Have you always dreamt of winding your way through emerald rice terraces, raising a glass with locals in characterful hill villages, and – most importantly – setting your own rhythm, deciding how far to ride and when to pause? Then this tailor-made cycling holiday through Northern Vietnam may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Over the course of 19 days, you’ll discover the purest side of Vietnam – a landscape of ever-shifting views, vivid flavours and meaningful encounters. With a private local guide by your side and your luggage transferred for you, you’ll enjoy complete freedom without the demands of a fixed group schedule. Whether you prefer the comfort of an e-bike or the challenge of a gravel bike, the intensity of the journey is entirely yours to decide.
This itinerary is a suggestion – a starting point. We’ll happily adjust the route, accommodation and number of rest days to suit your fitness level or personal wishes. After all, that’s what a truly tailor-made journey is all about.
Your 19-day journey begins in Hanoi, a capital where the buzz of scooters and the scent of street food create a heady cultural mix. But not to worry – you’ll soon leave the city behind, trading its energy for lush rice fields, lively market towns and mountain passes that stretch into the distance. With a knowledgeable local guide quietly supporting you along the way, this tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam offers the freedom to ride at your own pace – while everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly.
Prefer fewer climbs and a more relaxed rhythm? Take a look at our journeys that combine cycling in Laos and Vietnam.
Picture this: a tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam, designed entirely around your personal preferences – with your own private guide and complete freedom to choose when to travel. This is not a set departure, but a bespoke journey crafted just for you.
The day-to-day itinerary we suggest is simply a source of inspiration – a carefully curated route filled with memorable encounters, striking landscapes and cultural highlights. Prefer a shorter or longer trip? Need more rest days, a special detour, simpler accommodation or the charm of a homestay? All of that – and more – can be arranged.
Of course, you’re also welcome to book the journey exactly as described, at the published price. Whichever path you take, we’ll help shape a cycling experience that’s uniquely yours – giving you the freedom to explore the authentic north of Vietnam, entirely in your own way.
This 19-day journey invites you to explore the spellbinding landscapes of Northern Vietnam – from soaring mountains and sculpted rice terraces to remote valleys where time seems to slow. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking to take on the climbs by gravel or mountain bike, or you prefer the comfort of an e-bike, this tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam can be shaped entirely to your rhythm.
What awaits is a rich interplay of natural wonder, cultural depth and unforgettable encounters along the road. With your private guide quietly ensuring everything flows, you’re free to ride at your own pace, pause where you please, and soak in every moment.
Welcome to Vietnam’s vibrant northern capital. After clearing customs and a drive through the city’s lively streets, you’ll arrive at the Peridot Grand Hotel – a sanctuary of calm amid the energy of Hanoi. Take time to settle in. The contrast between ancient temples and sleek modern cafés offers just a taste of what’s to come.
Meals: dinner
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Before you get in the saddle, enjoy a day immersed in Hanoi’s cultural highlights. Wander around the lakeside serenity of Tran Quoc Pagoda, visit the historic Ho Chi Minh complex, and step into the scholarly tranquillity of the Temple of Literature. Come evening, sample local dishes and feel the thrill of Train Street as the evening train rushes by – just metres from your table.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
The wheels begin to turn. After a transfer to Son Tay, your ride starts gently along undulating roads by the Red River. Passing through Phu Tho, you reach Yen Bai – a region famed for its dazzling green rice terraces and cheerful greetings from locals along the way.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Nhu Nguyet Hotel
55KM – 208↑ – 183↓
Prepare for a rewarding challenge. Depending on your chosen start point, today’s ride could stretch up to 90 km. You’ll trace the Red River northwards, even catching glimpses of the Chinese border. The highlight – quite literally – is the 35 km ascent of Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam’s highest, known as the “Gate to Heaven”. Demanding, yes – but the views are unforgettable.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Sapa Garden Bed and Breakfast
65KM (extendable upon request) – 2.375↑ – 916↓
A well-earned pause, or perhaps more discovery. Relax with a traditional massage, explore the villages of Ta Van and Lao Chai by bike, or ascend Mount Fansipan by cable car – with the option to climb the final 600 steps to the summit. Whichever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views.
