pu luong (1)

Northern Vietnam Luxury Bike Tour

Join us on an exhilarating off-beat bike tour through the heart of Northern Vietnam, beginning in the vibrant capital of Hanoi. Traverse the enchanting Lan Ha Bay, a jewel with its limestone karsts, before cycling through the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh, often hailed as "Halong Bay on land." Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where lush greenery, terraced fields, and traditional villages await exploration. The journey culminates in the captivating Mai Chau Valley, where cycling through terraced fields and engaging with the Thai minority provides an authentic cultural experience. This multi-faceted adventure seamlessly weaves together beautiful accommodations, natural wonders, and cultural immersion, offering a comprehensive exploration of Northern Vietnam's diverse and stunning landscapes.

Start

Hanoi | 13:00hrs

Finish

Hanoi | 16:00hrs

Lodging

premiere

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Fly-In

HAN

Fly-Out

HAN

Highlights

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Limestone Mountains

The mighty rivers and karst mountains become the focus of the trip.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacepremiere Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1HanoiHotel De L’OperaDwalking
DAY 2Lan Ha BayParadise GrandB,L,Dkayaking
DAY 3Ninh BinhTam Coc Garden ResortB,L,D25km / 15micycling
DAY 4Ninh BinhTam Coc Garden ResortB,L40km / 24micycling
DAY 5Pu LuongPuluong Eco Garden (casual inn)B,L,D60km / 36micycling
DAY 6Pu LuongPuluong Eco Garden (casual inn)B,Lhiking
DAY 7Mai ChauMai Chau EcolodgeB,L,D50km / 30micycling
DAY 8Mai ChauMai Chau EcolodgeB,L30km / 18micycling
DAY 9HanoiB,L50km / 30micycling

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive and settle into your hotel. Our guide meets you at your hotel at 13:00hrs.

Today walk the busy streets of Hanoi visiting some of the cultural and historical highlights of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, which was constructed nearly a millennium ago, and is delicately elevated in a pond. Also visit the Temple of Literature, dating back close to a thousand years, is a wonderfully preserved piece of ancient Vietnamese architecture and stands to honor the scholarly achievements of the country’s academics and philosophers. Continue exploring the area around Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake, old quarter including Ngoc Son Temple, which sits perched on a little island in the lake. In the evening, we convene over dinner.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Hotel De L’Opera
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Day 2: Lan Ha Bay

Today we transfer you to one of the greatest sites in Asia – the spectacular Limestone strewn massif of Lan Ha Bay.

Lan Ha Bay is located just to the south of Halong Bay and is often considered a hidden gem. It offers similar limestone karst scenery but is less touristy and more pristine compared to Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay is known for its calm and clear waters, making it a great destination for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The bay is also dotted with small, untouched sandy beaches and secluded coves, providing a more tranquil and private experience.

The first’s trip stop is the magnificent Dark and Bright Cave; you will be transported there by locals rowing bamboo boats. It is a poetic and stunning location that acts as an accessway to a beautiful and tranquil lake, surrounded by walls of stone in different scales and sizes.

At sundown, Paradise Grand will anchor overnight. It is the perfect time for you to a cooking class on the notable Vietnamese dish at L'Odyssée Sundeck or Piano Lounge.

Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Paradise Grand
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Day 3: Ninh Binh

If you rise early, we recommend a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai Chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands.

Your last trip stop is Ao Ech - a place famous for its unspoiled beauty and tranquillity. Admire rocky mountains surrounding clear water and small pristine sandy beaches.

Check out the cabin and cruise back to Tuan Chau Marina for disembarkation and continue our journey towards Ninh Binh.

The distance from disembarkation point to Ninh Binh is approximately 170km. We spend around 3 hours in transit, then unload the bikes for a cycling journey on backroads, along the dike, covering approximately 20-25km to reach the hotel. Anticipated arrival time at the hotel is between 16:00 and 17:00.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 25km / 15mi
Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden Resort
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Day 4: Ninh Binh

A short cycling ride along the river brings us to Trang An, known as Halong Bay on land. The landscape is largely dominated by limestone mountains, rivers, caves, and pagodas. Here we take a boat ride and get to experience the magical scenery dotted with natural and cultural wonders.

