Cao Bang Cycling Loop Tour – An Adventure in Northern Vietnam’s Natural Beauty

Cao Bang is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Nestled in the northeast of Vietnam, this stunning region offers everything from the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc waterfall to the vibrant ethnic minority villages set against a backdrop of limestone mountains. Whether you're cycling through the picturesque landscapes or immersing yourself in the local culture, Cao Bang promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Cao Bang Cycling Loop is an absolute must! This 280km cycling adventure starts in Hanoi and takes you through winding roads that hug the mountainsides, offering stunning views of the Quay Son River and traditional Tay and Nung villages. As you cycle through this beautiful region of Northern Vietnam, you’ll encounter lush rice fields, concrete village roads, and rugged dirt paths that immerse you in the local culture of the ethnic minorities.

This Cao Bang cycling loop is your chance to explore the dramatic limestone mountains and experience the region's natural beauty at every turn. From panoramic views at the top of the mountains to cycling alongside Ngoc Con rice fields and the opportunity for kayaking on the Quay Son River, the Cao Bang cycling adventure offers a perfect blend of active exploration and cultural immersion.

The tour not only showcases Vietnam’s natural wonders but also gives you a chance to indulge in local delicacies prepared by the ethnic minorities. From sticky rice to smoked sausage and noodles, every meal is a delightful exploration of regional flavors. Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in eco homestays, guest houses, or hotels, where you can unwind and enjoy authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Cao Bang Cycling Loop is a chance to experience the raw beauty of Northern Vietnam, pedal through charming villages, and explore hidden gems that most travelers miss. Cycle through Cao Bang, breathe the fresh mountain air, and enjoy a journey like no other!

Day 1: Hanoi to Cao Bang – Cycling Adventure in Northern Vietnam

Start your adventure with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting cycling journey through the northeast of Vietnam. After a scenic five-hour drive, you'll be amazed by the stunning landscapes that lead you to the mountainous province of Cao Bang. As you travel along the 280km route from Hanoi to Cao Bang, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of winding mountain roads, traditional stilt houses belonging to ethnic minorities, and the lush greenery of rice fields and tea plantations.

This incredible cycling tour to Cao Bang will immerse you in the beauty of hill tribe villages, rustic local markets, and the peaceful serenity of nature. The road is flanked by picturesque palm trees, providing a perfect setting for a relaxing journey. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious lunch before continuing the journey by bus to the cycling starting point, where your bikes are waiting.

Once on your bikes, you'll ride along a winding road, descending into a sleepy village and cycling through scenic routes, eventually reaching Cao Bang City. After arriving at the hotel, take some time to explore the city and witness the wonderful transformation of the area. End your day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay, resting up for the exciting adventures ahead!

Summary:
Activities: Transferring Visiting
Accommodations: Muong Thanh Grand Luxury Hotel
Meals:/L/D
Transfer distances: 226km/  Cycling 62 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46970493
Total Ascent: + 1,270m + 17.4% : Total Descent:  - 1,740m -20.9%

Day 2: Cao Bang to Pac Po, Nam Tra, Magic Eyes Mountain, and Tra Linh – Vietnam Cycling Tour

Welcome to Day 2 of the Cao Bang Cycling Loop! After a delicious breakfast, it's time to start your cycling adventure. Get ready to pedal through the scenic beauty of Cao Bang as we cycle along tarmac roads surrounded by rugged limestone mountains, lush tobacco farms, and picturesque landscapes towards Pac Po. This gentle cycling challenge takes you up to the Pac Po monument, offering a glimpse of history without being too strenuous.

Pac Po, nestled between towering mountain ranges and the peaceful flow of a stream and river near the border with China, is a historically significant site. It was here that Ho Chi Minh set up his base during the Vietnamese Revolution, making it an important destination for history buffs. Visiting this historical landmark provides valuable insights into the revolutionary era and Ho Chi Minh’s legacy.

After paying respects at Pac Po, we continue our cycling journey through a traditional hill tribe village and along the border to Nam Nhung Commune, where we’ll take a well-deserved break. Our cycling adventure then continues on mixed terrain, cycling along gravel roads, off-the-beaten-path routes, and village roads that lead us to Luu Ngoc Commune, where we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.

Refueled, we hop back on our bikes and wind through spectacular landscapes, including limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, and tranquil rivers. The highlight of the day is cycling to Nam Tra Village and marveling at the Magical Eyes Mountain. This stunning destination feels like a fairyland, with dramatic mountain views and the opportunity to watch the sunset over the peaks—a truly magical experience.

We then leave the serene beauty of the mountain behind and cycle on a single track trail, passing through rugged limestone terrains and serene streams as we make our way to Cao Chuong Village. From there, we'll take a tarmac road that will lead us to the peaceful town of Tra Linh for the night.

Summary:
Activities: Transferring and cycling to Hotel
Accommodations: Duc Long Hotel**
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distances: 67 Km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46969875
Distance:    67 km
Elevation:    + 1741 / - 1394 m

Day 3: Tra Linh to Trung Khanh and Ban Gioc Waterfall - Cao Bang Cycling Loop Tour

Get ready for an incredible day of exploration on the Cao Bang Cycling Loop! After a hearty breakfast, we'll start our journey by cycling along tarmac roads through the town, heading towards a secondary road that will take us deeper into Vietnam’s Global Geopark. This area is famous for its limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, and peaceful, rural beauty, making it a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Our adventure continues with a delightful ride along a gently sloping hill road through dense forests, offering a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. Before reaching Trung Khanh Town, we’ll take a scenic detour along dirt roads and single track trails, cycling through rustic villages and lush green fields of corn and rice. The route offers awe-inspiring views of the majestic limestone formations that define the landscape, leading us to the pristine waters of the Jade Quay Son River.

