Itinerary
We're setting off on an amazing adventure! We're temporarily leaving the bustling city behind and braving the great outdoors on a 9-day cycling tour in Northern Vietnam! There's nothing in the world quite like exploring a place on two wheels! Just feel the wind in your face and the sun on your back! It's such a wonderful feeling! The smells and sounds reach you instantly, and it's such a fantastic feeling! It's an incredible feeling! You really get to connect with your surroundings and feel like you're right in the middle of it all! And just ahead, the next unexpected moment you'll remember forever: the fairyland scenery appears in front of you, through a landscape of amazing karstic rock formations! You'll be cycling past stilted houses with thatched roofs and mountains nestled between limestone outcrops.
We're thrilled to announce our new 09-Day Cycling in Northern Vietnam tour! We're thrilled to announce that the tour will be conducted in the wild and picturesque mountains at the gateway to northwest Vietnam. Get ready for some extremely interesting and rewarding experiences!
I'm so thrilled to tell you all about the incredible places we'll be visiting! We'll be exploring the absolutely stunning Mai Chau Valley and Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the gorgeous Cuc Huong National Park, and the breathtaking Tam Coc. And we'll wrap up our journey with an unforgettable visit to the incredible Halong Bay!
The Mai Chau Valley is absolutely stunning, with endless green rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. And Pu Luong is the green gem among the limestone mountains of Thanh Hoa province! It's absolutely stunning! The terraced fields are an absolute work of art! They've been skillfully hewn from the high mountain slopes all the way down to the deep valleys, blending with the majestic mountain scenery to make the natural picture even more magnificent and lyrical—it's truly a sight to behold!
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Over the first two days, you'll get to cycle through some truly breathtaking landscapes. Get ready to pedal through vast steppes, climb up to the immense green tea hills, and even weave in and out of tiny dirt roads through the canopy of the ancient forest!
It's an experience you'll never forget! You'll absolutely have to stop and take some souvenir photos in the plum gardens with white flowers and luxuriant fruits – it's such an enjoyable experience!
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Over the next three days, you'll be cycling through some truly breathtaking scenery. It's an incredible journey that will take you to some truly amazing places and leave you feeling lost in an emotional wonderland!
Ready to make the most of this incredible experience? Make sure you're at a basic level of cycling proficiency, in great shape, and have a strong mindset! Get ready for an incredible cycling adventure! You'll be cycling nearly 60 km every day on a mix of terrain, including roads, uneven surfaces, gravel, and soil.
All that hard work will be totally worth it in the end! Once you reach the top of the mountain, you'll get to enjoy a truly special gift! And it'll all be worth it just to see the incredible views! The painting blends with the stilt houses hidden behind the mountains, and you can admire the endless beauty of the chestnut brown limestone mountains, the smell of the fresh air, and the scent of the rainforest. It'll be a truly unforgettable experience for you!
Let's not wait any longer to treat ourselves to a wonderful journey full of love and emotions!
Day 01: Hanoi – Bike Tours to Ha Long Bay
A very warm welcome to the 9 Day Bicycle Tour in Northern Vietnam with Snail Adventure Tours!
Our fantastic support vehicle will take us to the incredible Halong Bay via Hai Duong. On the way, you'll have the amazing opportunity to explore and admire the vast, beautiful rice paddies of Northern Vietnam.
Once you arrive at the cycling point, it's time to fix your bike and check your gear! This is also a great chance to learn the safety codes for riding on the roads of Vietnam. We're off! Our Hanoi to Halong Bay bicycle tour is about to begin. We'll be cycling through the countryside, passing many peaceful villages and along the riverbank. We'll even meet school kids along the way with a big, warm "Hello!" Or you can stop in a local market to meet friendly people and learn about their daily lives and local productions – it's a great way to get a real insight into the local culture!
We cycle to the incredible Phu Lang Traditional Ceramic Village, where you can capture the beauty of skillfully handmade paintings, pottery, and vases. You'll be especially captivated by the ceramic paintings with their unique motifs and subjects. And now for the best bit! Our Ha Long – Cat Ba cycling tour continues with a ride along the riverbank, before turning off to a village road to our first break point. And then, we meet again on the bus and transfer to Halong Bay! Once we arrive at the check-in point, we'll meet our fantastic cruise team and get ready to set sail!
Get ready for an incredible five-hour cruise that will take your breath away! You'll be treated to breathtaking views of picturesque scenery blending with the sky and 3,000 magnificent limestone islands rising from the clear, emerald waters. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, we'll have the chance to swim in a secluded cove and explore one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. And the best part? You'll get to stay overnight on the Junk Cruise!
