Cycling Northeast Vietnam - Cao Bang Bike Tours

Introduction

Cao Bang, tucked away in Vietnam’s remote northeastern frontier, is a dream destination for those seeking raw nature and meaningful cultural encounters. This rugged province is a land of dramatic contrasts—limestone karsts soar into the sky, deep green valleys stretch for miles, and ancient mountain passes like Khau Coc Cha and Ta Nenh carve pathways through the clouds.


Travelers are treated to a breathtaking array of landscapes, from the tranquil waters of Ba Be National Park, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, to the thundering spectacle of Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most awe-inspiring falls in Southeast Asia. Each destination unveils a new layer of Cao Bang’s wild, untouched beauty.


But this journey is about more than just scenery. It’s a chance to connect with the rich cultural tapestry of northern Vietnam. Along the border with China, visits to Pac Bo and Tra Linh offer glimpses into the lives of local ethnic groups—Tay, Nung, Hmong—whose customs and traditions remain deeply rooted in centuries of heritage.


The adventure winds down with a serene overnight stay in the postcard-perfect Bac Son Valley, a hidden gem of rice fields and stilt houses nestled in a cradle of mountains. Finally, the tour concludes in the bustling capital of Hanoi, offering a striking contrast to the quiet wilderness left behind. This journey through Cao Bang is not just a trip—it’s an immersion into Vietnam’s soul, where nature and culture remain in perfect harmony.

 

Destination
Duration
Tour code
VCT: HAN - 10D- HAN
Travel style
Tour meets
Tour ends
Accommodation
2 - 3 - 4 star hotels & homestay
Single supplement
325.00$
Number Of cycling days
9 days
Ages to ride
18 years old
Average distance per day
45km
MTB Bike hire
$108
Total cycling distance
450 - 552km
E-Bike hire
$315.00
Small group
02
Large Group
14
Price in US$
USD $2439.00 2439.00
Price in VND
What's included
Private A/C vehicle takes up all cyclists, luggage
Truck to carry all bikes, spare bikes
Helmets
All entrance fees, ferry tickets, and boat rides
B= Daily Breakfast, L= 10 Lunches, D= 8 Dinners
9 nights, double room/ twin room
Daily snack, cold water, soft drinks, facial tissues
Pick up & drop off at hotels
English speaking guide throughout the tour
What's not included
Personal travel insurance
Other personal expenses
Drinks are not included with any meal

Our team will pick you up from your location and transfer you to our bike shop, where we’ll check your bike size and install your saddle, pedals, and any other gear. Before starting the ride, your guide will provide a detailed trip briefing. The city tour begins with visits to the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison, followed by a lunch break in town. In the afternoon, explore the National History Museum and enjoy a guided walk through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter.

The Light hotel
Lunch
Support vehicles
Cold water

Start this adventure kicks off with a 3.5-hour morning transfer from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the quieter province of Bac Kan. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in town, offering a first taste of Northern Vietnam’s culinary warmth.


In the afternoon, the cycling journey begins. The route leads away from the main road and into the peaceful countryside, where you’ll follow quiet backroads winding through a breathtaking valley filled with terraced rice fields, vibrant farmlands, and riverside villages. This is the heartland of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic minorities, and their charming villages dot the roadside, offering a cultural tapestry as rich as the landscapes.


The ride covers approximately 40 kilometers of undulating terrain — expect a mix of gentle hills, rolling valleys, and the occasional challenging climb as you pedal toward Bang Lung township. The roads are quiet and inviting, allowing for a relaxed, independent ride through this remote and scenic corner of Vietnam.


From Bang Lung, a short 1-hour transfer brings you to Ba Be Lake, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural reserves. Check in at a welcoming local homestay near the lake and unwind, surrounded by the serenity of limestone mountains and tranquil waters — a perfect end to an inspiring first day.

Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
25 - 42km
Hilly, moderate/
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee while soaking in the peaceful countryside views by the lake. We begin the journey with a tranquil boat ride along the Nang River, making our first stop at An Ma Temple, located on a small islet. Here, you’ll not only discover local spiritual heritage but also take in the stunning natural surroundings.


Cruising northward across Ba Be Lake, we reach a quiet village nestled along the riverbanks. From here, we trek through the forest to the magnificent Dau Dang Waterfall. Along the trail, you'll encounter rugged rocky landscapes and possibly spot local wildlife—an experience that connects you with the rich biodiversity of this region.


After the trek, return to the village for a well-deserved lunch at a welcoming local home. Refreshed, we resume our boat journey to Puong Cave, a majestic natural tunnel carved into the limestone mountain, home to fascinating rock formations and bat colonies.


A short boat transfer takes us to another pier, where our bikes and support vehicles await. From here, the cycling adventure begins. Pedal your way to Cho Ra before turning off onto a scenic back road. The ride leads you through rolling hills, rice paddies, tranquil lakes, forested slopes, and charming rural villages. At Xuan Khue Village, we pause for water and snacks.


