This 17-day cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam is a varied trip for cyclists who want to combine nature and culture. You will cycle through mountainous landscapes, past rice terraces, and through villages where daily life largely takes place outdoors. The routes consist of a mix of quiet tarmac roads and gravel paths and can be adapted to suit different fitness levels. Along the way, you will stay in unique locations and have plenty of contact with the local people. This trip doesn’t just show you Northern Vietnam as a series of isolated highlights, but as a cohesive region where landscapes, people, and movement constantly alternate.
When you choose a 17-day cycling holiday in Vietnam, you are choosing peace and depth. Many travellers try to “do” Vietnam in ten or twelve days, but Northern Vietnam is a region that requires time. The landscape is vast, and the roads are winding. By setting aside 17 days, you give yourself the chance to truly get into the rhythm of the country. There is no need to rush. You have the time to hop off your bike when you spot something beautiful, to have a chat (using hand gestures) with a local farmer, or simply to stand still and enjoy the view over the valleys.
The first days of your trip are crucial. You arrive in a completely different climate and time zone. During this 17-day cycling holiday, we build up the pace gently. We don’t start with the toughest mountain pass right away. Your body needs to acclimatise to the heat, the humidity, and the food. With 17 days, we can plan the route so that your fitness improves as the journey progresses. By the time we reach the real mountains of Ha Giang, your legs will be strong enough to take on the challenge. This makes the trip enjoyable rather than a battle of endurance.
A shorter trip often only skims the surface. You see the famous spots, take a photo, and move on. But with 17 days on the bike, you reach places that buses cannot. You cycle through provinces where tourists are still a rare sight. You have time for unexpected encounters. Perhaps you’ll be invited to a village wedding, or you’ll stumble upon a local market that is only held once a week. That room for spontaneity is only possible if your itinerary isn’t planned down to the minute, and that is the luxury of this extended duration.
Northern Vietnam is enormously diverse. You have the green valleys of Mai Chau, the karst mountains of Cao Bang, and the rugged peaks of Ha Giang. In a 17-day cycling holiday, we can connect these areas. You will see the landscape change from day to day. From rolling hills with tea plantations to steep rock faces and back to lush river deltas. You cycle a logical route, a loop or a traverse, so that by the end of the ride you feel you have truly “understood” the north, rather than just ticking off a few highlights.
Choosing a gravel bike through Northern Vietnam is no coincidence; it is the key to reaching the most beautiful spots. Vietnam is investing heavily in infrastructure, which means many main roads are now smoothly paved. That is great for traffic, but as a cyclist, you are looking for peace and quiet. The absolute best routes in the north run along smaller roads. Sometimes that means old tarmac, sometimes concrete slabs between the rice fields, and often unpaved gravel paths connecting villages.
A road bike limits you to the tarmac, and in Vietnam, that often means sharing the road with lorries and buses. A mountain bike is fantastic for rugged terrain but can feel heavy and sluggish on the connecting road sections. The gravel bike is the perfect hybrid. With slightly wider tyres and comfortable geometry, you can easily handle the unpaved paths of your 17-day cycling holiday, while keeping your speed up on the paved roads. It gives you the freedom to take any turn that looks adventurous.
Don’t expect smooth gravel paths in Northern Vietnam like you might find at home. “Gravel” is a broad term here. It could be a sandy track along a river, a path with loose stones through a forest, or a road under construction. That is exactly what makes the cycling so fun and challenging. You need to pay close attention and pick your line. But rest assured: the routes we select at CvA travel are always highly rideable. We won’t send you over impossible rocky paths where you have to carry your bike. It’s all about the experience of cycling in nature, away from the crowds.
During your ride on the gravel bike through Northern Vietnam, good equipment is essential. Our bikes are fitted with sturdy treaded tyres, reliable disc brakes (crucial for the descents!), and a wide range of gears to conquer the mountains. Should you get a puncture or experience a technical issue along the way, you won’t be left to fend for yourself. Our guides are handy, and technical support is often nearby. This means you can focus on pedalling and taking in the scenery while we ensure your wheels keep turning.
