New Tour

North Vietnam by Gravel Bike

Day 1 Meet in Hanoi

We first meet in Hanoi’s charming city centre for a dinner, setting the stage for the journey ahead. If you arrive in the city early, make sure to walk the streets of the Old Quarter, and visit some of the city’s many attractions like the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Museum of Ethnology, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
Dinner

Day 2 Hanoi - Bac Kan - Ba Be Lake

This morning, we will leave Hanoi by transfer to Bac Kan, about 3 hours away. Upon arrival, we will get fitted on our bikes, followed by an early lunch. We warm up with very pretty riverside trail riding out of Bac Kan, then begin climbing on some village roads interspersed with a larger tarmac road to take us into the imposing natural fortress of Cao Bang Province. Descending via the old road, now crumbling asphalt, through the scenic village of Bang Phuc, with wondrous views over the rice-terraced valley. Soon after, a fun, winding gravel descent brings us down from the mountain - you will use your brakes a lot in this section! The landscape levels off for the last 20 km along a beautiful valley floor, and we reach a few last hills along the shores of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest body of freshwater. Our hotel for the night is just steps away from the lake, so you can walk along the shore to spot wildlife, and maybe even hop in a kayak or boat for a little cruise before gathering for dinner.

Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 61km
+1241m
-1218m

Day 3 Ba Be Lake - Phia Den

The shimmering waters of Ba Be Lake greet us this morning as we wind our way along the shoreline with some great vantage points along the way. Leaving the lake behind, we enter a fast 10 km stretch of tarmac provincial road, then turn off onto a cyclist’s dream of small farm roads and tracks that alternate between broken concrete, asphalt and gravel. Meet members of various local ethnic groups in the increasingly remote villages as we get deeper into the maze of valleys. The van will not be able to support the ride throughout these narrow paths, so communication with the guide regarding rendezvous points will be crucial. Emerging onto the mountainside road ascending towards Phia Oac, navigate the broken road surface with breathtaking views over jungle and rice terraces as you reach an elevation of over 1000 m ASL. Spend the night in this serene milieu at an organic farm, and enjoy the bounty of local foods for dinner with a view!

Kolia Organic Farm
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 62km
+2111m
-1257m

Day 4 Phia Den - Thong Nong

Leaving our organic farm, rejoin the road up towards the Phia Oac summit; reaching an altitude of over 1300 m before beginning your descent. Though the road is nominally tarmac, the potholes and broken sections will make our gravel tyres useful! Take in the sweeping panorama of endless spiky limestone ridges receding into the distance; the locals call this reptilian topography “The Dragon’s Back.” Descend a series of switchbacks to the thriving town of Nguyen Binh, perhaps stopping for a snack and coffee in town. From here, the road will be more remote, with gravel trails winding along steep mountainsides above rushing streams and waterfalls. Each bend in the road will be photo-worthy, and you will see local farming practices in action, with the crops drying on the roadside. Take the opportunity for a dip in the stream as we near our destination, Thong Nong. This charming village, tucked away among the mountains, is a friendly place to spend the night. Wander through its streets and spend time in the main square, which is overlooked by a sacred banyan tree.

Hoang Trang Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 72km
+1695m
-2466m

Day 5 Thong Nong - Pac Bo

Follow the river out of Thong Nong, then begin a challenging 8.5 km climb of about 360 m. Pause at the top and take in the views down towards the Bang River, then ride down this fun stretch of road. Gliding alongside the river, a rolling, narrow road takes you through jungle groves and villages, then into wider valleys with where goats and water buffalo graze. Pause for a break in the village of Xuan Hoa, then begin a steep, winding climb into a seemingly lost landscape of small villages in rock-strewn fields under dramatic cliff faces. This fantastical section brings us to a steep descent to the Lenin Stream (as the Bang River is called near its source). The Communist name is no accident, as this was the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh’s guerrilla campaign in the 1940s as he mustered his forces against the French colonial regime. This afternoon, you may visit Pac Bo Cave, headquarters of the movement, which even features a flat-topped rock known as Uncle Ho’s Desk. From here, it’s an easy, flat ride to our rustic homestay for the night, just near the banks of the famous little steam.

Me Farmstay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 61km
+1592m
-1556m

Day 6 Pac Bo - Ban Gioc

Ease into the day’s ride with a flat section of some 15 km, then enter a steep climb to a plateau near the Chinese border. This rugged land with a patchwork of different road surfaces will undulate and gradually descend towards the Quay Son River. Along the way, browse the countryside markets and stop for refreshments and lunch in isolated hamlets where we will no doubt be the object of much curiosity and speculation! Approaching the end of a ride, pass by yet another famous cascade, the Co La Waterfall. Dropping into the wide valley of the Quay Son, we will settle into our utterly enchanting accommodations for the night. Taking a walk in this beautiful border district, you will see birds and other river fauna, along with traditional mud-walled houses, as the shadows of the surrounding limestone monoliths grow larger in the twilight. Later, gather for a delicious dinner of local specialties prepared by our gracious hosts!

Lan Rung Homestay
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 98km
+1896m
-1746m

Day 7 Ban Gioc - Cao Bang City

In the morning light, we will visit the Ban Gioc Waterfall, famed throughout Vietnam and beyond for its many torrents of water that gleam like ornate drapery in a great palace of nature. Beholding this awe-inspiring natural marvel, we will then transfer a short distance to the start of our cycling route. Today’s ride is still a challenge, but it features fewer steep, sustained climbs than the other days. Cross small bridges over little streams flowing among jungle and mountain vistas, stopping for a bowl of pho or other hearty local foods in the villages. After descending the beautiful Kneeling Horse Pass (named after an ancient legend of a brave Vietnamese warrior), you will enter a 15 km stretch of pure gravel bliss, which then segues into the final descent into the town of Cao Bang. Though referred to as a “city”, it is actually a very walkable town with a main street, parks and riverside promenades. If you take a walk in the town centre this evening, you may come across many dance and musical performances, as well as traditional handicrafts and food.

Indigen Boutique Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 103km
+2048m
-2333m

Day 8 Cao Bang City - Hanoi

This morning, enjoy the view from your riverside hotel, and perhaps walk into town for a coffee at one of the many friendly shops. We will cycle directly out of town by a small road that leads us into hushed villages deep in small valleys by the Hien River. After some early climbs, the ride settles into a rhythm of gentle undulations for the next 20 km. At 38 km, we begin our big challenge of the day: a gain of +730 m over a distance of 12 km. As we climb, the road surface will alternate between pavement and fairly chunky broken surface and gravel sections. From the summit at 1000 m ASL, take a look back at the mind-boggling topography of the mountain country from which we are emerging. Then it’s a gentle 12 km descent to the village of Ban Dam, where we will end our gravel bike journey through Cao Bang Province. We’ll stop for lunch nearby, then continue back to Hanoi (a total transfer of about 4 hours to our hotel). On arrival, we’ll freshen up and gather for a celebratory dinner to reflect on our utterly unique riding and cultural experience of Vietnam’s wondrous north country!

Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 61km
+1627m
-1161m

Day 9 Departure from Hanoi

This morning, head to the airport or train station for onward journeys, or linger longer in Vietnam’s endlessly fascinating capital. Hen Gap Lai!

Breakfast

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.