Summary:
Activities: Transfer 1 hours, Cycling and Boat Trip
Accommodation: on cruise
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 km
Day 02: Halong bay Gia Luan – Cat Ba National park
Rise and shine! Get up early to enjoy the fresh air and gentle breeze of the bay in the morning. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board!
08.30 – 09.30: Time to enjoy a refreshing swim and relax in the sun!
10:00: Time to check out of your cabin and start your day! Then it's time to set sail for the harbour, where an à la carte lunch awaits! We're switching up our day trip to the amazing Gia Luan wharf! . We've already got your bike ready and waiting for you when you arrive! Get ready for an incredible second day of Ha Long Cat Ba cycling! We'll be setting off from Gia Luan and making our way through the stunning Cat Ba National Park back to the town. Along the way, we'll conquer some challenging but rewarding steep passes. However, you are rewarded with some truly breathtaking scenery and the chance to conquer some exhilarating mountain passes! When you arrive in Cat Ba town, the world is your oyster! You can explore the town or go for a swim on the beach. Then it's time for dinner and an amazing overnight stay in Cat Ba!
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Boat Trip
Accommodation: The May Spa Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 km
Day 03: Cat Ba Bike and Hike
After recharging our energy at the hotel, we set off on our bikes to tackle a few kilometres of ascent out of the town. On the way, we conquer three passes before plunging into the incredible Cat Ba National Park! Upon arriving in the park, we leave the bikes behind and set off on an incredible trek through the jungle. We're on a mission to discover the amazing biodiversity values of the national park and climb to the peak to take in the breathtaking view of Cat Ba and Halong Bay. We then had the chance to ride our bikes back to town via another hilly road. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the way and then relax in the afternoon. Then it's dinner and an overnight stay in the wonderful Cat Ba town!
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Hiking Trip
Accommodation: The May Spa Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 27 km
Day 04: Cat Ba – Cai Vieng – Hai Phong – Tam Coc.
After refuelling with energy for an amazing new day cycling adventure tour in Northern Vietnam, we hop on our bikes to challenge a few kilometres of ascent out of the town. We continue cycling on the same road for 16 km on the island, which is an incredible experience! Upon arriving at the section, we turn left and follow the stunning seashore along the mountain and ocean to the incredible Cai Vieng Commune and Viet Hai fish sauce villages. We then hop on a public ferry to Hai Phong city! We've arrived at Dinh Vu International Sea Port! Let's grab lunch at the seafood restaurant. After lunch, we set off on a short transfer to avoid the busy traffic and head to the incredible Tam Coc! After an amazing two-hour transfer by supported vehicle, We arrive at our fantastic hotel! Be sure to check out the village road and single-track trail rice paddy fields by bike – it's an amazing experience!
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Transferring
Accommodation: La Montagne Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 55 km
Day 05: Tam Coc – Trang An – Cuc Phuong
Get ready for another incredible Tam Coc – Cuc Phuong bicycle day tour! We'll be setting off from the hotel to explore all the amazing sights, landscapes, and natural heritage of Ninh Binh, which is like "Halong on Land." Then, we'll ride to Cuc Phuong National Park for more awe-inspiring adventures! Time for breakfast at the hotel! Next, we'll head to the incredible Dinh and Le Temple. Get ready to learn about the amazing contributions of two incredible men who led the Vietnamese people in a revolt against rebel forces and united the country in the 9th century! Another king is known as a truly great national hero and a king who was as clear-minded as they come. He did a lot to reinforce his reign and build his country's power.
And our journey continues through some truly gorgeous rural villages and picturesque ranges of limestone mountains, dotted with rice paddies. Get ready for an incredible three-hour boat trip to explore the stunning Trang An Natural Beauty Complex, recently designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site! We're on our way! After lunch, we're off again! We're riding along the Hoang Long river bank to Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, you'll have the chance to check in and relax by yourself. Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay at the amazing Cuc Phuong Resort and Spa or a nearby guesthouse!
Summary:
Activities: Cycing and Boat Trip
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong Resort and Spa****
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 78 km
Day 06: Cuc Phuong – Pu Luong
After breakfast at the hotel, hop on the shuttle bus and head to the bottom of the national park for a truly magical experience! You'll soak up the peaceful atmosphere and discover the incredible biodiversity values of this amazing national park. Kickstart your day with the Cuc Phuong – Pu Luong cycling route, a fantastic ride that takes you along a scenic back road to the Central Gate. Once there, you can leave your bike and explore the fascinating Endangered Primates Rescue Centre.
The endangered Primates Rescue Centre is an absolute must-see! It's the perfect place to see many kinds of rare primates such as langur, gibbon and loris, all over Vietnam. Many of them are under threat of extinction, so it's really important to support conservation efforts!
