A warm welcome to the incredible country! It's home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, from soaring mountains to ancient heritage sites and terraced rice fields. It's no wonder that even the most seasoned adventurer is instantly captivated by its beauty!
Northern Vietnam is a dream destination for anyone seeking to experience the grandeur of its scenery. Winding roads and challenging passes beckon, offering a chance to push your limits and discover new adventures. Get ready to meet the most colourful ethnic minorities you've ever seen! They've been living in these peaceful valleys for hundreds of years.
Join our amazing 14-day cycling  Gravel tour in Northern Vietnam! You'll be immersed in the most incredible fairy scenery and the shimmering colours of the mountainous people. You'll also get to cycle through the rugged, hilly roads, which will bring you the best experience ever! Join us and let's conquer one of the most incredible roads in Vietnam together!
We've carefully and thoughtfully selected one of the most amazing cycling routes in the north of Vietnam for our cycling tour! It's the perfect choice for customers looking for an extremely enjoyable experience on one of a lifetime bicycle tours.
We set off on our cycling tours from Hanoi, ready to gear up our pedals and pedal our way through lush green vegetables and stunning rice paddy fields, weaving through vast limestone mountain ranges to the north-west of Vietnam. Get ready to take on some incredible passes! Wind your way along the hillside and slope of mountains into misty valleys.
Get ready to immerse yourself in an untouched and secluded region, where you'll find breathtaking fairy-tale hill tribes, picturesque scenery and sights!  Get ready to challenge the winding roads, high slopes, deep pools, and pass through peaceful villages and misty valleys to a tranquil town where we will stay overnight in cozy accommodation. And the best part? You'll get to taste fresh and unique food in a local restaurant each day!
Get ready for an amazing trip! We'll be descending from Tram Tau town to Nghia Lo town on a gorgeous scenic route. Along the way, we'll pass by a vibrant hill tribe village and some truly breathtaking scenery. And the best part? We'll be stopping by the incredible Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – National Heritage Rice Terrace. Get ready to be blown away! While cycling on the pinnacle of Ta Xua soaring mountain ranges, you'll have the incredible opportunity to hunt for amazing clouds!
We'll continue cycling further to the north-west, passing through an untouched region and historical road – Dien Bien Phu. From there, we'll look forward to cycling up to Sapa!

Day 01: Hanoi  -   Vo Mieu - Thanh Son

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the comfort of the hotel, then get ready to leave the hustling and bustling city behind! We'll jump on a supported vehicle for a one-hour transfer out of the city, where you'll experience a whole new world. Once you reach the cycling point, you'll set off on an incredible 14-day cycling tour of northwest Vietnam. You'll wind your way through stunning rice paddy fields, green cornfields, and lush, canopied forests, all the way to Back River.
Get ready to be blown away by the most incredible scenery and the most exciting village life! The morning ride is full of thrills and spills, with single track trails, buffalo paths and the beaten track all waiting to be explored.
Then it's time for a boat trip across the Back River Tu Vu commune! We'll cycle along the rivershore and soak up the stunning scenery that makes Vietnam so special.
We then turn off onto a village road and a beaten track, which lead us to the incredible Long Coc Tea Farm! And now for something really special! Have lunch en route. Once we've had a chance to recharge our energy, we'll be back on our bikes, cycling through verdant tea farms and savouring the magnificent beauty of vast green tea farms.
We'll also cross some small streams and farms on our way to Xuan Son National Park! When you arrive at the Ecohomestay/.do, you can check in and relax until dinner time!
Summary:
Activities: Transferring from Hotel –and cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Thuc Thu Eco Homestay
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 70 km
Distance:    71.7 km
Elevation:    + 1323 / - 1335 m

