Cycling North Vietnam - 9 Days

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, make your own way to the hotel. Rooms will be available from 14:00. We recommend booking a flight that arrives before 15:00 so you can enjoy the afternoon's included activities.

The guide will meet the group at the hotel around 16:00. This evening, we’ll explore the charm of Vietnam’s capital on foot, taking in the colonial-era architecture and vibrant atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake – the symbolic heart of Hanoi. According to legend, Emperor Le Thai To was gifted a magical sword by the heavens to drive out Chinese invaders. After his victory, a giant tortoise emerged from the lake to reclaim the sword and return it to its divine owners, giving the lake its name: “Lake of the Returned Sword”.

We’ll then gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where our guide will provide an overview of the cycling journey ahead.

Today, you’ll discover some of Hanoi’s key landmarks, starting with the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, founded nearly a thousand years ago and dedicated to Confucius. You'll then explore the bustling Old Quarter, where a network of thirty-six streets still bears the names of the traditional crafts and trades once practiced there.

In the afternoon, you'll be fitted for your bike in preparation for tomorrow's ride. The guide will offer practical tips for cycling on Vietnam’s trails and roads, along with a detailed briefing on the journey ahead.

Hanoi - Hoa Binh - Mai Chau. Meet our guide in the hotel lobby this morning and depart Hanoi by road, transferring via highway to the cycling starting point in Hoa Binh.

From here, the ride begins along quiet village paths lined with plantations of sugar cane, oranges and corn. We'll cycle through rural areas home to the Muong and White Thai ethnic communities in the My Hoa and Phu Vinh communes.

We’ll climb up to the main road for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue cycling towards Nam Cuong and the Ba Khan area, where the route winds through dramatic limestone mountains. Weather permitting, we’ll make a short detour to a scenic waterfall, located 15 kilometres off the main road – a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. From the waterfall, we transfer to Mai Chau, a peaceful green valley surrounded by rolling hills and rice paddies.

Distance and duration of cycling: 50 to 60 kilometres / 5 to 6 hours Difference in elevation: +420 metres / -210 metres Terrain: Paved roads and village roads

Today, we transfer from Mai Chau to the Loong Luong intersection, where we leave the main road behind and begin riding along a quiet back road that winds through dramatic mountain scenery.

The route begins amid lush green tea plantations before continuing through villages inhabited by the Black Dao and Flower H’Mong ethnic groups. We'll then descend into Chieng Yen village, where you may catch a glimpse of local schoolchildren returning home on their single-gear bicycles – a tranquil snapshot of rural life.

We'll take a break at Tat Nang Waterfall, a peaceful spot for a picnic lunch. Afterwards, the ride continues along secluded paths, with panoramic views of rice terraces framed by forested hills. The day ends with a climb back to the main road, followed by a transfer back to the hotel in Mai Chau.

Distance and duration of cycling: 60 to 70 kilometres / 5 to 6 hours Difference in elevation: +400 metres / -1100 metres Terrain: Mainly paved roads

Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This morning, we’ll cycle through the tranquil Mai Chau Valley. Along the way, you’ll see stilt houses, local schools and verdant rice fields – a living snapshot of the ethnic minority communities that call this region home.

Riding through the villages of Chieng Sai, Mai Ha, Ban Cum and Mai Hich, we’ll experience the rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality that define northern Vietnam’s highlands. We’ll stop for lunch in the village of Buoc.

After lunch, continue cycling through more villages before heading towards one of northern Vietnam’s true highlights: Pu Luong National Park. Known for its striking limestone formations and unspoilt landscapes, the park offers sweeping views and a peaceful rural atmosphere. With nearly 1,000 plant species, it’s also a haven for birdlife and biodiversity. Our route winds past rice terraces, traditional villages and stretches of primeval forest. Depending on the day’s ride, we’ll either cycle directly to our accommodation in Pu Luong or be transferred the final stretch.

Distance and duration of cycling: 60 to 80 kilometres / 6 to 8 hours Difference in elevation: +1100 metres / -250 metres Terrain: Mainly paved roads

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Ninh Binh. This morning, set off from our accommodation in Pu Luong for a final ride through this scenic region. Cycling along concrete village roads, we’ll enjoy the fresh mountain air and sweeping views of rice terraces cascading across the landscape.

Along the way, we’ll stop to visit traditional water wheels – a clever and longstanding irrigation method still used by local communities. The ride concludes by late morning, after which we transfer to Ninh Binh, with a stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant.

Distance and duration of cycling: 40 to 50 kilometres / 4 hours Difference in elevation: +200 metres / 900 metres Terrain: Mainly paved road

Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong National Park - Ninh Binh. Our last day of cycling takes us through Ninh Binh’s striking landscapes of rice paddies and dramatic karst formations – often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land”. Along the way, you’ll have the option to stop and visit the ancient Dinh and Le Temples, nestled in the quiet village of Hoa Lu.

Continue cycling through the scenic area of Trang An, then head towards the lush and tranquil surroundings of Cuc Phuong National Park. Riding along the single road that cuts through the park, we’ll experience the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest up close. The cycling concludes within the park, followed by a transfer back to the hotel.

Distance and duration of cycling: 60 to 70 kilometres / 6 hours Difference in elevation: +218 meters / -225 metres Terrain: Mainly flat roads, easy to ride

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay. This morning, we set off for the iconic Halong Bay, arriving around midday to board our cruise. Famed for its towering limestone islands and emerald waters, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders – recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

As we cruise through the bay, we’ll pass countless limestone islets, many covered in lush vegetation and untouched by development. With around 1,900 islands and rocky peaks rising from the sea, the scenery is truly spectacular.

A freshly prepared seafood lunch and dinner will be served on board, showcasing the region’s coastal flavours. Be sure to head to the top deck at sunset for fantastic photo opportunities. In the evening, you’ll also have the chance to try your hand at fishing from the boat.

Halong Bay - Hanoi. Wake early to witness the sunrise over Halong Bay – a peaceful and unforgettable moment as the morning light reflects off the emerald waters. After breakfast, enjoy a final cruise through the bay’s remarkable limestone landscape.

We then disembark and return to Hanoi by road, travelling through the rice fields and rural scenes of the Red River Delta. Arrival in Hanoi is expected by mid-afternoon, followed by a transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.

Please Note: Please ensure your departing flight from Hanoi is scheduled after 18:00.