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Vietnam - Northeast

Cycling An Enchanted Landscape

Tiers of rice terraces fading seemingly to infinity as they drop away through a vast valley, karst pinnacles like those from a Chinese water painting, minority people whose way of life and dress is little touched by the outside influences of the global village most of us inhabit; North East Vietnam as such is possibly the most stunning destination in South East Asia for a cycling holiday, and this tour is all about adventure. From Hanoi in the north of Vietnam, we first transfer to within a few kilometres of the Chinese border from where we set out by bicycle to explore a region overwhelmed with natural splendour. The cycling is on small, quiet roads with challenging climbs and breathtaking descents. Our exploration of this part of Vietnam follows valley floors, climbs through karst hills and past rice fields, crosses spectacular mountain passes and explores wonderful plateaus. If you desire a bicycle touring adventure through a Vietnam little visited by outsiders then The Painted Roads North East Vietnam cycle tour could well be for you.

Note that this holiday includes an optional extension to include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay. See below for details.

At a Glance


Total Days: 13

Cycling Days: 8

Difficulty: 7/10

Daily Average: 80km

Off-Road: 5%

Max. Alt.: 1400m


Overview

Our North East Vietnam bicycle touring holiday is all about adventure, breathtaking views, challenging climbs, fantastic descents and interaction with traditional minority groups unused to foreign visitors. We will spend several days in a restricted zone that tracks the Chinese border through a wonderful mountainous landscape. Our rest day is spent in the rocky plateau town of Dong Van which is in a fairytale setting. There is plenty of scope here for exploration or relaxing with a good book and coffee in a small cafe. This is a really special cycling holiday that accesses areas of South East Asia generally off-limits to mass tourism.

Most of our cycling is on roads light of traffic and generally sealed. Around 5% of the journey is on unsealed tracks. Accommodation is in local hotels and guesthouses. These are basic but clean and comfortable with hot water, AC and WiFi.

We will be supported by one or two vehicles (dependant on group size), a local guide (Phong), and a Western tour leader (David).

 

Having just completed the Painted Roads North-East Vietnam cycle trip in December 2016, I would like to thank David and Phong for an incredible cycling adventure. The incomparable scenery, the superb local food and the friendly people we met on the way made this a trip to remember. David ensures that everyone has a great time both on the bicycle with his well planned route and relaxing with a beer afterwards. The food provided for all meals and the important tea breaks on the journey was excellent. David and Phong ensure that all the little details are well managed and the trip worked like clockwork. This is my second trip with Painted Roads and I will be returning for more cycling adventures with David.

David Morrison on Vietnam - Northeast

 

Highlights

Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, cycling through some of South-East Asia’s most stunning and remote mountain scenery, cycling through regions of minority tribal groups rarely visited by western tourists, optional extra of visiting Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise.

 

I thought this was a superb tour through a fascinating region, brilliantly led by David and Phong. Both clearly love what they do and this translates into an exceptional level of service. The tour itself is full of surprises, diverse ethnic villages, the awesome rocky plateau and the beauty of the rice terraces. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would recommend it to anyone who thinks they have “done” South East Asia.

Chris Parson on Vietnam - Northeast

 

Included in this tour

All accommodation, local guide and tour leader,  support vehicle (1 or 2 depending on group size), meals on cycling days, snacks during cycling days, drinking water whilst cycling, permits to the restricted area.

 

OPTIONAL DAYS 15 & 16: Ha Long Bay

For many people, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay is a must-do experience. We offer a 2 day 1-night liveaboard cruise as an optional extra, please contact us for details.

Twin occupancy cabin                -   US$250 per person

Single occupancy supplement   -  US$60 per person

 

[testimonial]
 

Joining instructions

If you arrive at Hanoi International airport on the first day of the tour you will be met there and transferred to our joining hotel. If you are arriving on another day or are not flying in please let us know so that we can help with arrangements. Full joining instructions will be given during the week before the tour begins. Typically though the group will meet the tour leader in the hotel lobby early evening (between 5 and 6) for a briefing drink and dinner.
 

Difficulty

Although with an average daily distance of 70KMS this may look like an easy ride the physical demand of the cycling should not be taken too lightly. We will be cycling through a mountainous area with some long (20KM) climbs. On some days there are several passes to cross, but hang on to the thought that what goes up must come down and the descents are really special. The temperature can vary with altitude and time of year, but for those used to temperate climates, the heat can add an extra dimension to the challenge. All in all, this is a ride for cyclists who can typically cover 100KMS in comfort and are not shy of hills. Do bear in mind though that we always have a support vehicle to hand and we strongly believe that there is no shame in using it, it is a holiday after all, and your enjoyment is our first priority.

 

NE Vietnam, following North Thailand and Yunnan, was my third trip with Painted Roads this year. Once again the trip exceeded my expectations with both the challenging but achievable and rewarding climbs together with the fantastic scenery probably resulting in it being the memorable tour to date.

Arthur Brittenden on Vietnam - Northeast

 

Bicycle Advice

Suitable Bicycle. MTB, Touring Bike, Cyclocross/Gravel bike.

