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- Dates chosen: Dec. 16, 2025
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Highlights:
- Hanoi: Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Dong Van: UNESCO Geopark Dong Van plateau.
- Ha Giang Province: the old Silk Rd, Heaven Gate 2 Mountain pass: ‘on top of the world’.
- Meo Vac: White Hmong, Tay, Lo Lo minorities.
- Cao Bang Visit tribes, caves, waterfalls, majestic mountains forests
- Ba Be Lake UNESCO-recognized natural wonder provides
- Ha Long Bay: marine limestone 'karst' landscape.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
North East Vietnam cycling tour begins in Hanoi. You will be met on arrival and transferred to our joining hotel. You have time to look around the city today. Vietnam's beautiful and tranquil capital lies at the heart of the northern Red River Delta. Hanoi is a city of lakes and leafy boulevards that retains an air of French colonial elegance. The fine coffee and perfect baguettes have led some to call Hanoi the 'Paris of the East' but the city's roots go all the way back to 1010 AD. On arrival in Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the old quarter. This afternoon you have time to look around the city and explore more of the city's old quarter. This ancient part of Vietnam's capital city is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets each named after a trade or guild. Nowadays it is lined with tempting restaurants, guest houses, shops and cafés but the past never seems far away. This is a charming place to either unwind or visit some of the many attractions, the most popular being the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Hanoi - Lao Cai
We will check our bikes this morning before a taking vehicle transfer to Lao Cai, the border city to China. This is the principal town in Lao Cai Province in North Eastern Vietnam, bordering Yunnan province, China. The border was closed from 1979 -1993 following war with China and the town mainly consists of modern architecture constructed since then. The town is now a popular destination for those journeying between Hanoi or Sa Pa and Kunming in China, and a key trading post.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Day 3: Lao Cai - Bac Ha
Our cycling begins with 50km riding on gently inclining sealed road towards our first climb over the mountain pass to Bac Ha. As we cycle up to the pass the final 15km are a tough 800m climb on unsealed road and the terrain becomes gradually more challenging. Our efforts are rewarded with panoramic views of surrounding mountains. Bac Ha is famous for the delicious plums that grow in forests on the hillsides.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 62km (38.5miles)
Total Climb: 1,305m (4,281ft)
Total Descent: 465m (1,525ft)
Day 4: Bac Ha - Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi
We're back on the bikes today cycling to Xin Man. Our route takes us into some of the remotest areas of north east Vietnam. The ride begins with a 10km climb of around 400m on newly sealed road before we turn off cycling onto unsealed rough track for the next 15km heading into rural tribal areas. Next we begin a massive descent of 1000m to Xin Man. Located right on the Vietnamese/Chinese border Xin Man is hidden away in a landscape of wild mountain and forest and inhabited by 15 ethnic groups including the Nung, the Flower H'mong, the Tay, La Chi, Kinh, Hoa. After lunch we cross over the River Cahy for 40km of cycling along quiet road; there is a gentle incline as we approach Hoang Su Phi. We encounter some rough sections of road along the way but are rewarded with beautiful views of the river.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 76.2km (47 miles)
Total Climb: 1,548m (5,078ft)
Total Descent: 1,919m (6,295ft)
Day 5: Hoang Su Phi - 'Heaven Gate' pass to Tan Quang and along the Lo River to Ha Giang
Hoang Su Phi is one of the most untouched regions of Vietnam and communities have lived in total isolation from mainstream society until very recently. At an average elevation of 800m above sea level, with high mountains, deep valleys, streams and forestland, Hoang Su Phi is an area of outstanding natural beauty and unspoiled traditional life. Today we undertake the challenge of cycling over the 'Heaven Gate 2' mountain pass +895m, en route to Tan Quang. The pass offers stunning views beneath a wide open sky. You really will feel on top of the world.
This afternoon we make our descent cycling through villages and rice and maize terraces cultivated by the Red Dao and Tay tribes. The aromatic scents of cardamom and star anise fill the air as we ride to Tan Quang nestled down in the valley. For the final stretch of this long day's cycling we take it easy with a leisurely cycle of 46km along the Lo river bank through unspoiled countryside to Ha Giang the sleepy capital of Ha Giang Province and approx 215 miles (350 km) northwest of Hanoi. This is the old Silk Road.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
As our route continues to the border areas we will arrange our tourist permits here.
