Ha Giang Cycling Adventure: Explore Vietnam’s Stunning Highlands and Tribal Culture
Experience the breathtaking beauty of terraced fields, surreal limestone peaks, and vibrant traditional tribal cultures. This journey takes you through remote minority villages where communities like the Red Dao, Tay, White Hmong, and Lo Lo have preserved their way of life for generations. Witness untouched landscapes, bustling local markets, and wildlife such as water buffalo, pigs, and horses.
Day 1: Hanoi – Tuyen Quang
Start your adventure with an early breakfast before transferring to Tam Dao – Vinh Yen. Begin cycling through a fascinating route crossing several minority villages as you ascend to a higher plateau. After lunch, continue riding past coffee and tea plantations until you reach bustling Tuyen Quang city late in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel (Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 70 km
Day 2: Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang
Today’s ride starts with a 40 km off-road climb through stunning countryside dotted with rice fields and plum orchards. A challenging 12 km, 900 m ascent awaits, rewarded by spectacular karst rock formations and lush landscapes inhabited by Tay and Nung hill tribes. End the day with a transfer of 35 km to Ha Giang town.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 70 km
Day 3: Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Cycle 25 km out of town along relatively flat roads through terraced rice paddies and minority villages. Then tackle a winding 25 km climb into the majestic limestone mountains, reaching the “Heaven Gate 1” pass at 800 m elevation. Take in breathtaking views of the Tam Son valley and the iconic Twin Hills before descending 15 km into Quan Ba town.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 50 km
Total climb: 1,107 m
Total descent: 349 m
Day 4: Quan Ba – Yen Minh
Today’s route offers countless photo opportunities amid stunning limestone karsts. After a few kilometers of uphill cycling, enjoy a 10 km descent followed by flat terrain for 10 km. The route features challenging ups and downs reaching 1,025 m altitude before a final 15 km descent into Yen Minh. Encounter traditional homes of local hill tribes, mainly of Chinese heritage.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 53 km
Total climb: 665 m
Total descent: 1,131 m
Day 5: Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac
Cycle quiet semi-surfaced roads on a tough climb from cedar forests to the rocky Dong Van plateau—a UNESCO Global Geopark rich with 400–600 million-year-old fossils. Explore the valley town of Dong Van, home to Chinese Hoa, H’mong, Tay, and Kinh communities with distinctive Chinese-style houses. Cycle from Dong Van to Meo Vac, passing along a spectacular gorge and the famous Ma Phi Leng Pass, with views over the Nho Que River valley.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 70 km
Day 6: Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Visit the vibrant morning market in Meo Vac, bustling with White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo hill tribes dressed in colorful traditional attire. Cycle remote mountain roads to Bao Lac, featuring a 5 km uphill, a 20 km descent, and mostly flat terrain thereafter. The limestone landscape is surreal, with peaks, caves, and villages perched precariously on hillsides. Experience vibrant tribal communities along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 74 km
Total climb: 1,004 m
Total descent: 1,770 m
Day 7: Bao Lac – Babe Lake
After exploring Bao Lac’s lively morning market, embark on a full day of cycling over challenging but well-paved roads. Pass through a picturesque valley, tin-mining town Tinh Tuc, and on to Nguyen Binh. The stunning scenery makes the demanding terrain well worth the effort.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cycling distance: 88 km
Total climb: 1,845 m
Total descent: 1,571 m
Day 8: Babe Lake – Hanoi
After breakfast, pack your bikes and transfer back to Hanoi. Spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking up the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s capital city, reflecting on your incredible journey through the remote northern mountains.
Accommodation: Hotel (Breakfast)
End of service
Included in Your Tour Package:
English-speaking local guide and cycling tour leader
Accommodation as specified, mostly sharing rooms (2 people per room) and local homestays
Meals as noted: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Refreshments during cycling: coffee, tea, cola, juice, energy drinks
Fresh seasonal fruit (banana, mango, green dragon fruit)
All sightseeing and activities mentioned in the itinerary
100% ground transportation by mini-bus for transfers and luggage
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