As we cycle along the border, you’ll be captivated by the stunning landscape, including vibrant rice paddies and traditional village life. One of the highlights of today’s cycling is crossing a picturesque bamboo bridge, offering a glimpse into the rural culture of the area.

Our journey will then bring us to an Eco Homestay, where we’ll stop for a delicious lunch and a chance to unwind. After recharging, we’ll continue cycling along the scenic Quay Son River towards the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Vietnam. Alternatively, you can enjoy a kayaking adventure on the river, soaking in the breathtaking views.We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the Ban Gioc Resort, surrounded by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of this stunning region.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42097080
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from hotel - Hotel
Accommodations: Lan Rung Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distances: 72 Km
Distance:    70.9 km
Elevation:    + 1060 / - 1326 m

Day 4: Ban Gioc Waterfall to Quang Uyen – Cao Bang Cycling Loop Tour

Get ready for another unforgettable day on the Cao Bang Cycling Loop! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start our day by visiting the Ban Gioc Waterfall, the fourth largest border-crossing waterfall in the world. The stunning blue skies, towering limestone mountains, and lush rice fields create an unforgettable landscape that will take your breath away. Ban Gioc is truly one of the most spectacular natural wonders in northern Vietnam, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and local culture.

After soaking in the beauty of the waterfall, we’ll hit the road again and cycle towards Hanh Lang town. Today’s route will take us through peaceful villages and rice paddies, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. The first part of the ride will follow the river, providing scenic vistas of the valley, and then we’ll tackle the hilly passes and sharp turns that will reward us with panoramic views.

As we conquer the three steep mountain passes, you’ll be amazed by the awe-inspiring beauty of the terrain. The challenge is worth it, as we’ll pause for a well-deserved picnic lunch. After recharging, we’ll cycle down a newly paved road, enjoying the smooth ride to Quang Uyen Town. Upon arrival, check in, unwind, and enjoy a delicious dinner to celebrate another day of adventure in Vietnam’s stunning Cao Bang Province.

Summary:
Activities: Cycling 
Accommodations: Hung Dung Hotel**
Meals: B/L/D
Cycling distances: 40 - 60Km

Day 5: Quang Uyen to Phia Thap, Trung Vuong – Cao Bang to Hanoi Cycling Tour

After a delicious breakfast, we embark on the final day of our Cao Bang Cycling Loop adventure! We begin by cycling through the vibrant morning market, setting off for Phi Hai village on the winding roads that lead us through the stunning landscapes of northeastern Vietnam. The scenic route takes us along village roads, where we’ll reach a traditional paper-making village, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to try your hand at crafting paper using techniques passed down through generations.

As we continue on our ride, we cycle through peaceful villages, soaking up the serene atmosphere and captivating views. The real adventure begins as we follow a single-track trail through Phia Thap, Tu Do Commune, Ha Tri, and Trung Vuong Commune. Along the way, we explore vibrant hill tribe villages, where you’ll meet the locals and gain insights into their rich cultural heritage. After this immersive experience, we take a well-deserved break, meeting our support vehicle to replenish our water supplies. We then head back to Cao Bang for a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we’ll relax as our support vehicle transfers us back to Hanoi via Bac Kan. Enjoy a few stops along the way for scenic breaks and refreshments. We’ll arrive in Hanoi by 7:00 PM, where we’ll check into our hotel and wrap up this unforgettable adventure through the Cao Bang region. A huge thank you for joining us on this incredible cycling tour!

Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Transferring back to Hanoi
Accommodations:  By Yourself
Meals:B/L/
Cycling distances: 35 Km
Transfer 300 km back Hanoi.

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 include in

English speaking cycling guide ( other languages upon requests)
Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
Meals details in itineraries ( 4 breakfast, 5 lunches, 4 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 dist brake and  helmets
Sightseeing excursions as outlined itineraries
Bike tour pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
First aid kit
Fruit and snack for cycling days
Cold water box, small fresh towel.
Mineral water for drinking

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
Visa fee in Vietnam ( 25 USD per person upon arrival + 02 passport pictures
Departure  tax
Tip for team and guide

POLICY OF BOOKING TRIP.

Price of The trip  & rate:
Cost are based in USD $ and coverted to Vietnamese Dong ( VND). Therefore all costs are subject to currency fluctuations. If you wish to avoid any currency surchages  should there be a change in the exchange rate, you can pay for your trip inadvance of the balance date. Please ask our reservation staff to issue an invoice for your final payment.. Please note invoice are valid for two days then rewiewed. According to exchange rates. Child rate are available.
Tour price and exchange rate are based on tour cost and exchange rate at 2025 and are subject to change. Costs shown are in American Dollar. ( USD) unless otherwise countries in Euro . we have made every effort to ensure  itinerary documents  accuracy at the time of going to print. However, Our company can not be held any responsible for typographical errors or errors arising from unforseen circumstance.

Booking Conditions: