Cycling in northern Vietnam is an absolutely exhilarating way to immerse yourself in the region's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture! The northern part of Vietnam is world-renowned for its incredible mountainous terrain, featuring rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges that offer some of the most challenging and scenic cycling routes you'll ever experience!
14 Days Northern Vietnam Gravel Bike Tours are now ready for you! Our team has crafted these tours with care, offering the perfect blend of physical and cultural activities in North Vietnam for an unforgettable bicycle holiday. There's no doubt about it, cycling is the best way to discover the hidden gems of the region! Get ready to be touched by a region, encounter friendly people, learn about the unique culture of the hill tribes, and immerse yourself in stunning scenery and outstanding landscapes! Challenge yourself with incredible winding routes with bends, zigzags, and twists in towering limestone mountain ranges, and take in the overwhelming panoramic rice terraces that are as beautiful as they are vast, covering the hills.
Cycling through three of the best sights in far North Vietnam (Ba Be Lake, Bac Me Ha Giang Loop, Thong Nguyen, Xuan Giang, Than Uyen, Mu Cang Chai and Nghia Lo) will bring you unforgettable experiences!
Our incredible bicycle trip will start in the fascinating city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We'll then hop on our bikes in the middle of Vietnam to cycle on a scenic route with breathtaking scenery and the stunning beauty of Ba Be Lake. We'll challenge one of the fourth incredible passes on the road that leads to a township.
Get ready to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the hill tribes market, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of these fascinating communities. Hunt for hidden gems and vibrant pictures in every corner of the market.
Then, spend four days cycling through the Ha Giang – Global Geology Park loop, where you'll be awed by the sheer beauty of the rocky mountains.
Get ready to be amazed by the magic of Wonderland and the majestic beauty of the rugged mountains! Get ready to take on some thrilling challenges! Winding roads, high slopes, deep pools, peaceful villages, misty valleys, and a tranquil town where we'll stay overnight in cozy accommodation await you. You'll get to taste the freshest, most unique food at a local restaurant each day!
We continue our cycling adventure further north, passing through an untouched region to the incredible Hoang Su Phi – the second national beauty site and home to stunning rice terraces. And we'll even take on the incredible "Two Heavens Gates" pass on our way to Bac Ha town!
Then it's on to the next amazing destination! We'll be descending from Bac Ha town to Bao Ha town on a scenic route, passing colourful hill tribe villages and picturesque scenery to Than Uyen and Mu Cang Chai – a truly stunning area with its beautiful heritage rice terraces. While cycling on the pinnacle of Ta Xua soaring mountain ranges, you'll have the incredible opportunity to hunt for amazing clouds!
Snail Adventure Tours is your number one choice for a reliable and experienced adventure tour operator! We'll take you on a once-in-a-lifetime cycling trip in far north Vietnam with our unique and amazing bicycle holidays.

Day 01: Hanoi - Thai Nguyen – Ba Be lake

After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, we set off on our adventure! We leave the hustling and bustling city behind and hop on our shuttle bus for a two-hour transfer on the newly-built highway in Thai Nguyen. Once we arrive at the cycling point, we'll get ready to embark on an incredible journey along a brand-new tarmac road, taking us to an untouched region of ATK (safety zones) – a name that evokes the memories of a historic Vietminh revolutionary base.  We're in for a treat! We'll be cycling through a peaceful village and taking in some truly stunning scenery.
On the way, you'll even get to visit a village that makes paper! Then it's off to Bac Can for lunch! After that, we'll be back on our bikes, cycling from Bang Lung Town to Ba Be. Get ready to enjoy some truly breathtaking scenery and a taste of traditional village life! Upon arrival in Ba Be, you'll have time to check in at your home-stay before enjoying the rest of the day at your leisure. We'll be spending the night in a home-stay right on the river in Ba Be!
Summary:
Activities: Transferring and Warming cycling
Accommodations: Ecohomestay ( private room with econdition)
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance: 86 km

