10 km descent through Hmong villages, followed by riverside riding and two long, tough climbs. See the centuries-old clay-walled townlet of Pho Bang and relics of the Vuong Palace, named for the family that ruled over the region and controlled opium production.

Day 6

Location: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac

A series of jagged climbs takes us to the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass and around Meo Vac Mountain. A long downhill takes us into river valleys where we cruise past dreamy scenery of bamboo forests, stilt houses, and vibrant green of the hillsides.

Day 7

Location: Gam River, Me Pja Pass, Khau Coc Cha Pass, Ha Quang District

Accommodation Name: farmstay

Pedal along the Gam River before a section of rolling hills with fruit orchards. Conquer the Me Pja and Khau Coc Cha passes, two of Vietnam's most scenic routes. Enjoy a downhill ride through the picturesque Ha Quang district to a beautifully-constructed farmstay that showcases the rural traditions of the area.

Day 8

Location: Pac Bo, Quay River, Ban Gioc

Ride to Pac Bo, which was once the hideout of Ho Chi Minh. Meet farmers using water buffalo to plow the fields and tending to a wide variety of crops amid a surreal mountain background. Cross the Quay River and conclude your day in picturesque Ban Gioc.

Day 9

Location: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phia Thap, Ma Phuc Pass, Cao Bang

Rise early to witness the breathtaking cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall, which straddles the border between Vietnam and China. Embark by bike Phia Thap, renowned for handmade incense production. Later, conquer the Ma Phuc Pass and arrive in Cao Bang. Explore the many small businesses and unique cultural sites in town!

Day 10

Location: Ba Be National Park

Accommodation Name: Ba Be National Park

This morning’s road is a highlight reel of scenic tea plantations, cornfields, and rolling hills with the pointed ridges known as the “Dragon’s Back” in the background. We will stay in Ba Be National Park, with stunning mountain scenery, semi tropical monsoon rainforest, and the largest natural fresh water lake in Vietnam.

Day 11

Location: Hanoi

Meals Included: Dinner

The last cycling day on our trip takes us back southward, as we leave the highest mountains behind and pass through tea, palm, and gum tree plantations. Tonight, we will celebrate in style, reminiscing over this journey over a feast of Vietnamese specialties here in the capital.

Day 12

Location: Hanoi

We depart to continue exploring Vietnam, or other onward travels. Hẹn gặp lại!

What's Included

  • Bike Fitting

    Meet your tour guide for a bike fitting on the first day of the tour.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Enjoy a welcome dinner to set the stage for the journey.

  • Cycling Tour

    Experience a guided cycling tour through Vietnam's frontier, including visits to Thac Ba Lake, Hoang Su Phi, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, and more.

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What's Not Included

Bike Hire

Standard Road Bike hire is not included and costs US$ 330.

Mode of Transport

Embark on a thrilling cycling adventure through Vietnam's stunning landscapes, with transfers provided to key starting points, ensuring a seamless journey from Hanoi to the breathtaking northern frontier.

Accommodation

Experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality as you stay in local communities, mountain lodges, and farmstays, offering a unique glimpse into the rural traditions and cultures of the region.

Bike Hire

Standard Road Bike: US$ 330

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Hanoi, Vietnam.

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will meet your tour guide for a bike fitting in the afternoon, followed by a welcome dinner to set the stage for the journey.

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes visits to communities of the Dzao ethnic group, the rice terraces and ethnic minority groups in Hoang Su Phi, the traditional Dzao lifestyle in Nam Dam, and the centuries-old clay-walled townlet of Pho Bang. You will also explore the handmade incense production in Phia Thap and the unique cultural sites in Cao Bang. ...more ...less

  • What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?

    Scenic highlights include cycling alongside hills in Tam Dao, the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, the stunning vistas from Quan Ba mountain pass, the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, the Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall. You will also see the scenic tea plantations, cornfields, and the 'Dragon's Back' ridges. ...more ...less

  • What is the significance of Pac Bo in the tour?

    Pac Bo is significant as it was once the hideout of Ho Chi Minh. During the tour, you will meet farmers using traditional methods amid a surreal mountain background.

  • What is the cost of bike hire for the tour?

    The cost of hiring a standard road bike for the tour is US$ 330.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

  • Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?

    There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.

  • Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?

    SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.

  • Do you have E-Bikes?

    Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.

  • What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?

    Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.

  • Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?

    In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Wednesday

May 03, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.

    At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Road Biking Vietnam's Frontier

12 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Tam Dao, Thac Ba Lake, Hoang Su Phi, Lo River, Quan Ba Mountain Pass, Tam Son Valley, Nam Dam, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Pho Bang, Vuong Palace, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Meo Vac, Gam River, Me Pja Pass, Khau Coc Cha Pass, Ha Quang District, Pac Bo, Quay River, Ban Gioc, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phia Thap, Ma Phuc Pass, Cao Bang, Ba Be National Park ...more ...less

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

VNM-HGC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

High

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3400 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 24-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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