Vietnam is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for adventure tourism in the 21st century. The country is rich in vibrant green jungles, colorful hill tribe cultures, diverse ecosystems, and abundant natural resources. From lush national parks to remote hill trails, rustic villages, nature reserves, and eco-friendly homestays, Vietnam is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking authentic cultural experiences.

The Northern Vietnam Bicycle Challenge trail is one of the best cycling routes in Vietnam. Designed to be off the beaten track, our cycling journey takes you through regions rarely visited by tourists, allowing you to avoid the crowded highways and enjoy the pristine beauty of Northern Vietnam’s landscapes. As you ride, you'll encounter stunning karst rock formations, traditional stilted houses with thatched roofs, and towering mountains nestled among limestone outcrops. This region is home to the highest concentration of hill tribe communities in Vietnam, where you’ll meet some of the most welcoming and kind-hearted people you’ll ever encounter.

There’s no better way to experience the daily life of the Vietnamese people, immerse yourself in their long-standing culture, and connect with colorful hill tribe neighbors than by joining our 5-Day Northern Vietnam Bicycle Challenge Trail. Along the way, you’ll challenge yourself with breathtaking mountain passes, winding through misty valleys, and climbing up mountain slopes.

Cycling through this untouched region offers a rare opportunity to meet the friendly hill tribe people, visit local markets, and capture stunning photos of the animals—such as dogs, cats, buffalo, chickens, and cows—that roam freely in these rural areas.

Our Northern Vietnam Mountain Bike Challenge begins in the vibrant city of Hanoi, with a transfer to the beautiful Thai Nguyen Province. On Day 1, we set off from Thai Nguyen, cycling along scenic roads through lush forests and picturesque landscapes, ultimately arriving at Ba Be Lake. This stunning freshwater lake spans over 50 hectares and sits at an elevation of 145 meters above sea level, formed by the confluence of three river tributaries millions of years ago.

Next, we continue cycling through Ba Be National Park, navigating rugged terrain to the charming town of Bac Me, followed by a ride along the rivershore to Bao Lac. The following days promise incredible challenges as we cycle through beautiful, hilly countryside, weaving through mountains and valleys. 

If you love cycling tours, mountain biking, or simply want to explore the hidden gems of Northern Vietnam, the 5-Day Northern Vietnam Bicycle Challenge is an adventure you’ll never forget!

Day 01: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Ba Be Lake

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before leaving the bustling city of Hanoi behind. Our shuttle bus will transfer you on a scenic 2-hour drive along the newly constructed highway through Thai Nguyen, a province famous for its lush landscapes and tea plantations. Upon reaching the cycling point, we begin our ride on a tarmac road, heading towards the untouched region of ATK (safety zones), historically known as the Vietminh revolutionary base.

As we cycle through peaceful Vietnamese villages and stunning scenic landscapes, we will be immersed in the beauty of Northern Vietnam’s countryside. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a village specializing in paper-making, experiencing a unique cultural tradition.

After lunch in Bac Can, we continue cycling from Bang Lung Town to Ba Be Lake, taking in the breathtaking scenery and vibrant village life along the way. Upon arrival in Ba Be, check into your comfortable eco-homestay located with a beautiful river view. After settling in, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight in Ba Be homestay, where you’ll experience authentic village hospitality and stunning natural beauty.

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 to Bac Me

Start your day early to experience the daily life of the Tay people, who have lived around Ba Be Lake for centuries. Wander around the lake to admire its outstanding natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast with our friendly hosts, we bid them farewell and embark on a boat trip with our bikes to explore the serene lake and surrounding peaceful villages. Ba Be Lake, one of the 28 largest freshwater lakes in the world, is nestled on the slopes of towering limestone mountains. With a width of 8 km and a length of 600 m, Ba Be is a true natural wonder and an ideal destination for those seeking to discover stunning scenery and the emerald waters of the lake.

