Vietnam is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor activities and excursions in the 21st century! It's truly blessed with so much! Vibrant green jungles, colourful hill tribe people, diverse ecosystems and wildlife, abundant natural resources, lush and endless national parks, remote and secluded hill trails, rustic villages, nature reserves and friendly eco homestay families.
The 10-day Ba Be – Cao Bang cycling loop is a real treat for cycling enthusiasts, offering some of the best terrain in Vietnam. 
Our Ba Be - Cao Bang cycle route is a hidden gem! It's perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and highways, and experience the real Vietnam. The Vietnamese landscape is absolutely stunning! You'll find amazing karstic rock formations, stilted houses with thatched roofs, and mountains nestled between limestone outcrops. This region is home to the highest concentration of hill tribe people in Vietnam, who are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet!
We'll kick off our Ba Be – Cao Bang Cycling Loop in the lovely city of Hanoi, where we'll hop on a transfer to Thai Nguyen Province.
We'll set off on a new cycling day from Thai Nguyen, and we'll be cycling on a scenic road that winds its way along lush scenery and canopy forest to Ba Be Lake. Ba Be Lake is well-known for being an over 50-hectare freshwater lake at an altitude of 145m above the sea level, created by the confluence of three river tributaries after earthquakes tens of millions of years ago.
 We're so excited to share that our cycling trip will continue on rough, rugged terrain through the national park to a small town called Bac Me! We'll actually be cycling on a lovely undulating road along the rivershore all the way to Bao Lac town.
The following days are going to be absolutely amazing, challenging, and really memorable as we cycle and conquer some pretty hilly passes, weaving our way through the slopes of mountains and misty valleys into Cao Bang.

Cao Bang is a truly special place, located in the northeast of Vietnam. It boasts incredible natural beauty, including the magnificent Ban Gioc waterfall, a range of stunning limestone mountains and colourful ethnic minority villages. The jag Quay Son river winds its way towards lush rice paddy fields, creating a truly breathtaking landscape.
Along the 280km road from Hanoi, you'll find a picture-perfect view of the rolling hills and vibrant traditional culture of the ethnic minority. It's a journey like no other!

During the cycling loop, you are free to explore the magnificent but equally poetic beauty of the limestone mountains mingled with the cloudy mountains. Why not climb to the top of the mountain to see the panoramic view of the winding Quay Son river, drifting along the Ngoc. You can even explore rice fields or join a kayaking trip on the Quay Son stream to the Ban Gioc waterfall!
Cycling on dirt roads is a great way to experience the simple beauty of everyday life in this area. You can cycle along lush green rice fields or on concrete village roads – it's up to you!

Day 01: Hanoi - Thai Nguyen – Ba Be lake Cycle Tour

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set off to leave the hustling and bustling city behind. Our shuttle bus took us on a two-hour transfer on the newly-built highway in Thai Nguyen. Once we get to the cycling point, we'll start our journey on a lovely tarmac road, taking us through to the beautiful, untouched region of ATK (safety zones) – a former Vietminh revolutionary base.  We'll be cycling through a lovely, peaceful village and taking in some truly stunning scenery on our way to the far north of Vietnam. You'll have the chance to visit a village that makes paper, and then have lunch in Bac Can. After lunch, we'll start cycling from Bang Lung Town to Ba Be, where you'll get to enjoy some breathtaking scenery and see how the locals live. When we arrive in Ba Be, you can check in to your home-stay and then relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight, you'll be staying in a home-stay in Ba Be (right on the riverfront).
Summary:
Activities: Transferring and Warming cycling
Accommodations: Ba Be Eco farmstay
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance: 72 km
1,524m19.9%  1,602m-31.9%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48229386

