Embark on an unforgettable 12-day cycling tour in Vietnam, exploring the stunning landscapes and hidden gems of North Vietnam. Starting from the vibrant city of Hanoi, you will journey through Sapa cycling tours, pedal along Sapa back roads, and experience the beauty of rural Vietnam in places like Ban Ho, Y Ty, and Lao Cai.

This cycling tour in Vietnam offers a unique opportunity to explore mountain bike tours through remote villages, including stops in Bac Ha, Ban Lien, and Ban Phung. Ride through scenic Vietnam countryside cycling tours as you venture from Sapa to Hanoi, crossing Ha Giang, the ultimate cycling destination for adventure seekers.

Whether you're cycling from Sapa to Ha Giang, tackling Vietnam's cycling routes or taking on an off-road cycling Vietnam adventure, this Vietnam cycling itinerary provides the perfect mix of culture, nature, and challenge.

The journey from Bac Ha to Ban Phung cycling and through Thong Nguyen to Ho Thau will immerse you in authentic Vietnamese countryside cycling, allowing you to witness local life and stunning landscapes. Don't miss the chance to ride through Ha Giang cycling adventure, one of the most scenic regions in the world, for a truly remarkable cycling in Vietnam experience.

Day 01: Hanoi Arrival and Transfer to Sapa

Welcome to Hanoi, the bustling capital of Northern Vietnam! We're thrilled to have you join our Vietnam cycling tour and look forward to greeting you at either the airport or your hotel. From here, we’ll begin our scenic journey to Sapa, passing through the picturesque landscapes of northern Vietnam via the new highway. As you travel, you’ll be able to admire the stunning Vietnam mountain scenery, a perfect introduction to the beauty of this region.

Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch and continue our trip toward the Lao Cai border city. Get ready to capture some great photos of the famous Lao Cai border gate, a key point on the Vietnam-China border. After our visit to Lao Cai, we’ll ascend to Sapa Hill Top Town, renowned for its breathtaking views and Vietnam trekking adventures. Upon arrival, we'll check into our accommodation and enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of the authentic Sapa culture.

Summary:
Activity: Picking up andTransferring 
Accommodation: Sapa Clay House
Meals:L/D
Transferring distance: 380 Km

Day 02: Sapa - Sau Chua – Ta Phin – Tram Ton – Cat Cat – Sapa

After a refreshing rest at your hotel, it's time to begin your next exciting cycling adventure in Sapa! We’ll start from the picturesque Sapa Hilltop town, cycling downhill into the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, a perfect destination for Vietnam cycling tours. As we ride, we’ll take a scenic single-track trail, winding through bamboo forests and lush canopy forests until we reach the quaint Sau Chua village, located in the northeast of Sapa.

Prepare to be captivated by the untouched natural beauty, misty valleys, and towering mountains that define northern Vietnam! Continuing on our single-track cycling route, we’ll pass through a traditional Hmong village and reach a junction where we’ll take a secondary road. This road winds through stunning rice terraces, botanical gardens, and even a historic Catholic church ruin, adding a unique cultural touch to your cycling experience.

Next, get ready for an exciting challenge as we ascend to the ruin church before descending again on the single-track trail to Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dao ethnic minority. Ta Phin village offers a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the unique culture and customs of the Red Dao people, providing a rare opportunity to connect with the local way of life.

After exploring, we’ll cycle through lush forests and rice terraces to O Quy Ho, the highest pass in Vietnam cycling tours, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Muong Hoa Valley. The cycling adventure in Vietnam continues as we descend into Sapa Valley, cycling through mountainous landscapes and rice paddy fields on the way to Sin Chai and Cat Cat Village. Once we reach Cat Cat Village, get ready for a short, steep and adventurous pass through the mountainside, all the way up to Sapa town. If you’re feeling tired after such an exciting ride, we’ve got you covered! A supported vehicle will be ready to take you back to your hotel for some much-needed relaxation.

