Far North Vietnam: Mountain Cycling & Cruising

At 7:30 am, we’ll transfer for about two hours to Vinh Phuc Province, Upon arrival in a Dao Tru village, where we begin an exciting cycling holiday along quiet, scenic back roads. After a few kilometers, we’ll ride through charming small villages, passing verdant, lush farmlands, abundant fruit orchards, and emerald rice paddies as we gradually ascend to a picturesque higher plateau.

Lunch will be served en route to Son Duong. Following lunch, we continue cycling along the gentle, winding river, pausing at lively little markets along the way. Today’s distance is approximately 35 km, but you’ll be immersed in the rustic countryside, breathtaking hillside scenery, and the peaceful beauty of the river, enjoying all that this unspoiled region has to offer.

Our first day’s adventure ends in a quaint small town, where our shuttle will take a comfortable 40-minute drive to Tuyen Quang City.

Commence another amazing day with a scenic 1.5-hour shuttle transfer from Tuyen Quang to the peaceful town of Vinh Tuy, where today's bike ride begins. We set off along the tranquil back roads of Road 196C, venturing deep into the authentic highlands of Ha Giang. The quiet route winds through rolling hills, fertile farmland, and picturesque valleys, where colorful ethnic communities live in traditional wooden stilt houses nestled on lush hillsides.

The morning ride covers approximately 34 km on almost-flat sealed roads and peaceful rural lanes. Pedaling through emerald rice fields, fragrant orchards, and charming villages, you'll experience the timeless beauty of rural Vietnam. Along the way, we visit welcoming ethnic villages tucked away on quiet back roads before joining QL279 for a delicious local lunch in a small countryside town.

In the afternoon, we conquer a moderate 8 km climb to the 748 m summit, rewarded with breathtaking views of forested mountains, magnificent terraced rice valleys, and remote tribal villages. The scenic sealed road continues through tropical forests and peaceful hamlets before an exhilarating 8 km descent into a beautiful valley.

The final stretch follows a quiet back road beside a sleepy river, offering spectacular mountain scenery and serene countryside all the way to Thong Nguyen. Arrive in this charming village surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, rich ethnic culture, and the warm hospitality of northern Vietnam.

Today, we’ll explore the most prestigious limestone mountains and marvelous rice terrace fields, including the breathtaking Paradise Terraced Fields—recognized as a National Heritage site of Northeast Vietnam—alongside stunning, vibrant tribal villages that make Ha Giang so unique. After a leisurely, relaxing breakfast, we’ll hop on our bikes and set off on another exciting and adventurous journey. We’ll cycle to a charming local market, where ethnic communities gather in the early morning to trade goods in a lively and colorful atmosphere. 

From there, we’ll turn onto a scenic, winding paved road that follows the river, passing through lush tropical forests and peaceful rural villages, where you’ll see gentle buffalo and traditional wooden stilt houses. We’ll then conquer Heaven Gate Pass, descend to DT177 Road, and continue a thrilling descent toward Tan Quang. After lunch, we’ll continue biking into the remote, rustic countryside, pedaling alongside lush valleys and towering mountains, but the afternoon’s routes are almost flat. As the route joins QL2 Road on the outskirts of Ha Giang, we’ll take a short transfer to the hotel.

The first 15 km follows a gentle, relatively flat road along the peaceful Lo River, passing vibrant villages, lush rice terraces, and picturesque countryside. The route then climbs gradually for 10 km beside a tranquil stream through fertile farmlands before tackling the final 10 km to the winding Bac Sum Pass. At 837 meters, the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of limestone mountains and valleys, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. The morning ride covers approximately 36 km on the quiet and scenic QL4C.

After lunch, we continue with a 32 km ride, including 25 km on a narrow, peaceful road toward the remote border area of Tong Vai Phin. This hidden route passes through dramatic valleys, traditional ethnic villages, verdant forests, and beautiful rice terraces, climbing to 1,021 meters where few Western visitors venture. Our support vehicle follows the group throughout the day. From the high point, we enjoy a long, scenic descent to Tam Son and its iconic Twin Hills before continuing through the refreshing countryside to our comfortable resort outside Quan Ba.

Relax by swimming in the pools and strolling through the villages, letting your legs rest after days of adventure. Prepare yourself for what’s coming next.

Today is one of the best cycling days of the trip. We ride about 71 km from Quan Ba to Dong Van. It is a long ride with some big climbs, but there is plenty of time to stop for photos, coffee, and to enjoy the local villages. After leaving Quan Ba, we turn onto quiet back roads and cycle through small mountain villages. The first challenge is an 8 km climb, taking us from 447 m to 1,236 m. As we ride higher, we enjoy amazing views of limestone mountains, green forests, rice terraces, and the traditional homes of local ethnic people.

After reaching the top, we enjoy a 14 km downhill ride to the peaceful town of Yen Minh, where we stop for a relaxing coffee break. From Yen Minh, we begin the day's final big climb. This 16 km mountain pass has an average gradient of 5.6% and takes us into the famous Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Along the way, we see stunning limestone peaks, deep valleys, and winding mountain roads that make this one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Vietnam.

After the climb, we ride over gentle rolling roads for about 10 km before visiting the historic Vuong Family Mansion, also called the H'Mong King's Palace. This impressive stone house was once the home of the powerful Vuong family, who ruled much of this region in the early 1900s. The day finishes with a beautiful 13 km descent into Dong Van. After checking into our hotel, we can relax and celebrate another memorable day of cycling through the spectacular mountains of northern Vietnam.

