Cyclist photographing Vietnam mountain valley

North Vietnam Bike Tour

Multisport ⇒ Bicycling & Sea Kayaking
Classic or Première Inn to Inn ✦ 10 days ✦ Leisurely ✦  From $2875
A trendsetter, Vietnam cycling tours since 1999

Bicycling Hidden Northern Vietnam

Discover the magic of Northern Vietnam on our captivating cycling and sea kayaking tour, a journey through vibrant cities, serene countryside, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald rice paddies of Mai Chau and the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, this Vietnam bike tour offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and stunning scenery.

Our adventure begins in Hanoi, where we'll explore the city's hidden charms by Vespa, sample delicious street food, and experience a traditional water puppet show. We'll then cycle through the picturesque countryside to Mai Chau, staying in a charming lodge surrounded by lush landscapes. Our journey continues to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where we'll explore remote villages and cascading waterfalls. We'll then cycle to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and explore its historic temples and palaces.

Another highlight of our tour is a cruise through the stunning Ha Long Bay, where we'll kayak among the limestone islands, explore hidden coves, and visit local villages. We'll enjoy delicious seafood, learn about Vietnamese cuisine, and perhaps even try our hand at squid fishing. This Vietnam bicycle tour isn't just a trip; it's an immersive experience, a chance to connect with the beauty, culture, and flavors of Northern Vietnam. Join us for one of Vietnam's best bicycle tours and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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North Vietnam Bike Tour
rides: 30 to 65 kms
sleep: boutique inns
eat: best regional cuisine

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Vietnam bicycle tour day by day details  

day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Water Puppets & Welcome Feast
  • Free time in Hanoi
  • Orientation and welcome dinner
  • Water puppet show
*Xin chào!* Your Vietnam adventure begins in Hanoi! Your guide will greet you at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer you to our hotel in the city center. The day is yours to explore until evening, when we'll gather for a brief orientation and then head out for dinner at a local restaurant.  This is your first taste of our guide's curated menus, and we'll also enjoy a traditional water puppet show, where the puppeteers perform their magic while standing waist-deep in water!
 Relax: Free time until dinner
Eat: Dinner
Sleep: Anantole Hotel  
 
day 2: Hanoi – Vespa City Tour & Street Food Safari
  • Vespa tour of Hanoi
  • Breakfast of *Banh Cuon* and egg coffee
  • Street food tour
We'll start the day like a local, exploring the city on a vintage Vespa scooter! You'll ride pillion while experienced local drivers navigate the charming hidden corners of Hanoi's Old Quarter and West Lake areas. Experience the magic of Hanoi waking up! Breakfast is on tap with freshly made *Banh Cuon* (steamed rice rolls) and the iconic egg coffee. Later in the afternoon, we'll explore Hanoi's incredible street food scene on foot.  We'll sample a variety of delicious treats at countless street food stalls, immersing ourselves in the city's culture and daily life.  Don't worry, you'll burn off the calories from all this deliciousness on our upcoming bike rides!
 Explore: Walking and Vespa tour
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Anantole Hotel  
 
day 3: Mai Chau – Cycling into the Countryside
  • Shuttle from Hanoi to Bai Lang
  • Cycling to Thung Nai and Mai Chau
  • Lunch with a local family
After breakfast, we'll shuttle out of Hanoi to quiet Bai Lang, where we'll get you set up on your bikes. We'll embark on a gradual climb to Thung Nai, enjoying the peaceful countryside. In Thung Nai, we'll join a local family for lunch. After a short shuttle to Cao Phong to let everyone digest, we'll resume our ride to our lodge in Mai Chau, surrounded by lush landscapes.
 Ride: 67 mi / 105 km, Land: hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Mai Chau Ecolodge  
 
day 4: Mai Chau & Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Hilltop Views & Natural Pools
  • Cycling to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Exploring valleys and rice terraces
  • Relaxing at the Pu Luong Retreat
This morning, we'll continue cycling west to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The route becomes more challenging after the first 20km from Mai Chau as we tackle hills on small roads. But the beautiful views of valleys and terraced rice fields, along with stops at villages and interactions with friendly locals, make the effort worthwhile. We'll arrive at the Pu Luong Retreat in the afternoon, a lovely spot nestled between two streams at the foot of a limestone mountain. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the cascades and natural pools around your private bungalow.
 Ride: 43 mi / 70 km, Land: hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Pu Loung Retreat  
 