Summary:
Activity: Picking up andTransferring 
Accommodation: Sapa Clay House
Meals:L/D
Transferring distance: 45 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43697573

Day 03: Sapa – O Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Su Phan – Ban Ho – Sapa

After recharging at your hotel, it’s time for another exciting cycling adventure in Sapa! We’ll start by descending into the stunning Muong Hoa Valley, known for its breathtaking rice terraces and vibrant hill tribe villages. Sapa Valley is famous for its magnificent landscapes, and today, you’ll experience some of the most incredible scenery in northern Vietnam cycling tours. As you leave the Sapa tourist area behind, get ready for an unforgettable journey through mountainous terrain and rice paddy fields, truly showcasing the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.

Our ride begins as we cycle on a dirt road towards Y Linh Ho village, a Black Hmong village that offers a glimpse into the traditional ways of life. After a short break, we’ll continue cycling along bamboo forests, past terraced rice fields, and through more ethnic minority villages to reach Lao Chai village. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved coffee or tea break, while you take in the stunning views and explore the local area.

Refueled and ready, we’ll continue on a mix of terrain, including off-the-beaten-path cycling, single-track trails, and dirt roads. Crossing a suspension bridge, we’ll head towards Lao Chai - Ta Van village, where you’ll have the chance to meet friendly locals, learn about their culture, and visit their homes for a unique insight into their way of life.

Next, we’ll cycle through Su Phan and head to Ban Ho village for a picnic lunch, where you’ll be surrounded by lush landscapes and the peaceful riverside. After recharging, we’ll continue cycling to Ban Den and Ban Ho before crossing another bridge and ascending to Ban Den center.  For the exciting finale of the day, we have two options: Option 1 involves an 18 km ride on a scenic asphalt road, winding through hillsides and terraced rice fields back to Sapa town. Option 2 is for those who prefer to relax, as a supported vehicle transfer will take you back to Sapa town, ensuring a comfortable end to a challenging day of cycling.

Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Village –or Transferring back to Sapa
Accommodation: Sapa Clay House
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43697600

Day 04: Sapa – Muong Hum – Y Ty

Y Ty is a hidden gem nestled at an impressive altitude of over 2,000 meters in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. The peak of Y Ty reaches 2,660 meters, and its cloud-covered landscapes offer a touch of mystery and beauty. Known for its stunning cloud hunting, Y Ty is one of the best mountain destinations in Vietnam, where you can enjoy 12 hours of sunlight on clear days. This stunning area offers winding trails, lush green forests, and a spectacular view of the Fansipan mountain range, making it an ideal spot for cycling adventures in Vietnam. When you arrive in Y Ty, it will feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your cycling tour to Y Ty. We’ll set off on a mix of tarmac roads and single-track trails, starting from the hotel and riding towards a Catholic church. As we continue cycling, you’ll pass through vibrant flower and vegetable farms while enjoying the stunning views of the Fansipan mountain range on your left. At the T-junction, we’ll regroup and continue our journey on a tarmac road leading to O Quy Ho, one of the most famous mountain passes in Vietnam.

The real adventure begins as we conquer the long climb to Ban Khoang. On our descent to Muong Hum, you’ll be amazed by the lush forests, charming hill tribe villages, and picturesque landscapes. Don’t miss the Sunday market in Muong Hum, where you can experience the local culture and interact with the friendly villagers. After the market, we’ll hop back on our bikes and tackle another cloudy pass, taking in the untouched natural beauty as we cycle through Den Sang, Nhieu Co San, Ngai Tro, and finally arrive in Y Ty.

Along the way, you’ll get to explore stunning rice terraces on the hillside, providing incredible photo opportunities. Not only will you enjoy the natural beauty of this region, but you’ll also have the chance to meet and chat with local people, learning more about their fascinating culture and traditions. Once you arrive in Y Ty township, take a moment to relax and enjoy a hot tea with honey while soaking in the breathtaking cloud formations above. Spend the night in a comfortable guest house or homestay, where you’ll be immersed in the local way of life.

