We are thrilled to present the 15-day Best Scenic Bicycle route in far North Vietnam! Our team has carefully crafted this route for those seeking a brilliant bicycle holiday combining physical and cultural activities in North Vietnam. There's no doubt about it: cycling is an amazing way to discover untouched regions, encounter friendly people, learn unique Hill tribe culture, immerse yourself in stunning scenery and outstanding landscapes, challenge incredible winding routes with their bend, zigzag, and twist in towering limestone mountain ranges, and take in the overwhelming panoramic rice terrace picturesqueness covering the hills.
You'll get to join in the festive atmosphere of the regular hill tribes market and learn about their traditional culture. You'll also have the chance to hunt for vivid and vibrant pictures in each corner of the market!
Cycling through three of the best sights in far North Vietnam (Sapa Valley, Mu Cang Chai, and Mai Chau Scenic Valley) will bring you unforgettable experiences!
Our incredible bicycle trip begins in the amazing city of Hanoi, the captivating capital of Vietnam. We'll start our journey in the charming Hill Top Town in Sapa, where we'll hop on our bikes to explore the breathtaking scenery and stunning beauty of the rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai. Get ready to challenge one of the most incredible passes on the road, leading to the fascinating township!
We continue our journey further north, passing through an untouched region to the stunning Muong Lo rice fields before taking on the incredible pass to Phu Yen. We also get to cycle through the misty region of Tram Tau & Ta Xua, where you can admire the incredible scenery while the clouds hover over your head!
Snail Adventure Tours is thrilled to be a reliable and experienced adventure tour operator, arranging one-of-a-kind and incredible bicycle holidays for those seeking an unforgettable cycling trip in far north Vietnam.

Day 01: Hanoi – Arrival 

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your Snail Adventure tour guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and whisk you away to your hotel, right in the heart of Hanoi's vibrant capital city! Hanoi is an incredible city, a perfect blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. It's home to some of the most breathtaking colonial architecture in Asia, adding a touch of old-world elegance to its already unique character. Once you've checked in, kick back and relax. Then, get ready for an amazing trip with our guide! You'll explore the incredible sights of Hanoi on a cyclo ride through the vibrant Old Quarter. You'll see the ancient beauty of the city and all its modern marvels! After the tour, we'll treat you to a special welcoming dinner at a typical Vietnamese food restaurant. You'll get to stay overnight in Hanoi!
Summary: 
Activity: Transferring
Accommodation: The Light Hotel ****- 
http://www.hanoithelighthotel.com/en/home.htm
Meals: D
Cycling distance: No

Day 02: Hanoi -  Lao Cai - Sapa

We're so excited to welcome you to one of our incredible bicycle trips in the northwestern region of Vietnam! Get ready to leave the hustling and bustling city behind! Our supported vehicle will take you on a new highway from Hanoi to Lao Cai.  Get ready for an incredible three-hour bus journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam! You'll be treated to breathtaking views of the country's natural beauty from the comfort of our comfortable bus. After a delicious lunch, we'll turn off on a secondary road that will take us to Xuan Giao intersection. Get ready for a cycling adventure along winding roads along the riverside and hilly roads that lead to Ban Ho eco home village!
Ban Ho is the home of the Tay Minority, who have been living in the Sapa Valley for generations. They are expert rice farmers and live a fascinating lifestyle, tilling the land on the hillsides. You'll have the incredible opportunity to stay with them and learn more about their fascinating culture and traditions!
We'll kick things off with a short but sweet uphill ride to a Tay village. Then, continue onward through some of the most remote and breathtaking areas of Sapa, mostly inhabited by the vibrant Red Dzao community, renowned for their traditional clothing, intricate hand embroidery, and the iconic red scarves that adorn the women's heads.
You'll be blown away by the incredible views of deep valleys, rushing waterfalls, and glistening rice terraces along the way! And when you arrive at the gorgeous Topas Riverside Lodge, you'll find yourself nestled in lush green forests and a stream filled with boulders. You'll love swimming with the Nam Cang neighborhood children and soaking in a Red Dzao herbal bath in our traditional bath house next to the lodge to refresh your sore muscles!
As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious spread of freshly prepared shared platters made from local ingredients as well as our organic garden. Then, retreat to your cozy room for the night, where you'll find a plush bed and a hot shower waiting for you!
Summary:
Activity: Cycling from Village - Village
Accommodation: Nam Cang Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 56 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41546079/edit
Distance:    50.3 km
Elevation:    + 1652 / - 934 m

