Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 7-Day North Vietnam Cycling Tour through the country's stunning nature reserves and national parks. Starting with a scenic ride from Hanoi to Mai Chau, you’ll experience the beauty of Mai Chau cycling adventures, where you’ll cycle through lush valleys and remote villages. The next day, you’ll continue on back roads, cycling through traditional Vietnamese countryside, before reaching the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This part of the tour offers breathtaking views of rice terraces, forested hills, and ethnic minority villages, making it the perfect destination for eco-tourism and sustainable cycling tours.
From Pu Luong, we’ll cycle through Cuc Phuong National Park, one of the oldest and most biodiverse parks in Vietnam, where you can explore wildlife, lush forests, and serene landscapes. The journey then continues to Tam Coc, where you’ll ride through the majestic limestone karsts, and along the peaceful river in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque locations. Cycling through Tam Coc, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the natural beauty and explore local villages, giving you an immersive experience in Vietnam’s eco-tourism and hill tribe cycling.
Throughout this cycling holiday in Vietnam, you'll experience the best of Vietnam’s national parks and nature reserves, with opportunities for wildlife sightings, cultural interactions with local hill tribes, and an adventure that combines the best of nature, culture, and sustainable travel. Whether you're cycling through the tranquil Cuc Phuong forests or exploring the karst landscapes of Tam Coc, this tour offers a scenic cycling route like no other.
Day 01: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Thung Nai – Thung Khe – Go Lao – Mai Chau
We begin our exciting cycling tour in Northern Vietnam at 7:30 AM, heading southwest towards Luong Son, the gateway to the stunning mountainous landscapes of Northern Vietnam! As we arrive in Luong Son, we start our ride along undulating tarmac roads, offering breathtaking views of lush mountains, valleys, and scenic rice paddies. The picturesque surroundings, including sugarcane farms, will set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Along the way, we’ll take a break to recharge and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we’ll transfer briefly to the base of Thung Khe Pass, where our cycling journey continues along the scenic Da River. The route will treat you to incredible views, passing through Muong and Thai villages, nestled beneath the shade of towering trees. Children in their traditional school uniforms will wave hello as we ride through their villages, adding a touch of warmth to the experience.
We’ll stop for a refreshing drink or a photo opportunity before descending into the charming Mai Chau village. We’ll arrive in Mai Chau by the late afternoon, where we’ll cycle to the Sol Bungalow Resort for an overnight stay. After a refreshing shower, enjoy a delicious traditional Thai dinner and be entertained by a vibrant Thai dance performance—the perfect way to end an incredible day of cycling through northern Vietnam’s nature.
Summary
Activitiy: Transferring and Cycling
Accommodation: Stay in Homestay or Ecolodge
Meals: L/D
Total Cycling distance: 30 - 55 Km
Day 02: Mai Chau – Back Roads Cycling Tour
Get ready for an amazing cycling adventure in Mai Chau Valley! Picture yourself sipping a hot cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the mountains and misty rice paddies, set against the backdrop of lush green fields—an unforgettable experience in northern Vietnam.
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to embark on your Mai Chau cycle tour, cycling through a network of single-track paths that connect traditional villages. The views are absolutely stunning as you ride past and across vibrant rice paddies, with a glimpse of the iconic fan palms grown specifically for roofing. This region is rich in culture and natural beauty.
The journey continues as we pass incredible hot springs, suspension bridges, and navigate the contours of picturesque terraced rice fields. You’re in for a treat today! We’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a local family's house to recharge.
Afterward, the adventure continues as we cycle on back roads, single tracks, and buffalo trails through bamboo forests and more breathtaking rice fields. We’ll also make a stop at a bamboo chopstick production workshop to witness the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Finally, we’ll return to Mai Chau town, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploration. End the day with a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at a Mai Chau hotel, bungalow, or ecolodge—the perfect way to rest up for more cycling adventures in the heart of northern Vietnam.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Homestay or Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Total Cycling distance: 30 - 45 Km
Day 03: Buoc – Bao La – Mai Chau – Pu Luong Cycling Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure! Begin your day with a delicious traditional Thai breakfast of homemade cakes and a warm cup of coffee or tea, while you listen to the calming sounds of nature—birds singing and chickens clucking.
After breakfast, we’ll set off on an exciting ride through the villages of Mai Chau, following a network of single-track trails. As we cycle through this picturesque landscape, enjoy breathtaking views of lush rice paddies and rolling hills. Along the way, we’ll pass palm leaf plantations, which are uniquely grown for thatched roofing, and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Our adventure continues as we ride past hot springs, cross charming suspension bridges, and wind through the stunning terraced rice fields. The journey is packed with highlights! We’ll take a well-deserved break for lunch with a local family, learning about the area’s culture and traditions. After lunch, we’ll cycle through back roads, single tracks, and buffalo trails, cutting through bamboo forests and lush rice terraces on our way to Hang Village. Our ride along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail will lead us to Khom Muong and Don Village, where we’ll stay overnight with a local family and experience authentic village life. End the day with a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in Don Village, a perfect opportunity to unwind after a day full of cycling and exploration in Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Pu Luong Retreat***
Meals: B/L/D
Total Cycling distance: 30 - 60 Km
Day 04: Pu Luong Escape – Cycling through Rice Terraces and Waterfalls
After recharging our energy, we’re ready to continue our cycling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve! Our journey begins with a ride to Kho Muong Village, where we’ll take a single-track trail that follows the river, surrounded by lush rice paddy fields and breathtaking natural beauty.
Continuing along a scenic concrete road, we’ll meander through expansive rice terraces and vibrant bamboo forests, descending into a gorgeous valley that leads us to the charming Lanh Village. Along the way, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the stunning terraced rice fields—a true highlight of the Pu Luong region.