We take a break at the ancient city of Hoa Lu for a quick temple tour and then loop back through the stunning landscape.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden Resort
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Day 5: Pu Luong

It’s a long day interspersed with transfers and rides. We start with leisure cycling for 20-30 km then take a transfer of about one hour onto the Ho Chi Minh trail. Unload the bikes and continue cycling on largely undulating paths. We keep cycling past acacia plantations, sugarcane fields, and corn farms dotted with Thai and Muong Tribes' villages. For the last 10km, as we approach Pu Luong, the route becomes more hilly but the scenery is picturesque. Arrive in Pu Luong, and check in our lodge.

Cuc Phuong National Park-Mai Chau.PNG

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 60km / 36mi
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Day 6: Pu Luong

Pu Luong is a beautiful region located in northern Vietnam and known for its stunning natural landscapes, lush green rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and pristine forests. The area is characterized by its tranquil and picturesque scenery and offers a variety of trekking and hiking opportunities. There are numerous trails through the terraced rice fields, across suspension bridges, and into the heart of the forested hills.

Today we go hiking in Pu Luong, promising an immersive journey through the picturesque terrains of Don Village, Hieu Village, and culminating at the breathtaking Hieu Waterfall.

For those seeking a leisurely day, feel free to opt for a rest day and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Whether hiking or relaxing, Pu Luong invites you to savor the richness of its landscapes and culture at your own pace.

Hiking: 10-15km

Meals: B,L
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Day 7: Mai Chau

Another day of the undulating ride. Cycle past a spectacular mountain range with karst cliffs, terraced rice fields, and a typical agricultural landscape, ending at the beautiful valleys of Mai Chau. The experience is truly unique as we get to experience a good change in landscape.

Mai Chau is a collection of villages and offers a true rural cycling experience. Do enjoy the evening walking around the valley and admiring simple rural life amidst spectacular scenery.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge
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Day 8: Mai Chau

Today enjoy a thrilling loop around the gorgeous valley and experience Mai Chau village life at close quarters. It’s an off-beat trail and some sections are over a gravel road. We pass by many bucolic villages where children come to greet us and through tumbling steams. The region is mainly inhabited by White Thai people.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge

Day 9: Hanoi

The initial stretch has a bit of climb and then it delves down to the foothills of mountains. The topography is adorned with timber and fern trees. After around 45km, we stop for lunch along the Da reservoir and then make a transfer to Ky Son to cycle further along rivers and lakes. The cycling is up to yen Trung and then take a shuttle transfer to Hanoi.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

Highlight Image

Hotel De L’Opera

Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Hanoi's historic French Quarter. Boasting elegant French colonial architecture and opulent interiors, the hotel offers a sophisticated retreat for discerning travelers. With its central location, guests can easily explore Hanoi's cultural attractions, vibrant street markets, and charming cafes. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites, exquisite dining options, including French and Vietnamese cuisines, as well as a spa, fitness center, and rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of the city. Experience unparalleled hospitality and timeless elegance at Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

$75/yearLearn more

Single Supplement

From US $875

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $125



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Trek Marlin 7 or similar

mountain

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Burchda or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Weather

Like most tropical regions, Vietnam has hot summers, mild pleasant winters, and an extremely wet rainy season. Being located in the northern hemisphere, the best season for cycling in Vietnam is generally from September to May, with regional variations as described below:

North Vietnam – Hanoi and Halong Bay: The cycling tour season in this region runs from October to May. December and January can be cold with occasional rainfall. May to October is hot, with heavy rain in the months of August and September.

January

Good

February

Best

March

Best

April

Best

May

Good

June

Good

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Mixed

October

Mixed

November

Good

December

Good

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Visa

Residents from a number of countries have visa exemption status for tourist visits to Vietnam. For a full list of up-to-date visa-exempt countries, see the Vietnam Foreign Affairs website.

