Legends of the North: Ha Giang and Cao Bang Road Biking

Legends of the North: Ha Giang and Cao Bang Road Biking

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12 Days From

$3400

Legends of the North: Ha Giang and Cao Bang Road Biking

12 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Tam Dao, Hoang Su Phi, Quan Ba, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Cao Bang, Ba Be National Park

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

VNM-HGC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

High

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $3400 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Vietnam’s remote north-eastern frontier holds a special mystique, even for seasoned Vietnamese travelers. There is a reverence for the vast scale of its dense jungles, jagged mountain ranges, clear streams and deep canyons; for the sheer number of indigenous ethnic groups, each with distinct languages and customs, different from one valley to the next; and for the region's formative role in the Vietnamese identity from ancient times until the present. This is also the heartland of Vietnamese independence: it was in the gorges and caverns of the North-East that the national hero, Ho Chi Minh, trained and built up his nascent guerilla army to prevail first against the occupying French, then eventually against the Americans and South Vietnamese. Today, this is a peaceful and welcoming land, with smiles aplenty from local denizens as we roll through their small villages and farms. Every bend in the road brings sights and encounters that will stay with us as we pedal our way across this formidable territory.We first meet in Hanoi, then depart for a day of lakeside riding to Vu Linh. From here, the spectacular territory and tougher cycling begin, as we make our way to Hoang Su Phi and Quan Ba. Stunning geological formations and an array of cultural stops await as we enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. We then enter Cao Bang Province, passing over the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass to arrive in Bao Lac. Approach the Chinese border on remote roads as you make your way deeper into the province, with views of rice terraces and dazzling mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see. The Pac Bo caves, favoured hiding spot of Ho Chi Minh, make for an evocative stop before we continue on roads flanked by stilted houses and water buffalo. The towering cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall greet us in the soft morning light before we ride through charming stone villages and arrive in lively Cao Bang City for a night in the province’s largest town. Leave town on a sustained climb surrounded by gorgeous countryside, with an equally long downhill as we arrive at serene Ba Be Lake, a favourite natural sanctuary. Our last ride takes us southward towards Bac Kan, and we then return to Hanoi, emerging from this thrilling whirl through the realms of the north! Join us as we venture to the heights of Vietnam’s frontier on this unforgettable 12-day road cycling journey!

Highlights

  • Cycling alongside the hills in Tam Dao and visiting Thac Ba Lake.

  • Exploring the rice terraces and mountain streams of Hoang Su Phi.

  • Riding along the Lo River and climbing the Quan Ba mountain pass.

  • Descending into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and visiting Pho Bang.

  • Conquering the Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoying the scenery around Meo Vac Mountain.

  • Visiting Pac Bo, the historical hideout of Ho Chi Minh, and Ban Gioc Waterfall.

  • Exploring Ba Be National Park with its stunning mountain scenery and natural lake.

Itinerary

What's Included

  • Bike Fitting

    Meet your tour guide for a bike fitting on the first day of the tour.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Enjoy a welcome dinner to set the stage for the journey.

  • Cycling Tour

    Experience a guided cycling tour through various scenic locations in Vietnam, including Tam Dao, Thac Ba Lake, Hoang Su Phi, and more.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Explore the traditional lifestyles of ethnic groups such as the Dzao and Hmong, and visit historical sites like the Vuong Palace.

  • Scenic Passes

    Ride through scenic passes such as Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng, Me Pja, and Khau Coc Cha.

  • Visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall

    Witness the breathtaking cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall, which straddles the border between Vietnam and China.

  • Exploration of Cao Bang

    Explore the small businesses and unique cultural sites in Cao Bang.

  • Stay in Ba Be National Park

    Stay in Ba Be National Park, known for its stunning mountain scenery and the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam.

  • Transport

    Transfers are provided to key starting points, allowing you to cycle through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and ethnic villages.

What's Not Included

Bike HireStandard Road Bike hire is not included and costs US$ 330.

Mode of Transport

Embark on a thrilling road biking adventure through Vietnam's northern landscapes, with transfers provided to key starting points, allowing you to cycle through breathtaking mountain passes, valleys, and ethnic villages.

Accommodation

Experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with stays in local communities, mountain lodgings, and a beautifully-constructed farmstay, offering a glimpse into the rural traditions and stunning landscapes of the region.

Bike Hire

Standard Road Bike: US$ 330

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with stays in local communities, mountain lodgings, and a beautifully-constructed farmstay, offering a glimpse into the rural traditions and stunning landscapes of the region.

  • Is bike hire included in the tour package?

    No, bike hire is not included in the tour package. Standard road bike hire costs an additional US$ 330.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes exploring the traditional lifestyles of ethnic groups such as the Dzao and Hmong, and visiting historical sites like the Vuong Palace.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Hanoi, Vietnam.

  • What scenic locations will we visit during the cycling tour?

    The cycling tour will take you through various scenic locations in Vietnam, including Tam Dao, Thac Ba Lake, Hoang Su Phi, and more.

  • Will there be any challenging climbs during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes challenging climbs such as the Quan Ba mountain pass, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and other scenic passes like Me Pja and Khau Coc Cha.

  • What natural attractions will we see on this tour?

    You will witness the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, explore Ba Be National Park with its stunning mountain scenery and the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

  • Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?

    There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.

  • Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?

    SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.

  • Do you have E-Bikes?

    Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.

  • What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?

    Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.

  • Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?

    In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

May 03, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 07, 2026
$3400 (USD)

Saturday - Wednesday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026
$3400 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.

    At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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