Summary: 
Activity: Cycling
Accommodation: in Yty Ecolodge/ Homestay
Meals: B/ L/D
Cycling distance: 71 Km

Day 05: Y Ty – U Mu Sung – Lung Po – Bat Xat – Lao Cai

After recharging at the ecolodge, we’ll hop back on our bikes for a short but rewarding challenge. We’ll ascend to a peak that offers a panoramic view of the Y Ty Valleys, a stunning sight that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of Northern Vietnam’s mountain landscapes. Then, we’ll journey through the misty valleys on an incredible route that takes us through Ngai Thau, A Lu Ngai Tro, and A Mu Sung, and finally to Lung Po, a unique and picturesque destination. This part of the ride follows the Vietnam-China border, giving us the chance to witness the stunning frontier landscapes and the incredible rice terraces that line the road.

One of the highlights of the day is Lung Po, where the Red River meets Vietnamese soil. As we cycle along the magnificent Red River, we’ll continue our journey towards Trinh Tuong Commune, where we’ll have the opportunity to admire the traditional architecture of the Ha Nhi hill tribe houses—an authentic experience that showcases the ethnic minority culture of northern Vietnam. After exploring the local architecture, we’ll head to Lung Pho Commune for a delicious lunch. Refueled and ready to continue, we’ll ride along the Red River towards Bat Xat and finally to Lao Cai city, marking the end of today’s incredible cycling adventure.

Summary: 
Activity: Cycling 
Accommodation: Lao Cai Red Riverside****
Meals: B/ L/D
Cycling distance: 88 km

Day 06: Lao Cai – Muong Khuong – Bac Ha

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then get ready for an early departure to the Muong Khuong Sunday Market, one of the most vibrant markets in Lao Cai province. Muong Khuong is a frontier district that shares a border with Yunnan province, China, and is home to 14 different hill tribes, with the Hmong being the majority. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity of Northern Vietnam.

Cycling through Muong Khuong and attending the Sunday market is an incredible way to explore this untouched region, offering the chance to witness the Hmong culture in its most authentic form. Capture the stunning landscapes and meet the colourful locals as you make your way to the market. After the market, we’ll continue our cycling adventure, exploring nearby villages where you can interact with the locals, share photos with children, and immerse yourself in the authentic village life.

We’ll start our ride with a 7 km ascent to a summit, followed by a thrilling descent to the Chay River. The real challenge begins with a 35 km climb to the next summit, an exhilarating ride with views of the surrounding mountains and rice terraces. Cycling along the frontier road between Vietnam and China, we’ll continue our journey to Bac Ha Town, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Chay River and the terraced rice fields that define this beautiful region. After a well-deserved lunch break, we’ll continue towards Bac Ha, taking on one final pass before descending into the heart of this enchanting town. This day promises to be a memorable adventure, full of stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and cycling challenges.

Summary: 
Activity: Cycling 
Accommodation: Bac Ha Legend Home Eco
Meals: B/ l/D
Cycling distance: 75 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42859079
Distance:    75.5 km
Elevation:    + 2787 / - 2616 m

Day 07: Bac Ha – Lung Phinh – Ta Cu Ty – Ban Lien – Bac Ha

Today promises to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and the beauty of Vietnam's northern countryside. We’ll cycle through rice terraces, pass hill tribe villages, and immerse ourselves in the unspoiled beauty of Northern Vietnam.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on our thrilling cycling adventure, starting with a single-track trail and dirt paths that wind through the stunning terrain. The challenge begins as we cycle along a hill road, passing through charming villages and picturesque rice terraces on our way to Ta Cu Ty village.

Get ready to be amazed by the incredible landscapes in the northernmost region of Vietnam. The real excitement starts as we gear up for a 12 km ride from Tan Xuan to the top of Ban Lien Pass. Upon reaching the mountain summit, we’ll enjoy an exhilarating descent to Ban Lien village, where we’ll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch.

