Included: An experienced, local, English-speaking cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day northern Vietnam cycling tour (7 days of cycling) Accommodation for 7 nights at local homestays, guesthouses, and hotels (double occupancy) All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners Water, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on biking days High quality MTB rentals & all biking gear (bike, helmet, tool kit, water cage) Air-conditioned van for transfers Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid Entrance fees & boat trips Water bottle, backpack, t-shirt and cycling Jersey Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room E-bike rentals Not included: Flights Airport transfers Vietnam visa Hotel early check-in/late check-out fees & overweight luggage fees Personal expenses Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Great fitness and previous cycling experience are needed for this tour. The Ha Giang Loop covers serious ground, but the daily profile varies more than you might expect. Some days are big, with up to 60 km (37.3 mi) and 1,700 m (5,577 ft) of climbing, while others are shorter and more forgiving. If you’re a regular cyclist who’s comfortable with hilly terrain and consecutive days in the saddle, you’re in good shape for this northern Vietnam cycling tour. A paid e-bike upgrade is available for those who want a mechanical assist on the bigger days without missing any of the route. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more cycling tours in Southeast Asia here!

What bike will I be riding?

High-quality mountain bikes in all sizes are provided for the full duration of the trip, complete with helmets, tool kits, and water cages. An e-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost and can be selected at checkout.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. The simplest option is the Vietnam e-visa, applied for online before travel and typically processed within 3 business days. Check current requirements for your nationality at the official Vietnam Immigration Department website .

What do I need to bring?

Cycling: Padded cycling shorts or bib shorts Cycling jerseys (2-3) Cycling gloves Cycling shoes or stiff-soled shoes Cycling socks Chamois cream Sunglasses Helmet (provided) Layers and clothing: Arm warmers and leg warmers Lightweight base layer for cold starts Neck gaiter or buff Light waterproof rain jacket Comfortable off-bike clothes for evenings Sandals or flip-flops Essentials Sunscreen and SPF lip balm Insect repellent Personal toiletries Personal medication and any prescription drugs Small personal first aid (blister treatment, pain relief, anti-chafe) Power bank and charging cables Camera Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this northern Vietnam cycling tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7 :1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost (subject to availability), or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. A northern Vietnam cycling tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this northern Vietnam cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost (subject to availability), or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your northern Vietnam cycling tour is Hanoi . To get there, most people fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) . From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach Hanoi. You will meet your guide at the hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the evening of Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

HANOI | VIETNAM

Northern Vietnam Cycling Tour: The Ha Giang Loop

8 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00

From $1,580 ()

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Ha Giang is where northern Vietnam cycling gets serious. The Ha Giang Loop has a reputation, and every kilometer of it is deserved: limestone karst, cloud-wrapped mountain passes, and terraced hillsides worked by ethnic minority families for generations, on roads so remote they barely make it onto most maps. On this northern Vietnam cycling tour, we ride the full loop from Hanoi, past Heaven’s Gate and Ma Pi Leng Pass, down the Nho Que canyon, and all the way to Lung Cu, where Vietnam simply runs out of road. Bikes, mechanics, all meals, and accommodation are handled. Come find out what the fuss is about.

Truong

Adventure Highlights

Heaven's Gate: Tackle Vietnam's most spectacular mountain passes, with views that make every climb worth it
Old ways, new roads: Ride through the homeland of 15 distinct ethnic minority communities, with hill tribe markets at every turn
The full board: Highland homestays, riverside lodges, a Four Points by Sheraton, and all meals covered from start to finish

Duration

8 days

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

From Hanoi's Old Quarter to Vietnam's northernmost point and back, the Ha Giang Loop covers eight days of the country's most dramatic cycling terrain: limestone karst, cloud-wrapped passes, off-road descents through hillside villages, and the jade-green Nho Que River canyon far below. We ride through Hoang Su Phi, past Heaven's Gate, across the Dong Van Karst Plateau, and up to Lung Cu, with hill tribe markets, cultural encounters, and some of Vietnam's wildest roads woven into every stage. With bikes, mechanics, all meals, and accommodation handled, the Ha Giang Loop delivers exactly what it promises: one of the great cycling adventures in Asia.

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check into the hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. After settling in, expert mechanics carry out a thorough bike fitting, making sure every bike is dialled in to each rider’s preferences and body dimensions. Once everyone is geared up and ready, we gather for a welcome dinner of traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine, a chance to meet the group, get acquainted with the guides, and kick off the Ha Giang adventure properly.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar

Day 2: Hanoi to Hoang Su Phi

We’re picked up at 7:30 am for a 5-hour van transfer north, stopping en route for a local-style breakfast as the landscape starts to shift. After the transfer, a strong Vietnamese coffee and a quick change into cycling gear, and we’re off. The first 15 km (9.3 mi) are a gentle warm-up through rolling hills, with a lunch stop at a small local restaurant run by a young ethnic couple. Then the real climbing begins: a final 7 km (4.3 mi) push up to Hill Home in Hoang Su Phi, surrounded by spectacular terrace-covered hillsides.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hill Home Hoang Su Phi or similar
Cycling: 22 km (13.7 mi)
Elevation: +800 m (+2,625 ft)

