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Personalized tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, crafted for unforgettable, immersive experiences.

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    15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

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    info@goldentrailtravel.com
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    +84(832) - 126 - 699

Northern Vietnam 9-Day Cycling: Hmong Homelands, Pù Luông & Song Da Lake

  • CODE: GDT2618
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 8 - 12 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: Vietnam - Ha Noi - Pu Luong - Mai Chau

Overview

Conquer the North: An Epic 9-Day Cycling Expedition through Vietnam's Emerald Heart

The Cycling Northern Vietnam Tour 9 Days is the definitive journey for the adventurous cyclist, promising an authentic adventure that transcends typical tourism. This expedition is meticulously designed to immerse you in the stunning, rugged landscapes and the vibrant ethnic cultures of Vietnam's mountainous north, offering an unparalleled 9-day bike adventure.

Starting from the historical gateway of Hanoi, we quickly transition onto the challenging, scenic routes that lead into the Hmong Homelands. Here, the cycling is demanding but instantly rewarding, fostering an immediate sense of conquest and escape. You will pedal through a mosaic of green mountains, experiencing the traditional life of the ethnic communities and gaining intimate insights into their resilient culture.

The heart of this Northern Vietnam cycling tour features the majesty of the water and the land. We trace the massive Song Da Lake, cycling along its dramatic shores where the views are expansive and breathtaking, providing perfect conditions for memorable rural cycling Vietnam. From the lake’s edge, the journey takes us into the peaceful serenity of Mai Hịch Village, where we experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of a traditional homestay, creating deep connections with the local people.

The centerpiece of the tour is the stunning Pù Luông Nature Reserve cycling segment. Here, you ride through a landscape famous for its terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainsides like emerald stairways. The 35km ride within the reserve is a visual feast, leading to hidden gems like the Hieu waterfalls and natural pools, offering a refreshing opportunity to revitalize after challenging miles.

The expedition culminates with a final, historically rich challenge. We tackle the Tam Điệp mountain range, riding sections that connect directly to the Hồ Chí Minh Road (Ho Chi Minh Trail). This powerful 45km final ride provides a deep sense of historical connection and the ultimate physical achievement before the final departure. This journey is the perfect blend of physical challenge, cultural intimacy, and natural splendor, making it the must-do Vietnam adventure travel experience.

Trip Map

Highlight

These highlights are crafted to evoke strong desire in prospective customers by focusing on the core emotional benefits of the tour.

The Hmong Homelands Challenge: Earning the View

  • Sense of Conquest: Feel the thrill of the climb on Day 2 as we push into the Hmong Homelands. These challenging initial kilometers immediately test your spirit and reward you with sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views that feel entirely earned.

  • Cultural Welcome: Experience the genuine warmth and authenticity of the ethnic minority communities. Sharing the road with locals and seeing their traditional life firsthand offers a profound, immersive cultural exchange right at the start of the tour.

Song Da Majesty & Mai Hịch Serenity

  • Closeness to Nature: Cycle along the dramatic, expansive shoreline of Song Da Lake, where the water stretches to the horizon and the surrounding peaks create a majestic, calming atmosphere. It’s a moment of peaceful isolation away from the world.

  • Traditional Immersion: Enjoy the unique tranquility of an overnight stay in Mai Hịch Village. This is more than just accommodation—it's an opportunity to dine, relax, and connect with a local family in a traditional stilt house, feeling the deep heart of Vietnamese rural life.

Pù Luông's Emerald Heart & Hidden Gems

  • Visual Awe: Pedal through the breathtaking emerald terraced rice fields of Pù Luông Nature Reserve. The 35km stretch is a visual symphony, creating an awe-inspiring connection to a landscape perfectly shaped by generations of farming life.

  • Refreshing Discovery: Discover the secret tranquility of Hieu waterfalls and natural pools. After a day on the saddle, the opportunity to swim and revitalize in these crystal-clear, hidden natural pools offers a moment of pure, refreshing escape.

The Tam Điệp Finale: History on the Road

  • Historical Connection: Conclude the cycling journey by tackling the Tam Điệp mountain range, riding on sections of the historic Hồ Chí Minh Road. This final 45km ride provides a powerful, reflective moment, linking your physical effort to the deep resilience embedded in Vietnam’s history.

  • Ultimate Achievement: Cross the final finish line with an unforgettable sense of ultimate achievement. You haven't just cycled Northern Vietnam; you've conquered its mountains, immersed in its culture, and earned the memories of a true expedition.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request
E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.
Vietnam cycle gears check list

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Things to be prepared:
Hat
Small backpack
Shoes and shorts for cycling
Sunglasses
Gloves
2 pairs of riding shorts
2 riding jerseys (quick-dry)
2 pairs of quick dry socks for cycling
Comfortable shoes for biking and walking
Riding gloves
2-3 t-shirts or casual shirts
Trousers or jeans
1-2 pairs of casual socks for non-cycling activities
3-5 sets of underwear (quick-dry)
Cool-weather jacket or rain jacket
Extra layers and gloves for cooler season or climate (thin, thermal, water-wicking)
Bathing suit
Sandals

Your Perfect Cycling Adventure, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier bike tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke cycling experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team-comprising experienced biking guides, skilled mechanics, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate bicycle specialists-is committed to ensuring your adventure is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian biking tour. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream biking adventure across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

