Discover the Ultimate 9-Day Bac Ha - Ha Giang Mountain Bike Adventure Tour in Vietnam

Embark on the 9-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour and experience the unparalleled beauty of Northern Vietnam. This thrilling Vietnam cycling adventure takes you from the vibrant town of Lao Cai to the stunning landscapes of Bac Ha, Thong Nguyen, and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to explore the hidden trails of Ha Giang. Pedal through the breathtaking Ha Giang Loop, visit Dong Van, Yen Minh, and ride through picturesque mountain villages. The tour continues to Bao Lac, leading you to the serene Ba Be Lake, where you’ll discover the heart of Vietnam’s remote ethnic minority communities. This ultimate cycling tour in Northern Vietnam is perfect for those looking for an adventure that combines challenging cycling with cultural immersion in one of Vietnam’s most scenic and least-explored regions. Join this Vietnamese highland bicycle tour to witness stunning landscapes, interact with local communities, and discover the rich history of Vietnam’s far north.

The 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Northern Vietnam’s hill tribes. Nestled in the remote and untouched regions of Ha Giang Province, these traditional communities remain one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. The mountain bike tour in Northern Vietnam takes you through stunning landscapes, where you’ll pedal past terraced rice fields, through quaint villages, and along winding roads that offer some of the most challenging and rewarding riding in Southeast Asia.

On this cycling tour in Ha Giang, you’ll experience the incredible beauty of the Ha Giang Loop, riding through limestone pinnacles, granite outcrops, and dramatic mountain passes like the Mai Pi Leng Pass and Happiness Road. Explore the Dong Van Plateau, the Khau Vai Love Market, and the Quan Ba Sky Gate, where breathtaking views await. The steep slopes, winding ravines, and mist-covered mountains will provide a cycling challenge that’s as scenic as it is thrilling.

Ha Giang is home to a variety of ethnic minority tribes who live their traditional lifestyle, untouched by modernity. As you ride through these areas, you’ll discover a way of life passed down through generations, where farming is still the backbone of the community. These people, who often don’t speak the national language, offer a warm welcome to all who visit.

This adventure is perfect for cyclists who crave adventurous mountain biking through Vietnam’s highlands and who are eager to explore the untouched landscapes and rich culture of the region. From the cool, misty mornings to the exhilarating ascents and descents, every moment of this Vietnam cycling tour will be a memory you’ll never forget.

Day 01: Lao Cai – Muong Khuong – Bac Ha

Welcome to the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour! We’re thrilled to begin this incredible journey with our expert cycling guide and support vehicle driver. After a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, we’ll gear up for the first leg of our tour. Starting from Lao Cai city, we’ll cycle along a scenic riverside tarmac road for 5 km, where we’ll turn off onto a quieter, off-the-beaten-path trail. As we make our way through charming villages and lush landscapes, we’ll pass through banana and pineapple plantations and picturesque orchard gardens, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Northern Vietnam.

This Vietnam cycling tour continues as we head towards Muong Khuong, a remote frontier district in Lao Cai. Expect a thrilling ride on the border belt road, where we’ll witness the daily life of Vietnamese hill tribes in their traditional villages. The ride offers stunning views of the tranquil valleys and Hmong villages, which remain untouched by modern development, allowing us to experience the rich, authentic culture of the area.

Our cycling adventure continues with a 45 km ride on gently inclining sealed roads, leading us towards the mountain pass to Bac Ha. The final stretch is a challenging 15 km climb up an unsealed road, rising 800 meters in altitude. But the effort will be well worth it as we’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Bac Ha is renowned for its delicious plums, which grow in the forests on the hillsides, adding a unique flavor to the landscape. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable cycling journey through the heart of Far North Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Cycling to Hotel
Accommodation: Legend Home Eco
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 62km 

Day 02: Bac Ha – Coc Pai – Thong Nguyen

On Day 2 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour, we’re back on our bikes and heading towards Xin Man, one of the most remote and picturesque regions of northeastern Vietnam. The day begins with a moderate 10 km climb on a newly sealed road, gaining 400 meters in elevation, before we take a turn onto an unsealed, rough track for the next 15 km. As we cycle through rural tribal villages, we’ll encounter some of the most stunning landscapes in Far North Vietnam, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.