Starting August 15, 2023, the Vietnam government will start offering an e-visa valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries, replacing the current 30-day, single-entry option. Furthermore, passport holders from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will benefit from an extended visa exemption period of 45 days, up from the current 15 days. Eligible foreign nationals will either benefit from a longer duration of stay and greater flexibility with the extended e-visa validity of up to 90 days and multiple entries, or enjoy an extended visa exemption period of 45 days.

e-Visa – You can apply for an e-visa through the government website, then, once approved, simply print it out and present it upon arrival in Vietnam. The additional benefit of the e-visa is that it's valid at land borders, not just airports. The processing time ranges from 2 to 7 working days. We recommend applying 2 weeks in advance to avoid unexpected delays. Read more about tourist e-visas for Vietnam at the Vietnam Immigration portal and apply there.

While applying online for an approval letter, please ensure that you have the following documents:

  • Passport scanned copy: A scanned copy of your passport - front (main) page. It shouldn't be a mobile photo or a photo taken from a laptop. Strictly scanned copy done through a computer scanner.
  • Passport size photo: portrait photo (4*6 size, colored photo, white background, straight looking without glasses). A photo taken from a mobile or laptop may or may not work, so I would strictly advise getting one made through a nearby photo studio (retail shop) that specializes in taking photos for visas.

Here is an excellent resource on Vietnam visas that may be worth looking at.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, your trip leader will carry bottled water or RO water in a camper in the support van for guests' use.

Yes, please communicate your dietary preferences to your trip leader and they'll ensure that the food you eat is spiced as per your requirements.

We've designed this itinerary such that most of the cycling happens on quieter countryside roads far from busy traffic. The shuttle transfers on this tour have been strategically planned to bypass busy vehicular traffic.

The road surface is mostly good. 90% of the cycling on this bike tour happens on paved roads.

Yes, you may wear riding shorts while riding your bike. When not cycling, it would be advisable to wear comfortable full-length pants. We recommend keeping a pair of comfortable pants handy in you support van.

When visiting temples and monuments, visitors should wear full-length, loose-fitting pants. Holy places of certain religions may also require covering your head. Your guide will inform of the dress etiquette required for visiting specific religious places.

We are not medical advisors, and as such are not qualified to dispense medical advice. However, we recommend consulting the resources below for advice on vaccines and medications:

  1. CDC portal for travelers from the US
  2. NHS' Fit For Travel portal for travelers from the UK
  3. Smart Traveller portal or travelers from Australia.

In addition to the above, you may also refer to the travel advice issued from time to time by your government.

  1. US residents may refer to the State Department's travel and vaccination advice for Vietnam here.
  2. UK residents may refer to the FCDO's travel advice for Vietnam here.
  3. Residents of Australia may refer to Australian government's travel advice including medical advice for Vietnam here.

Although your tour price includes most common expenses, except a few meals not included in the itinerary, you can refer to the following broad guidelines for extra expenditures:

  • US $25 per person per day for tours with stays in casual inns
  • US $35 per person per day for tours with stays in premiere inns (luxury bike tours)

Most cities in Vietnam have ATMs where you can use your card to withdraw local currency. Any international card with Visa and Mastercard will work at most ATMs.

Tips are not included in your tour price.

As a general rule, you may tip US$ 15-25 per person per day.

This figure is for the entire crew including the trip leader, the driver, and other support staff.

However, you are not obligated to tip, and you can always tip less or more than the above amount depending on the level of service you received on tour.

It is usually the norm to tip the tour guide, who then distributes the amount among the entire crew. However, you can also tip each individual member of the crew if you so desire.

In case you want to tip the staff at a hotel such as porters, you may pay them US $2-3 per day.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

No, airport transfers are not included in the price for this tour. We recommend booking a cab from the airport to your hotel on the day of your arrival, and booking a cab from the hotel to the airport on the day of your departure.

There's no special clothing required for riding. You can pack a fleece jacket for evenings and early mornings if you're doing this trip from November to February.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

We don't have anything planned for the last day, so you are free to depart at your discretion.

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