Cycling Distance: 104km (65miles)
Total Climb: 1,206m (3,956ft)
Total Descent: 1,466m (4,809ft)
Day 6: Ha Giang to Quan Ba
Setting off this morning, we head out of town cycling for the first 25km on relatively flat road through a landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. Passing through minority villages we cycle the next 25km up winding roads into the vast limestone mountain range with its perpendicular walls of rock, climbing 800m towards the mountain road pass 'Heaven Gate'. As we ride through mountain villages, sometimes cloaked in clouds, we will receive a friendly greeting from the local communities. From the pass we have amazing views, including the famous vista of the Tam Son valley with the 'Twin Hills'. In the distance we'll see Quan Ba town, our destination, in its beautiful location. It's mainly downhill for the last 15km into Quan Ba.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 51km (32 miles)
Total Climb: 1,453m (4,767ft)
Total Descent: 684m (2,244ft)
Day 7: Quan Ba - Rest Day
On a well-deserved rest day in Quan Ba, Vietnam, there are a variety of relaxing activities to consider. Start your morning with a leisurely exploration of Quan Ba town itself, where you can savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine at local eateries or sip on a cup of aromatic coffee in a quaint cafe. For a deeper cultural experience, visit the nearby minority villages to learn about the traditions and way of life of the local ethnic communities. You can also take a tranquil walk through the lush terraced rice paddy fields and soak in the stunning natural beauty. If you're interested in history and architecture, pay a visit to the Tam Son Valley and its intriguing 'Twin Hills.' Finally, you might want to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment to refresh your body for the upcoming cycling adventures.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 8: Quan Ba to Yen Minh
We will want to take our time cycling today as our beautiful surroundings offer numerous photo opportunities and the rocky limestone and karst terrain is as diverse as it is beautiful. We cycle uphill for the first few km before riding a descent of around 10km and then biking on relatively flat terrain for the next 10km. It's a challenging up and down terrain to an altitude of 1.025m before we make a final descent for the last 15km cycling into Yen Minh. We will have the chance to see the traditional homes of the local hill tribes. The communities in this area are Chinese.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 54km (34miles)
Total Climb: 1,184m (3,884ft)
Total Descent: 1,626m (5,334ft)
Day 9: Yen Minh Climb over the Rocky Plateau to Dong Van and Meo Vac
Today we cycle on semi-surfaced, quiet roads as we undertake a challenging uphill ride out of dense cedar forest onto the rocky Dong Van plateau. A registered UNESCO Global Geopark, 80% of the terrain is covered by rock and it is said to contain fossils from 400-600 million years ago. Nestled in a valley in the heart of the Rock Plateau, is the isolated town of Dong Van, very close to the Chinese border and surrounded by mountain forest and multi-coloured orchids. Meaning 'sharing culture' Dong Van is occupied by Chinese Hoa, and H'mong, Tay and Kinh People. The houses are built in Chinese style.