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

Get up early to experience the daily life of the incredible Tay people, who have been the proud owners of Ba Be Lake for hundreds of years! You'll have the chance to wander around the lake and take in the outstanding scenic beauty!
Then it's time for breakfast with our wonderful hosts! After that, we'll say goodbye and jump on a boat with our bikes to explore the tranquil lake and peaceful village in the morning. 
Ba Be Lake is one of the 28 biggest and most incredible freshwater lakes in the world, situated at the foot of a magnificent limestone mountain! And 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 this magnificent lake!
We'll spend over an hour on a boat trip, taking in the stunning landscapes and learning about the diverse flora and fauna in Ba Be National Park.  Then it's time to load up our bikes and cycle on a concrete road that leads to the stunning Na Hang reservoir. After that, we'll take the second boat trip to Da Vi intersection.
We then get to continue cycling through the incredible, untouched region of Na Hang National Park! We'll be taking on some steep passes with sharp turns and winding slopes before descending into Bac Me. We then have the chance to enjoy a truly special route as we cycle on an undulating scenic road along Gam River to Bao Lam.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling, Boat Trip and Cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Thao Chi Hotel
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance:  87 Km
Total ascending : + 2,589m  + 30.2%  : Descending  - 2,571m -37.0%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48173597

Day 03: Bao Lam – Niem Son - Niem Son – Meo Vac

Get ready for another amazing day of cycling! We'll be exploring the stunning Gam River region on two wheels. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Time to fuel up and hit the road! Breakfast is at your hotel, then it's off you go on your bikes! Then it's on to the amazing National Road 34A for the whole morning! You'll be riding on old tarmac that runs alongside the gorgeous Gam River for 16km to Ly Bon. The route then takes you on a relatively gentle uphill climb to the hilltop and slopes of the mountain to Niem Son, which is a truly magnificent sight to behold! . We'll even get to see some amazing local people from the minority communities along the way, dressed in their vibrant tribal costumes! Don't miss the chance to stop on the side of the road and visit the local market or explore the fascinating daily life of the hill tribal people! And don't forget to enjoy a delicious lunch along the way!
Once we've had a chance to recharge our batteries, we'll get back on our bikes to navigate a scenic road that winds along a rugged mountain. Get ready to be amazed! Winding roads, high slopes, deep canyons, peaceful villages, misty valleys, and the tranquil town of Meo Vac are all waiting for you. Let's go!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - Hotel
Accommodation:  Hoa Cuong Meo Vac Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 66 km
Total Asecending: + 2,398m  + 38.6%  : Descending ;  1,556m  -37.6%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48173627

Day 04: Meo Vac – Dong Van – Yen Minh

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our bikes to tackle one of the most incredible passes in North East Vietnam – the Ma Phi Lang Pass! The incredible Ma Phi Leng Pass is 20 km long and sits at an impressive 1230 m. It offers unparalleled views of the Nho Que River and the surrounding area, making it a truly breathtaking experience.
As we cycle along the stunning route from the hotel to the summit, we'll be treated to some truly incredible sights! We'll get to admire the extraordinary landscape and rugged mountain range, as well as the emerald-coloured water of the Nho Que River.
Then it's time for the descent! We'll be riding for 2 km to Dong Van town, where we'll regroup and enjoy some well-deserved refreshments. We then continue our incredible journey to Ma Le and Xa Phin Valley on a winding route. We'll also have the chance to visit the former Palace of the Hmong King, who ruled over the Hmong community and controlled opium trading until 1945. Then, we'll continue biking along the same road for 21km to Sung La valley and then up a steep mountain to Pho Bang ancient trading town. We'll make several stops along the way for sightseeing and to pay a visit to Sung Muoi village of the Hmong. Then it's time for a well-deserved lunch break in Pho Bang! After that, it's back on the bikes for a downhill ride from Pho Bang to Yen Minh via Pho Cao Mountain pass. Get ready to be blown away by the incredible scenery of Yen Minh valley! You'll be arriving at the Phuong Dong hotel in mid-afternoon, ready to relax and enjoy the rest of your day. Time to check in and relax!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Phuong Dong Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 79 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48173661
Total Asceding : _+2,624m  +39.6%  Descending: -3,184m -39.9%