Day 03: Sin Chai A - Nam Cang – Thanh Kim – Ban Ho – Sapa

Get up bright and early to take part in some amazing local activities or just walk around the village to soak up the incredible natural beauty and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside. Start your day with a delicious breakfast of traditional pancakes and banana cake! Then, join the host for a relaxing herbal tea. We'll set off on our cycling adventure from our homestay, passing through charming villages, rice terraces, streams, and even a buffalo road that leads to Nam Cang, Nam Sai, and Ban Ho. After a day of exploring, we'll have lunch with a local family in Ban Ho. After lunch, we'll continue our adventure with an exhilarating ride up the hill on an off-road and pothole road to Ban Den village, a whopping 7 km away! Once you arrive in Ban Den, you'll want to stop for a refreshing drink and some energy-boosting snacks! And then, we continue on our thrilling journey with an undulating route and a steep pass at the end, leading us right to the heart of Sapa Town! You'll be blown away by the incredible scenery, the stunning limestone mountains, and the peaceful hill tribe villages. You'll have the chance to dine in a local restaurant and stay overnight in the Sunny Mountain View Hotel!
Summary: 
Activity: Cycling 
Accommodation: Bamboo Hotel****/ Sapa Clay House
Meals: B/L/D.
Cycling distance: 56 Km

Day 04: Sapa - Tram Ton Pass - Binh Lu - Lai Chau 

After breakfast, you have the option of riding up or traveling by car to Tram Ton Pass, the highest and longest pass in Vietnam. What an incredible way to start your day! On the way, you'll have the chance to take a short, invigorating walk to the Silver Waterfall, and then head to the incredible Heaven Gate. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina! Get ready for a thrilling downhill ride toward Binh Lu! You'll get to stop by the fascinating Chu Va village of Black Hmong for a well-deserved break before arriving in Binh Lu. And now for something really special! You'll have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, get ready for a thrilling ride through Pabe, Na Hum, and Ban Hon village of the Lu minority, where you'll conquer rolling hills and breathtaking views. You'll have the chance to stop by a village, and you'll probably get to use the supply car in some parts, too! Then, you'll get to enjoy a lovely, easy ride downhill all the way to Lai Chau, where you'll stay overnight in a hotel.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling  from Hotle - Hotel
Accommodation: Hoang Nham Luxury Hotel****
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 75

Day 05: Lai Chau –Sin Ha – Muong Lay

After a delicious breakfast in Lai Chau town, we're ready to hit the road! We're gearing up our bikes and setting off on an amazing full-day cycling adventure up the hill to conquer incredible, long, and tough passes before reaching the stunning Sin Ho plateau. Next stop: Nam Loong village! Get ready for a quick break where you'll soak in the jaw-dropping views and take in the incredible rice terraces. And now for the big finale! Conquer the long pass and prove to yourself that you can overcome any challenge. From this incredible biking path, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or a picnic lunch!
Once we've refuelled at the local restaurant, we're back on our bikes for the next challenge: a 7 km ascent up a steep pass, snaking along a rugged mountain to the summit. As soon as we get to the top of the mountain, we'll check our gear and then head down on a winding road to the riverside! You'll have the chance to soak up some truly breathtaking scenery, and you'll even get to stop by a village of Thai minority people, who make up the largest ethnic group in this area! Cycling on the road along the river is an amazing experience! You'll be riding along the villages of the ethnic groups living along the rivershores. You'll get to see their traditional houses on stilts, which are a unique feature of the Thai culture. And the best part is, lunch is provided right there on the spot! Keep going! You're almost there. Just a little more cycling and you'll be in Muong Lay town, where you can relax in a hotel for the night. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore! You can ride around the town and discover the area upstream of the Da River (also known as the Black River).
Summary:
Activities: Cycling
Accommodation:Thanh Binh Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 102 Km