As we cycle on the modest road from Dong Van to Meo Vac alongside a vast gorge, our surroundings spectacular. This is a winding and undulating road with views of the Nho Que River below. From the Ma Phi Leng Pass we look down from an altitude of around 1500m into the valley. We stay tonight in the small town of Meo Vac. Most of the tribes living here have preserved their traditional way of life from outside influence, as travelling to Meo Vac was almost impossible until the recent construction of new roads.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 72km (45 miles)
Total Climb: 2,017m (6,617ft)
Total Descent: 1,453m (4,767ft)
Day 10: Meo Vac to Bao Lac
There is a market daily in the town centre of Meo Vac, frequented mainly by the White Hmong, Tay and Lo Lo hill tribes. Women dressed in their brightly coloured traditional clothing walk into the town carrying their bamboo woven baskets laden with corn and vegetables. Today we follow a remote mountain road to Bao Lac. After a 5km uphill cycle we make a 20km descent riding onto a fairly flat road for the next 10km. The surrounding landscape with predominantly limestone formations is a surreal vista of peaks, troughs, towers and caves. The crops and dwellings seem to perch precariously on the hillsides. There's a relatively gentle uphill climb of 250m before we descend for the final 30km along flat terrain. We will pass people from the local minority communities along the way dressed in their vibrant tribal costumes. We stay tonight in Bao Lac.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 74km (46 miles)
Total Climb: 756m (2,480ft)
Total Descent: 1,767m (5,797ft)
Day 11: Bao Lac to Tinh Tuc
Even in this isolated mountain town there is a busy morning market. We set off for a full day of cycling along challenging terrain but the road is quiet and well surfaced. We cycle through a pretty valley to the tin-mining town Tinh Tuc, heading on to Nguyen Binh. We continue riding along rough terrain, but the unparalleled beauty of our surroundings more than compensates for the challenges of the cycling.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 82km (51 miles)
Total Climb: 1,894m (6,213ft)
Total Descent: 1,549m (5,082ft)
Day 12: Tinh Tuc to Ba Be
The last day of our cycling tour, is both bittersweet and awe-inspiring. As we bid farewell to the charming Tinh Tuc, we embark on the final leg of our journey towards the captivating Ba Be National Park. Our route takes us through picturesque countryside, with verdant hills and quaint villages dotting the landscape. The cycling is accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature, as we follow winding roads that meander alongside the serene rivers and lush forests. Upon reaching Ba Be, we are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the emerald-green lake and the majestic limestone karsts that frame it.
This UNESCO-recognized natural wonder provides a stunning backdrop for our journey's end, offering a sense of fulfillment and a profound appreciation for the beauty of Vietnam. It's a memorable conclusion to our cycling adventure, leaving us with lasting memories of the remarkable landscapes and warm hospitality of the region.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L, D)
Cycling Distance: 72km (45 miles)
Total Climb: 1,720m (5,643ft)
Total Descent: 2,320m (7,611ft)
Day 13: Ba Be to Hanoi
This morning we pack up our bikes and have a transfer back to Hanoi. As our cycling trip comes to a close, we bid farewell to the serene landscapes of Ba Be and set our sights on the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. Today is a day of leisure, with no cycling involved, allowing us to unwind and reflect on the incredible journey we've had. The Old Quarter offers a perfect backdrop for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a chance to pick up unique presents to commemorate our adventure. Its bustling markets and charming boutiques brim with an array of traditional crafts, textiles, and keepsakes. For those craving an extended adventure, the enticing option of an excursion to the magnificent Ha Long Bay beckons. This extension promises a splendid finale to our cycling tour, where serene waters and towering limestone cliffs await, offering a captivating contrast to our cycling escapades and a chance to explore even more of Vietnam's breathtaking beauty.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L)
Day 14: Depart Hanoi
The 14-day North East Vietnam cycling tour concludes this morning. We will coordinate a transfer to Hanoi International Airport to ensure your smooth journey back home.
Day 14: Ha Long Bay - Extension
If you're eager to continue your adventure in Vietnam, we're delighted to offer an enticing trip extension to the captivating Ha Long Bay. Here's a glimpse of the exciting itinerary awaiting you.
- On day 14 we set off after breakfast for a 2 hour transfer this morning to beautiful Ha Long Bay. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site is the world's largest marine limestone 'karst' landscape. We board a wooden junk, modelled on traditional Vietnamese court sailing boats, to cruise some of the Heritage areas and quieter grottos and caves.
This afternoon you have the opportunity to kayak around the Luon cave area. Later we cruise to Titop Island. We can swim, sunbathe and enjoy panoramic views from the island peak.
After dinner on board our cruiser you have the opportunity to try fishing for squid, or just relax on the deck.
All meals will be provided on board (mainly seafood based).
Accommodation: on the junk is twin, ensuite
Meal: (B, L, D)
Day 15: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
This morning we enjoy an open air breakfast on deck before visiting one of the area's most impressive caves SỬNG SỐT(Surprising Cave). As we continue to cruise the Bay we are treated to a cookery demonstration learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. We enjoy an early lunch before reaching the harbour and disembarking. The boat trip finishes around midday and you will be transferred back to Hanoi to arrive late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: (B, L)
Day 16: Depart Hanoi
North East Vietnam extension tour ends today. We will arrange a transfer to Hanoi International Airport for your flight home.