Day 05: Yen Minh – Mau Due – Du Gia

Today is an amazing day for cycling in the incredible Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark! We took a detour onto a minor road that took us on a lovely, rolling route before descending into the valley. Here we have the amazing opportunity to ride through tiny hill-tribe communities and eventually reach a bustling village market where we will find a dazzling array of brightly-costumed villagers trading everything from piglets to bamboo shoots and forest fodder. After following a river for a short while, we come across the ruins of an ancient defensive wall. Just beyond, we start to climb! A gradient similar to the day before is a fantastic warm-up before the main climb to come after lunch. 
As we enter the Ha Giang Plateau, the scenery is nothing short of mind-blowing – it's even more impressive than before! At each stage, you find yourself wondering how on earth you could possibly continue to climb when you've already climbed so much, but it just goes on and on with an amazing variety of scenery! When you finally descend into Du Gia town, you'll be ready for a beer and a feast! And you'll be thrilled to tell everyone about your epic Ha Giang Plateau climb, which will ensure you get a great night's sleep.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: 
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 55 km
Total ascending : + 1,589m + 18.4% Descending: -  1,632m -26.6%
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48173680

Day 06: Du Gia – Lung Ho – Thai An – Thuan Hoa – Ha Giang Cycling Loop

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local Vietnamese restaurant before setting off on an amazing cycling adventure from the ecolodge! Get ready to take on an incredible challenge! Wind your way along a hillside and up a slope of a mountain to the Lung Ho Summit! You'll be absolutely blown away by the incredible panoramic vista with rugged, rocky mountain ranges over the Lung Ho Valley! Get ready to be amazed by the sunrise over the mysterious valley and dreamlike landscapes in the villages! It's going to be incredible!
Get ready for an exhilarating ride as we tackle the challenging steep pass with a winding route and switchbacks to the summit! Then it's time for a quick break to refresh with cold water and a snack before we descend to Lung Ho Commune! And now for something really special! We'll turn off the main road and cycle through narrow valleys lined with corn fields and groundnut plantations.
We quickly hit the second steep hill and are thrilled to take it on! We wind our way along the canopy forest and hillsides up to the summit.
Time for a quick refreshment stop before we dive into the mysterious valleys for a picnic lunch! Once we've had a chance to recharge our batteries, we'll gear up our bikes and tackle the steep hilltop to Thai An – let's do this!
Then it's on to Ha Giang Town for the next stage of our cycling adventure! When you arrive at the hotel, make sure you check in and then treat yourself to a well-deserved rest! You've earned it! Get ready for an incredible second day in Ha Giang Town! We're going to have a blast exploring the city and trying the local beer! Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay in Ha Giang!
Summary: 
Activity: Cycling  from Hotel – Hotel.
Accommodation: Yen Bien Luxury Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 97  Km  
+ 2,941M – 3,211M
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45638921

Day 07: Ha Giang  Cycle Loop Tour Hoang Su Phi 

What an amazing day it is! We're on another thrilling adventure in the mysterious land of Hoang Su Phi. To make sure we have plenty of energy for the day ahead, we'll be having breakfast at a local restaurant and enjoying a cup of hot milk coffee. 
We're all set to set off from the hotel and embark on an amazing journey! We'll be cycling gently on the main asphalt road for about 2 km, then we'll turn right onto the concrete village road for motorbikes. This road winds through the hillsides, mountain slopes, and occasionally crosses the towering mountain ranges. It also throws us into the deep valleys! All of this is just to test your perseverance, courage, and mountain bike cycling experience. Are you ready to take on the challenge? 
And now for the really exciting bit! We're moving on to the west wing, the farthest and most challenging place on the Tay Con Linh range. And in return, we get to enjoy a vast space of ancient tropical forests covered with moss and full of magic! Take in the incredible sight of meticulously carved terraced fields stretching from the hilltop down to the valley, creating a truly majestic and enchanting natural painting.
And now for something really special! We'll have lunch along the way. After lunch, we'll keep riding along the hillside before riding down to Hoang Su Phi. Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay at a local guest house!
Summary:
Activity:Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Green Hotel
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 79 Km  + 2,611M -  2,234 M
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45638944

