Road Biking Vietnam's Frontier

Road Biking Vietnam's Frontier

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12 Days From

$3400

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Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure through Vietnam's northern landscapes with the "Legends of the North: Ha Giang and Cao Bang Road Biking" tour. This journey takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ba Be National Park, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders. Cycle alongside the hills of Tam Dao, marvel at the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, and conquer the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass. Discover the historical hideout of Ho Chi Minh at Pac Bo and witness the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall. Experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with stays in local communities and mountain lodgings, all while exploring the traditional lifestyles of ethnic groups like the Dzao and Hmong. This tour promises an unforgettable experience of Vietnam's stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Cycling alongside the hills in Tam Dao and visiting Thac Ba Lake.

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

  • Riding along the Lo River and climbing the Quan Ba mountain pass.

  • Descending into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and visiting Pho Bang.

  • Conquering the Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoying the scenery around Meo Vac Mountain.

  • Visiting Pac Bo, the historical hideout of Ho Chi Minh, and Ban Gioc Waterfall.

  • Exploring Ba Be National Park with its stunning mountain scenery and natural 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: Quan Ba

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

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

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: Cao Bang

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, 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

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 various scenic locations in Vietnam, including Tam Dao, Thac Ba Lake, Hoang Su Phi, and more.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Explore the traditional lifestyles of ethnic groups such as the Dzao and Hmong, and visit historical sites like the Vuong Palace.

  • Scenic Passes

    Ride through scenic passes such as Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng, Me Pja, and Khau Coc Cha.

  • Visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall

    Witness the breathtaking cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall, which straddles the border between Vietnam and China.

  • Exploration of Cao Bang

    Explore the small businesses and unique cultural sites in Cao Bang.

  • Stay in Ba Be National Park

    Stay in Ba Be National Park, known for its stunning mountain scenery and the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam.

  • Transport

    Transfers are provided to key starting points, allowing you to cycle through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and ethnic villages.

What's Not Included

Bike Hire

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

Mode of Transport

Embark on a thrilling road biking adventure through Vietnam's northern landscapes, with transfers provided to key starting points, allowing you to cycle through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and ethnic villages.

Accommodation

Experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with stays in local communities, mountain lodgings, and a beautifully-constructed farmstay, offering a glimpse into the rural traditions and stunning landscapes of the region.

Bike Hire

Standard Road Bike: US$ 330

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with stays in local communities, mountain lodgings, and a beautifully-constructed farmstay, offering a glimpse into the rural traditions and stunning landscapes of the region.

  • Is bike hire included in the tour package?

    No, bike hire is not included in the tour package. Standard road bike hire costs an additional US$ 330.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes exploring the traditional lifestyles of ethnic groups such as the Dzao and Hmong, and visiting historical sites like the Vuong Palace.

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

    The tour starts and ends in Hanoi, Vietnam.

  • Are there any notable scenic routes on the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes riding through scenic passes such as Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng, Me Pja, and Khau Coc Cha, which are some of Vietnam's most scenic routes.

  • What kind of landscapes will I see during the tour?

    You will cycle through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, ethnic villages, rice terraces, mountain streams, and see stunning vistas including the famous Tam Son valley with the Twin Hills.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to Pac Bo, the historical hideout of Ho Chi Minh, and the Vuong Palace, which is associated with the family that ruled over the region and controlled opium production.

  • 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

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to 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, Quan Ba, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Cao Bang, Pac Bo, Ban Gioc, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phia Thap, Ma Phuc Pass, Ba Be National Park ...more ...less

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

VNM-HGC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

High

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3400 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 26-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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