This cycling holiday starts in the heart of the bustling capital, Hanoi. Together with a group of up to 10 cyclists, you will embark on an unforgettable route that takes you to many famous, but also undiscovered places in Vietnam. A cycling trip with many mountain passes and elevation gains, which can be adapted to suit multiple fitness levels. Furthermore, a great atmosphere and fun are paramount. Although everyone cycles at their own pace, we always come together at dinner to share memories. After 17 days, you leave the Vietnamese mountains behind and finish back in Hanoi. From here, you will board your flight home.
The route for this 17-day Vietnam cycling holiday has been carefully curated by experts who have cycled every kilometre themselves. Why do we specifically choose a gravel bike? Not just because we seek out unpaved paths, but mainly because the ‘paved’ roads in Northern Vietnam are unpredictable. The tarmac is often poor, riddled with potholes, or there are roadworks making entire sections temporarily unpaved or rough. An experienced road cyclist might just scrape through, but we don’t recommend it. The wider tyres and geometry of the gravel bike provide comfort and control, so you can remain relaxed even on the poorer sections of the road.
We are constantly looking for balance. Too much tarmac gets boring, but ploughing through heavy gravel for hours on end is not the goal. The mix we have found ensures that every day is different. We use quiet roads for connecting sections and regularly dive onto a path to go deep into nature. A typical day alternates: a bit of tarmac, a dirt track past fields and through villages, and back onto the road. There is no motorised traffic here, save for the odd stray moped. You hear the landscape and the sounds of the jungle. This variety keeps your mind sharp and the cycling fun, without having to bounce over difficult terrain for hours.
As a group, we always cycle one route. It is not the case that one half goes over gravel and the other over tarmac; we experience the adventure together. However, the trip is highly adaptable to how you feel on the day. Is the stage too long, are your legs tired, or is the weather bad? Then we adapt the route by cutting sections out and using our transport. The support vehicle is always nearby. You can safely skip a part of the stage and get in the vehicle while the rest keep cycling. This way, you determine the intensity of your day yourself, without the group splitting up onto different roads.
Traffic in Vietnam has a hectic reputation, but that applies to the cities and major motorways. We avoid those completely. We do not cycle on busy roads and therefore are not bothered by heavy traffic. In the north, you will hardly encounter any cars on our route. You mostly share the road with water buffalo, chickens, dogs, and waving schoolchildren on bikes. Although it is quiet, we remain alert to unpredictable road surfaces and animals. Our guides know the way blindly and ensure extra safety at blind spots, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings without a care in the world.
One of the most special aspects of this trip is the contact with the people. In a car or bus, you sit behind glass, sealed off from the world. On a bike, you are approachable. The Vietnamese people, especially in the north, are incredibly curious and hospitable. You will hear “Xin Chao!” (Hello!) thousands of times. Children run alongside you, farmers wave from the fields, and market women giggle when you stop to buy fruit.
Northern Vietnam is home to dozens of different ethnic minorities, such as the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Thai. Each group has its own language, traditional dress, and customs. During your trip, you literally cycle through their living areas. You will see the differences in housing: one tribe lives on stilts, another on the ground. You will see the colourful clothing that is often still worn daily – not as a show for tourists, but because it is their identity. It is fascinating to see how these cultures endure in a modernising Vietnam.
To truly get close, we regularly sleep in ‘homestays’ during this trip. These are large, traditional houses belonging to local families, set up for guests. You sleep on a comfortable mattress under a mosquito net, often in a large loft space that you share with your fellow travellers. The facilities are basic but clean. The highlight is the communal dinner. The family cooks the most delicious dishes using fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, toasts are often made with a small glass of rice wine. These are the evenings where friendships are forged, and you learn more about life here than from any book.
You probably don’t speak Vietnamese, and the people in the mountain villages often don’t speak English. Yet, making contact is easy. A smile is universal. Showing photos of your own family or home on your phone always acts as a great icebreaker. The bicycle itself is also a wonderful communication tool. People want to feel it, look at the gears, or ask where you are from. Our local guide also plays an important role here. They can translate, ask questions for you, and explain local customs so you can make respectful contact without any awkward situations.