Expand All Close All
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Setting the Stage
You'll be met at Hanoi airport and transferred directly to your hotel, perfectly situated in a lively area just outside the Old Quarter. Check-in is typically from 14:00, but the atmosphere around you is instantly captivating. Take a stroll to Trúc Bạch Lake, one of the city's best spots for enjoying a peaceful sunset , or discover the hidden coffee shops and local food stalls nearby. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will take you for a relaxed, introductory coffee or beer by the lake to discuss the adventure that lies ahead and provide your first insights into Vietnamese life.
Day 2: Hanoi at Your Pace – History and Street Life
Optional Activity: 6km Walking Tour A full day at leisure to explore the capital's unique energy. You have the freedom to follow your curiosity, discovering Hanoi's diverse architecture, peaceful lakes, and intense street life. For the perfect orientation, join the optional 6km walking tour. This loop dives into the city's soul: explore a vibrant morning market, trace colonial-era avenues, pass the solemn Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum, and visit the respected Temple of Literature. Along the way, you'll sample Hanoi’s famous street food and finish in the Old Quarter, watching trains inch past at the famous Hanoi railway.
Day 3: Into the Hmong Homelands – The Adventure Begins
Cycling: 22km, ↑341m ↓447m | Highest Point: 1,302m
The asphalt ends, and the adventure begins. Meet your guide at 08:00 for a comfortable four-hour bus transfer, escaping the city traffic and climbing rapidly into the mountain range of Sơn La. We reach the high-altitude village of Hang Kia (1,300m), the heart of the Hmong community. After a delicious, authentic lunch at a local homestay—your first taste of Hmong hospitality—the bikes are prepped. The afternoon is a short, exhilarating 22km ride on small, rocky roads and pathways, winding across spectacular landscapes to the slopes of the Mộc Châu plateau. Tonight, you sleep in a traditional Hmong homestay, fully immersed in mountain culture.
Day 4: The Great Descent to Song Da Lake – Colonial Roads

Cycling: 54km, ↑323m ↓1,301m | Highest Point: 1,199m

Prepare for one of the most memorable rides of the tour: a dramatic, nearly continuous descent from the Mộc Châu plateau to the shores of Song Da Lake. After a few kilometers on the main road, we veer onto a quiet, forgotten French-built road, recently restored and cutting through lush forest. The cycling is fast, fluid, and visually stunning. We enjoy lunch at a local homestay before finishing at a beautiful resort overlooking the lake. The ultimate reward awaits: just 5km before our accommodation, there's a hidden waterfall, perfect for a swim to wash away the day's dust.

Day 5: Mai Hịch Village – Rice Paddies and White Thai Culture

Cycling: 30km, ↑326m ↓357m | Highest Point: 325m

Enjoy a leisurely morning—a chance for a dip in the pool and a breakfast with a view—before a relaxed 10:00 start. Today is a relatively easy 30km ride, taking us first uphill to the main road, then a joyful, winding descent all the way to Mai Châu Valley. We cycle through Mai Châu town, continuing to a remote valley that is the heart of the White Thai (Tai Dón) people. Between March and October, you’ll ride alongside a vibrant green ocean of rice paddies. Tonight, we stay in a traditional wooden guesthouse on stilts. Arrive by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free to ride or hike the small pathways, exploring villages and vegetable gardens at your own pace.

Day 6: Pù Luông Nature Reserve – Climbing the Emerald Staircase

Cycling: 35km, ↑695m ↓326m | Highest Point: 691m

After an early breakfast, we embark on a 35km ride into the protected majesty of the Pù Luông Nature Reserve. We leave the valley floor, cycling towards the Laos border where the landscapes become increasingly mountainous. The ascent rewards you with views of Pù Luông’s famous terraced rice fields that spiral up the hillsides like emerald staircases. The final few kilometers are a beautiful downhill to a resort nestled perfectly on the reserve's slopes. Spend the afternoon cooling off in the resort pool or take a short trip to explore a nearby village.

Day 7: Hieu Waterfalls – A Cyclist's Oasis

Cycling: 20km, ↑163m ↓459m | Highest Point: 477m

Today is short, gentle, and utterly rewarding. A 20km cycle takes us to the eastern side of the reserve and to a special guesthouse hidden between two cascading streams. The highlight? The Hieu waterfalls and natural pools. This is your cyclist's oasis, offering the perfect spot to relax, explore the waterfalls, and swim in the invigorating natural pools. Tonight, you share a communal space in a traditional guesthouse, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie with your fellow adventurers.

Day 8: The Hồ Chí Minh Road – A Powerful Finale

Cycling: 45km, ↑269m ↓387m | Highest Point: 186m

Our final ride is a powerful connection to history. We depart early on a 45km route that follows a hidden stretch of countryside tucked between the Nam Ma River and the imposing Tam Điệp mountain range. This unknown road offers quiet, reflective riding as we push to Lương Nội, a small, remote hamlet. From here, we transition back to the modern world, hopping on the bus back to Hanoi. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant located right on the historical Hồ Chí Minh Road (Ho Chi Minh Trail), offering a final moment of reflection before the bus takes us back to our Hanoi hotel.

Day 9: Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam. A driver will pick you up at your convenience and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, or for any optional extensions you have planned. You depart having conquered the beautiful, challenging heart of Northern Vietnam.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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