At PaintedRoads we hold firmly to the opinion that using your own bike, the bike on which you feel at home and comfortable is the finest way to enjoy a cycling adventure.

Most kinds of bicycle, except light-weight racing bikes, are suitable for this tour: touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids or cyclocross bikes are all fine. Road conditions vary from asphalt to gravel and some hard-packed dirt tracks. Tyres from 35mm in width upwards will be fine but we recommend 40mm.

South-East Asia is generally a warm place so the ability to carry one or two water bottles is essential (either on your bike or in a backpack). Our back-up vehicle carries water and tools although for those competent with tools bringing your own pump, puncture kit, and multi took is recommended as it would speed up repairs and minor adjustments. If bringing your own bike please bring along a few spare spokes that fit your wheels (please note that different wheels have different size spokes). If your bike has disk brakes or hub gears please bring any components that you feel may be necessary. We carry some spares for our hire bikes but we cannot guarantee that we will have any tubes other than 26” car type valves. Tyres and tubes other than 26” can be difficult to come by in many parts of the world so please make sure you have spares. If in doubt please ask at your local bike shop. A means of carrying your camera, sunblock etc is also useful – either an on-bike bag, handlebar or saddlebag for example or a lightweight day-pack.

•Recommendation: Although our hire bikes come equipped with a saddle if you have a saddle you use and are happy with it is strongly recommended that you use it on tour. If you use SPD type shoes please bring your own matching pedals. We are happy to fit these for you. You may also like to bring bar ends if you use them at home.

ESSENTIAL! Please be sure that your bicycle is in perfect condition before you leave home. Again, if in doubt please consult your local bike shop.

 

NE Vietnam is a very special place,  and I can't imagine doing it any other way than on a bicycle - with Painted Roads of course.  I was so sorry it was over. Could have done it all over again! So thank you for making it such a memorable trip.  Great organisation,  great fun,  but also great care and concern when some of us were wilting in the extreme heat. And thanks to Phong,  Mr Thang and Mr Chung. What a team. Looking forward to the next one!

Jan Livingstone on Vietnam - Northeast

 

Rental Bicycles

If you wish to hire a bicycle for the duration of your holiday with us we can arrange for the hire of good quality cycles from our in-country agent. Typically these bikes are mountain bikes, often Trek 3 series or similar. Please request a hire bike at the time of booking, fields to do so are on the booking form. Payment for hire bikes can be made with the balance of the tour payment or in cash on arrival.

Rental Bicycle Recommendation. Although our hire bikes come equipped with a saddle if you have a saddle you use and are happy with it is strongly recommended that you use it on tour. If you use SPD type shoes please bring your own matching pedals. We are happy to fit these for you. You may also like to bring bar ends if you use them at home.

 

A wonderful tour with jaw-dropping scenery, welcoming locals and cracking food, all led by a tremendously accomplished tour leader and guide, in David and Phong, who manage to make all of the important details seem effortless whilst at the same time being an endless source of conviviality.

Andrew Gameson on Vietnam - Northeast

 

Print Itinerary

Itinerary

(meals key: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi.

Arriving at Hanoi's international airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel in the bustling Old Quarter. You can either relax after your flight to Vietnam or head out to explore this vibrant and exciting stage where people's lives are played out amidst a maze of streets that wind through the wonderful colours and textures of fading colonial architecture.

This evening we will come together for a meeting with the tour leader, local guide and the rest of the group. Following our briefing, we can get to know our companions for this adventure during our first meal together.

Cycling: 0km

Meals:

Day 2: Hanoi to Bac Ha.

After checking our bikes this morning we will leave the bustle of Hanoi behind us for an afternoon transfer in our support bus to the small town of Bac Ha, the launchpad for our cycling adventure through one of SE Asia's most stunning regions.

Cycling: 0km

Bus: Approx. 4 hours

Meals: BLD

Day 3: Bac Ha to Hoang Su Phi.

When we first explored this section of the tour I found it absolutely stunning and was very eager to share it. Alas by 2013 the unsealed road had become so unpredictable that we decided it was longer practical to use. Fortunately, the Vietnamese road planners were thinking along similar lines and by 2015 a sealed, quiet, rural road was in place allowing us to once again enjoy an absolutely stunning beginning to our Northeast Vietnam adventure. Following the initial 10KMS climb we undulating through mountain scenery that is simply spectacular as we head towards a wonderful downhill before lunch in Xin Man town.

Our afternoon's ride is an altogether different affair as it undulates gently along the valley of the Chay River, before a final three-kilometre climb and descent to our overnight stop in the small town of Hoang Su Phi.

Cycling: 80KMS.

Meals: BLD

Day 4: Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang.

We set out this morning along a quiet rural road that rises and falls along the Chay Valley. After 16 kilometres we begin the steep climb to the first of three passes that take us through a series of fairytale-like valleys. The dense green forestation of the valley walls is streaked with the silver flashes of waterfalls, whilst in the valley below the colouring varies with season - brown, green, or yellow according to the rice harvest. The textures of nature combined with the man-made rice terraces are breathtaking. The final pass is called Heaven Gate II from where we begin wonderful 17-kilometre descent to lunch. In contrast to the morning's hilly ride, the afternoon is a fast ride on a wider road with gentle undulations as we head for our hotel in the provincial capital town of Ha Giang.

