Cycle the Highlands of Northern Vietnam

Touch down in Hanoi and meet your driver at the airport for the transfer into the city's vibrant Old Quarter. Check into your hotel, explore Hanoi's colourful streets or simply chill out after your journey – ready for your adventure, which begins in earnest tomorrow. In the afternoon, you’ll meet up with your fellow cyclists and your host's team for a bike fitting session, followed by a delicious welcome dinner featuring traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. This is your chance to get to know everyone and get ready for the days ahead.

You’ll begin today with an early start: it's a five-hour drive northwards to Viet Quang, where the pedalling begins. Use the travel time to soak up the changing landscape or catch up on some sleep; along the way, you’ll stop for a local breakfast. Once in Viet Quang, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local family’s house – this will be your introduction to tasty rural Vietnamese cuisine, and a chance to try some delicious and unique dishes. In the afternoon, you’ll mount your bike and begin the challenging ride to Hoang Su Phi. This will be a chance warm up your legs, and the stunning views of terraced fields and lush valleys will make every turn of the pedals worthwhile. After your first day in the saddle, settle into your cosy homestay in Hoang Su Phi, where you can kick back and admire the views of the terraced mountains.

Today you’ll set off from the mountain city of Hoang Su Phi, riding towards Ha Giang. The day begins with an 8km ride along dirt tracks, descending 400m and winding past hillside villages. As you cycle through these communities, you’ll be surrounded by terraced mountainsides that offer breathtaking views. When you near Ha Giang you can stop to chat with locals, who will share their stories and give you a deeper insight into the area’s rich cultural diversity, with 15 ethnic groups residing in the region. Next, you’ll tackle a steep final stretch up to the small city of Ha Giang. It will be a challenge, but the reward is worth it – a stunning panorama of Ha Giang city and the surrounding mountains. You'll spend tonight at another local homestay, where you can relax and enjoy a meal with your hosts.

Today begins with a short bus transfer (around 25km) before you hit the road on two wheels, driving you through a landscape of terraced rice paddies. Jump out the van, hop on your bike and begin cycling through the limestone mountains of northern Vietnam. Prepare for steep climbs and thrilling descents, all while enjoying the spectacular views over jagged peaks and misty terraces. You’ll pass through mountain villages, meeting the friendly locals who call this area home along the way. One of the day’s highlights will be riding through a pass named 'Heaven’s Gate 1', where you’ll be treated to an unforgettable vista of Tam Son Valley and the iconic Twin Hills. After soaking in the beauty of the area (and catching your breath), descend into Yen Minh, where you can check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing.

After breakfast, get back on the saddle to pedal along the road known as the 'Way of Happiness', taking in the stunning views of the Dong Van Karst Plateau as you go. One of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, the plateau is designated a UNESCO Global Geopark thanks to its incredible geological heritage. At the road's summit, you’ll visit the historic Hmong King Palace and the Lung Cu Flag Tower, marking the northernmost point of Vietnam. Continuing on, you’ll ride 15km into Dong Van, an ancient town with a rich history, where you’ll bunk down in a hotel for the night.

Wake up, fuel up on breakfast, ready to ride from Dong Van along the cyclist-friendly Sky Walk, a road that has been known to get so misty that you feel like you’re pedalling on clouds, hence the name. The experience of winding through the clouds the road is pretty memorable. You’ll then descend to the Nho Que River, where you’ll board a boat to cruise through a 700m-deep canyon surrounded by towering cliffs and emerald waters. After the river cruise, you’ll transfer by van to the colourful village of Meo Vac, where you’ll spend the night. Spending time in this remote village offers an authentic glimpse into the rural life of the region’s hill tribes.

Today is a big day, with a challenging ride from Meo Vac to the Mau Due–Lung Ho summit. It's worth the effort – the scenes from the top are some of the most panoramic in Vietnam. After enjoying a well-earned picnic lunch at the summit, you’ll descend down the mountain, eventually arriving at the peaceful riverside village of Du Gia. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable riverside hotel, where you can relax after an exhilarating day.

Spend this morning visiting Du Gia’s vibrant local market, mingling with colourfully clothed members of the different hill tribes and admiring their traditional crafts. After this chilled start to the day, it's time to get back on your bike to cycle one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of this adventure: climbing 5km through remote, mountainous areas, surrounded by cliffs and caves to the climax of the Ha Giang Gauntlet. After the climb, you’ll breeze down a 20km descent, giving your legs a well-deserved break. Finally, you’ll cycle the last 10km on flat roads into Ha Giang. After lunch you’ll drive back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel late evening.

After your epic cycling adventure, you’ll spend the last couple of days unwinding on a tranquil cruise in Halong Bay, spending the night aboard a classic junk boat. You’ll board the 'Aspira Cruise' at Tuan Chau International Marina, and check into your cabin. As the boat sets sail, you’ll cruise past Trong Mai, Ngon Tay, and Con Coc islets. Discover the enchanting Dark and Light Caves, explore by kayaking or take a bamboo boat rowed by local artisans, afterwards choose to take a swim in the cool waters, or just relax on the sun deck for fantastic views of the bay. In the evening, you can join a cooking class on board to learn how to make spring rolls the Vietnamese way, before bedding down in your cabin for an unforgettable night on the water.

Start your day with a tranquil tai chi session on deck at as the sun rises, followed by breakfast. As the boat cruises into Lan Ha Bay, you’ll have the chance to explore the area by kayak, navigating through towering limestone peaks and emerald waters. You’ll disembark at Tuan Chau Harbour for your transfer back to Hanoi, arriving at around 16:30. From there, you can choose to extend your stay in Hanoi, or head to the airport for your flight home.