Meals: ontbijt, lunch en diner
Accommodation: Sapa Garden Bed and Breakfast
28KM – 616↑ – 615↓
a guided cycling tour through the villages of Ta Van and Lao Chai
This gentle ride is included as part of the itinerary and offers a closer look at daily life in the Muong Hoa Valley – home to Black Hmong and Giay communities. Accompanied by your local guide, you’ll cycle along terraced rice fields and pause in both villages to experience their unique atmosphere.
Other options for this day – such as ascending Mount Fansipan by cable car or enjoying a traditional massage – are not included in the standard itinerary but can be arranged on request.
Today’s route leads through Lao Cai and the colourful Coc Ly market, where ethnic minorities gather from across the hills. The final ascent into Bac Ha – 15 km flanked by plum orchards and sweeping views – is a beautiful challenge. With every turn, the landscape opens like a painting.
Meals: ontbijt, lunch en diner
Accommodation: La Beauté Bắc Hà
70KM – 1.441↑ – 2.028↓
You’ll ride deep into the lesser-known Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi region. Expect few visitors, but a warm welcome from the mountain tribes who live here. The roads are rough, often unpaved – but your effort is richly rewarded with raw scenery and rare cultural insight. A comfortable stay awaits at day’s end.
Meals: ontbijt, lunch en diner
Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi Lodge
55KM – 1.370↑ – 1.810↓
Pedal through dramatic terrain, where names like “Heaven Gate 2” aren’t just poetic, but earned. Cliffs, forested ridges and winding rivers shape today’s ride. Eventually, you descend into the Ha Giang valley, where golden fields and cold drinks await in the soft light of late afternoon.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: The Palm Ha Giang Ecolodge & Tour
Distance: 75 km – 2,222↑ – 2,591↓
* Note: This stage can be shortened upon request, with fewer kilometres and less elevation gain.
Rest, explore or stroll – the day is yours. Wander the Tay Con Linh mountains, browse local markets or visit a tea plantation nearby. True to the spirit of your tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam, there’s no fixed plan – only possibilities.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: The Palm Ha Giang Ecolodge & Tour
Cycle through rice terraces and striking karst formations as you climb to Heaven Gate 1, with views over the Twin Hills of Tam Son. The descent into Yen Minh is a sweeping 15 km glide through lush green valleys and stilt villages – a quiet end to a rewarding day in the highlands.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Aka Homestay
Distance: 75 km – 1,869↑ – 1,528↓
Another day of climbing, descending – and countless quiet moments of awe. You ride across the Dong Van plateau, winding through elegant mountain passes and a series of graceful switchbacks, before gliding down into the quiet valley of Meo Vac. If you still have energy to spare, take a gentle walk through the village or simply pause to absorb the view. There is nothing you must do – only what you feel like doing.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mã Pì Lèng EcoLodge
Distance: 75 km – 2,180↑ – 1,523↓
Today is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Enjoy a slow morning, wander through the colourful Sunday market, or simply watch local life unfold. Traditional garments, fragrant spices and animated voices fill the streets with quiet energy. A day of rest, culture and connection – without a schedule, just space.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mã Pì Lèng EcoLodge
A day of distance and discovery. The route takes you through untamed terrain and hidden valleys, with a challenging climb in the early kilometres followed by a sweeping descent through dramatic limestone landscapes. You arrive in Bao Lac – a small mountain town where hospitality feels effortless and sincere.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Homestay Khuổi Khon
Distance: 75 km – 1,697↑ – 2,552↓
The day begins with a short but steep climb: 5 km, 14 hairpin bends. Up for the challenge? Go ahead. Prefer to conserve your energy? A transfer is always available. Either way, the view from Khau Coc Cha Pass is a highlight in every sense – wide open, quiet and humbling. Your homestay welcomes you with a warm meal made from fresh regional ingredients.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Me Homestay
Distance: 50 to 75 km – 2,145↑ – 2,045↓
