Ha Giang and Cao Bang: Vietnam's Frontier by Road Bike

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and the cultural heart of the North! We suggest arriving at least a day or two before the tour begins to explore this vibrant city infused with ancient heritage, a French colonial legacy, a revolutionary spirit and modern cosmopolitanism. Be sure to visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and stroll through the lively Old Quarter. On arrival day, we meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon and head out for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.

After breakfast, we will transfer about 2 hours outside Hanoi and cycle along a range of hills in Tam Dao district. From there, we head north to Thac Ba Lake, the enormous reservoir of a hydroelectric dam built by North Vietnam with Soviet support in the 1960s. We then turn onto a smaller road to reach the day’s destination: Vu Linh, a quiet and serene community, is a home of the Dzao ethnic minority group and a welcome contrast with the busy streetscapes of Hanoi. Views of the lake make a lovely backdrop to this memorable visit with our hospitable hosts.

This morning, we leave the lakeside village and continue up a small road flanked by huge mountains on the two sides to approach Hoang Su Phi. Rice terraces and rushing mountain streams combine for a beautiful panorama in this pristine district, where a rich mosaic of ethnic minority groups retain their distinct cultures in daily life. Today’s ride again offers good climbs and steep sections interspersed with more sedate sections where we can enjoy the surroundings at our own pace. We transfer 1.5 hours to our mountain lodging for dinner and spend the night in comfortable bungalows with exhilarating views in all directions.

We begin with a 1-hour transfer to Tan Quang, then begin riding along the Lo River. Climb the Quan Ba mountain pass with some interesting stops along the way in villages of the Tay and Hmong people, where we receive friendly greetings. Pause to refresh and take in the stunning vistas, including the famous Tam Son valley with the Twin Hills. Descending the pass, ride to the home of the Dzao Ao Da (“Dzao with long dresses”), whose traditional lifestyle carries on in a beautiful village at the foot of Quan Ba mountain range. We’ll call it a day after around 90 km and transfer 30-minutes to a local guesthouse.

Today is a challenging but rewarding day of riding into the UNESCO-designated Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, beginning with a 10 km descent through Hmong villages, followed by a pretty riverside ride to our first climb of the day. Pass through village markets where locals buy, sell, and socialize amid an array of goods, fresh from the farm. There is another long descent in store for us to Yen Minh before the second climb of similar height, taking us to an altitude of 1.025. M, where we continue across the rolling top of the plateau with many dramatic winding sections. Along the way, you will see the centuries-old clay-walled townlet of Pho Bang and historic relics of the Vuong Palace, named for the family that ruled over the region and controlled opium production and trading. And finally we roll into the traditional market town of Dong Van where we spend two nights.

Having reached the halfway point of the tour, and with some big days of riding still ahead, it is time for a rest day. Dong Van is the perfect place for it. Set against a backdrop of dramatic karst peaks, this historic town offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind. You can spend the day enjoying local cafés in the Old Quarter, exploring the surrounding mountain scenery, and strolling through the lantern-lit streets as night falls. Lunch and dinner are not included today, but your guide will be happy to share recommendations for good eats in town.

This morning begins with a series of jagged climbs that take us to the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass, an iconic route whose name means “Horse’s Nose” in old Vietnamese due to the steep vertical shape of the summit. After this grueling section, there is a slower arc upward around the side of Meo Vac Mountain, taking us to 1230m, our highest elevation for the day. Finally, a 14 km downhill with some serious hairpins awaits, taking us to the banks of a small river. We follow the valley downstream and continue as it joins the Nho Que River and then the Gam River. The demanding cycling and thrills of the morning’s ride give way to the dreamy scenery of bamboo forests, stilt houses, and vibrant green of the hillsides as we cruise riverside into the small town of Bao Lac at the confluence of the Neo and Gam Rivers. Tonight, we will have a delicious dinner of northern Vietnamese cuisine after our big day of riding.

Departing from your hotel, pedal along scenic backroads, passing through remote villages tucked into the mountain landscape. Continue along the Gam River before entering a section of rolling hills with fruit orchards. Along the way, conquer the challenging Me Pja and Khau Coc Cha passes, two of Vietnam's most scenic routes. Later, descend through the stunning Xuan Truong valley, taking in the panoramic views of the mountainous landscape and colorful rice terraces. Challenge yourself further with the Ta Nenh Pass, winding through tribal villages and stilt houses before enjoying a downhill ride through the picturesque Ha Quang district to a beautifully-constructed farmstay that showcases the rural traditions of the area. We will spend the night in this pastoral setting overlooked by rugged peaks.

This morning, we will ride up to Pac Bo, a historic village located just 3 kilometers from the Chinese border. Here, we visit the rugged groves and caverns that were the hideout of Ho Chi Minh, where he lived and worked for four years, planning the 1954 independence from the French colonial forces. Continue your journey to Tra Linh, traveling roughly parallel to the Chinese border and passing through charming towns, bustling markets, and peaceful valleys. Venture deeper into remote villages, where the scenery becomes even more picturesque. Here, you will meet farmers using water buffalo to plow the fields and tending to a wide variety of crops. Cross the Quay River and pass through small hamlets along the hillside and riverbanks on this broad, open plateau. Conclude your day in beautiful Ban Gioc.

This is an easier day on the bike, as we will end with an overall drop in elevation. Rise early to witness the breathtaking cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam's most magnificent natural landmarks, which straddles the border between Vietnam and China. Then embark by bike to Quang Uyen, a hub of the local Tay and Nuong population in this mountain region. Enjoy a local lunch in town before cycling to Phia Thap, a traditional Vietnamese village renowned for its handmade incense production. Later, conquer the storied Ma Phuc Pass and arrive in Cao Bang, the largest town in the province, at the confluence of the Hien and Bang rivers. Tonight, explore the many small businesses and unique cultural sites in this lively town. There is always something to see and do in Cao Bang!

Depart from your hotel and embark on a cycling adventure along the tarmac road towards Ba Be National Park. This winding road is like a highlight reel: every bend yields sweeping views of scenic tea plantations, cornfields, and rolling hills with the pointed ridges known as the “Dragon’s Back” in the background. Arrive in Tinh Tuc for a well-deserved lunch before continuing your journey through Phja Oac National Park to Na Ma. At the end of the ride, board your support vehicle for a 1-hour transfer to Ba Be National Park, one of Vietnam's oldest and most stunning parks, with mountain scenery covered by semi tropical monsoon rainforest and the largest natural fresh water lake in the country. The area is home to a variety of minorities including the Tay, Red Dao, Coin Dao and White Hmong. Enjoy an outing on the lake by kayak or canoe, or simply kick back and take it all in from a comfortable terrace.

This morning, appreciate the views over Ba Be Lake, with its clear waters reflecting the soaring, cloud-shrouded mountain peaks that surround it. Get back on your bike to cycle toward Hanoi, The last cycling day on our trip takes us back southward, as we leave the highest mountains behind and pass through tea, palm, and gum tree plantations. Reaching Cho Chu at around lunch time, we will board our vehicles for a 2.5-hour transfer to Hanoi. Tonight, we will celebrate in style, reminiscing over this journey over a feast of Vietnamese specialties here in the capital.

Our cycling tour has ended but feel free to extend your stay in Hanoi or travel elsewhere in Vietnam. A relaxing overnight cruise through Halong Bay or some R&R near the beaches of Da Nang are a great way to recover after our challenging road bike tour in the north. Please let us know If you require assistance with airport transfers and post-tour hotel bookings.