Continue cycling to the spectacular Hua Ma Cave, known for its towering chambers filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. After exploring the cave, we resume biking on peaceful country roads, heading toward Pac Ngoi Village.


End the day by exploring this traditional stilt-house village, meeting local residents, and taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers as the sun sets. Return to your homestay for a warm dinner with the group, capping off a day rich in nature, culture, and discovery.

Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
28km
Hilly, moderate/
Boat ride
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

From the welcoming comfort of your homestay, the journey begins with a scenic ride toward Cho Ra. As we follow the DT279 road, the route opens up to gentle hillsides and lush green farmlands—an easy and pleasant warm-up to the day’s adventure. The terrain gradually shifts as we veer onto the winding TD212 road, leading us deeper into the protected expanse of the National Park.


Taking a quieter back road to the left, we gear down to navigate a short mountain pass. This section offers a series of undulating hills along a well-maintained surface road, passing through remote villages and breathtaking rice-terraced landscapes. A rewarding downhill stretch brings us into a serene, verdant valley—a perfect spot to pause and capture photos of the stunning scenery.


Back on our bikes, we tackle a few more rolling hills as we enter the heart of Oac National Park. The route continues downhill through the forested highlands until we join the DT34 road. From here, we cruise alongside groves of towering bamboo, immersed in the peaceful rhythm of rural life.


To round off the day, your guide will arrange a comfortable 2-hour vehicle transfer to Bao Lac, ensuring a smooth and restful finish after an exhilarating day in the saddle.

Pao La Hotel
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
25 - 85 km
Hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

With average temperatures hovering around a pleasant 22°C, Bao Lac in Cao Bang Province offers ideal weather conditions for an adventurous cycling journey. This region, nestled near the China border, is a haven for cyclists seeking both challenge and beauty.


Departing from Bao Lac, the route winds along peaceful backroads, passing through remote ethnic villages and hugging the serene banks of the Gam River. The initial stretch is relatively gentle, with glimpses of traditional life unfolding in riverside hamlets and quiet countryside scenes.


As the road diverges from the river, the real adventure begins. Cyclists pedal into mountainous terrain, ascending through rustic valleys where rice terraces and fruit orchards cascade down the hillsides. The route becomes increasingly dynamic, with rolling hills and a series of dramatic climbs.


A highlight of the day’s ride is Me Pja Pass, a thrilling ascent requiring strong legs and determination. Soon after, riders reach Khau Coc Cha Pass, another striking point offering sweeping panoramic views. The reward comes in the form of a glorious descent into Xuan Truong’s wide valleys, where golden rice terraces ripple across the landscape like natural artwork.


The journey continues with a final challenge: Ta Nenh Pass. Its winding roads test stamina, but the effort is well worth it. A long, rewarding downhill stretch follows, gliding past untouched tribal villages, stilt houses clinging to mountain slopes, and stunning limestone formations. The scenery remains spectacular all the way to Cao Bang City, marking the end of an unforgettable cycling day through one of northern Vietnam’s most breathtaking regions.

Muong Thanh Luxury
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
25 - 85km
Hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we leave the bustle of Cao Bang City behind and transfer to a quiet rural village where your cycling adventure begins. From here, we pedal north toward Pac Po, a tranquil village just 3 kilometers from the Chinese border. Pac Po holds deep historical significance as the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in early 1941, laying the groundwork for Vietnam’s resistance movement.


The ride to Pac Po is nothing short of spectacular. The route winds through rolling hills and undulating terrain, tracing the curves of gentle rivers and passing through small, picturesque villages nestled in valleys flanked by majestic conical mountains. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in serene landscapes and pause to visit important historical sites that bring Vietnam’s past vividly to life.


After a relaxed lunch and time to enjoy the tranquil setting, we continue cycling in the afternoon toward Tra Linh. The road—DT210—is a scenic and rewarding route that weaves through a patchwork of small towns, rural markets, and peaceful valleys. The path includes gentle hill climbs and forested stretches that offer both challenge and beauty.


As we approach Tra Linh township, you’ll cycle through several hill tribe villages where diverse ethnic minorities reside. This leg of the journey provides a unique cultural experience, showcasing the rich traditions and daily life of communities that have called this region home for generations.


Today’s ride is a perfect blend of history, nature, and cultural discovery—an unforgettable day on two wheels in northern Vietnam.

Nha Moc Homestay
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
25 - 83km
Hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

Today's journey takes us deeper into the remote countryside, offering some of the most picturesque landscapes of the tour. As we pedal through rustic terrain, the scenery becomes increasingly serene and authentic. Expect to encounter ethnic minority communities tending their farmlands, water buffaloes working the rice paddies, bamboo water wheels spinning slowly by the streams, and peaceful valleys brimming with rice plants and seasonal fruits.


We ride through gently rolling hills, shaped like conical mountains, and descend into vibrant valleys alive with rural charm. Our route leads us to Trung Khanh, a scenic town nestled among idyllic mountain villages. Here, we'll pause for a local lunch and enjoy a break amid stunning surroundings.