Day 08: Hoang Su Phi –Phin Ho-    Thong Nguyen - Nam Dich -  Ho Thau  

Once we've had a chance to recharge our energy at the hotel, we're ready to gear up our pedals and challenge ourselves with an incredible pass! We wind up along the hillside and slope of the Tay Con Linh Mountain ranges. We'll take in some gorgeous mountain views before heading down to Ta Su Choong village. There, we'll admire the stunning rice terraces, the ancient Shan Tuyet tea forest, and the lush tropical forest canopy. We'll also get to visit the lovely Phin Ho villages, where we'll learn all about the tea factories and products.
Once we've had a chance to recharge our batteries, we hop back on our bikes and meander amongst the lush scenery and vibrant village life to Nam Dich. Here, we turn right into the village road to Nam Son Village, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch. After a lovely picnic lunch, we'll refuel with some delicious food!  Get ready to embark on an amazing bike ride! We'll challenge the steep slopes, weaving through the terraced fields, or take a leisurely stroll on the green roads covered with plants and flowers to Luoc Village. Then, we'll continue following the trail along the top of the mountain to reach Ho Thau village. This is a great spot for taking pictures of the clouds or just watching the misty valley below. The last part of our journey is a lovely reward for all of us today. After conquering the steep pass, we get to relax at our resting point.
Summary:
Activity:Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Eco Village Ho Thau 
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 61 Km  + 2,068 m -  1,581 m
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45772976

Day 09: Ho Thau  - Quang Nguyen - Na chi  - Ban Lien – Bac Ha

Another fantastic day on our trip! We'll be woken up by the sounds of nature, enjoy a hot cup of coffee or ginger tea before setting off to hunt for clouds, watching them float by or even catching them as they pass by our homestay.
We set off on our bikes from the ecohomestay, cycling up the slope for a few kilometres before descending into the gorgeous Ho Thau valley. We're cycling through the most incredible rice terraces and tea farms on a dirt road and single track trail, and we're about to experience the highlight of our trip: the buffalo pass!
Today is another absolutely amazing day in our trip! We're cycling through an incredible, untouched region, passing so many beautiful, quaint hill tribe villages, through lush tropical forest and crossing some gorgeous streams along the way.
We also get to enjoy some truly breathtaking scenery and unspoilt nature as we cycle through the best scenery of North Vietnam. Our trip is an amazing challenge! We cycle on small trails and dirt paths, and sometimes we even carry our bikes over streams and waterfalls. However, the whole cycling distance will be an amazing ascent! We're so excited to stay with the hill tribe people at Lung Phin Hmong Ecohome Stay!
Summary:
Activities:Cycling from village - Hotel
Accommodation: Bac Ha Legend Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 85 Km    
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45638642
Total ascent: + 2641m – 2710 m

Day 10: Bac Ha  Mountain Bike Vinh Yen – Xuan Hoa

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and then set off on an amazing journey! Wind your way through quaint villages and admire the stunning rice paddy fields as you make your way to Nam Khanh Commune. It's a 20-kilometre (11-mile) journey, but it's well worth it! Once we arrive in Nam Khanh, we'll regroup and recharge before tackling the short, steep hill with the winding route to Tan Phuong Commune. We'll be treated to some truly breathtaking scenery and soaring limestone mountain ranges before we descend to Vinh Yen. We'll have lunch along the way, then we'll cycle on a flat and tarmac road that will lead us to the second pass. Get ready for a challenging 5 km on a slope before we descend and ride to the Tan Duong Junction section! Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay in Vinh Yen Commune!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation: Cinnamon Ecolodge
Meals:B/l/D
Cycling distance: 74 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42841094
Distance:    73.4 km
Elevation:    + 1410 / - 2182 m