Cycling: 105KMS.

Meals: BLD

Day 5: Ha Giang to Tam Son.

We begin the day with twenty-six kilometres winding through a narrow valley followed by a ten-kilometre climb to Heaven Gate Pass. At times the climb is steep, always the views are stunning. The climb flattens out onto a plateau at around eight hundred metres in altitude where rice grows over areas of flat land rather than on the more usual hillside terraces. The plateau drops away and in the far distance are layers of karst hills. For a few kilometres, we follow the narrow road that crosses the plateau until the final three kilometres climb, our third Heaven Gate Pass in three days - and the views as we descend to the small town of Tam Son are, indeed, heavenly.

Cycling: 50KMS

Meals: BLD

Day 6:  Tam Son to Yen Minh.

We begin today's ride with an unmissable ride north of Tam Son heading towards the Chinese border. Although not necessary to reach today’s destination the landscape here is so stunning it would be a travesty to not explore it. And so for 35 kilometres, we explore a stunning plateau through a remote Middle-Earth like landscape that is sparsely populated by rural minority groups. This ride will lead us neatly back through Tam Son and down to the base of the Nho Que valley where we follow the river gently undulating to our picnic lunch. Leaving the valley we follow a clear mountain stream as we begin a long gentle winding climb to the pass above and onto a lovely ridge-ride dipping in and out of the shade of fragrant pine trees. The views we glimpse through the trees are, as always, beautiful, with the rich textures and colours of rice terraces, cornfields, and woodland in the valleys either side. The day ends following the ridge as is descends for ten kilometres to where the two valleys become one, and the small town of Yen Minh.

Cycling: 85KMS.

Meals: BLD

DAY 7: Yen Minh to Dong Van.

From Yen Minh, a wide fertile valley leads us to today's first climb, seventeen kilometres up and onto Caonguyenda, The Rocky Plateau. Punctuated with jagged limestone and waves of karst hills stretching off into the distance, it is akin to riding into a mythical Chinese painting. Crossing the plateau is a series of small stiff climbs and wonderful downhills with a backdrop so fairytales like that you can well imagine hobbits elves and unicorns wandering the plateau.

Cycling: 50KMS

Meals: BLD

DAY 8: Dong Van - Rest Day.

In the middle of the Rocky Plateau and boasting an old market square with crumbling textured colonial architecture Dong Van is an ideal venue to rest and recharge our batteries. Relaxing at one of the cafés on the square and having an amble around town is an agreeable way to spend your day here, or for those with excess energy the beautiful surrounding countryside offers the opportunity for exploration and exercise

Cycling: 0

Meals: B

DAY 9: Dong Van to Bao Lac.

Leaving Dong Van the morning's ride sees us continue our dramatic traverse of the mystical Rocky Plateau. We climb and decent and have two significant downhills before lunch, the first of 13KMS, and the second of 17KMS during which we lose more than a thousand metres of altitude.

By now we have now left the Rocky Plateau behind us and the ride's character changes for the afternoon. The road remains rural and undulating with but one climb to speak of as we follow a valley where often the floor is cultivated, yet the walls are jungle-covered.

Cycling: 100KMS

Meals: BLD

DAY 10: Bao Lac to Nguyen Binh

Today is a day of following valleys and crossing the small passes between them. We alternate from less than 300metres to over 1000. The valleys are green and fertile, rice is the main crop here and the sides of the valleys are often thick jungle. Towards day's end, we rise to over 1000 metres and are rewarded once again with stunning views before the final ten kilometres descending to our night's accommodation.

Cycling: 85KMS

Meals: BLD

DAY 11: Nguyen Binh to Ba Be.

The day begins with a gentle and rewarding twenty-kilometre climb followed by a most wonderful reward, the longest descent of the journey. For twenty-six kilometres we freewheel gently down into the valley below barely turning the pedals. By the time we are required to put a little effort into our cycling, we will have lost a thousand metres and be back in the tropical warmth. The remainder of the day is all climbing and descending as we make our way to Ba Be where we can celebrate a most memorable adventure with cold beers and cheer.

Cycling: 90KMS.

Meals: BLD

DAY 12: Transfer to Hanoi.

After breakfast, we will board our AC bus for the journey back to Hanoi, hopefully arriving early afternoon in time for a final wander around the wonderful Old Quarter before our last meal together.

Cycling: 0

Meals: B

DAY 13: Finish.

The tour officially finishes this morning. For those flying out we provide a transfer to Hanoi's international airport.

OPTIONAL DAYS 15 & 16: Ha Long Bay.

For many people, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay is a must-do experience. We offer a 2 day 1-night liveaboard cruise as an optional extra, please contact us for details.

Twin occupancy cabin                -   US$250 per person

Single occupancy supplement   -  S$60 per person

Key

Markers below are clickable as are the markers on the map itself.

    We're sorry we don't have any future dates for this trip in the calendar yet. Do please get in touch if you'd like to ask about some dates or a custom trip.

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