After an amazing visit, we'll continue our adventure with a thrilling bike tour on a tarmac road to Nho Quan. Then, we'll embark on an unforgettable journey off-road to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We'll turn right in Cam Tu Commune and soak in the beauty of the scenery as we pedal towards the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Summary:
Activities: Visiting and Cycling
Accommodation: Pu luong Boutique Garden Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 80 km
Day 07: Pu Luong – Mai Chau
Get up early and head to the ecolodge to soak up the fresh air and take in the absolutely stunning rice terrace scenery! Enjoy a delicious hot drink while you admire the magnificent sunrise over the mountain! We kick off our brand new Pu Luong cycling day from the homestay or ecolodge! Get ready to be blown away by the absolutely brilliant Pu Luong scenery as we cycle through the very heart of the Nature Reserve!
Get ready for an amazing adventure! The first stage of our trip is going to be a blast as we tackle some dramatic hills on a brand new paved road or dirt track, through charming villages and rice terraces. But the best is yet to come! You'll be blown away by the incredible scenic beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
The second stage is a fantastic descent on a beautiful road. Your legs will be free for some distances while we cycle the Ho Chi Minh Trail to the T-junction of Co Luong.
We'll be cycling the back roads through some really lovely, quaint little villages where you'll get to experience Mai Chau up close and personal! You'll have the chance to see a bamboo factory and some of the surrounding villages, like Poom Coong or Lac village. After lunch, we'll set off on an amazing cycling adventure along a single-track trail around the stunning Mai Chau Valley.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling Tours only
Accommodation: Onsen Retreat
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 76 km
Day 08 : Mai Chau Back Road
Get ready for a truly unique experience! You'll be treated to a breakfast of Thai traditional cakes accompanied by a cup of hot coffee or tea, while birdsong and the sounds of chickens greet you in the morning. After a hearty breakfast, we set off on an amazing Mai Chau cycle tour through different villages on a mix of good single track paths that link from villages to others. The views are absolutely stunning as the ride passes and crosses lush rice paddies. This area is also unique because of the fan palms, which are grown specifically to be used for roofing.
We even get to pass some amazing hot springs, cycle across suspension bridges and follow the contours around some truly beautiful terraced rice fields.
We're in for a treat today! We're stopping for lunch with a local family. After lunch, we'll be back on our bikes, exploring more of this amazing area. We'll be cycling back roads, single tracks and buffalo trails through terraced rice fields and bamboo forests. We'll also stop at a bamboo chopstick production workshop. Then, we'll cycle back to Mai Chau town. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by Relax and unwind! Then it's time for dinner and an amazing overnight stay in a hotel or eco homestay!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling Tours only
Accommodation: Onsen Retreat
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 56 km
Day 09 : Mai Chau – Thung Khe – Lo – Muong Khen - Hanoi
Today is our last day of incredible bicycle adventure tours in Northern Vietnam! We had a delicious breakfast at the hotel and are ready to go! Our support vehicle whisks us away on a short transfer from the sleepy Valley Mai Chau to the top of Thung Khe. Once we arrive at the cycling point, we'll be setting off our bikes to plunge into Lo Maket for 8 km – it's going to be amazing!
We then embark on an incredible journey along a secondary road, winding through lush rice paddy fields, vibrant cornfields, and a stunning sugar plantation, all the way to a serene village. We also get to cycle on a gorgeous, scenic road that winds its way along the hillsides and through a sparsely populated region all the way to Man Duc! Then it's off to a local restaurant for lunch! After a delicious meal, we'll head back to Hanoi for a three-hour transfer, arriving back in the late afternoon.
Summary:
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: By Yourself
Meals: B/L
Total Cycling Distance: 65 Km
Note: Hotels are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose aquivalent accommodation
Meals: if you have any specific food requirements ( vegetarian, vegan, food allergies) please inform us in advance so that we can provide notice to our restaurant, tour guide, our partners so that they can server you better. If you are a food lover, Snail Adventure tours can be your culinary guide and provide you opportunity to savor tempting local food and world famous – dishes.
Tour included in:
English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 08 breakfast, 09 lunches, 08 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transportation
Halong Bay Cruise
Boat transfer to Gia Luan Pier
Van or bus supported during the cycling times.
Truck supported for the group size from 6 and above.
Trek mountain bikes – 4300 with disc brake and helmets
Sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries
Bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
First aid kit
Cold water box, small fresh towel.
Mineral water for drinking
Fruit and snack for cycling days
Tour excluded in:
International airfare
Travel insurance
Items of personal nature
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals
Mineral water beyond that supplied
Optional excursions
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills.
Visa fee
Departure tax
Tip for team and guide
Policy
Policy updating.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions Updating.