Day 06: Muong Lay - Muong Cha - Dien Bien Phu 

Get ready for another incredible 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 amazing adventure!
We start our cycling adventure bright and early from the hotel, fueled up and ready to go for breakfast! We really enjoy a few kilometers on a gentle, flat road out of town. As soon as we hit the main road, we gear up for the first climb, a 7 km stretch on a slope that we're all excited to tackle! 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 recharge and refuel!
We're back on our bikes in northwest Vietnam for another thrilling adventure! This morning, we're tackling a challenging hill pass, three kilometers up and just as steep!
We're ready to go! Time to check our gear and head into the sleepy valley with its exotic hill tribal villages, winding along the river to Muang Cha Town.  You'll arrive in Muong Cha at noon, ready for a delicious lunch! You'll have the chance to explore a local market here!  You'll have the choice of either lunch at a local restaurant or a picnic lunch prepared by the hotel.
After lunch, it's on to Dien Bien Phu! The road is in tip-top condition, and the scenery is absolutely stunning! You'll love every minute of this incredible journey. The ride is downhill all the way to Dien Bien Phu, where you'll enjoy a flat stretch upon arrival. The bustling town is nestled amidst towering mountains and vast rice fields. And now for the best part: you get to spend the night in the Muong Thanh Hotel!  You'll have the chance to stretch your legs and explore a nearby market!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Dien Bien Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:96 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42018596
Distance:    96.3 km
Elevation:    + 2127 / - 1895 m

Day 07: Dien Bien Phu – Tuan Giao

We start our day with breakfast at the hotel, and then we're off to explore some incredible historical sites in Dien Bien City! We're going to visit the incredible Dien Bien Phu Museum, the fascinating Hill A1, and the amazing De Castry Headquarters! It's going to be an incredible day!  We're off on our next cycling adventure! We're setting off from Dien Bien Phu to Tuan Giao on a brand new paved tarmac road! It's 74 km to go and we're so excited! Guess what! Guess what! Today our trip is going to be divided into two sections. 
The first stage is more hilly and challenging than the second section in the afternoon, but it's totally worth it for the incredible descent and breathtaking scenery!
We'll kick off our day at the hotel and then head out on our bikes through the city on a two-lane road. Get ready for an amazing challenge! We're going to conquer 30 km on a scenic and hilly road that will lead us to the incredible Tang Quai Pass! Get ready to be amazed by the incredible natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, as well as the vibrant hill tribes! Once we reach the summit, we'll stop for a delicious picnic lunch! After lunch, we'll be back on our bikes for a lovely descent to Muang Ang Town. Get ready for more incredible views and breathtaking scenery! Get ready for a truly spectacular ride! We'll be cycling on a gorgeous undulating route, along a river and through some lovely villages, before reaching Tuan Giao Town.
Summary:
Activities:Cycling from Hotel
Accommodation: Tay Bac Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 76 Km

Day 08: Tuan Giao – Minh Thang – Than Uyen

Today is another incredible day on our cycling trip in Northern Vietnam! We're riding and conquering series of steep passes from morning until afternoon. It's an amazing experience! However, the absolutely breathtaking scenery and completely unspoiled nature will be more than worth rewarding for our trip today!
We started the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and then set off on our next cycling adventure! We took a route through the village and along a single track trail, which was a great way to start the day. We then began our ascent up a mountain range that separates two provinces, Son La and Dien Bien. It was an incredible 16 km stretch that wound its way up the peak! And then, we reached the peak! Time for a refreshing break and some delicious refreshments! We absolutely loved the 25 km descent along the Da River to Pa Uon Bridge! 
We gear up again for another thrilling ascent up a short, steep pass to Muong Gion Commune for lunch. Once we've had a chance to recharge, we're back on our bikes! We're riding along a winding concrete road, surrounded by stunning views of the hillside as we make our way down to Cap Na Bridge. The last pass is another thrilling challenge! It winds through the village road and single-track trail all the way to the boat dock. Next, we loaded up our bikes on a boat and explored the incredible Ban Trat Hydroelectric Reservoir from Than Uyen to Ta Hua. Get ready to be immersed in the magical and scenic beauty of Northern Vietnam! After an amazing 30-minute boat transfer to Than Uyen town, we were ready to explore!
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Cycling from Hotel
Accommodation: Love Hill Resort
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distance:87 Km