After recharging, we’ll tackle another 10 km of steep climbs, cycling through mountain paths and tropical forests. The route leads us to the pinnacle of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the stunning Nam Khanh valley below. For the grand finale, we’ll embark on a thrilling descent to the hydropower plant dam, followed by a short ascent to the undulating roads leading to Bac Ha Town. This day promises a perfect blend of cycling challenges, cultural discovery, and stunning scenery, leaving you with lasting memories of Northern Vietnam's landscapes and hill tribe villages.

Summary:
Activities:Cycling from village - Hotel
Accommodation: Bac Ha Legend Homes Eco
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 59 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42361133
Cycling distance: 59 Km
Distance:    59.8 km
Elevation:    + 1719 / - 1963 m

Day 08: Bac Ha – Coc Pai – Ban Phung

After a restful night surrounded by nature, the group awakens to the serene sounds of the mountains—a truly magical experience! We’re ready for another exciting day of cycling through Vietnam’s stunning northeast. Following a hearty breakfast to fuel up, we’ll be picked up by our support vehicle to bypass the steep Lung Cai junction pass. Once we’re back on our bikes, we’ll cycle along village roads, winding through mountain slopes, valleys, and past golden rice terraces, creating a scene straight out of a dream.

As we cycle through ethnic minority villages and majestic terraced rice fields, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty and cultural significance of these landscapes, which are recognized as some of Vietnam's cultural heritage sites. Stop to take in the view and capture photos that will preserve the memory of this stunning adventure!

We continue through more breathtaking scenery, cycling alongside lush terraced fields and ethnic villages, before descending to riverside cliffs on our way to a well-earned lunch spot. After a refreshing break, we head back on the bikes for the afternoon session, where we’ll continue exploring the northeast mountains of Vietnam—some of the most picturesque and remote landscapes in the country. The day ends with a challenging yet rewarding ride to Ban Phung village, where we’ll encounter the high-altitude beauty of the area, including a 10-degree slope that leads us to the village’s peak. Here, we’ll wrap up our day, having experienced the raw beauty of Vietnam's northern highlands.

Summary:
Activities:Cycling from village - Hotel
Accommodation: La Chi Phong Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 73 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42859028
Distance:    72.4 km
Elevation:    + 2213 / - 2088 m

Day 09: Ban Phung – Vinh Quang – Thong Nguyen

Ban Phung is a hidden gem, located at an incredible altitude of over 1,500 meters! Surrounded by terraced rice fields, this village offers some of the most breathtaking and majestic landscapes you’ll ever witness. Whether it’s the rich green fields or the golden glow of ripe rice in the harvest season, the scenery is nothing short of magical. The entire village transforms into a vibrant golden wonderland, making it a photographer's paradise. Every morning, misty terraced fields create a serene, poetic beauty that adds an ethereal layer to the stunning vistas. It’s truly an unforgettable sight, and you’ll want to capture every moment of this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

After a delicious breakfast to fuel up for the day, we’ll set off on a thrilling cycling adventure, descending from the village to the main road. From there, we’ll take a right onto a village road, navigating through steep slopes and winding paths through the terraced fields. The scenery is magnificent, with lush greenery, flowers, and charming ethnic villages like Phin Ho Village along the way. After a refreshing lunch, we continue our journey through hillsides, eventually arriving in the scenic Thong Nguyen Commune. Here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the misty valleys and the towering mountains. Don’t forget to capture the incredible cloud formations and the mesmerizing mist that envelops the valley below—it’s an unforgettable experience! The final stretch of the day is a thrilling descent, rewarding us with stunning views and a much-needed rest at our destination. This day of cycling through the picturesque northern Vietnam landscapes and hill tribe villages will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Summary:
Activities:Cycling from village - Hotel
Accommodation: Ecovillage
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 73.5 Km
Elevation: +2735M – 2693M
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45683488

Day 10: Thong Nguyen – Ho Thau – Vinh Quang

Imagine waking up in the serene beauty of northern Vietnam, surrounded by majestic mountain landscapes, fresh air, and mist drifting over the lush valleys. It’s an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Vietnam’s hill tribe villages and terraced rice fields.