Meal: (B)
Related tour program
Tour highlights:Northern Vietnam has long attracted adventurers in awe of its vistas, but vastly improved roads have caught the attention of the cycling adventurers. And it's not hard to see why road cycling in Asia is developing: an endless green expanse of climbs and descents, ribbon roads through forests, rice paddies to peaks and cloud-skimming mountain passes. Our road cycling Northern Vietnam trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes riders through the very best of Southeast Asia's next cycling paradise, for a truly unforgettable cycle tour.
Biking from Ha Noi to Luong Prabang 15 days
Tour highlights: Ha Long Bay Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Descending Dragon Bay' or Ha Long Bay, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Approximately 1,553 km2, it includes numerous islets, most of which are limestone and schist. The karst rock formations have developed over 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. There is huge geographical diversity here, which has led to biodiversity, with ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and tropical forests hosting thousands of species of animal and plant life. Evidence suggests the presence of pre-historical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. Most of the islets are uninhabited due to the nature of the karst structures. The bay has the aura of an ancient forgotten world; as you journey around the bay seeing the stones from different vantage points their formations appear to change. Spanning the coastline of Bai Chay Beach, the best way to enjoy the bay is to travel out on a junk-styled boat from which you can swim, dive, fish and explore the endless caves and grottoes. This 15 day southeast asian bicycle tour explores the mountainous regions of two magical countries: Vietnam and Laos. Our adventure begins in Vietnam, a land of shimmering rice fields, lush jungles, and radiant beaches. Beginning in Hanoi, we spend our trip exploring the lesser known northwestern region of Vietnam, home to spectacular mountains and valleys. We ride amidst the crests of Indochina’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, and along the fascinating hill station of Sapa, a colonial retreat created by the French. Crossing into Laos, we cycle riverside where we venture into remote villages far from the tourist track.
Conquer Fanxipan mountainside in 3 days by bicycle
Tour highlights: Challenging the mountain biking in Vietnam to conquer the mountainside of fanxipang. Spectacular landscapes and wild nature of the Hoang Lien mountain range and nature reserve.
Sapa mountain biking tour & trekking - 2 days/ 1 night
Tour highlights: A perfect combination of mountain biking, sightseeing and walking. Stunning landscapes of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Muong Hoa Valley. Stunning landscapes of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Muong Hoa Valley. Meeting Black Hmong people for discovery of traditional culture and way of life. Visit various local hill tribe villages. Spectacular landscapes of a narrow valley stretching along of both mountainsides mingle with the stream of Mong Sen remote village explore unique culture, custom and way of living of the Black Hmong and Red Zao ethnic people. Beautiful landscapes of Ma Tra valley featured by impressive terraced rice paddies on steep hill sides.
Northwest Mountain Bike Tour - 3 Days
Tour highlights: This amazing journey will take you past Tram Tom or Heaven's Gate to explore the other side of Fansipan and the Hoang Lien Mountains. Usually when Sa Pa is covered by clouds, this side is clear and blue. The newly paved road is 26 km long through one of the most beautiful and inspiring valleys in the North, where you will glide through fresh mountain air to reach the Binh Lu junction. Turning off this main road will add a moderate challenge to your adventure. The sometimes rocky road meanders along the foothills of the mountains through old forest and past villages of the Thai, Hmong and Lu ethnic groups. This area has few tourists, especially to see the vast green tea fields with sweet scents stretching long in the valley appearing like a magical picture.
Along Den Thang Mountain biking - Ban Ho valley - Ref. BHD1B
Tour highlights: A perfect combination of mountain biking, sightseeing and walking. Stunning landscapes of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Muong Hoa Valley. Stunning landscapes of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Muong Hoa Valley. Meeting Black Hmong people for discovery of traditional culture and way of life.