Vietnam is the kind of country that will always hold a place in your heart once you’ve visited. It’s a country that deserves a chapter in your book, because your travel bucket list isn’t complete without it. With this 17-day cycling holiday through Vietnam, you will experience the real, authentic Vietnam. Do you want to discover this fantastic and unique landscape? Then join us and check out the departure options below.
| Departure date | Duration | Level | Availablility | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21-10-2026 | 17 days | Mixed | Available | € 2.995,00 | Book this trip | |
| 18-11-2026 | 17 days | Mixed | Available | € 2.995,00 | Book this trip | |
| 11-03-2027 | 17 days | Mixed | Available | € 2.995,00 | Book this trip | |
| 21-10-2027 | 17 days | Mixed | Available | € 2.995,00 | Book this trip | |
| 18-11-2027 | 17 days | Mixed | Available | € 2.995,00 | Book this trip |
At CvA travel, we believe that everyone should be able to join in, regardless of your fitness level. That is why the entry level for this trip is Level 3. If you cycle all distances and elevation gains under your own steam, the level is higher. But if you use an e-mountain bike or shorten the distances in consultation (by making use of the support vehicle), then this trip is accessible from Level 3.
Do you find it’s too much climbing and are you looking for a few more rest days? Then check out the options for cycling in Vietnam and Laos.
Below you will find the day-to-day programme for the 17-day cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam. Do you already have a lot of experience with elevation gain? Then challenge yourself and explore the north of Vietnam by gravel or mountain bike. Less experience? No worries. On an e-bike, this cycling trip is suitable for all fitness levels. One thing is certain: with this cycling holiday, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience full of culture, nature, and adventure. Read on to see what you can expect.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will receive a warm welcome at the airport, followed by a transfer to the stylish Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel, located in the heart of the city. Hanoi makes an immediate impression. During the drive through the city, the lively street scene stands out: narrow streets, an endless stream of scooters, and people moving everywhere. It takes a moment to get used to, but it is precisely this dynamism that gives the Vietnamese capital its irresistible charm and energy. Depending on your arrival time, this first day is intentionally kept relaxed. At the hotel, there is plenty of space to recover from the journey, enjoy comfort and luxury, and gently touch down after your flight. A moment to catch your breath before the real adventure begins. Dinner will be ready for you in the evening.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Today is all about the cultural highlights of Hanoi. You will explore the city without your bike and get to know its rich history, spiritual heritage, and characterful contrasts. The programme includes the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, beautifully situated on the water, and the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex. The iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the ancient Temple of Literature are also on the agenda – places where peace and meaning are palpable, right in the city centre. In the afternoon, focus shifts to the days ahead. You will prepare your bike or collect your rental bike. A practical moment, but also the start of the real adventure. In the evening, it’s time to relax. During a group dinner, you will taste refined Vietnamese cuisine, after which you will visit the world-famous Train Street. Here, the train rushes perilously close past houses and cafes – a remarkable spectacle that perfectly reflects the vibrancy of Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Full of healthy excitement, you will be transferred from the hotel to the village of Son Tay. This is where the first stage of your cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam begins. It consists of reasonably flat sections with the occasional small climb. A nice warm-up for the days to come. Along the beautiful banks of the Red River, you cycle via Phu Tho to the city of Yen Bai. Time and again, you will be treated to immensely green surroundings. After 55 kilometres, you arrive in the late afternoon in Yen Bai, which is famous for its green rice terraces.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Nhu Nguyet Hotel
Distance & Elevation: 55 KM – 208 m ↑ – 183 m ↓
Prepare for a significant amount of climbing on this second cycling day. Depending on how many kilometres you wish to cycle, you will be transferred (a maximum of) 90 kilometres ahead towards Sa Pa. From there, the bike ride continues along the Red River. Climbing steadily, you will cycle through beautiful, authentic landscapes and make a stop at the China Border Gate. Ever thought you’d get this close to China? At the end of the day, the Tram Ton Pass awaits you. This long 35-kilometre climb is the highest pass in Vietnam and is also known as “the gate to heaven”. The many hairpin bends ensure you are repeatedly surprised with breathtaking views. And chances are, your camera roll will be nearly full after this fourth day of your holiday. This is the real, authentic Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Sapa Garden Bed and Breakfast Hotel
