We set off early today for one of the most scenic and culturally immersive days of the journey. Dong Van – Ma Phi Leng Pass – Boat ride – Meo Vac. Your day begins in Dong Van Ancient Town, a charming highland settlement surrounded by limestone mountains and home to traditional Hmong architecture. After a few warm-up kilometers, the real adventure starts as you climb toward Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most breathtaking roads in Southeast Asia.

The Ma Pi Leng Skywalk offers panoramic views over the deep gorge carved by the emerald waters of the Nho Que River. With dramatic cliffs and endless switchbacks, this stretch is a test of stamina and reward for the senses. Upon descending the pass, you’ll take a 1.5-hour boat trip on the Nho Que River. Drifting along this turquoise waterway between steep canyon walls offers a tranquil contrast to the morning’s ride. This section of the river, flowing through the Tu San Canyon, is one of Vietnam’s deepest and most photogenic.

After the boat ride, you resume cycling to Meo Vac, a lively town nestled in a scenic valley and a key cultural hub of the region. Here you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch, often featuring local specialties like grilled pork, sticky rice, and mountain vegetables. Post-lunch, the journey continues on remote, winding roads heading southwest toward Bao Lac in Cao Bang Province. This stretch features gentler rolling hills, lush, terraced valleys, and scattered ethnic villages of the Tay and Black Hmong people. Though less steep than Ma Pi Leng, this portion offers a peaceful and immersive ride through authentic highland life. As the day closes, you’ll reach Bao Lac, a tranquil riverside town nestled between forested mountains. It’s an ideal place to rest and reflect on one of the most scenic cycling routes in Vietnam.