Discover bac ha market by bicycle - Ref.BH2DB
Tour highlights: Beautiful, animated and colorful Sunday Market of the hill tribal people with festive atmosphere. Magnificent and stunning landscapes of Bac Ha highland. Boat trip along Chay River. Two Days Cycling trip from Lao cai to Bac Ha has been conducted and offers For those seeking a physically and culturally rewarding experience off the beaten path, this is the perfect trip for you, and with no set departure date it's flexible for those on a tight schedule but looking for an alternative to the more touristy destinations. With visits hill tribe markets and experience the villages of the Black Dzao, Flower H'mong, Tay, Phu La and Nung people. You will have unique experience to discover the stunning scenery and cultural identity of far north Vietnam.
North East Vietnam cycling holiday offers challenging riding through a stunning unexplored area. From Vietnam's buzzing capital, Hanoi, we journey to the remote undiscovered Hà Giang region. Beginning in Lao Cai, the border city to China we cycle through a topography of hilly hairpin bends, slopes, ridges, valleys and limestone karsts; the outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.
Ha Giang is a mountainous region and one of the poorest provinces of Vietnam with a largely agricultural economy. Much of the terrain is too precipitous to farm and covered by forest with dense undergrowth and tumbling streams, waterfalls and pools.
Ethnic Vietnamese, H'Mông, Tay, Dao, Man, Nung, Giay, Lo Lo and Tho communities populate the area and continue a vibrant, traditional tribal culture.The majority still practice ancestor and spirit worship. Travel around the province can be difficult so we will encounter little in the way of traffic on our cycling adventure.
We visit Bac Ha the largest town in Lao Cai Province and cycle some of the regions remotest border areas up to Hoang Su Phi, the 'Heaven Gate' pass. We enjoy a rest day in Ha Giang market town where dramatic limestone out karsts soar above the town. We continue over the rocky Dong Van plateau, a registered UNESCO Global Geopark, to Meo Vac. Our route here along the Ma Pi Leng Pass is a winding, undulating road that clings precariously to the mountain with dramatic views of the Nho Que River below and theatrical natural acoustics. Most of the tribes living here have preserved their traditional way of life from outside influence as travelling to Meo Vac was, until recently, almost impossible. Our cycling ends with a tough day through picturesque valley to Nguyen Binh, a beautiful and dramatic end to our journey. We will transfer from here back to Hanoi.
HA LONG BAY - EXTENSION
If you're keen to extend your adventure in Vietnam, we're thrilled to present an appealing option for a trip extension to the enchanting Ha Long Bay.
After two weeks of thrilling cycling, a visit to Ha Long Bay offers a serene and unforgettable way to conclude your redspokes Vietnam cycling holiday. Often referred to as the 'eighth wonder of the world' and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay, meaning 'Descending Dragon Bay,' is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance. The bay boasts a breathtaking seascape adorned with innumerable limestone karsts and islets, crowned with lush rainforests, emerging from emerald-green waters. The formation of these karsts has unfolded over 20 million years of tropical climate, and research has revealed evidence of prehistoric human presence tens of thousands of years ago. Most of these islands remain uninhabited, offering a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
You can enjoy your stay aboard a wooden junk, designed after traditional Vietnamese court sailing boats, as you embark on a leisurely cruise through the bay. This allows you ample time for kayaking, swimming, and exploring the captivating surroundings.
What's Included
- Experienced local English-speaking cycling guide
- All land transport as described
- Single group Hanoi Airport transfer on arrival and departure
- One or more support vehicles and drivers
- All accommodation as described
- All meals
- Fruit and snack for cycling days
- Cold drinking water and cold towel
- Temple and other site fees
- 1-hour boat ride on the Nho Que River
- (Overnight junk boat cruise on Ha Long Bay)
- Local fruit and snacks and water
- Bike hire, pump, bike tools, spares tubes, spare bikes
- First aid kit
What's not Included
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if applicable)
- Miscellaneous expenses - Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals and souvenirs
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Optional excursions
- Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
- Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills, etc
Currency
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14 day
Contact
Cycle
Guided group
Moderate
DATES & PRICES
Private Departure?
Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.
BOOK WITH VIETNAM TRAVEL MEMORIES CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee
The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, WE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.