We leave the historic Dong Van Ancient Town and start with a few easy kilometers to warm up. The road then climbs gradually to the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy amazing views of limestone mountains, steep cliffs, and the bright green Nho Que River far below. We stop at several viewpoints on the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk to take photos and enjoy the incredible scenery.

After reaching the top, we enjoy a fun downhill ride to the lively town of Meo Vac, where we stop for a refreshing break. We then continue on rolling roads through remote H'mong villages and the beautiful karst mountains toward Na Phong, Ly Bon. The route has a nice mix of gentle climbs, fast descents, and quiet valleys, giving us plenty of chances to see the daily life of the local ethnic communities. After the ride, we enjoy lunch before boarding our support vehicle for about a one-hour transfer to Bao Lac. On arrival, we check into our comfortable hotel and have time to relax before meeting for a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant.

Today opens up even more chances to connect and share moments with ethnic minority communities living along the remote borderlands. We set off by bike straight from the hotel, crossing the river before following quiet backroads that trace the winding Gam River. From there, we gear up for an exhilarating climb over the legendary Me Pia—also known as Khau Coc Cha Pass—and continue onward across the scenic Ta Nenh Pass.

Along the way, soak in breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains, terraced rice fields, and secluded hill tribe villages, where traditional stilt houses cling gracefully to the hillsides. The route gently rises and falls through a patchwork of emerald paddies before descending into a small frontier town.

We then venture into rustic dirt tracks that hug the Bang River, cycling toward Pac Po through tranquil countryside and lush hills. After crossing the river once more, we continue pedaling through serene landscapes until reaching our hotel, where a well-earned rest awaits.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll set off by shuttle to the outskirts of Pac Bo, stopping at the historic Pac Bo Village, just 3 kilometers from the Chinese border. We then continue by shuttle to the hilltop, where we pick up our bikes and cycle along a quiet paved road running parallel to the border. The route winds past layered rice terraces, small ethnic villages, lively local markets, and tranquil valleys that feel far removed from modern life, with lunch en route in to Tra Linh.

As the journey unfolds, we venture deeper into the remote countryside, where dramatic landscapes reveal themselves at every turn. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to meet local people and witness daily rural life, with farmers guiding water buffalo through the fields and tending a patchwork of crops. We then cross the gentle Quay Son River, passing through peaceful hamlets nestled along the hillsides and riverbanks. Our day concludes at the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The early morning brings a quiet magic to Ban Gioc Falls, one of Vietnam's most spectacular waterfalls. Mist rises gently from the cascading water as the first light filters through the limestone karst peaks, casting a soft glow across the landscape. It's the perfect time for a peaceful walk to the falls, when the area is still free from crowds and the air is fresh and cool. Early morning is also the busiest time for local traders from both Vietnam and China. On bamboo rafts and small wooden boats, they quietly cross the river, exchanging goods in an informal cross-border trade that has continued for generations. 

After soaking in the beauty of the falls, we'll take a 45-minute shuttle transfer to Trung Khanh for a half-day cycling to Quang Uyen. The scenic back roads lead through rugged mountainous countryside, remote ethnic minority villages, towering karst peaks, and local markets. The road winds through conical limestone mountains; we’ll end today's ride after 26 km in Quang Uyen and have a lunch break in town before a 3-hour shuttle transfer to Lang Son.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and explore a vibrant local market brimming with an array of Chinese goods. Enjoy some free time to browse and shop at your own pace before embarking on a comfortable four-hour shuttle journey to Quang Ninh. Upon arrival, board your boat and savor a delicious seafood lunch as you cruise gracefully through the breathtaking bay.

Arriving at Lot 32 – Tuan Chau Marina – have check-in procedures at the waiting lounge.
You can take special tea at the lounge by a warm welcome.

11:45 – 12:00 Transfer to Orchid Cruises by a speed boat. Welcome aboard, we’ll have some welcome drinks and gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions.

12:45 – 13:00 Passengers will be taking lunch while we disembark into Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

15:00 – 15:30 Visit Ao Ech – a “little paradise” isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Kayaking at Ao Ech in Lan Ha Bay offers a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience, as if you’re exploring a secret world hidden within pristine nature.

17:00 – 17:30 Orchid Cruises anchors for an overnight stay in Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay, offering a serene landscape to immerse yourself in the bay’s natural beauty.

18:00 – 18:15 On board you may join a cooking demonstration and enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with our Cruise Manager directly.

19:15 – 19:30 Savor a fusion dinner made with the freshest ingredients in a sophisticated space with elegant French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches.

21:00 – 21:30    It’s time to admire the beauty of the night on the bay. Our bar on the sundeck and in the restaurant welcomes you. You may want to try your luck with squid fishing or play some board games in the restaurant.

23:00    Overnight on board.

06:00 – 06:30    It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, and consult our sailors.

06:45 – 07:00    We will be serving a light breakfast. Upon completing breakfast we continue our journey and head out to explore the bay in the area.

07:15 – 07:30    We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba Island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang cave located in Trung Trang Valley, which is 15km away from the northwest of Cat Ba town. The cave is 300m long through the mountains, possessing a mysterious beauty due to geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges. The cave has many stalactites with different shapes that stimulate human imagination and amaze visitors.

09:45 – 10:00 Orchid Cruises welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

10:00 – 10:30 Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant.

11:00 – 11:45 After breakfast, disembark from Orchid Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew. Board a private air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route before arriving at the airport, where your tour comes to an end.