We will spend over an hour on the boat, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes and learning about the diverse flora and fauna within Ba Be National Park. After the boat trip, we’ll load up our bikes and cycle along a concrete road that leads to the beautiful Na Hang Reservoir, where we will take a second boat trip to the Da Vi section.

The adventure continues as we cycle through the untouched beauty of Na Hang National Park, challenging ourselves with steep mountain passes, sharp turns, and winding slopes leading us to the charming town of Bac Me.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling, Boat Trip and Cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Bac Me Hotel**
Meals:L/D
Cycling distance:  70 Km

Day 03: Bac Me – Bao Lam – Bao Lac

Get ready for another thrilling day of cycling as we explore the picturesque region along the Gam River. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we begin our cycling adventure by following National Road 34A. This scenic route runs parallel to the Gam River for 23 km, taking us eastward through beautiful landscapes and quaint villages.

The first part of the ride includes a gentle uphill climb, before we descend into the flat terrain, covering the final 30 km along the riverbank. As we cycle, we’ll encounter local minority communities dressed in vibrant tribal costumes, adding to the cultural richness of the journey. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local market to immerse ourselves in the daily life of the hill tribes and learn more about their traditions and way of life.

After enjoying a delicious lunch en route, we continue cycling along the Gam River, taking on a challenging pass before descending into Bao Lac town. The journey will be a mix of scenic beauty and cultural exploration, making this day an unforgettable part of your cycling adventure in Northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling
Accommodation: Thuy Duong Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling Distance: 75 km.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42811827
Distance:    73.8 km
Elevation:    + 2071 / - 1987 m

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

Today promises to be a challenging yet rewarding cycling day in our journey through Northern Vietnam. The tough terrain will be well worth it as we are treated to breathtaking scenery and spectacular sights along the route.

We begin the day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local restaurant before gearing up for a challenging 12 km steep climb. The road winds its way through rugged mountains and sloping hillsides, offering opportunities to stop and capture stunning photos of deep valleys, lush rice terraces, and dramatic landscapes. As we ascend, we quickly reach the mountain’s pinnacle and descend into a peaceful village nestled in the valleys below.

The cycling today takes us on long, steep passes through rugged and sometimes dangerous terrain, with mountains towering from three to fifteen stories high. We’ll cycle through remote regions, where we will stop for a picnic lunch in a dreamlike valley, surrounded by awe-inspiring nature.

After a well-deserved break to recharge, we gear up for the final challenge: conquering the last steep pass before descending into Thong Nong town. From there, we ride on secondary roads, winding through undulating terrain as we make our way to Cao Bang city to complete the day’s leg of the journey.

Summary:
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Pac Po Eco Lodge
Cycling 93 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42374275
Distance:    93.3 km
Elevation:    + 2191 / - 2212 m

Day 05: Cao Bang – Hanoi

Today marks the final day of our cycling adventure in the Far North of Vietnam. After a restful breakfast and recharging our energy at the hotel, we set off for our last day of cycling.

We will pedal along small village roads, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes and scenic beauty of the region, with picturesque views along the riverbanks. Along the way, we’ll stop to interact with local people at morning markets, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the people in this rural area.The ride continues with a gentle 10 km climb before we descend along the mountain slopes towards the main road. Upon reaching our destination, we’ll celebrate the completion of this incredible 5-day cycling journey through Northern Vietnam. After loading up our bikes, we’ll transfer to a local town for lunch. Afterward, our support vehicle will take us on the newly built highway back to Hanoi, where we’ll conclude our cycling expedition.

Summary:
Activity: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: By your self
Meals:B/L/
Cycling 62 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42374310
Distance:    61.4 km
Elevation:    + 1753 / - 1280 m

Important Notes:

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
Tour cost will be valided during 45 days from date of offer. Past this date price and conditions may be readjusted.
The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges.
Rooms at hotels are available only from 14:00 P.m on arrival day till 10:00 A.m on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so. If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.
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 ( 4 breakfast, 05 lunches, 04 dinners)
A/C transfer/ and transportation
Echomestay with private mat, share Wc and bathroom.
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.
Boat Trip in Ba Be Lake
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.

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