The real thrill comes with a steep descent of 1,000 meters as we make our way down to Xin Man, a hidden gem located right on the border between Vietnam and China. This region is home to 15 different ethnic minority groups, including the Nung, Flower H'mong, Tay, La Chi, Kinh, and Hoa, each with their unique culture and traditions. After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll cross the Chay River and continue our cycling journey for another 40 km along a peaceful, scenic road. The gentle incline as we approach Hoang Su Phi is rewarded with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes. This is a day filled with both natural beauty and cultural immersion, showcasing the remote and untouched charm of northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation : Pan Hou Ecolodge***
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 78km

Day 03: Thong Nguyen – Ho Thau – Vinh Quang

On Day 3 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour, prepare to be immersed in the stunning beauty of northern Vietnam’s countryside. Imagine waking up to the mist floating over dreamy valleys, breathing in the crisp mountain air—it's a truly unforgettable experience! After a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, we’ll start our day by cycling along a scenic single track trail, weaving through lush terraced fields, peaceful hill tribe villages, and crossing small streams that feed the golden rice fields nestled in the hills.

Today’s ride will take us through the stunning Hoang Su Phi region, known for its golden season rice terraces. We’ll cycle deep into the heart of this majestic landscape, where expansive rice fields stretch from the mountain tops all the way down into the valleys, creating breathtaking vistas that are pure natural poetry. We’ll ascend a steep 14 km hill along a paved road to reach Nam Khoa Heaven Gate, where you’ll be amazed by the lush rainforests and steep terraced rice paddies on the hillsides.

After a break, we’ll continue our cycling journey down a rugged 10 km dirt track through the Nam Khoa Valley, passing picturesque villages like Zao and Nung. This area is a patchwork of tea farms, plantations, and terraced rice paddies, creating a breathtaking panorama that’s a photographer’s dream. Upon reaching the Nam Khoa River, we’ll follow a narrow dirt track for 14 km, winding through steep hillsides, until we reach the charming town of Vinh Quang. This day is a true highlight of the Vietnam cycling adventure, showcasing the rich natural beauty and traditional rural life of Ha Giang Province.

Day 04: Vinh Quang – Tung San – Thuong Son – Ban Me – Ha Giang

On Day 4 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour, we continue to explore Hoang Su Phi, one of Vietnam’s most untouched and remote regions. This area has long been isolated from the outside world, preserving its traditional way of life and unspoiled natural beauty. Nestled at an average altitude of 800 meters, Hoang Su Phi is home to towering mountains, lush valleys, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and cyclists alike.

Today, we’ll face the challenge of cycling over the Heaven Gate 2 mountain pass, which reaches an impressive 895 meters. As we ride up this mountain pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views beneath a wide-open sky. After descending, we’ll continue our adventure by cycling 25 km on tarmac roads, heading north to a dirt track that winds its way uphill to the Tay Con Linh Mountain Range, Vietnam’s second-highest mountain range. Over the next two hours, you’ll enjoy incredible views of rugged landscapes, stopping at small Zao villages to immerse yourself in the local culture. We’ll then take a well-deserved lunch break at the top, where you can refuel before the next leg of our journey.