Distance:    128.2 km
Elevation:    + 3493 / - 3471 m
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/432563194

Day 09: Than Uyen Cycle Tours To Tu Le 

We are woken up by the sound of Mother Nature herself! We immerse ourselves in breathtaking scenery and magnificent landscapes of northwest Vietnam.
Today is an amazing day for a cycling adventure! We're in for a treat with a fantastic route that takes us through a sleepy valley, up a mountain, and along rice terrace paddy fields. We had an amazing time exploring the countryside by bike in the north of Vietnam! We started off with a short but steep climb out of the hotel, and then we met up with a new asphalt road that ran alongside the river. We were really excited to be heading out of Mu Cang Chai and into the valley. The road started to wind up into the hills, which made for a really beautiful ride! 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.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation: Le Charm Tu Le Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 87 Km
Distance:    93.1 km
Elevation:    + 2333 / - 2299 m
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41546424

Day 10:  Tu le -   Nghia Lo

Today, we're thrilled to be passing by some truly magnificent white limestone mountains as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Northern 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 overlooking the Red and Black Rivers, and it's home to the Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha, and Ma peoples!
After a refreshing break at the resort, we're ready to hit the road on some exhilarating cycling tours! We'll be exploring single-track trails that lead to village roads, where we'll soak in the breathtaking scenery and admire the charming hill tribes villages nestled in misty valleys.
After an amazing cycling loop in Tu Le Valley, we're back on the main road for another challenge: a 7 km rough and tough pass out of Tu Le Valley.
Once we reach the hilltop, we'll take in the incredible panoramic view of the Valley. Then, it's on to the descent along the hillside and slope of mountains into Nghia Lo town!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation:  Dragonfly Resort
Meals:B/L/D    
Cyling distance: 65 Km

Day 11: Nghia Lo – Ban Mu – Tram Tau

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our way to Nghia Lo township for a refreshing break. Then, we gear up again to take the tram to Tau!
Today is going to be an amazing day on our trip! We're going to divide the distance into sections. The first section is an absolutely scenic route! It starts with a few ascents and then a long descent. We'll pass by some huge white limestone mountains as we explore the "real Vietnam." We're going to have a blast cycling through the meandering roads to Nghia Lo! It sits on a mountain ridge overlooking the Red and Black Rivers, and it's home to the Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha, and Ma peoples, who are some of the most welcoming people you'll ever meet!
The second section is going to be amazing! We'll be riding on a winding route, passing many hill tribes and taking in some truly breathtaking scenery on the way to Tram Tau. Upon arriving in the township, we'll check in and relax, excited for what the day will bring! You'll get to stay overnight at the amazing Heaven Hill Resort! When you arrive, you'll be able to dip in the hot spring water, which is really therapeutic. It washes away all the stress and tiredness! It was an absolutely amazing experience!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation: Heaven Hill Resort.
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 77 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41988982
Distance:    77.0 km
Elevation:    + 1782 / - 1733 m

Day 12;  Tram Tau – Ta Xua

Get up early in a remote and rustic district to observe the daily life of hill tribes people. You'll love immersing yourself in pristine nature and extraordinary scenery! After breakfast at a local restaurant, we hop on our bikes for an incredible 8 km challenge on a steep pass. Right after arriving on the summit, we cycle 20 km on the pinnacle of a hilltop, taking in the breathtaking views before plunging down to Ta Xua.
Today is an amazing cycling day! We're riding on a new sealed road that links two of the poorest districts in two provinces in the northwestern region of Vietnam: Yen Bai and Son La. 
As you cycle on the pinnacle of the hilltop, you'll be treated to a truly breathtaking sight: white clouds floating over your head and the sleepy valley below, creating a magnificent and panoramic scene that will take your breath away!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 