day 5: Pu Luong – Village Life & Waterfalls
  • Cycling to Ban Hieu village
  • Visiting waterfalls and waterwheels
  • Exploring the Pu Luong Nature Reserve
No need to pack this morning, as we'll enjoy a morning ride to nearby villages. We'll stop in Ban Hieu, a remote village named after the stream running through it. This village is famous for its giant waterwheels and peaceful rice fields. We'll also visit the five waterfalls of Hieu, which cool down the area, especially in the summer. We'll then cycle back to Don village, where we'll spend our second night.
 Ride: 15 mi / 25 km, Land: hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Pu Loung Retreat  
 
day 6: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc – Ancient Capitals & "Halong on Land"
  • Exploring the ancient capital
  • Boat trip through Tam Coc Caves
  • Climbing Hang Mua for panoramic views
The towering karst cliffs line our route this morning as we cycle to Hoa Lu, the 10th-century capital of Dai Co Viet (ancient Vietnam). We'll tour the palaces, pagodas, tombs, and pavilions built by different dynasties, including the impressive (and once gold and silver plated) Bao Thien Tue Palace. We'll then cycle to scenic Tam Coc. After lunch, we'll take a sampan ride through the rice paddies and grottoes of the Tam Coc Caves. The enormous limestone karsts rising from the green rice fields have earned this area the nickname "Halong on Land." We'll stop at Hang Mua (Dancing Cave) and climb over 500 steps to the summit for dramatic panoramic views of the rivers, canals, and mountains. We'll overnight in Tam Coc.
 Ride: 38 mi / 60 km, Land: hills
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Aravinda Resort   
 
day 7: Halong Bay – Junk Cruise & Kayaking
  • Cruise in Halong Bay
  • Sea kayaking
  • Sunset views
Enjoy a leisurely morning before we drive to Hai Phong and embark on a luxurious junk for a two-night cruise in Halong Bay, exploring areas away from the tourist crowds. We'll sail to Ao Ech area, where we'll break out the sea kayaks for some exploring, and then on to the lesser-visited areas of Tra Bau and Lan Ha Bay. After enjoying the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin, we'll join the ship's chef for a short cooking class before dinner.
 Sail: kayak and sailing
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Peony Cruise  
 
day 8: Halong Bay – Viet Hai Village & Island Life
  • Tai Chi on deck
  • Cycling in Viet Hai village
  • Night squid fishing (optional)
Arise early for some Tai Chi on the deck before breakfast. We'll take a shuttle boat to Viet Hai village on a nearby island and enjoy some cycling through the rainforest and tree tunnel to visit local villages and discover island life. We'll have lunch on the shuttle boat as we explore areas out of reach of the junk before returning for afternoon swims or more sea kayaking. Perhaps the chef will show you how to prepare a few more Vietnamese dishes before dinner. You can also try your hand at night squid fishing.
 Ride: 8 mi / 15 km, Land: flat
Eat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sleep: Peony Cruise  
 
day 9: Halong Bay & Hanoi – Grottos & Farewell Dinner
  • Visiting a limestone grotto
  • Return to Hanoi
  • Farewell dinner
Perhaps more Tai Chi? After breakfast, we'll disembark to visit a limestone grotto before sailing back to Hai Phong. We'll shuttle back to Hanoi, where you'll have the afternoon free to explore, relax, or shop for gifts. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Hanoi's most popular local restaurants.
 Relax: Sail back to port, transfer
Eat: Breakfast, Dinner
Sleep: Anantole Hotel  
 
day 10: Departure – *Tạm biệt!*
  • Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport
  • Departure
We'll drive you to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight. *Tạm biệt!* (Goodbye!)
 Travel: Shuttle to airport
Eat: Breakfast
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Whatcha gonna get

Exceptional Stays & Comfort
  • Charming boutique lodges, inns & resorts
  • Private cabins with stunning bay views
Delicious Local Flavors
  • Flavorful dinners with local specialties
  • Tasty snacks & farm-fresh seasonal fruits
  • Hearty breakfasts, café-style lunches
Adventure & Exploration
  • Free use of top-quality bicycles
  • Free sea kayak adventures in Ha Long Bay
  • Expert bilingual guides with insider knowledge
Hassle-Free Support
  • Support van for luggage & easy lifts
  • Unlimited refreshing drinking water
  • Hassle-free airport pickup & drop-off

Getting there

The North Vietnam Bike Tour meets and ends at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam

Guests should plan their flights to arrive in Hanoi before 14:00 (2 pm) on Day 1 of the tour and their departing flights after 10:00 (10 am) on Day 10.

Hanoi Airport code: HAN     Local Time: GMT+7

 

Documents Please

Adventure awaits — but don't forget your passport! Depending on your nationality, a visa might also be needed, so check in with the nearest Vietnam embassy to keep your journey hassle-free.

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