Day 02: Ba Be Lake – Boat Trip and Cycle Bac Me

Wake up nice and early to experience the daily life of the lovely Tay people, who have been the proud owners of Ba Be Lake for hundreds of years. You might like to wander around the lake, taking in the outstanding scenery and enjoying the beautiful views.
After breakfast with our lovely hosts, we'll say our goodbyes and hop on a boat with our bikes to explore the serene lake and quaint village in the morning. 
Ba Be Lake is one of the 28 biggest freshwater lakes in the whole wide world, and it's right there on a slope of limestone mountain! It's a whopping 8 km wide and 600 m long! Ba Be is the perfect place for tourists to experience and discover the outstanding scenery and emerald-coloured waters of the lake.
We'll spend over an hour on a lovely boat trip, taking in the stunning landscapes and learning about the diverse flora and fauna in Ba Be National Park. Then, we'll load up our bikes and cycle on a concrete road that leads to Na Hang reservoir. From there, we'll take the second boat trip to Da Vi section. We'll continue cycling through the beautiful, untouched region of Na Hang National Park, taking on some steep passes with sharp turns and winding slopes that lead to Bac Me.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling, Boat Trip and Cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Bac Me Hotel**
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance:  70 Km
Total ascending + 1,926m  + 20.9% Descending to: -1,987m -23.4%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48229210

Day 03: Bac Me – Bao Lam – Bao Lac

We're so excited to be back on our bikes today! We've got a full day of cycling through the gorgeous Gam River region ahead of us. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then set off on your bikes! We'll be following National Road 34A for the whole morning, on old tarmac which runs in parallel with the Gam River eastwards for 23km. Ly Bon. We've got a lovely, gentle uphill climb before we descend for the final 30km along flat terrain. We'll also get to see some lovely people from the local minority communities along the way, dressed in their vibrant tribal costumes. We'll stop on the side of the road to visit a local market or to learn more about the daily life of the hill tribal people. You'll have the chance to enjoy a lovely lunch along the way! After lunch, we'll continue our journey along the Gam River, conquering a relatively tough pass before descending to Bao Lac town.
Summary: 
Activities: Cycling
Accommodation: Thuy Duong Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48229252
Distance:    70 km
Elevation:    + 1894 / - 1803 m

Day 04: Bao Lac –Khau Coc Tra – Na Tenh – Thong Nong – Cao Bang Cycling Loop

Today is going to be a tough but rewarding cycling day on our trip! We'll be rewarded with outstanding scenery and breathtaking sights along the way.
We'll start the day with a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant, where we'll enjoy a hearty Vietnamese breakfast. Then, we'll head out from the hotel on our bikes, ready to take on the challenge of a 12 km steep pass. The route winds its way up the slope and through rugged mountains, offering breathtaking views of deep valleys and rice terraces along the hillsides. We'll stop along the way to capture the beauty of the scenery in pictures, so don't forget your camera! We quickly ride to the top of the mountain and then down into a lovely, peaceful village. We actually meet some long and tough hilly passes from here, and then we wind our way through some rugged and dangerous mountains, which go from three storeys to 15 storeys high! Then we descend into a dreamlike valley for a picnic lunch. After we've had a chance to recharge our energy, we gear up our bikes to challenge the last pass before we descend to Thong Nong town. Then we turn on a secondary road and ride on an undulating road that leads to Cao Bang city.
Summary: 
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Pac Po Eco Lodge
Cycling 93 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42374275
Distance:    93.3 km
Elevation:    + 2191 / - 2212 m