Distance & Elevation: 65 KM (more if desired) – 2,375 m ↑ – 916 m ↓
Early in the morning, you get on the bike towards the city of Lao Cai (not to be confused with the previously visited village of Lao Chai), which borders the Chinese province of Yunnan. This trading city is bursting with modern architecture and feels different from the green and lush Sa Pa. The route continues via a gently sloping road towards the bustling village of Coc Ly. At the Coc Ly market, you will encounter a lively mix of culture, crafts, and unique products. By this point, you’ve already covered 55 kilometres. At the end of the day, the Bac Ha mountain pass approaches. The final 15 kilometres are a tough challenge, where you tackle an 800-metre climb over unpaved roads. The terrain becomes increasingly demanding, but once at the top, it is pure bliss. Surrounded by many plum trees, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the surrounding mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: La Beauté Bắc Hà – or Bac Ha Sao Mai Hotel (for larger groups)
Distance & Elevation: 70 KM – 1,441 m ↑ – 2,028 m ↓
Today you cycle to one of the most remote areas of Northeast Vietnam: Xin Man. This fairytale village lies on the Vietnamese-Chinese border and is hidden among mountains and wild forests. It is inhabited by 15 ethnic minorities and is an undiscovered spot that you would never have visited without this cycling trip. We leave the beauty of Xin Man behind and cross the Cathy River. After this, it’s time to massively enjoy the immensely beautiful panoramic views over the river, as you alternate between false flats and rugged sections. It is hard graft, but you will reach Hoang Su Phi with a great sense of satisfaction.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi Lodge
Distance & Elevation: 55 KM – 1,370 m ↑ – 1,810 m ↓
You leave the pristine region of Hoang Su Phi. Cycling through an environment of high mountains, deep valleys, streams, and woodland areas, you head towards the mountain pass: Heaven Gate 2. You literally feel on top of the world on this mountain pass, repeatedly treated to a stunning view under wide-open skies. As you begin the descent, you cycle past small villages interspersed with rice and maize terraces. Along the banks of the Lo River, you ride through the unspoilt landscape to the city of Ha Giang. We keep saying it, but this too is a perfect end to the day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: The Palm Ha Giang Ecolodge & Tour
Distance & Elevation: 75 KM* – 2,222 m ↑ – 2,591 m ↓ (It is possible to shorten this day with fewer kilometres and less elevation).
Today, 75 kilometres are on the agenda. The first few kilometres take you through beautiful landscapes with terraced rice fields. Gradually, the environment changes, and you become increasingly surrounded by limestone mountains with sheer rock faces. You will tackle the Heaven Gate 1 mountain pass, offering spectacular views of the Tam Son valley and the famous Twin Hills. The road that follows is challenging up-and-down terrain up to an altitude of 1025 metres. The final 15 kilometres are downhill to Yen Minh. Here, you have the opportunity to admire the traditional houses of the local hill tribes, bringing your tenth day to a very special close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Aka Homestay – or Phuong Dong Hotel (for larger groups)
Distance & Elevation: 75 KM – 1,869 m ↑ – 1,528 m ↓
It is already day 9 of the cycling trip. From Yen Minh, you face a challenging, upward ride towards the Dong Van plateau. This village is nestled amidst a valley. It’s a tough climb, but the views are consistently stunning. Who said anything about heavy legs? Alongside a vast gorge, you cycle down a winding road. Starting at an altitude of 1500 metres, you look down into the valley where the Nho Que River flows deep below. The green landscape with its winding roads gives you – despite the physical effort – a sense of profound peace. In the late afternoon, you reach Meo Vac.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mã Pì Lèng EcoLodge – or Hoa Cuong Hotel (for larger groups)
Distance & Elevation: 75 KM – 2,180 m ↑ – 1,523 m ↓
A cuppa in bed? A long, leisurely breakfast? This morning, you have all the time in the world. In the afternoon, you can take a relaxed walk to the villages of Na Trao and Ban Tong, which are characterised by their traditional architecture and local tribes in colourful clothing. Our tip? Bring your camera, of course. The Sunday market is one of the largest in the area and is heavily frequented by the local population. You don’t often come across markets like this in the touristy parts of Vietnam. Women – dressed in brightly coloured traditional clothing – come into town carrying bamboo-woven baskets full of maize and vegetables. There are countless stalls, and there is an area where livestock is traded. A unique experience you won’t want to miss.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Mã Pì Lèng EcoLodge – or Hoa Cuong Hotel (for larger groups)
