The Ultimate 14-Day Northern Vietnam Gravel Cycling Adventure

Wake up to the serene atmosphere of Northern Vietnam, ready for another day on your gravel bike. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off on a peaceful stretch through dense forests and small hamlets. The first 20 km is a gentle warm-up on undulating gravel roads through the buffer zones of Xuan Son National Park, where the air is crisp and the scenery is stunning.

The real challenge begins as we leave the foothills behind. You'll tackle a rewarding 16 km ascent along winding mountain roads, surrounded by rich cinnamon and acacia forests. This challenging climb offers panoramic views of remote mountain ranges—a true highlight for adventure cyclists.

After conquering the pass, we’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant. Refreshed, the journey continues along scenic hill roads, leading us to the charming town of Phu Yen, our home for the night. You'll enjoy a blend of small-town charm and cultural authenticity, the perfect end to a challenging but rewarding day.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Hong Long Hotel

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 80 km

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the tour. We’ll traverse remote mountain roads connecting the rugged provinces of Yen Bai and Son La, offering a mix of steep climbs, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences. We begin with a gentle 12 km ride through terraced rice fields and traditional villages.

Soon, the landscape changes dramatically as we begin a 25 km, 600m ascent into the vast limestone mountains. As you climb, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of misty valleys and white clouds drifting below the road. At the summit, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views over the legendary Hang Dong Valley and the Ta Xua Nature Reserve. We'll pause for a well-earned lunch at the mountaintop, a top destination for cloud hunting in Vietnam.

The afternoon brings the true gravel adventure. We’ll ride a singletrack trail to Ta Xua's most iconic landmarks—the Dinosaur Spine, Camel Ledge, and more. This rugged section offers pure off-the-beaten-path cycling. After a moment of rest and reflection in this surreal setting, we'll return to the Ta Xua Hill Lodge, where you'll enjoy a warm meal and a peaceful overnight stay.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Ta Xua Hill Lodge

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 70 km

Start your day in Ta Xua, one of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic cloud-hunting destinations. After breakfast, we'll saddle up and begin riding along a remote singletrack trail that weaves across hillsides and valleys. The Ta Xua landscape, with its dreamy ridgelines and endless horizons, sets the stage for another unforgettable day.

Today’s ride is demanding, with challenging terrain and continuous elevation changes. We'll ride along a newly sealed mountain road that links two of the most remote districts in Yen Bai and Son La. The path leads through rugged highlands, cinnamon forests, and steep ridgelines that will test both your skill and stamina. As you climb, white clouds drift just overhead, casting a surreal glow over the valleys below.

This stage of the tour is the epitome of adventure cycling in North Vietnam. By the end of the day, we’ll descend into Tram Tau, a quiet mountain town known for its traditional hill tribe culture and thermal springs. Here, you'll have the chance to relax and recharge for the next leg of your journey.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Heaven Hill Hotel

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 65 km

Today’s route is a scenic 57 km journey from Tram Tau to Nghia Lo, offering a more poetic and immersive experience. As we cycle out of Tram Tau, we'll begin climbing steep mountain roads, winding along the "dinosaur spine" ridgeline. With misty valleys below and dense forests on either side, the road twists through ethnic minority villages where Hmong culture thrives.

Along the way, you'll pass natural hot springs, endless viewpoints, and untouched terrain that defines Northern Vietnam's gravel cycling routes. The terraced fields here ripen later than in other regions, giving this area a unique rhythm and color palette—perfect for photographers.

We'll arrive in Nghia Lo by late afternoon—a culturally rich town surrounded by rice paddies. Here, you'll relax in comfortable accommodations, savor local dishes, and reflect on one of the most captivating days of your cycling tour.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Dragonfly Resort

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 57 km

Begin your day with a cultural immersion at one of Northern Vietnam’s most vibrant hill tribe markets. Located near your hotel, this bustling market brings together local communities from surrounding villages—Thai, Hmong, and Dao people—in their colorful traditional attire.

After exploring the market, we'll set off on a scenic cycling day toward Tu Le Valley, famous for its iconic terraced rice fields. Today’s route covers approximately 46 km with gentle climbs and undulating terrain. As we ascend the rolling hills, you’ll be treated to expansive views of green rice terraces layered like steps into the mountainsides—one of the most photogenic scenes on our route.

We'll enjoy lunch en route before tackling a final 8 km uphill section, leading to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Tu Le town. From there, enjoy a smooth descent into Tu Le, a tranquil town nestled in the heart of the valley. This area is famous for its natural hot springs, and you'll have the chance to join locals for a refreshing dip before a delicious dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Le Charm Resort

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 46 km

Today promises to be one of the most spectacular and challenging days, featuring the iconic Khau Pha Pass—one of the five longest and toughest mountain passes in the region. After a light breakfast, we begin with a steady 25 km climb up Khau Pha Pass, winding through breathtaking landscapes of verdant valleys and terraced rice fields. The fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings make this ascent a true highlight.

At the summit, enjoy a well-deserved break with coffee, tea, and snacks while taking in the panoramic vistas. From here, the route descends toward Mu Cang Chai, a district renowned for its spectacular rice terraces, officially recognized as a National Heritage Site. We’ll stop for lunch in Mu Cang Chai town before continuing our journey on undulating roads along streams and rivers toward Than Uyen.

Upon arrival, you'll check in to your accommodation, relax, and enjoy dinner while reflecting on a truly memorable day filled with cultural discovery and epic cycling.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Love Hill Resort

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 89 km

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding cycling days of your adventure. You have two options to start:

• Option 1: Take a serene boat trip across Ban Chat Hydropower Reservoir before your cycling journey begins.