Day 05: Cao Bang Bike Tour  Pac Po  - Nam Tra – Magic Eyes  Mountain -  Tra Linh  

Today is the first day of the Cao Bang Cycling Loop, and we couldn't be more excited! We'll be setting off on our bikes from the hotel after recharging our energy. Let's get this party started! We're kicking off our pedals and spinning on tarmac road, wind our way along rugged limestone mountains and lush tobacco farms to Pac Po. Get ready for an exciting challenge as we ride up the gentle slope to the Pac Po monument!
The incredible Pac Po is nestled between towering mountain ranges and a sparkling stream, river, and border with China at the 108th milestone! The incredible Hochiminh made the brilliant decision to set up this area for the initial Vietnam Revolutionary.  Visiting this historical relic is a fantastic way to learn more about the Post-Vietnamese Revolution and Hochiminh's life!
After paying our respects to the predecessors and Ho Chi Minh, we get back on our bikes to cycle through a rustic hill tribal village and meander along the border belt to Nam Nhung commune for refreshment.
Our cycling adventure continues on a fantastic variety of terrain, including gravel roads, hidden paths and village roads, which will take us to the incredible Luu Ngoc Commune for a delicious picnic lunch.
Once we've recharged our energy, it's time to hop back on our bikes and embark on another incredible journey! We'll be navigating a scenic route, winding our way through magnificent limestone mountains, lush rice paddy fields, and idyllic rivers. Our destination? Nam Tra village and the magical Eyes Mountain!
Get ready to be immersed in a fairyland of majestic nature! As the sun sets over the mountains, you'll witness a truly magical and magnificent landscape. It's an experience you'll never forget!
Then, it's time to leave the tranquil setting behind and embark on a thrilling single-track trail. Winding through rugged limestone mountains and streams, you'll reach Cao Chuong village. From there, it's off to the tarmac road, leading you to the vibrant Tra Linh town.
Summary:
Activities: Transferring and cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Duc Long Hotel**
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distances: 67 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46969875
Distance:    67 km
Elevation:    + 1741 / - 1394 m

Day 06: Tra Linh  Bike Ride Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc 

Get ready for an amazing day! On the second day, we'll embark on our Cao Bang cycling loop. Make sure you fuel up with a hearty breakfast because we're going to have an incredible day of exploring!
Get ready to embark on an amazing cycling adventure from the hotel! We'll be riding on a smooth tarmac road through the town, all the way to an intersection where we'll turn off onto a lovely secondary road. Then, it's time to gear up for a truly enchanting journey through a gently rolling hill road, surrounded by the beauty of a canopy forest and a tranquil ambience.
Get ready to be blown away by the incredible scenery and breathtaking landscapes as we ride through the heart of Vietnam's Global Geopark!
Before arriving in Trung Khanh Town, we turn off on a dirt road and single track trail, weaving amongst rustic villages, majestic limestone mountains, breathtaking vistas, lush rice fields and green corn fields, all the way to the Jade Quay Son River.
Get ready to be blown away by the incredible scenery! Admire the stunning sights and lush rice paddy fields as we ride along the border, cross the bamboo bridge, and cycle through quaint villages and rice paddy fields.
Then it's off to the amazing Eco Homestay for lunch! After lunch, we have the amazing opportunity to cycle along the river to Ban Gioc Waterfall or go kayaking along the Quay Son River! Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay in Lung Khuy Commune!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42097080
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Lan Rung Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distances: 72 Km
Elevation:    + 1060 / - 1326 m

Day 07: Ban Gioc  Cycle Tour Quang Uyen

Get up early to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall! Ban Gioc is an absolute must-see! It's the fourth biggest border-crossing waterfall in the world and is absolutely stunning. The blue sky, the magnificent limestone mountains and the incredible rice fields are a sight to behold. And if that's not enough, you can also experience the daily life of the locals!  After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we're ready to hit the road again! We'll be following the border to Hanh Lang town.
 Today is another fantastic day for us! We'll conquer some hilly passes and switchbacks on the way, and it'll be a great day for it! However, we will be rewarded with some truly wonderful sights and marvellous landscapes!
The first stage is an undulating route along a river and rice paddies, through peaceful villages. The second stage is really challenging, but it's also really rewarding when we conquer three steep passes! And then, we'll stop for a picnic lunch at our third stop! After lunch, we'll head down a newly paved road to Quang Uyen Town! When you arrive, make sure you check in and then relax for dinner time!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodations: Hung Dzung Hotel**
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distances: 73 Km
1,632m 25.9%  1,538m-17.7%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48229301