The first 5 kilometres of day 13 (inferred as day 11 in route sequence) are challenging, but you will pedal up with ease. After all, you are full of fresh energy after yesterday’s rest day. You know that mostly flat and downhill sections lie ahead, so this climb is highly manageable. As you pedal, you look out over the limestone rock formations with their peaks, troughs, towers, and caves. It offers a surreal view, with a recurring feeling of sheer joy creeping up on you. Just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful views, Vietnam continues to amaze. The locals, dressed in their vibrant, traditional costumes, make it extra special. Full of memories, you gratefully conclude this unique day in Vietnam in Bao Lac.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Homestay Khuổi Khon – or Duc Tai Hotel (for larger groups)
Distance & Elevation: 75 KM – 1,697 m ↑ – 2,552 m ↓
Are you a true daredevil, ready for a challenge? Then from here, you can tackle the steep 5-kilometre climb featuring 14 hairpin bends. With jelly legs, you then make the walk to the top to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. Prefer to skip that steep climb? No problem! A transfer will take you up, after which you make the exact same walk to the top. After this, the choice is yours again. Will you finish the day via the unpaved, rugged roads? Or do you opt for the accessible village roads? Either way: you are rewarded with a beautiful descent to Me Homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Me Homestay
Distance & Elevation: 50 to 75 KM – 2,145 m ↑ – 2,045 m ↓
Not a day goes by on this cycling holiday where you aren’t surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Today, the Cao Bang Cycle loop is on the agenda, covering 55 – 75 kilometres. Cycling along a single track next to the Quay Son River, you travel to the Ban Gioc waterfall. Half of this waterfall lies in Vietnam and the other half in China, making it a natural border. On this fifteenth day of your trip, you will have the privilege of admiring one of Vietnam’s most impressive sights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Saigon – Ban Gioc Resort
Distance & Elevation: 50 to 75 KM – 1,282 m ↑ – 1,230 m ↓
Will you get on the bike one more time, or will you opt for a transfer to Ba Be National Park? Either way, you will pass through colourful villages inhabited by various ethnic minorities. If you are on your bike, you can stop regularly to interact with the locals, whether with hand gestures or not. They are only too happy to show you a glimpse of their lives. Once at Ba Be National Park, you have several walking routes to choose from. Whichever you pick, you will be walking through a breathtaking Vietnamese landscape, full of expansive lakes, lush rainforests, and valleys with rice fields. Along the way, you will spot countless birds and wild animals. As the icing on the cake, tonight you will stay near Ba Be Lake, in the Ba Be Jungle Houses. A true gift at the end of this final (cycling) day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ba Be Jungle Houses – or Ba Be Lake Resort (for larger groups)
In the morning, we board a boat and take a delightful trip across the beautiful Ba Be Lake. We sail along the Nang River and admire the Dau Dang waterfall while enjoying a local lunch that will tantalise your taste buds. Afterwards, we dive into the dark Ngoi caves, after which you can spend the rest of the day swimming or relaxing. Would you prefer to take an extra walk through the park? That is, of course, possible too. It’s all up to you.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Ba Be Jungle Houses – or Ba Be Lake Resort (for larger groups)
As we drive out of the park along the Phu Thon road, you can gaze out of the window and enjoy the beautiful Vietnamese landscape one last time. We continue our drive to Hanoi. The contrast with the peace and nature of the past few days will take a moment to get used to as we enter the city. We pay a final visit to the Museum of Cultures and conclude this unforgettable journey with a group dinner in a local restaurant. Here, memories of the past days are shared, food is eaten, laughs are had, and eventually, the moment to say goodbye arrives.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
All good things must truly come to an end. While waiting for your flight home, you can bask in all the beautiful moments, lifelong memories, and hundreds of photos from the past 17 days of your cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam. Without a doubt, you know you are richer for this unique experience. And once the bags are unpacked, your legs have rested, and the photo albums are made, the travel bug will likely start itching again. Which cycling holiday will it be next time? Hopefully, see you soon!
Meals: Breakfast
Have you become just as enthusiastic about this cycling trip through Northern Vietnam as we are? Then take a look below to see what is included in the price.