Next, we’ll visit a remote village nestled in the mountains, offering a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and interact with the community. This is a perfect chance to learn about the traditional way of life in the area.
After the cultural stop, we’ll continue cycling on a single-track trail through dense bamboo forests and picturesque rice paddies towards Ban Hieu Village. The route includes a challenging but rewarding short steep climb leading to a magnificent waterfall, where we’ll pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by stunning natural scenery. After refueling, we’ll pedal through tropical forests and along streamside paths to Ban Cong Village, where we’ll meet our support vehicle for a transfer back to the resort. Relax and unwind at the resort before enjoying a delicious dinner and staying overnight in the comfort of this serene location.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Pu Luong Retreat***
Meals: B/L/D
Total Cycling distance: 35 – 60 Km
Day 05: Pu Luong to Cuc Phuong – Cycling through Rice Terraces and Scenic Villages
After a hearty breakfast with our welcoming hosts, we’ll say goodbye and embark on our cycling adventure. We’ll ride along a scenic back road, winding through lush rice terraces and dense bamboo forests to Pho Doan, the township of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. If we’re lucky, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, renowned for its stunning biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
Our journey continues with a visit to a vibrant, tribal market where we can capture the colorful culture of the region with some photos. We’ll then cross a bridge and cycle along the nature reserve’s corridor path, passing through sugarcane fields and corn farms, all while encountering traditional Thai and Muong villages. This part of the ride leads us to Cam Luong, where we’ll enjoy a warm welcome from friendly locals and take in some truly spectacular views.
By noon, we’ll reach the iconic Ho Chi Minh Trail, a historic and scenic route with incredible panoramas. After a delicious lunch in Kim Tan town, we’ll continue cycling through a combination of single-track trails and undulating paths for another 45 km. As we ride through local villages and across sprawling rice paddies, sugar cane and cassava farms, the stunning scenery will keep us captivated.We’ll arrive in Cuc Phuong National Park in the late afternoon, check into our comfortable accommodation at Cuc Phuong guesthouses or bungalows, and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Dinner will be served, giving us a chance to unwind after a day filled with incredible sights and experiences.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong Resort/
Meals:B/L/D
Total Cycling distance: 40 - 55 Km
Day 06: Cuc Phuong to Tam Coc – Cycling through Natural Wonders and Cultural Heritage
We’re thrilled for today’s adventure! Get ready for an unforgettable day of cycling through Cuc Phuong National Park, visiting the Endangered Primates Rescue Centre, and exploring the untouched beauty of the pineapple plantations. We’ll also cycle around Tam Coc, renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies, and visit Bich Dong Temple and the captivating Trang An—a UNESCO cultural and natural heritage site often referred to as Halong Bay on land.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a shuttle to the base of the Cuc Phuong National Park, where we’ll enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere and biodiversity. Our cycling day begins with a ride along back roads to the Central Gate, where we’ll leave our bikes and visit the Endangered Primates Rescue Centre. This remarkable center is dedicated to the preservation of rare primates such as langur, gibbon, and loris, many of which are endangered. Supporting such conservation efforts is vital to protect these beautiful creatures.
Following our visit, we’ll continue cycling on a scenic corridor path leading us to lush pineapple farms. After reaching Tam Diep Town, we’ll transfer to Tam Coc for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the villages surrounding Tam Coc, cycling along back roads and single-track trails while soaking in the awe-inspiring views of limestone mountains. We’ll also embark on a two-hour boat trip to explore the mesmerizing grottoes and picturesque rice fields. After a day full of natural wonders and cultural heritage, we’ll settle in for an overnight stay in Tam Coc.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling
Accommodation: Tam Coc Hotel/ Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Total Cycling distance: 30 - 55 Km
Day 07: Tam Coc – Thai Vi – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Kenh Ga – Cycling and Boat Exploration
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the resort, then get ready for a scenic cycling adventure through back roads to Tam Coc, known for its stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies. We’ll continue our journey with a two-hour boat trip to explore the famous grottoes of Tam Coc, where the stunning scenery will take your breath away as we navigate through the three grottoes, connected by beautiful landscapes.
Next, we’ll cycle through the natural beauty of Trang An, a UNESCO world heritage site, before heading to Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Then, we’ll explore the picturesque Kenh Ga Floating Villages, a unique water-based community offering a glimpse into local life. After a delicious lunch in Kenh Ga, we’ll transfer by van back to Hanoi, which will take about three hours. As we arrive back in Hanoi, it’s time to say farewell and wrap up our incredible journey through northern Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders.
Summary
Activitiy: Cycling and Transferring
Accommodation: By Your Own
Meals: B/L/
Total Cycling distance: 45 Km
Note: Hotels are subject to change due to availability. In that case we will choose aquivalent 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
Support vehicle ( 1 – 4 pax) we use Van to support and carry out bikes)
( 5 – 8 pax) we use one Van and one truck to supports)
Trek 4300 mountain bikes with 27 speed gearing disc- brake with Shimano components and Suntour front suspension
Helmets and water bottles
English speaking cycling guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary ( B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Hotels: ( two nights stay in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Two night in Mai Chau valley)
Cuc Phuong National Park ( one night in Cuc Phuong Resort)
Hidden Charm Hotel one night in Resort)
First aid kit
Water/ snack for cycling days
Entrance fees & homestay permission
Hotel ( two share with occupancy)
Team support for 2 days in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Bikes hire include in cycling tour
Tour excluded in
International air tickets to/ from Vietnam and international aiport departure tax
travel insurance
visa to Vietnam
personal expense – tips, gratitudes
alcoholic drinks
transfer to/ from Air port
Any other services not clearly stated in the itinerary and trip including
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.
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