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002547

Day 02: Thanh Son – Phu Yen

Get up early to soak up the tranquil ambience and mysterious, breathtaking beauty of northern Vietnam!  After recharging our energy at the hotel, we're back on our bikes for another amazing cycling adventure! We'll be cycling through a canopied forest, enjoying breathtaking scenery and fresh air along the way. Get ready to cycle 20 km on gently undulating roads through a dense forest and rice fields to buffer zones of the National Park!
After warming up on a gorgeous scenic road, we'll definitely be taking on an amazing 16 km ascent and challenge on a winding road along hillsides and snaking between mountain ranges, cinnamon farms and gorgeous acacia tree forests. Then it's off to a local restaurant for lunch! Once we've had a chance to recharge our energy, we'll get back on our bikes and cycle on a hill road until we meet the province road, which will lead us to Phu Yen Town!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Hong Long Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 80km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002589
Distance:    73.7 km
Elevation:    + 1576 / - 1411 m

Day 03: Phu Yen – Ta Xua

Today is an amazing day for cycling! I'm riding on a new sealed road that links two of the poorest districts in two provinces in the north-west of Vietnam: Yen Bai and Son La. 
As you cycle to the top of the hill, you're treated to a truly breathtaking sight: white clouds floating over your head and the sleepy valley below, creating a magnificent and panoramic scene that'll take your breath away!
We set off this morning, raring to go! We're cycling for the first 12km out of town on a relatively flat road through the stunning landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. We then have the incredible opportunity to cycle through some minority villages before embarking on the next 25km of winding roads that will take us into the vast limestone mountain range with its perpendicular walls of rock. We'll be climbing 600m towards the mountain road pass to Bac Yen, which is an amazing experience! As we pass through mountain villages sometimes covered by cloud, we'll be greeted with a friendly smile by the local communities! From the pass, we can enjoy incredible views, including the famous Hang Dong valley with the stunning Ta Xua Nature Reserve. We'll have lunch on the summit and soak up the breathtaking scenery. Once we've had a chance to recharge our batteries, we'll get back on our bikes to tackle the road leading to Camel Ledge, Lonely Tree, Ta Xua Meadows and Dolphin Ledge. The single track trail will take us to the Dinasior Spine and Hang Doong Hunting Cloud Point – it's going to be an amazing ride!
We'll take the time to soak in the incredible and magnificent panoramic views over the Ta Xua Nature Reserve! Once we've had a chance to recharge, we'll be back on our bikes for the last leg of our journey to Ta Xua Ecolodge, where we'll spend the night.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations:  Ta Xua Hill Lodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 70 km
Distance:    69.8 km
Elevation:    + 2874 / - 1532 m
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002632

Day 04: Ta Xua – Tram  Tau

Ta Xua is the absolute highest point of cloud hunting, and it's an incredible spot to watch as the sun rises and the night fog slowly dissolves among the green foliage, making way for the glowing red sunshine of early morning. 
Today is another amazing day in our adventure trip! We're spending more time exploring the scenic beauty and rugged mountain views, and it's already incredible. We started the day from Ecolodge, cycling on a single track trail through a dreamy, romantic landscape stretching from one hillside to the next. It was so beautiful, and we enjoyed every minute of it until dusk, when the Ta Xua mountains donned their mysterious and sombre cloak.
It's a challenging but rewarding cycling trip along a new sealed road connecting two of the poorest districts in two provinces in north-west Vietnam: Yen Bai and Son La. 
As you cycle to the top of the hill, you'll be treated to a truly spectacular sight: a white cloud floating over your head and the sleepy valley below, creating a magnificent and panoramic scene that will take your breath away!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations:  Heaven Hill Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 65 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002763
Distance:    64.2 km
Elevation:    + 1826 / - 2531 m

Day 05: Tram Tau – Nghia Lo

Tram Tau is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to conquer nearby peaks and mountains!
Tram Tau is an incredible place to visit! It's located at an altitude of nearly 1000 meters above sea level, but its peak is over 2000 meters, covered by clouds all year round. This creates an extremely spectacular and interesting landscape that attracts lots of people who love to explore. There are high mountain peaks to admire and conquer!
Tram Tau is an incredible new destination that's got young people buzzing with excitement! The cycling road from Tram Tau to Ban Mu to Nghia Lo is an incredible 50 km long and is packed with stunning, magical scenes that will take your breath away! With its terraced fields and rice ripening later than in other places, Tram Tau is the perfect place for wanderers to hide away from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet! And there's more! The area is also home to natural hot springs and hundreds of incredible virtual check-in angles. Add to that the area's wild beauty and unique customs and dishes of the Hmong people, and you've got a truly special place! This place is full of incredible surprises, from the breathtaking scenery to the welcoming people, making it impossible for anyone who visits to forget it.
Cycling on the steep mountain road is an incredible experience! You'll feel like you're conquering the dinosaur spine as you wind along the mountainside and through misty valleys. Along the way, you'll find idyllic ethnic villages hidden behind the primeval forest, creating a truly mesmerising picture of northern Vietnam.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Dragonfly Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 57 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002823
Distance:    57.5 km
Elevation:    + 2285 / - 2718 m

Day 06: Nghia Lo – Tu Le

Get ready for a morning of fun! We'll be heading to a vibrant hill-tribe market right by your hotel to participate in and explore the colourful stalls. You'll have a fantastic opportunity to explore and shop for some incredible local handicrafts!
The morning market is the meeting point of ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam, and it's an incredible experience to visit and take pictures! Then, we'll start riding from the hotel to Tu Le. Today is a short day with 45 km of cycling on hilly roads, winding our way along picturesque valleys, fascinating rice paddies, and tea farms. We'll stop for lunch along the way before ascending the last 8 km to the slope to take in the magnificent view of Tu Le town and breathtaking scenery. Then, we'll descend into the tranquil town and relax by swimming and bathing in hot spring stream water with the local people. Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay at the resort in Tu Le!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Le Charm Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 46 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002857
Distance:    46.0 km
Elevation:    + 1221 / - 839 m

Day 07: Tu Le  - Than Uyen

Today is going to be an amazing day! We're starting off with an incredible long climb pass (the Khau Pa pass is 25 km long), then we're going to explore three villages with extraordinary, stunning rice terraces that are listed as National Rice Terraces Heritage of Vietnam. Finally, we'll take an undulating road along the river to Thanh Uyen. Make sure your phone is fully charged and ready to go!
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our next adventure! We'll be taking on the 25 km long Khau Pha pass, one of the fifth longest and most challenging in northern Vietnam. The views along the way are absolutely breathtaking, and the fresh morning air will leave you feeling energized. Once we reach the summit, we'll have coffee, tea, and snacks to keep us going before we descend to Mu Cang Chai. Mu Cang Chai is a district in Yen Bai Province with a rich cultural heritage. Its 85% population is H'Mong people, who are known for their beautiful rice terraces. We'll stop for lunch in Mu Cang Chai Town, where we'll enjoy a delicious meal. After lunch, we'll continue riding on an undulating road along a stream and river to Than Uyen. Upon arrival in Than Uyen, we'll check in and relax for dinner time. We'll be staying overnight in Than Uyen!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations:  Love Hill Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:  89 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002900
Distance:    88.7 km
Elevation:    + 2199 / - 2340 m

Day 08: Than Uyen -  Tuan Giao

Today is going to be one of the most incredible days of our cycling trip in Northern Vietnam! We're going to make sure we're fully recharged and ready to go for the whole day's activities.
We have two fantastic options for your consideration!
Option 1: Take a boat trip through Ban Chat Hydro Power Reservoir to Ta Hua commune, where we'll set off on our trip to Tuan Giao.
Option 2: Set off on bikes from the resort and cycle on village roads and single paths weaving among rice paddy fields and cornfields to Junction Kim. Turn on the new concrete road to ascend and challenge steep, rough hills winding along Ban Chat Hydro Power Plant to the first peak.
Once you reach the peak, you'll be treated to a truly breathtaking view of the lake and the stunning beauty of northern Vietnam. Then, we'll take a short but exciting descent and meet again at the second steep pass.  Our cycling adventure continues on a challenging route through rolling hills and valleys, with breathtaking views of misty landscapes and quaint villages. We'll then descend to Pa Oun Bridge for a well-deserved lunch break.
Once we've had a chance to recharge our energy, we'll get back on our bikes to tackle the long and challenging pass, which is 20 km long. It twists and turns amongst the rugged mountain and dense tropical forests.
We start at 200 metres elevation and climb up into 1000 metres elevation.
When we feel exhausted and tired of our feet, we'll reach the peak of the mountain! Then it's time to savour yourself with cold drinks and snacks before plunging into the village road, which will lead us to Minh Thang Junction.
If you're not feeling up to cycling the last distance into the hotel, don't worry! You can take a transfer by supported vehicles and enjoy the stunning scenery vista in the dusk to the hotel.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Tay Bac Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 90 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43002958
Distance:    90.0 km
Elevation:    + 2557 / - 2480 m

Day 09: Tuan Giao – Dien Bien

Get ready for an incredible cycling adventure! We'll be exploring a gorgeous, rolling route this morning, taking in breathtaking vistas and the stunning beauty of rice terraces along the way. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! We'll conquer a 7 km steep pass in the middle, then descend to Dien Bien Phu city.
Get ready for an amazing cycling adventure! We'll be taking on a rolling route from Tuan Giao to Muong Ang. Buckle up for a 7 km ascent, followed by a thrilling descent into Dien Bien city.
Once we leave Tuan Giao, we head directly west towards Dien Bien Phu. It's a stunning day as we pass through many small villages of Black Thai and H'mong people. The open curiosity and smiling faces of the people we pass along this road are a wonderful, lasting impression and a testament to the fact that this route is hardly used by travellers. We get to enjoy a stunning landscape of rice fields and banana plantations along the way!
In 1954, the Vietnamese did the seemingly impossible: they carried heavy artillery into the mountains to defeat the French garrison at Dien Bien Phu. As you ride along this route, you'll be amazed at how this incredible feat was ever achieved! The surrender at Dien Bien Phu marked the end of French Indochina – and what a moment it was! What many people don't know is that the US had a plan to help the French by using tactical nuclear weapons at Dien Bien Phu!  As the sun sets on this incredible day, we have the chance to explore the fascinating city of Dien Bien Phu. This place has gained global recognition as the site of a pivotal battle in the First Indochina War.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Him Lam Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 89 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41968432/edit
Distance:    89.5 km        
Elevation:    + 1741 / - 1820 m        

Day 10: Dien Bien – Muong Lay

Get ready for another amazing cycling day! We'll be riding on a tarmac road, snaking our way through a mountain range, rice paddy fields, and a canopied forest. It's going to be an incredible adventure!
We set off on our bikes bright and early from the hotel, full of beans and raring to go after a hearty breakfast. We really enjoy a few kilometres on a gentle and flat road out of town. As soon as we hit the main road, we gear up for the first climb, a 7km stretch on a slope that will really put our bikes to the test! However, the spectacular scenery and breathtaking rugged mountain views are 100% worth your efforts!
As soon as you arrive at the top, you'll be treated to a delicious spread of fresh tropical fruits, cold water, refreshing drinks and tasty snacks to keep you going!
Then it's time to check our gear and head off into the sleepy valley with its exotic hill tribal villages, winding its way along the river to meet Muang Cha Town.  You'll arrive in Muong Cha at noon, ready for a delicious lunch! And now for something really special! You'll have the chance to take a walk around a local market.  After recharging your energy at a local restaurant, it's time to gear up again and continue your cycling adventure in north-west Vietnam! The second stage is an incredible challenge: a 23 km long hill pass that'll test your limits. And now for the best bit! The rest of the journey will take us down to Muang Lay town.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - hotel
Accommodations: Thanh Binh Hotel***
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 100 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41968386
Distance:    100.7 km
Elevation:    + 2021 / - 2275 m