A cycling holiday like this can be quite tough at times. That makes it all the more important to rest properly, sleep well, and enjoy pleasant and unique accommodations. Every hotel, lodge, and guesthouse has been chosen with care. Good to know: The Vietnamese prefer to sleep on hard mattresses, as they associate it with a healthy body. Europeans generally prefer softer mattresses for comfort. We have taken this into account as much as possible when selecting accommodations. Please also note that in less touristy areas, there may occasionally be fewer choices (and therefore slightly less comfort). The advantage is that you get to see the real Vietnam. And isn’t that exactly what we want? Below is a selection of our accommodation gems. Depending on the group size, a stay may occasionally be altered, but it will always be swapped for a comparable accommodation.
The cycling holiday starts spectacularly in the lap of luxury at the 5-star Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel. This hotel offers an oasis of calm right in the middle of Hanoi’s vibrant old quarter. Want to start your trip well-rested and fit? Then enjoy a wonderful spa, jacuzzi, steam sauna, or massage treatment for true relaxation. Don’t forget to grab a bite and a drink at the Ignite Sky Bar, where you can take in a 360-degree view of the city.
This hotel is also known as a little paradise, and for good reason. As soon as you enter this unique accommodation, you step into an oasis of calm with a lovely garden to relax in after all those strenuous efforts. What makes this place even more special are the culinary delights we get to enjoy. The owner of this B&B is a fantastic cook who treats us to Vietnamese specialities. Need tips for activities in the area? They will assist you perfectly here too. (Note: Used for groups of up to 12; otherwise, we go to Green Sa Pa hotel).
This is undoubtedly one of the pearls of this cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam. Here you sleep in your own bungalow, treated to views of the mountains, rice terraces, and the Tay Con Linh mountain range right from your accommodation. Immerse yourself in luxury: there is no shortage of massages and herbal baths. Peace, cleanliness, and purity are words that describe this place beautifully. There are also fantastic walks to be done directly from this lodge.
Another impeccable accommodation is the TVpalm Ecolodge. This is the ultimate relaxation. In this oasis of calm, you will hear nothing but the sounds of nature. In other words: get away from the hustle and bustle and simply enjoy all the facilities this lodge has to offer. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or tantalise your senses with the local and Vietnamese dishes cooked for you. Whatever you do here, you are guaranteed to unwind.
You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy this trip. Although Northern Vietnam is mountainous, we have designed this tour to be accessible for the sporty recreational cyclist. The difficulty of a cycling trip lies in the elevation gain, the terrain, and the distance. Through clever planning and excellent support, we make this dream trip achievable for a wide audience.
An indispensable part of our service is the support vehicle (or minibus). This doesn’t just transport your luggage from A to B; it also acts as a broom wagon. Having an off day? Are your legs feeling heavy from the previous climb? Or do you just want to enjoy the view without the physical effort? Simply hop into the vehicle. Cycling should remain fun; it is a holiday, after all. The support vehicle is always nearby. You can choose to cycle only in the morning and rest in the afternoon, or to skip that one steep pass and get back on the bike for the descent.
Northern Vietnam is mountainous, so there is plenty of climbing to be done. Because we deliberately avoid large, busy roads with heavy goods traffic and opt for quiet country roads and gravel paths, we follow the natural, rugged lines of the landscape. This means you have to be prepared for some steep gradients. Our routes haven’t been flattened out, so occasionally you will have to work hard. Fortunately, the gravel bikes are equipped with a wide range of gears, allowing you to pedal very lightly to conquer these steeper sections. “Pole pole” (take it easy) is the motto. Find your own rhythm and don’t let anyone rush you. During this 17-day Vietnam cycling holiday, it’s not about speed, but about conquering the mountain and enjoying the view. If a climb is genuinely too steep or your legs have had enough, the support vehicle is there to help.
For those who have doubts about their fitness or want to cycle alongside a stronger partner, the e-bike is a fantastic solution. These days, excellent e-gravel bikes or e-mountain bikes are available for hire in Vietnam. They effectively flatten out the mountains. You still have to pedal and steer, and you stay active, but the electric motor helps you over the toughest spots. This completely levels the playing field within a group. Everyone reaches the top with a smile, and you can enjoy the trip together, regardless of differences in muscle power.
