Far North Vietnam Mountain by Bike & Cruise

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 the amazing day with a scenic 1.5-hour shuttle to Vinh Tuy. From there, we collect our bikes and set off along the tranquil back roads of 196C, continuing to 196A where the route merges with QL279. Pedaling through lush rice fields and fragrant orchards, we pass picturesque valleys and a series of charming villages nestled along gentle hillsides. Along the way, we pause at several welcoming ethnic villages tucked away on quiet back roads.

After a relaxed lunch in a small town, we follow QL279 for a few kilometers before turning onto winding countryside back roads. The ride continues through breathtaking landscapes—terraced rice valleys, verdant tropical forests, and serene rural scenery. We conclude the day in the peaceful Thong Nguyen Valley.

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 3 km 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 buffalos and traditional wooden stilt houses.

Continuing along DT177, prepare for moderate rolling hills and a thrilling descent toward Tan Quang. We’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch en route before heading onward to Ha Giang. 

After breakfast, we set off from the town, cycling the first 25 km along a relatively flat road that winds through a scenic landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. We pass through quiet, picturesque minority villages, where friendly and welcoming locals offer a glimpse into life in this remote region.

The highlight of the ride is the challenging ascent to ‘Heaven’s Gate 1’, where we are rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views over the stunning Tam Son Valley and the striking Twin Hills. We then continue cycling before turning onto a narrow, peaceful path that leads to the lodge.

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.

We’ll depart from the hotel, powering up a gentle slope for a few kilometers before gliding into a scenic 10-kilometer descent. The route then eases into a relatively flat and relaxing stretch for another 10 kilometers, offering a brief reprieve. Soon after, the terrain turns rugged and demanding, with a series of undulating climbs and descents leading us into Yen Minh, where we’ll pause for a well-earned lunch.

The afternoon brings a more exhilarating challenge as we pick up the pace, tackling the dramatic Tham Ma and Chin Khoanh Passes. From there, we enter the breathtaking Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark where the landscape is blanketed in striking limestone formations. This ancient terrain holds fossils dating back 400–600 million years, adding a profound sense of history to the journey. We’ll continue winding through majestic mountain scenery before arriving in Dong Van.

Be ready for another amazing, unforgettable day. Today’s routes wind through breathtaking, majestic mountains and alongside the emerald beauty of the Nho Que River, offering countless moments to slow down and take in the scenery.

You’ll have wonderful opportunities to pause and admire the stunning landscapes of lush, verdant valleys and the authentic charm of hill-tribe villages scattered along the remote borders of Vietnam and China.

We’ll roll down the spectacular, winding slopes of Ma Pi Leng Pass toward Meo Vac, then continue along gently undulating roads through peaceful, picturesque villages, sometimes tracing the serene curves of the Nho Que River toward Bao Lac, with a relaxing lunch en route.

As this remarkable journey draws to a close, we’ll transfer to Bao Lac in the late, golden afternoon, carrying with us the memories of an awe-inspiring day.

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 breakfast, check out and set off to explore the captivating natural landscapes, walking down to discover the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall. Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking waterfalls, uniquely shared along the river border with China.

We then pick up our bikes and ride along rugged dirt paths, crossing lush rice paddies and exploring the hidden, charming villages nestled in picturesque valleys. Experience the authentic daily life of local communities near the China border as we pedal beside the serene Quy Son River, crossing delicate suspension bridges.

This leisurely morning ride through the valley offers endless photo opportunities, thanks to the area’s stunning natural beauty. The half-day cycling journey concludes in Trung Khanh, followed by a 4-hour scenic shuttle transfer to Lang Son City, with lunch en route.

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    Onboard 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    Disembark Orchid Cruises at Tuan Chau Marina, say best wishes, and end your cruise with us. On the way back to Hanoi the drive might stop for 15-20 mins for the guests can go to toilet or get some food.

14:30 – 15:00    Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. End of the trip.

After a leisurely breakfast, spend your free time exploring Hanoi at your own pace before your transfer to Noi Bai Airport. This marks the end of your tour.