Day 08: Quang Uyen – Vinh Quy – Cai Bo – Hong Dai

What a fantastic day for our cycling trip! We're cycling and exploring the core of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, and it's absolutely amazing! Make sure you recharge your batteries and get ready to embark on an amazing exploration adventure!
Get ready to embark on an amazing cycling adventure from our hotel! We'll be cycling on scenic and village roads, winding our way along riversides and rice paddy fields to Chi Thao commune. From there, we'll turn off into Hong Quang – Cach Linh commune, where we'll turn off again into Vinh Quy grass meadow hilltop. Here, we'll admire the picturesque scenery and poetic Non Nuoc Cao Bang sights before plunging into Cho Ban Market. Then, it's time to gear up and challenge ourselves with a steep hill to Cai Bo. We'll continue to cycle on a dirt road that leads to Hong Dai, where we'll meet a secondary road that will take us back to Quang Uyen. Get ready for an incredible day of cycling!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodations: Hung Dzung Hotel**
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distances: 84 Km
Total Ascending: +1,745m  +17.4%  Descending to: - 1,745m  -17.4%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48228734

Day 09: Quang Uyen – Phi Ha – Pia Thap – Tu Do  – Cao Bang Cycling Loop

Get ready for another incredible day in Cao Bang! We'll be embarking on an unforgettable morning ride to uncover the magical landscapes and enchanting charm of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark.
After a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant, it's time to set off on another amazing Cao Bang cycling tour from the hotel! We'll cycle through a vibrant morning market on our way to the beautiful Phi Hai village. The first steep pass will take you out of the town and plunge you into a dreamlike valley that is well worth the wait!
Get ready to be blown away by the incredible, poetic scenery as we cycle along a single path, taking in some truly magnificent sights and charming, rustic villages.
We'll spend our time exploring the amazing Lan Duoi village, a weaving basket village where you'll get to see baskets being made and even try making one yourself!
And now for something really special! We're off to Pia Thap Village, where you'll get to learn all about the traditional way of making stick incense.
Once we've had a great time exploring the village, we'll get back on our bikes to tackle the incredible pass that will take us to the other side of the mountain! Once you reach the top of the limestone mountain behind the village, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Phia Thap village and its surrounding mountains!
Our cycling trip follows a concrete path across a meadow that offers absolutely breathtaking views over maize fields and a fairy-tale landscape of limestone pinnacles covered in lush vegetation to Tu Do and Hanh Phuc communes. We meet the main road again, where we stop for a delicious picnic lunch.
After recharging our energy, we kick off our pedals to cycle on a hilly road that leads us to Cao Bang Town.
Upon arriving in town,
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Visiting
Accommodations: MuongThanh Hotel*****
Meals:B/L/D
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48229108
Distance:    80 km
Elevation:    + 1671 m / -1932 

Day 10: Cao Bang  Bicycle Loop Hanoi

Guess what! Today is the last day of our cycling trip in the Far North of Vietnam. We're ready to start a new cycling day from the hotel after recharging our energy! 

Get ready for an amazing cycling adventure! We'll be exploring small and village roads, immersing ourselves in the stunning scenery and landscapes along the river. You'll get to stop along the way to interact with local people in the daily morning markets! Then it's on to the next part of our adventure! We'll be ascending 10 km on a gentle pass before descending along the slope of a mountain to the main road.
And so our incredible 10-day bicycle journey in far north Vietnam draws to a close! Then it's time to load up our bikes and transfer to town for lunch! After lunch, we're off on a supported vehicle transfer to Hanoi city via the newly-built highway!
Summary: 
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: By your self
Meals:B/L/
Cycling 62 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42374310
Distance:    61.4 km
Elevation:    + 1753 / - 1280 m

Note: Hotels  are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose equivalent  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 include in

English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 9 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 6 and above.
Trek mountain bikes – 4300  with dist 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.
Fruit and snacks for cycling day
Mineral water for drinking

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
Visa fee in Vietnam ( 25 USD per person upon arrival + 02 passport pictures
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.