Cycling makes you hungry, and luckily, you have landed in a culinary paradise. Vietnamese cuisine is praised worldwide for its freshness, balance, and use of herbs. On this trip, food is not an afterthought, but an essential part of the experience. Because you are on the road for 17 days, you have the chance to look beyond standard spring rolls and pho. You will taste the regional specialities of the north.
Breakfast is your fuel for the day. In Vietnam, this is often a hot meal, such as Pho (noodle soup) or Banh Cuon (steamed rice pancakes). It might take some getting used to for those accustomed to a simple slice of toast, but it is the perfect energy source for cyclists: easily digestible, salty (great for replenishing sweat), and full of carbohydrates. Along the way, we stop for fresh fruit – bananas, dragon fruit, mango – and, of course, the famous Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk; a legal form of doping that will keep you going for miles.
We often have lunch in small roadside restaurants. Everything is freshly prepared in a wok. Vegetables take centre stage, often stir-fried with garlic, and served with rice and a small portion of meat or tofu. It is quick, nutritious, and incredibly tasty. In the evenings, at the homestay or hotel, the meals are more elaborate. In the north, meals are often served “family style”: dishes are placed in the middle of the table to share. This is sociable and gives you the chance to try a bit of everything. Be sure to try local specialities like grilled river fish or bamboo shoots from the forest.
Hygiene is important, especially during an active holiday. At CvA travel, we select our dining spots carefully. We eat where it is busy (high turnover means fresh food) and where we know the kitchen and the staff. For people with allergies or dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free), Vietnam is surprisingly accommodating. Because everything is prepared fresh, ingredients can easily be left out. Just let your guide know, and they will ensure a safe and delicious meal is always waiting for you.
Good preparation is half the battle, especially for a 17-day trip in a different climate. At CvA travel, we naturally help you with the practicalities, but there are things you can do yourself to ensure you arrive at the start line in top form. It is not just about physical training, but also about having the right gear and mindset.
What should you bring? “Layers” is the magic word. In the mountains, it can be chilly in the morning, while reaching 30 degrees in the afternoon. Make sure you have good, breathable cycling gear. A windbreaker for the descents is essential. Because we also ride on gravel, (half-finger) cycling gloves can be great for grip and to absorb vibrations. Don’t forget your casual clothes, either. People in Vietnam dress smartly, so bring something decent for the evenings. And very importantly: a good rain jacket. A tropical downpour can be short but heavy; you don’t want to get completely chilled.
You will need a visa for Vietnam. These days, this is easily done online (E-visa). Do sort this out well in advance, at least a few weeks before departure. Regarding health, we always recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic for up-to-date vaccination advice. Additionally, a good travel first-aid kit is handy: plasters, antiseptic, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and something for stomach upsets. During the trip, we provide plenty of drinking water, but bring two good water bottles (or a camelback) yourself so you stay hydrated on the bike at all times.
Perhaps the most important thing: keep an open mind. Vietnam is different. The traffic is different, the food is different, the logic is different. Things sometimes don’t go according to plan. A road might suddenly be dug up, or a rain shower might throw a spanner in the works. The traveller who accepts this with a smile and sees it as part of the adventure will have the best time. Leave your Western sense of urgency at home. You are on holiday. Enjoy the little things, the unexpected moments, and the freedom of the bike. If you set off with that attitude, it will be the trip of a lifetime.
Naturally, you want to hit the road as well-prepared as possible. Below are a few items that are essential, along with clothing recommendations. The anticipation can begin!
Before your trip:
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Travel, cancellation, and health insurance
Required vaccinations
Apply for a visa
During the trip:
Short-sleeved windbreaker
Loose arm and leg warmers
Rain jacket
Helmet (not required if you rent an MTB / E-MTB from us)
Cycling shoes
Cycling gloves
Mosquito repellent
Cycling shorts
Cycling jerseys
Sunglasses
Sun cream (minimum SPF 50)
Water bottles or camelback
Swimwear
Long clothing for the evenings
Hat
Optional/varies per person:
Backpack for any trekking
Saddle and pedals
Itching to set off on an extraordinary ride? Can’t wait to hop on the saddle and explore your dream destination at your own pace? Take a look at all our cycling journeys below – or get in touch to request a tailor-made adventure designed just for you.
We hope to see you soon.
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