Following narrow trails alongside the Quay Son River, you ride through one of the most scenic stretches of your journey. At the day’s end: the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, straddling the border between Vietnam and China. Its wide cascade and limestone backdrop create a natural amphitheatre of sound and mist.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Saigon – Ban Gioc Resort
Distance: 50 to 75 km – 1,282↑ – 1,230↓
Today’s ride leads you away from the borderlands and into the quiet green of Ba Be. Choose to cycle part of the route or take a transfer – either way, your destination is worth the journey. Lakes, forest and mountains meet here in harmony. At your jungle lodge, peace returns. You’ll have time to rest, reflect, and simply breathe.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Ba Be Jungle Houses
A slow boat carries you across Ba Be Lake, through lush forest and limestone cliffs. You visit the Dau Dang Waterfall and the mysterious Ngoi caves – then spend your afternoon swimming, walking or doing absolutely nothing. That’s the freedom of this tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam: you set the tone; we take care of the rest.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Ba Be Jungle Houses
The final cycling stage takes you from quiet nature back towards the pulse of daily life. You ride through open countryside, where rice fields fade into villages and hills roll into lowland. In Thai Nguyen, you’ll visit the Museum of Cultures and enjoy a final dinner in town – a gentle transition back to the world.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: The King Hotel
Your journey draws to a close. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport. Along the way, you may find yourself scrolling through photographs, smiling at details only you remember. This wasn’t just a cycling trip – it was a journey in the truest sense. One that stays with you, quietly, long after the wheels have stopped turning.
Meals: breakfast
Would you like to experience this journey exactly as we’ve designed it? You can. But naturally, there’s always room for personalisation. Perhaps you’d like to add an extra rest day, choose different accommodation, or include an additional stage? No problem – we’ll be happy to tailor the trip to suit your wishes.
By the end of your journey through Northern Vietnam, you’ll return not only with unforgettable stories, but with a renewed sense of what travel can truly offer. Whether you thrive on mountain climbs or prefer to glide peacefully past endless rice fields, this journey moves at your pace – and on your terms.
Curious how we can shape your tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam? Simply get in touch or request a personalised quote. We’ll take care of all the details – all you need to do is get on the bike and enjoy the ride.
Just as enthusiastic about this journey as we are. Below you’ll find what’s included – and what’s not – in this example itinerary.
One night you’ll be in a five-star hotel with a rooftop bar, the next in a welcoming homestay high in the hills. This carefully curated blend of comfort and authenticity is part of what makes your tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam so memorable. Wherever you rest your head, you’ll experience places with personality – handpicked for their charm, warm hospitality and local character.
A small note: many Vietnamese hosts favour firm mattresses, as they’re considered good for one’s health. Additionally, as this journey leads you through less-visited regions, options for accommodation are sometimes limited. While this may mean simpler comforts in some locations, it also allows for deeper connections and a more authentic experience – part of the true charm of the adventure.
Below is a selection of some of the accommodations you may encounter along the way.
Begin your journey in style at the five-star Peridot Grand Hotel, a peaceful oasis tucked within the lively heart of Hanoi. With a full spa, Jacuzzi, steam room and relaxing massages, it’s the perfect place to unwind before your cycling adventure begins. End your evening with a drink at the rooftop sky bar, soaking in the city’s twinkling lights and your first impressions of Vietnam.
✔️ Refined luxury and elegant design
✔️ Rooftop terrace with bar
✔️ Ideal base to begin your journey
In the highlands of Sa Pa, you’ll stay in a peaceful and intimate bed & breakfast, often described as a hidden gem. Relax in the lush garden after a rewarding day of cycling. The host is also a talented chef, preparing delicious Vietnamese dishes with heart and skill. The friendly staff are happy to share their tips for exploring the surrounding area.