Vietnam Travel Memories is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 10-009/ /TCDL_ GPLHQT) and are bonded with GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM
Vietnam N.E Cycling Holiday 14 days: ( Hanoi - Lao Cai – Bac Ha - Ha Giang - Cao Bang - Bac Kan)
At a Glance
- Group Size 4 max to 20 pp
- 8 days biking
- 696 kilometres
- 80% surfaced road - 100% vehicle supported
- Max altitude - 1420 metres
- Join In Hanoi
- Average Distance Per Day: 75km – 130km
- Average Climbing Per Day: 786m – 1420m
Accommodation & Meals
- All meals included
- 11 nights Hotel
- 1 nights Ba Be homestay
- Bike Hire: Mountain Bike: US$ 245
- Single Supplement US$ 500
- Joining Arrangements & Transfers
The group will meet at the hotel in Hanoi and off trip in Hanoi
Getting There A Way
The tour starts in Hanoi. You will need to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your flight departure at the end of the trip should be booked for the final day of the itinerary. We appreciate that people join tours from all over the world. Whatever time you arrive at the airport on the trip start date you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive early or stay on after the tour, we can assist you in booking your extra accommodation and airport transfers at additional cost.
Our tour price does not include your international flight.
Bike Support & Grading
You will at all times have the security of a back-up vehicle; either a jeep or a bus. The vehicle will carry your luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The backup van will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 12 miles (20 km).
Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
- If you wish to hire a bike or have a single room for the tour this can usually be arranged for you at extra cost. You will have the opportunity to request these extras at the time of booking or, subject to availability, at a later date, by emailing your request to us.
If you require additional accommodation or transfers in advance of the trip start date or at the end of your trip we can arrange this for you at extra cost.
Solo Travellers
We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples, friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.
Eating & Drinking (Special Diets)
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
All food is provided on tour apart from lunch and dinners in Hanoi, Sa Pa and a lunch at Ha Long Bay. Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemon grass, mint and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger and lime juice. There are a numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit
(bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Insurance
It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, negligent damage to hire bikes, cancellation or curtailments.
You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
Accommodatoin
We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see ( dates and prices) page.
The accommodation for this trip is either in Guest Houses or Hotels with one night on a traditional vietnamese Junk Boat.
- All Most of Hotels will have En-suite facilities and Air Conditioning.
Bike Hire
For this tour we have Giant Escape SL1 or MTB Trek Marlin 7, Xcarliber7. E-bike: Giant Explore+ in a range of sizes. Spare parts (tubes, tyre, chains etc.) are included in the price of the bike rental and will be carried in the support vehicle with a tool kit and track pump.
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you, along with your own cycling shoes and cleats. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle.
If you are able to do a simple repair yourself then you can if you wish take a small repair kit with you as this will avoid the need to wait for assistance should the team or support vehicle be any distance away.
The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.
You are required to bring your own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options cannot be guaranteed. It is mandatory for cycle helmets to be worn at all times when cycling. Failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.
Bring Your Own Bike
This tour is suitable for most type of bikes.
We strongly recommend that you have your bike fully serviced before going on the tour. Ensure that wheel spokes are adjusted, greasing all bearings, check gear and brake cables, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamp and tyres. Put in a new inner tubes and check wheel rims aren't worn.
We recommend that you take the following items with you.
- Multi tool
- Tyre levers
- Pump
- Spare inner tubes
- Spare spokes
- Check with your bike shop for disc/ brake pads
- A few links for your chain
- Spares for any unique things for your bikes i.e fluid or bleed kit.
Your bike must be carried as part of your luggage allowance. The weight of a bike in cardboard box is about 15-20kg, so please bear this in mind when packing for the trip and you may have to pay for excess luggage.
Passport & Visa Vietnam
Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals - this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.
You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa.
British and Thai passport holders do not need a visa if they stay in country less than 14 days. For information relevant to the country for which you hold a passport, check with your local Vietnam embassy for up to date advice. Your visa must be applied for in advance. You can arrange for a visa on arrival in advance of the trip and our agent can provide you with a travel document that will permit entry to Vietnam for issue of the visa. There is a $15 admin charge for this. The visa fee is payable at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi.