After lunch, we continue with an 11-kilometer ride along the DT206 road. We then turn onto smaller rural paths, leading us through more secluded valleys. We cross the Quay River and pass small hamlets tucked into the hillsides and riversides, immersing ourselves in the tranquil countryside.


The final leg of today's ride features terraced rice fields, expansive farmlands, and scenic valleys stretching along the long border with China. We conclude our ride at the Sai Gon Ban Gioc Resort. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy a well-earned rest amid the majestic landscape.

Saigon Ban Gioc Resort
Breakfast/ Lunch/
25 - 67km
hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

The early morning brings a quiet magic to Ban Gioc Falls, widely regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. Mist rises gently from the cascading water as the first light filters through the karst peaks, casting a soft glow over 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 crisp and cool.


As you stand by the river that forms the border between Vietnam and China, you'll witness a scene that’s both timeless and telling: locals from both countries navigating the waters on bamboo rafts and small wooden boats, quietly trading goods in an informal cross-border exchange that has persisted for generations. This glimpse into everyday border life adds a raw authenticity to the experience.


After taking in the natural beauty and cultural vignettes, it's time to saddle up and begin a ride like no other. Pedaling along a quiet road that closely hugs the Chinese border, you'll follow a tranquil river, with rural Vietnamese life unfolding on one side and remote Chinese villages visible in the distance. It’s a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and histories—one that few travelers get to witness firsthand.


Leaving the borderlands behind, the scenery shifts dramatically. The road weaves through stunning mountain terrain and limestone formations, offering panoramic views and lush greenery that feels untouched by time. The ride down into Quang Uyen Town is smooth and exhilarating, a rewarding descent through some of northern Vietnam’s most breathtaking countryside.


This journey is more than a bike ride—it's a rare and intimate exploration of borderland culture, dramatic natural beauty, and the quiet resilience of life in the far north of Vietnam.

Duy Huong hotel
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
25 - 72km
Hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

Today’s journey promises both scenic beauty and physical challenge, but the full distance is too great to cycle in its entirety. Instead, your guide will tailor the day’s ride for the best possible experience, ensuring a rewarding and manageable route.


We begin with a breathtaking ride on quiet back roads from Quang Uyen to That Khe. The morning light enhances the vibrant valleys, with mountain ranges framing the route. You’ll cycle past ethnic minority villages, local markets, and peaceful countryside, taking on a few moderate hills along the way. After about 20 km, the back roads connect with National Road QL3, where we continue toward the mountainous region.


As the terrain rises, we tackle mountain passes and enjoy long descents before reaching Dong Khe, a historical town where we’ll pause for a well-earned lunch. Following the meal, we transfer by vehicle for about 2.5 hours to the stunning Bac Son Valley. Upon arrival, check in at a cozy Tay homestay, a warm welcome into local culture. The evening is yours to enjoy: relax and take in the golden sunset over the rice fields, or opt for a short hike up Na Lay Mountain for panoramic views of the lush valley below. Either choice is a perfect ending to a rich day of adventure.

Duong Cong Chich Homestay
Breakfast/ Lunch/Dinner
25 - 55km
Hilly, moderate/ hard
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits

Start your day early and immerse yourself in the morning rhythm of ethnic village life. As the sun rises, hop on your bike and pedal through peaceful hamlets where local families begin their daily routines—tending to crops, feeding livestock, and preparing breakfast over open fires. The ride takes you along quiet village paths, offering an authentic glimpse into the traditions and cultures of the region’s ethnic communities.


Gradually, the path leads uphill toward Mount Na Tay, a well-known viewpoint that rewards your effort with sweeping panoramic views of the valley and surrounding town. Pause here to take in the crisp mountain air and capture the incredible scenery before making your way back down.


Return to the homestay for a hearty breakfast, then saddle up again for your final half-day cycling adventure. Today’s route winds through serene countryside back roads dotted with tobacco plantations, fruit orchards, and vibrant village markets. This leisurely ride provides a perfect farewell to the northern highlands as you soak in the tranquility and natural beauty one last time.


The journey concludes as we join the QL1B road, where the cycling portion of the tour ends. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a comfortable vehicle for your transfer back to Hanoi. Tour End!

Your own arranged
Breakfast/ Lunch
35km
Hilly, moderate/
Support vehicles
Cold water, snacks, fruits
Bike Info
Trek Marlin 6. Size: S, M, L, XL
In the Northern Vietnam
In the Northern Vietnam
GIANT ATX 1 E-Bike. Size: S, M, L, XL
In Northern Vietnam
In Northern Vietnam
In Northern Vietnam
Burchda pro 70 mountain E-bikes. Size: S, M, L, XL
In the Northern Vietnam
In Northern Vietnam
In Northern Vietnam

Dates

Duration
Note
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
Duration
-
Note
Available
This is no review, let first review.
Upload requirements

Cycling Northeast Vietnam - Cao Bang Bike Tours