Accommodation: Heaven Hill Resort.
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 77 km
Distance:    67.6 km
Elevation:    + 2682 / - 1957 m
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41546439/edit

Day 13: Ta Xua – Phu Yen – Thanh Son

Ta Xua is the absolute highest point of the cloud hunting! 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. For a moment, the sea of white clouds floating, hovering over the peaceful valleys takes a break. 
Setting off on another amazing day from ecolodge, we wind on a slope of mountain and hillside to explore the stunning vistas and the scenic beauty and rugged mountain views.  Pedal along a single track trail through a dreamy, romantic landscape stretching from one hillside to the next until dusk, when the Ta Xua mountains put on a mysterious and sombre cloak.
Then, our journey down the mountain from a height of more than 1,000 meters takes us on a thrilling descent along the mountainside, winding around the vertical limestone mountains until we reach the Bac Yen Junction! From here, we continue our journey with a descent to the junction in Gia Phu. Get ready for a dreamlike cycling road on the newly paved road along the river and lakeshore! You'll enjoy peaceful, majestic, and poetic scenery stretching into Phu Yen Town.
 Then, it's off to town for lunch! Once we've had a chance to recharge our energy, we'll get back on our bikes and cycle and ascend a medium pass to the Ban Diet junction!
We'll be cycling through the Xuan Son National Park buffer zone all the way to Tan Lap Village, where we'll be staying overnight!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation: Xuan Son Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 110 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43283151
Distance:    110.9 km
Elevation:    + 2629 / - 3855 m

Day 14: Xuan Son National Park – Da Bac –

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the hotel, then set off on a fantastic tarmac road journey! You'll pass lush rice paddies and stunning natural scenery along the way. We continue our journey on a buffalo-beaten path, taking in the incredible rural scenery and immersing ourselves in the vibrant village life. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! When we arrive in Hien Luong village, we'll have the incredible opportunity to have lunch with a local family! After lunch, we set off on a fascinating stroll around the exotic village to learn about the daily lives and customs of the locals. Time to get back on our bikes! We're riding along a gorgeous dirt road for 30km, taking in the stunning views of the lake as we make our way to the amazing Da Bia Eco Homestay Village. On the way, we are treated to some truly spectacular sights! We enjoy magnificent views of the lake and breathtaking scenery, as well as marvellous limestone panoramas and magnificent lake views. Get ready to experience the everyday life and culture of the Muong people! Upon arrival at the homestay, we unpack our bags and settle in for a relaxing time in the peaceful village. You'll have the incredible opportunity to enjoy a traditional music performance with the local village and have dinner with the wonderful host family!
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Cycling
Accommodation: Mai Da Lodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 85 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43283171
Distance:    85.7 km
Elevation:    + 2388 / - 2449 m

Day 15: Da Bac - Hanoi

Today is the last day of our incredible cycling trip! We're in for a treat today! We'll be riding on a beautiful stretch of tarmac road along the Da River, where we'll be able to take in some truly breathtaking scenery and alluring sights.
After a fantastic breakfast at the hotel, we're off on our bikes to Dong Quan Bridge! We'll be cycling through some amazing villages, along stunning coastlines, and through rice paddy fields. Be sure to stop along the way to take pictures or interact with the local people to learn more about their way of life! Then, we'll cross the amazing Dong Quan Bridge and head to the incredible Ba Vi eco house for a delicious lunch! After lunch, we'll wrap up our amazing cycling holiday in northern Vietnam!
 Our shuttle bus will take us to the amazing city of Hanoi, where we'll spend two hours exploring its incredible sights. When we arrive, we'll check in and then have the chance to relax and unwind. We've got a farewell dinner lined up for our teams at a cozy restaurant. It'll be a great way to wrap up our service together! Thank you so much for joining us on this once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure!
Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodation: The Light Hotel****
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 45 km

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