If you would prefer to pay an agent to get your visa, we would suggest using
Health & Vaccinations
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advise on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. Also please refer to advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this trip, however the following are recommended Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis.
Vaccination requirements can change and we aren't medically qualified to answer your questions regarding vaccinations so please also check again with your health professional before departing for your trip.
Tiping & Spending money
Tips serve as the established means of expressing gratitude to your local guides and support crew. From our perspective, we advise local teams that tips are not an obligation or a prerequisite; instead, they are a bonus contingent upon the quality of the service provided. For both your guide and support crews, we recommend giving a tip if you believe their services have met your satisfaction. It is preferable to tip as a group at the conclusion of the tour, and typically, this amount is collected and handed to your guide, who then distributes it among the team. As a general guideline, we suggest allocating a total of $70-$100 for tipping. It's important to note that tips do not constitute a part of their wages. redspokes consistently ensures the highest pay rates for local staff. Any tips they receive are viewed as personal expressions of gratitude from group members.
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £200 will be more than enough to cover the 14-day tour.
Currency exchange services are available at banks in Hanoi, and you also have the option to withdraw funds from ATMs. To facilitate smooth transactions, we suggest carrying your travel money in US dollars. Hanoi accepts US dollars for exchange, and in certain instances, they can be used directly for the payment of goods and services.
Country Profile
- Socialist Republic of Vietnam - Capital: Hanoi
- Population 99.617.458 people
- Area 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)
- Major language Vietnamese
- Major religion Buddhism
- Life expectancy 73 years (men), 81 years (women)
- Currency dong (Vnd)
Four seasons of travel:
Seasonal Preparation: The best time to travel in Vietnam is between September and May.
In Northern of Vietnam, the wet season is hot, stuffy and covered in clouds and the dry season is comfortable and almost clear. As the year progresses, temperatures usually vary from 11°C to 31°C and rarely below 6°C or above 34°C.
Based on tourist destination, the best times of year to Lao Cai visit Ha Giang Province, Cao Bang City, Bac Kan Province for warm weather activities are from early March to Oct. and cold season from early October to late Feb.
The hot season lasts for 5.3 months, from June 25 to September, with average daily high temperatures above 29°C. The hottest month of the year in Cao Bang City is July, with an average high temperature of 31°C and an average low temperature of 25°C.
The cold season lasts for 2–4 months, from December 11 to February 22, with average high temperatures below 20°C. The coldest month of the year in Cao Bang City is January, with an average low temperature of 11°C and an average high temperature of 18°C.
MODERATE TO STRENUOUS
MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURES
- Local road, 80% surfaced road - 100% vehicle supported
- Suitable for very active cyclists with an excellent level of fitness looking for more demanding and challenging cycling. Moderate to strenuous itineraries involve extended steep ascents and descents along routes. Cycling distance is typically between 65 - 100 km per day.
Equipment List
For this holiday you will need your usual cycling clothing, including shoes, cycling gloves and a helmet (which must be worn at all times when cycling).
Bike Wear
Cycling helmet
Cycling shoes
Daypack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack (e.g. Camelbak)
Water bladder - min. 2 litres water capacity (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Padded (baggy) cycling shorts
Long leg cycling trousers or leg warmers
Base-layer – short sleeve cycling tops
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling tops
Fleece jacket or jumper
Lightweight windproof gilet
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Regular biking gloves
Buff
Sunglasses
Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose)
Other Stuff
Travel and off-the-bike clothing and footwear
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Headtorch and spare batteries
Swimwear
Basic First Aid kit and personal medication
Insect repellant
Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone)
Water purification tablets
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)
Spares and Repairs
You do not need to take any tools or spares. The local guide will take care of any and all issues.
Hydration and Energy Snacks
You should take suitable water bottle(s) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic) or a hydration pack and you should also consider taking a small supply of the gels, power bars or sports drink mix that you would normally use on a ride at home.
- Please contact us if you have any questions about your equipment.
Book Vietnam N.E Cycling Holiday Now
- Dates chosen: Dec. 16, 2025
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