Once energized, we’ll continue downhill on a newly paved road, winding along a beautiful stream and through wild nature. After nearly three hours of cycling through breathtaking terraced rice fields, we’ll arrive at Thuong Son commune, home to the Nung and Zao ethnic groups. The next challenge involves a 6 km climb on a winding mountain road that will lead us to Thuong Son summit. After descending, we’ll cycle through peaceful villages, forests, and farms, eventually reaching Ban Me village. Finally, we’ll follow a secondary road that takes us to Ha Giang, where the day’s adventure concludes. This is another unforgettable day of the Vietnam cycling adventure, filled with scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and exhilarating climbs and descents.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel to Hotel
Accommodation: Ha Giang Wing Bungalow
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 74km/ `126 Km
Elevation gain at: 4,340M + 32.3% - 4,869M – 27.8%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45745786

Day 05: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh

On Day 5 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour, we set off early, ready for an exciting day of cycling through Northern Vietnam’s spectacular landscapes. As we leave Ha Giang city, we’ll pass through terraced rice paddies that stretch across the hillsides, offering breathtaking views of rural Vietnam. Along the way, we’ll cycle through traditional minority villages, where you’ll experience the culture of the ethnic hill tribes and receive warm greetings from the locals.

Our adventure continues with a challenging 25 km ride uphill on winding roads, taking us into the stunning limestone mountain range. The 800-meter climb will lead us to the famous Heaven Gate pass, where the views are absolutely spectacular. As we cycle through mountain villages often blanketed by clouds, the scenery is otherworldly. From the pass, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Tam Son Valley, known for its striking Twin Hills, and the charming Quan Ba town below, nestled in one of the most scenic spots in Vietnam. The last 15 km into Quan Ba is mainly downhill, offering a pleasant break from the climb, before we enjoy a delicious lunch in the town.

After lunch, the ride continues as we cycle uphill for the first few kilometers before descending for 10 km. We’ll then encounter more challenging terrain—a mix of uphill and downhill cycling that brings us to an altitude of 1,025 meters. The final 15 km into Yen Minh offers a smooth descent, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views of traditional hill tribe homes. This area is home to Chinese ethnic communities, adding another layer of cultural richness to our journey. This day is a wonderful blend of stunning mountain views, challenging terrain, and cultural exploration in one of the most beautiful regions of Far North Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Accommodation: Phuong Dong Hotel***
Cycling Distance: 97 km

Day 06: Yen Minh – Climb Over the Rocky Plateau to Dong Van

On Day 6 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour, we embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along peaceful, quiet roads. Today’s challenge takes us through dense cedar forests as we make our way onto the stunning Dong Van Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark that will leave you in awe. The terrain here is 80% covered in rock, and the area is rich in history, with fossils dating back 400-600 million years. This geological marvel offers breathtaking views of jagged limestone formations and is one of the most unique landscapes in Northern Vietnam.

Our destination, Dong Van town, is tucked in a valley at the heart of the Rock Plateau. Located near the Chinese border, this charming town is surrounded by lush mountain forests and vibrant multi-colored orchids, making it a photographer’s paradise. The town is home to a diverse mix of ethnic communities, including Chinese Hoa, H'mong, Tay, and Kinh people, each adding their own cultural richness to the area. The traditional Chinese-style houses in Dong Van offer a glimpse into the unique architectural heritage of this region. This day will immerse you in both the stunning natural beauty and the rich cultural history of one of the most remote and fascinating regions of Far North Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel***
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 68km

Day 07: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Khau Vai – Bao Lac

Day 7 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour promises to be an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure! After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our cycling journey from Dong Van to Meo Vac, following a beautiful road alongside a vast gorge. As we ride, we’re treated to spectacular views of the Nho Que River below and the Ma Phi Leng Pass above, offering a panoramic view from an altitude of 1500 meters. The winding, undulating roads offer cyclists the chance to enjoy the remote beauty of the region, which remains largely untouched by modern development. Our destination for the night is Meo Vac, a town where the local tribes have preserved their traditional way of life. The area was nearly inaccessible until the recent construction of a new road, and it’s a true hidden gem in Far North Vietnam.