Day 11: Muong Lay – Muong Te

Get up bright and early to soak up the stunning natural beauty and breathtaking scenery along the Black River. Then, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel.  Get ready for an amazing cycling adventure! Start your journey from the hotel, cross the bridge, and turn left on National Way No. 12. Follow the route along the Black River and a new tarmac road to a junction, then turn left on Provincial Way 217. Keep the excitement going as you cycle along an undulating road along the Black River to Muong Te Township. You'll be blown away by the incredible scenery! The extraordinary limestone mountain range winds its way along the river, creating a truly breathtaking landscape. And you'll even get to meet and chat with some of the fascinating hill tribe people you'll see along the way!
Muong Te is one of the most remote and poorest districts in Dien Bien Province, sandwiched between the Da River and the border with Laos – a truly unique place! Muong Te is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered! Thanks to the government's special policy and the new hydropower plant, Muong Te is finally waking up after many years of stagnation!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodations: Ngoc Thanh Hotel**/ Ngoc Lam Luxury Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 113 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41966812/edit
Distance:    114.5 km
Elevation:    + 3055 / - 2985 m

Day 12: Muong Te – Lai Chau

Get up early and enjoy a lovely stroll around the town, followed by a visit to the amazing hill tribe market! Get ready for an amazing experience! You'll have the chance to interact with hill tribe people and learn more about their fascinating way of life and customs. Time to head back to your hotel for breakfast! We're off on a new cycling adventure from the hotel to Lai Chau city! 
Get ready for another thrilling day of our trip! Get ready for an amazing day of cycling! We'll start with a fun 7 km on an undulating road, and then we'll conquer 28 km on the summit. The amazing scenery and thick forest on the way up to the summit are truly rewards in themselves!  The incredible scenery will draw you back in on the way, as you cycle along with less traffic. And now for something really special! Enjoy coffee and tea on the summit before descending to Patan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the route! After a delicious lunch, we'll embark on an exciting new adventure as we ride on a brand-new tarmac road to the vibrant new Lai Chau city!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - hotel
Accommodations: Hoang Nham Luxury Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:  125km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41966851
Distance:    123.4 km
Elevation:    + 3918 / - 3294 m

Day 13: Lai Chau – Sapa

What a fantastic day it is! We're on our way to conquering the longest pass in the north-west of Vietnam, a whopping 38 km long! This incredible pass, called O Quy Ho, connects Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces. It reaches a whopping 2120m above sea level! We set off on our journey from the hotel, taking in the incredible scenery along the way. We're about to discover the breathtaking limestone mountain of Panxiphang, home to the H'mong, Dao, Day, Tay, and Nung people. We are thrilled to meet the Dao Pho ethnic tribe, who have been living together for hundreds of years. We are also blown away by the incredible verdant rice terraces in both sites. And then, we reach the Binh Lu T junction, where we stop for lunch! After lunch, it's time to conquer the pass! We'll make our way up to the Tram Ton Summit, take a quick photo stop, and then ride down to Sapa town. Upon arrival in Sapa, we treat ourselves to a relaxing herbal medicinal massage. Then it's off to the Grill Nature Bar restaurant for dinner, followed by an overnight stay in Sapa!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - hotel
Accommodations: Sapa Bamboo Hotel****
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:  70 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41966894
Distance:    71.3 km    
Elevation:    + 2050 / - 1527 m    

Day 14: Sapa – Hanoi

Today is the last day of our cycling tour in Northwest Vietnam! After breakfast at the hotel, it's time to check out and head to Hanoi on the new highway. We're in for a four-hour adventure on the shuttle bus! On the way, you'll get to experience the charm of rural villages and the beauty of untouched nature. You'll also enjoy a delicious lunch along the way. After lunch, we'll continue our journey to the vibrant city of Hanoi! When you arrive, get settled in and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.  We've got a special farewell dinner lined up for you at the oriental restaurant! Our guide and support team will be there to say their goodbyes and we're all really excited to see you again! Thank you so much for joining us on this incredible lifetime cycling tour!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling Only
Accommodations: The Light Hotel****
Meals:B/L/D
Transfer distance:  386 km

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

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  taxTip for team and guide