✔️ Small-scale, personal hospitality
✔️ Generous home-cooked breakfast
✔️ Thoughtful, warm atmosphere
Wake to panoramic views of rice terraces and the Tay Con Linh mountains from your private bungalow. This quiet retreat offers the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort. Enjoy a traditional herbal bath or a soothing massage or set off on foot for a walk through the serene hills.
✔️ Mountain and rice field views
✔️ Wellness facilities available
✔️ Immersed in nature and tranquillity
Set in the heart of nature, the TVpalm Ecolodge is a haven of peace, where birdsong and flowing water are your only soundtrack. Swim in the pool with panoramic views or savour the fresh flavours of home-style Vietnamese cuisine. A wonderful place to reconnect with the land – and yourself.
✔️ Sustainable, eco-conscious stay
✔️ Traditional Vietnamese cooking
✔️ Pool with scenic mountain views
Perched above the Mã Pì Lèng Pass, this lodge offers stunning views across the canyon and surrounding valleys. The final approach includes a short uphill walk – but it’s worth every step. Inside, simple yet spotless rooms welcome you with large windows that frame the landscape from bed.
✔️ Exceptional local meals
✔️ Uninterrupted panoramic views
✔️ Clean, understated comfort with a view
Tucked inside Ba Be National Park, this charming 4-star lodge combines comfort with nature. Spacious rooms, mountain views and a peaceful garden create an ideal base for exploration or relaxation. In the evening, enjoy traditional dishes and the camaraderie of fellow travellers – perhaps accompanied by a glass of local rice wine, fondly known as “happy water”.
✔️ Swimming pool on-site
✔️ Warm atmosphere and hospitality
✔️ Perfect base for outdoor adventures
Surrounded by the rolling hills of Bắc Hà, this lovingly run homestay offers a warm welcome in a picturesque setting. With a terrace overlooking the countryside and a cosy, tastefully decorated interior, it feels like a home away from home. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, always with thoughtful touches like complimentary toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer.
✔️ Sweeping countryside views
✔️ Characterful interior and local flair
✔️ Wholesome, varied breakfast
A cycling holiday in Northern Vietnam is far more than just an active getaway. It’s an invitation to dive into a region rich in culture, wrapped in breathtaking landscapes, and defined by its warm and welcoming spirit. Here are five reasons why this destination is truly unforgettable – and a perfect setting for your tailor-made cycling holiday in Vietnam.
From the moment you cycle into a village or town, you’re met with genuine smiles and heartfelt “Xin chào!” greetings. The local people are open and curious, and you’ll feel at ease almost instantly. Children wave as you pass by; villagers may even invite you in for a cup of tea. Hospitality here is not just tradition – it’s a way of life, especially in the north.
Whether you favour roadside street food or refined local restaurants, Northern Vietnam is a paradise for the taste buds. Think steaming bowls of Phở, crisp Bánh Mì layered with fresh herbs and savoury fillings, and delicate Gỏi cuốn – fresh spring rolls bursting with flavour. Each meal is a new experience, offering the perfect reward after a day in the saddle.
From the mist-covered peaks of Sa Pa to the emerald rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải and the limestone caves of Hà Giang, the scenery in Northern Vietnam is anything but static. You’ll ride along winding mountain roads, cross quiet rivers, and pause at viewpoints that take your breath away. Every day offers something new – and unforgettable.
Northern Vietnam is home to a remarkable mosaic of ethnic minorities, including the H’mong, Dao and Tày. You’ll encounter vibrant markets filled with handmade textiles, traditional dress worn with pride, and hilltop temples where time-honoured rituals continue. It’s a rare chance to witness cultures that remain deeply connected to their ancestral roots.
Vietnam’s history is long and layered – from ancient dynasties and colonial chapters to the more recent events of the 20th century. In Hanoi, you’ll feel the pulse of a country in motion. In rural hamlets, you’ll sense the rhythms of daily life largely unchanged. Wherever you travel, the stories are there – quiet, powerful and always worth listening to.
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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