Day 11: Xuan Hoa – Pho Rang – Bao Ha – Than Uyen 

Today is a challenging but exciting day in our trip! We're riding long distances and ascending mountains, which is really going to test us. But we're ready for it! But the best is yet to come! We'll be treated to some truly breathtaking scenery and incredible views.
We set off from the hotel with great excitement, ready to embark on an incredible 20 km ascent along a scenic road. Along the way, we'll pass through numerous hill tribe villages, all the way to Khanh Yen Commune.  Time for a well-deserved energy boost with coffee and snacks!
We continue our ascent on a winding road, ready to take on the challenge of Khau Co Pass, which stands at an impressive 30 km long. Then it's time for the best bit: cycling downhill through absolutely stunning scenery to Than Uyen town. Then it's time for check-in and a delicious dinner at a local restaurant!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation: Love Hill Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance: 86 Km/ 123 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43127782
Distance:    123.6 km
Elevation:    + 3131 / - 2678 m

Day 12: Than Uyen – Mu Cang Chai   Khau Pha Pass – Tu Le Valley

We are woken up by the sound of Mother Nature herself! We immerse ourselves in the most breathtaking scenery and magnificent landscapes of north-west Vietnam.
Today is going to be an amazing day for cycling! We're going to take a fantastic route through a sleepy valley, up into the mountains and across rice terrace paddy fields. We had an amazing time exploring the countryside by bike in the north-west of Vietnam. We started off with a short but steep climb out of our hotel, before meeting the junction where we turned left onto a brand new asphalt road that ran alongside a river. We then continued our journey up into the valley, out of Mu Cang Chai, until we reached a point where the road began to wind up into the hills. This rugged terrain of dense vegetation brings us into contact with the fascinating Black Hmong and the mysterious White Tay people, who are renowned for their incredible folk music, poems and songs. 
We also ride up from Mu Cang Chai and take on one of the most incredible passes in north Vietnam – the Khau Pa pass! Make sure you stop on the summit to admire the extraordinary scenery before descending and rolling down to Tu Le!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - hotel
Accommodation: Le Charm Tu Le
Meals:B/l/D
Cycling distance: 89 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43105239
Distance:    89.6 km
Elevation:    + 2262 / - 2210 m

Day 13: Tu le Valley  Bike Ride  Nghia Lo

Get ready for another absolutely amazing day! We're heading back onto the incredible Khau Pha Pass, which is definitely one of the most picturesque parts of our entire route! 
Today we'll be passing some truly magnificent white limestone mountains as we explore the very heart of Vietnam. We'll be cycling through some gorgeous, winding roads before we finally end the day in Nghia Lo. It sits on a mountain ridge with absolutely breathtaking views of the Red and Black Rivers, and is home to the Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha and Ma peoples.
We also have the incredible opportunity to ride up from Mu Cang Chai and challenge one of the most amazing passes in northern Vietnam – Khau Pha Pass! Don't miss the chance to stop on the summit and admire the extraordinary scenery before you descend rolling down to Nghia Lo town. Then it's time for dinner and an overnight stay in Nghia Lo!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation: Dragon fly Resort
Meals:B/L/D    
Cycling Distance:58 km

Day 14: Nghia Lo – Thanh Son - Hanoi Cycling Tours

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on an incredible cycling adventure along a scenic road that winds its way through rolling hillsides and the slopes of a mountain, with some steep passes ahead. You'll be blown away by the incredible scenery and landscapes in Muang Lo's rice paddy fields! Get ready for the challenge! We're gearing up to tackle some steep passes on the road before descending into the lowlands of Northern Vietnam. Then it's off to a local restaurant for lunch, where you can recharge your batteries and load up your bikes ready for the journey back to Hanoi. We're so excited to say that our service is now complete!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and transferring
Accommodation: By yourself
Meals:B/L/D    
Cycling Distance:58 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 languges upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 14 breakfast,14 lunches, 14 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transportation
Van or bus supported during the cycling times.
Truck supported for the group size from 6 and above.
Sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries
Bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
Permission Papers in Ha Giang.
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
Trek mountain bikes – 4300  with disc brake and  helmets
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.