After a well-deserved rest and some energy recharging, we continue our cycling adventure towards Bao Lac. Today, we explore a remote and untouched region on a single-track trail, crossing the bamboo raft of the Nho Que River that links Meo Vac to Bao Lac. This is a challenging and rewarding experience, as our supported vehicle won’t be able to follow along, so don’t forget to pack energy bars and gel drinks to help fuel your journey. We’ll be crossing rugged terrain and remote mountain landscapes, truly immersing ourselves in the beauty of the mountain villages and the Nho Que River.

After a short rest at a local restaurant, we hop back on our bikes for an exciting ride to Khau Vai. Along the way, we’ll admire the traditional Hmong architecture and gain insights into the daily life of this fascinating village. Continuing along a tough, hilly road, we’ll make our way to Khau Vai Stone Maze Village, where the rocky mountains and emerald-green waters of the Nho Que River create a breathtaking backdrop. The final leg of the day brings us to a descent to the bamboo ferry raft at Khau Vai, where we gear up for the last 12 km of our cycling adventure. This steep, single-track trail winds through rugged mountain terrain, past corn fields, local homes, and small villages, ultimately leading us into Bao Lac town. This is a day full of adventure, incredible landscapes, and cultural experiences that will make it one of the highlights of the Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour!

Summary: 
Activity: Cycling 
Accommodation: Thuy  Duong Hotel**
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 84 Km
Elevation gain at: 1,807m25.9 m2,598m-21.8%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45857989\

Day 08: Bao Lac to Son Lo – Ba Be

Day 8 of the 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour promises to be a challenging yet rewarding cycling adventure! After a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at a local restaurant, we set off on our bikes, ready to tackle a 12 km steep pass through rugged mountain terrain. As we climb, we’re treated to breathtaking views of deep valleys, rice terraces, and mountain landscapes, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the beauty of Far North Vietnam. The winding mountain roads lead us to the top, where we enjoy stunning panoramic vistas before descending into a peaceful, remote village.

The journey continues with more challenging hilly passes, winding through rugged, dramatic mountains that rise from three to 15 storeys in height. These tough climbs will test your endurance, but the magnificent surroundings make every pedal stroke worth it. After conquering the difficult terrain, we’ll stop for a relaxing picnic lunch in a dreamlike valley, taking a well-deserved break to recharge for the next leg of our journey.

We then continue cycling along the challenging paths, pushing through more rugged terrain. But with the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape surrounding us, every moment is worth the effort. After our lunch at the summit, we’ll ride down towards the serene Ba Be National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil lakes. This day is a perfect blend of physical challenge and the chance to explore some of the most stunning scenery in Northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow/ Farmstay
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 113 km
2,656m  20.7%  2,694m -29.0%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48246473

Day 09: Ba Be – Thai Nguyen to Hanoi (30 km)

Good morning! Today marks the final day of our 09-Day Ultimate Bac Ha – Ha Giang Bicycle Tour as we explore the stunning Ba Be Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and karst limestone mountains. We start with a unique cycling experience on a single-track trail, pedaling through vibrant hill tribe villages and enjoying the spectacular Dau Dang Waterfall. As we cycle through the lush forests and mountain landscapes, we’ll be immersed in the serene beauty of this remote region.

After our cycling adventure, we’ll hop onto a boat to explore the hidden gems of Ba Be Lake, capturing the stunning views and the tranquil surroundings. Once we return to our eco-village base, we load up our bikes on a truck and begin our journey towards Hanoi, passing through Thai Nguyen along the way. We’ll arrive in the vibrant capital in the late afternoon, eager to share our unforgettable stories from this incredible cycling journey through Northern Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, including Ha Giang, Bac Ha, and Ba Be Lake.

Summary:
Activities: Boat Trip and Transfer to Hanoi
Accommodation: By Yourself
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 30 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. 

Tour include in

English speaking cycling guide ( other languges upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries
(  B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D =  Dinner, 8 breakfast, 9 lunches, 8 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transportation
Van or bus supported during the cycling times.
Truck supported for the group size from 5 and above.
Trek mountain bikes – 4300  with disk 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

Creating Unique Touring Experiences:
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar tour to your individual specifications.