After a hearty Vietnamese-style breakfast to energize for the day, we’ll hop on our bikes and begin a thrilling cycling adventure! We’ll cycle down a single track trail, winding through peaceful ethnic villages, terraced fields, and crossing streams that lead to irrigation canals supporting the golden rice paddies nestled in the hills.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of Hoang Su Phi’s golden rice fields, cycling through the heart of this breathtaking region. The view of lush rice terraces stretching from the mountaintop all the way down to the valleys is nothing short of spectacular. As we journey along the road, we’ll climb a steep hill for 14 km to reach the Nam Khoa Heaven Gate, where we’re treated to incredible views of dense rainforest and narrow, dramatic rice paddies on the hillside.

We’ll take a break before continuing our ride down a thrilling dirt track for 10 km along the Nam Khoa Valley, passing small villages like Zao and Nung, surrounded by tea farms and vast terraced fields. The views are absolutely mesmerizing and perfect for photography!

At the junction of the Nam Khoa River, we’ll turn left onto a narrow single dirt track, winding up and down steep hillsides for 8 km until we reach Ban Luoc. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the valley, tea plantations, and rice terraces, immersing ourselves in the untouched beauty of northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel to Hotel
Accommodation: Ho Thau Eco Village/ Tay Con Linh Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:  67 km/

Day 11: Vinh Quang – Tung San – Thuong Son – Ban Me – HG

Hoang Su Phi is one of the most untouched regions of Vietnam, offering a rare glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life. The communities here have lived in isolation for centuries, making it a truly magical destination. At an altitude of around 800 meters above sea level, this region is a paradise of high mountains, deep valleys, crystal-clear streams, and vast forest landscapes, showcasing outstanding natural beauty.

Today, we embark on an epic cycling adventure, conquering the Heaven Gate 2 mountain pass at an impressive 895 meters in elevation. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views under a vast, open sky, making it one of the most scenic cycling routes in northern Vietnam.

After the climb, we’ll follow a tarmac road for 25 km heading north before turning onto a rugged dirt track. This dirt trail will wind uphill toward Tay Con Linh, the second highest mountain range in Vietnam. For the next 2 hours, we’ll be treated to incredible views of the surrounding mountain landscapes, lush valleys, and charming Zao villages. We’ll take a break to visit these ethnic minority villages, offering a chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture before enjoying a well-earned lunch at the summit.

Refueled and ready for more, we’ll hop back on our bikes and descend along a newly paved road, winding past stunning streams and wild nature. The route takes us through impressive terraced rice fields, offering the perfect photo opportunities, as we continue our journey to Thuong Son Commune, home to the Nung and Zao ethnic groups.

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 12: Ha Giang – Tuyen Quang – Hanoi

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to the stunning mountain passes and hilltop views of Ha Giang province. Today, we embark on a scenic cycling journey through the lowlands of Ha Giang, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that make this region famous. As we pedal along winding roads, riversides, charming village paths, and hillside trails, we'll experience the natural beauty of Vietnam’s northern landscapes.

We’ll continue our ride through some of the most picturesque countryside scenery, passing through lush villages and tranquil riversides, before arriving at Tan Quang. Here, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a chance to recharge before continuing our journey. After a refreshing break, we’ll load our bikes onto a truck and head back to Hanoi, completing our unforgettable cycling adventure through the heart of Vietnam's north.

Summary: 
Activity: Cycling  from Hotel – transfer to Hanoi.
Accommodation.
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 76 Km
 

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 included in:

English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 11 breakfast,1 1lunches, 11 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 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

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.