• Option 2: Begin cycling directly from your resort on village roads and singletrack trails.

From Kim Junction, the route climbs a new concrete road ascending steep hills to the first mountain peak. At the summit, you'll see spectacular views of the reservoir and the majestic mountains. After a short descent, the route challenges you with a second steep pass. You’ll continue on rough gravel roads, winding through misty valleys and remote villages before a well-earned lunch break.

The afternoon brings the day’s toughest challenge: a demanding 20 km mountain pass that twists and climbs from 200m to 1,000m. This arduous ascent pushes your endurance while rewarding you with stunning vistas at the peak. Once at the summit, you can enjoy a thrilling descent to Minh Thang Junction. From here, you have the option to either cycle the final stretch into Tuan Giao town or take a supported vehicle transfer.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Tay Bac Hotel

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 90 km

Today’s ride offers a unique blend of undulating gravel cycling, stunning rice terraces, and profound historical significance. Starting from Tuan Giao, you’ll cycle westward through peaceful rural landscapes dotted with Black Thai and H’Mong villages. The morning ride is scenic and moderately challenging, passing lush rice fields and banana plantations. Midway, you’ll face a 7 km steep ascent before a thrilling descent down to Dien Bien Phu city.

Dien Bien Phu is world-famous for the 1954 battle that ended French colonial rule. As you traverse these roads, you'll reflect on this pivotal historical site. In the late afternoon, you’ll have time to explore Dien Bien Phu city—rich in heritage and home to important war memorials—immersing yourself in the history behind one of the most iconic battles of the First Indochina War.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Him Lam Resort

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 89 km

Prepare for another tough and exhilarating day as you navigate winding mountain roads. After a hearty breakfast, we set off early from Dien Bien Phu, enjoying a few gentle kilometers before gearing up for the first climb—an invigorating 7 km ascent. Though challenging, the spectacular views of rugged mountains and verdant valleys make every pedal stroke worth it.

At the top of the slope, refresh yourself with tropical fruits and snacks. The route then descends into a tranquil valley dotted with exotic hill tribe villages, where you’ll witness authentic local life. Arriving at Muong Cha town around noon, take time to explore a bustling local market before a delicious lunch.

The second half of the day brings the ultimate challenge: a demanding 23 km steep mountain pass climb. Once at the peak, reward yourself with panoramic views before a thrilling descent down to Muong Lay town. This day perfectly balances physical challenge, cultural encounters, and breathtaking nature.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Thanh Binh Hotel***

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 100 km

Start your day early with breakfast overlooking the pristine Black River. Cycle along the peaceful riverbanks on new tarmac roads before reaching Provincial Road 217. This stretch offers an undulating ride along the scenic Black River, flanked by spectacular limestone mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly and curious hill tribe communities.

Muong Te township lies in one of the most remote and least developed districts, nestled between the Da River and the Laos border. Historically overlooked by tourism, this hidden gem is being revitalized. Today’s journey offers a unique combination of rugged nature, cultural immersion, and authentic adventure, perfect for those exploring Vietnam’s untouched northwest corner.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Ngoc Thanh Hotel**/ Ngoc Lam Luxury Hotel

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 113 km

Begin your morning with a stroll around Muong Te town to visit a vibrant hill tribe market, a fantastic opportunity to interact with local ethnic communities. After soaking in the cultural atmosphere, return to your hotel for breakfast.

The cycling leg from Muong Te to Lai Chau city is one of the most challenging and rewarding days. The first 7 km offer a gentle warm-up for the main event: a demanding 28 km climb to the summit. As you ascend through thick forests, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and the serene beauty of this less-traveled route.

Pause at the summit for coffee and tea, soaking in panoramic vistas before beginning a refreshing descent to Patan. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch en route, followed by a final stretch along new tarmac roads into the modern city of Lai Chau. This day perfectly balances cultural immersion, physical challenge, and spectacular mountain scenery.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Hoang Nham Luxury Hotel

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 125 km

Today marks one of the most exhilarating and scenic days of your tour. You’ll conquer O Quy Ho Pass, the longest and highest mountain pass in the region, stretching 38 km with a summit elevation of 2,120 meters. Starting from your hotel in Lai Chau, you'll cycle through breathtaking landscapes dominated by the majestic limestone mountains of Fansipan.

This area is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including the H’mong, Dao, and Tay. Along the way, you'll admire the verdant rice terraces sculpted into the hillsides. We'll stop for lunch before tackling the demanding ascent to Tram Ton Summit. At the summit, pause to capture stunning panoramic views before enjoying a thrilling descent into the charming town of Sapa.

Upon arrival, you'll unwind with a rejuvenating herbal medicinal massage, a perfect way to relax tired muscles after the long ride. Enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant and settle in for an overnight stay in the heart of Sapa.

• Activities: Cycling

• Accommodations: Sapa Bamboo Hotel****

• Meals: B/L/D

• Cycling Distance: 70 km

Today marks the final day of your unforgettable Northwest Vietnam cycling adventure. After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel in Sapa, check out and board the shuttle bus for a scenic transfer back to Hanoi via the new highway. During the four-hour journey, you'll enjoy views of rustic villages and pristine landscapes.

A delicious lunch will be served en route, allowing you to savor local flavors one last time. Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and take some time to unwind and reflect on your incredible journey. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at an elegant oriental restaurant to celebrate your achievement and the memories made. Your guide and support team will bid you goodbye, hoping to welcome you again on future adventures.

• Activities: Transfer & Farewell Dinner

• Accommodations: By yourself

• Meals: B/L/D

• Transfer Distance: 386 km