Day 3: Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang City

We leave Hoang Su Phi early for one of the most visually spectacular days on the loop. The ride opens on off-road dirt paths, descending 400 m (1,312 ft) through 8 km (5 mi) of hillside villages, with terraced mountainsides following the contours of the landscape on every side. Closer to Ha Giang, the route passes through the homeland of 15 distinct ethnic minority tribes, each with their own heritage and traditions. We close the day with a steep final climb rewarded by sweeping views over Ha Giang City, then check into a boutique hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Four Points Ha Giang by Sheraton or similar
Cycling: 60 km (37.3 mi)
Elevation: +1,500 m (+4,921 ft)

Day 4: Ha Giang to Yen Minh

After a 25 km (15.5 mi) bus transfer along paved roads lined with terraced rice paddies, we saddle up and ride into the heart of Vietnam’s limestone mountain range. The terrain is relentless in the best possible way: steep climbs and fast descents through spectacular geological formations, misty terraces, and mountain minority communities where life moves at its own pace. The day’s centrepiece is Heaven’s Gate 1, a legendary mountain pass with sweeping views over the Tam Son valley and Twin Hills. We finish with a descent into the quiet town of Yen Minh.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Phuong Dong Hotel
Cycling: 60 km (37.3 mi)
Elevation: +1,500 m (+4,921 ft)

Day 5: Yen Minh to Dong Van

We start the morning with a short, leisurely ride to a nearby hill tribe market, a vivid snapshot of the Chinese-influenced culture of Vietnam’s far north, before the biggest climb of the trip. The Way of Happiness Road winds up across the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO-recognised geopark of extraordinary limestone formations, with the Hmong King Palace and Lung Cu Flag Pole Tower waiting at the summit. Lung Cu marks Vietnam’s northernmost point. Then 15 km (9.3 mi) downhill to Dong Van ancient town, where the evening is free for our own exploration.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Dongvan Ville Du H’Mong Hotel or similar
Cycling: 60 km (37.3 mi)
Elevation: +1,700 m (+5,577 ft)

Day 6: Dong Van to Meo Vac via Sky Walk and Nho Que

Today’s ride begins on the Sky Walk, a cyclist-friendly road alongside the magnificent Ma Pi Leng Pass that earns its name when the mist rolls in and the cliffs disappear into the clouds. We fly down a steep descent to the Nho Que River and board a boat for a cruise through one of Vietnam’s most dramatic canyon landscapes: walls of sheer rock rising 700 m (2,297 ft) from jade-green water on either side. After disembarking, the support van takes us back to the colourful village of Meo Vac for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Auberge de Meo Vac
Cycling: 30 km (18.6 mi)
Elevation: +700 m (+2,297 ft)

Day 7: Meo Vac to Du Gia

The most demanding day of the loop, and one of its most rewarding. We set off from Meo Vac toward the Mau Due-Lung Ho summit, a climb that tests even experienced cyclists but delivers some of the most panoramic views in Vietnam. A well-earned picnic lunch waits at the top. Then comes the descent: one of the fastest and most exhilarating stretches on the entire route, dropping all the way down to the tranquil riverside village of Du Gia. Tonight we rest at a comfortable lodge right on the water.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Chien’s Lodge or similar
Cycling: 54 km (33.6 mi)
Elevation: +800 m (+2,625 ft)

Day 8: Du Gia to Hanoi

We start the final morning at Du Gia’s local market, browsing traditional crafts and the colourful dress of the local hill tribe communities. Then we saddle up one last time: a 5 km (3.1 mi) climb through cliffs and caves gives way to a sweeping 20 km (12.4 mi) descent, followed by 10 km (6.2 mi) of flat riding into Ha Giang for a farewell lunch. After saying goodbye to the bikes, the support van transfers us back to Hanoi, arriving around 10 pm, with a dinner stop along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 38 km (23.6 mi)
Elevation: +800 m (+2,625 ft)

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Lodging & food

Homestays, guesthouses, and hotels

The Ha Giang Loop covers serious ground, and the places we sleep reflect every corner of it. Hanoi kicks off with a boutique hotel in the Old Quarter; from there, local homestays and guesthouses bring warmth and daily life in equal measure.

A night at Four Points Ha Giang by Sheraton offers a well-earned mid-route breather, while the Auberge de Meo Vac, perched above one of the loop’s most dramatic valleys, is a highlight in its own right. Every stop earns its place on this cycling tour.

Food

Northern Vietnamese food is a world away from what most visitors try in the south: heartier, less sweet, built around rice, fresh mountain herbs, and whatever the local market brought in that morning.

Along the route, meals lean local, from breakfasts before long days in the saddle to lunches at small ethnic-run restaurants hidden in the hills. Near Yen Minh, a hill tribe market visit brings Hmong and Dao traders and a chance to browse local produce and street food before the day’s biggest climb.

Adventure, packed to go

Northern Vietnam Cycling Tour: The Ha Giang Loop

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Truong

Truong is a cheerful and witty cycling guide who loves making people laugh out loud. Always smiling and greeting every farmer he passes, An brings warmth and connection to every journey. A ride with him is not just a bike trip - it’s a joyful cultural adventure filled with laughter, local insight, and unforgettable moments.

5.00

Kim

Kim Trong is a powerhouse bike guide. When not leading tours down Vietnam's roads with a big smile, he's pushing pedals like a champion. His strength on two wheels and friendly spirit make every ride fun and safe.

5.00

Thuan

As a lead cycling guide and partnership maestro, Thuan Khuu wears two helmets with style. On the road, he guides riders through Vietnam's hidden gems; in the office, he builds bridges with the partners. His dual expertise keeps the tours both exciting and excellently coordinated.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (3 reviews)

Lilian

We have now twice done a cycling tour with this company. We had a guide Ahn with us and the tours were tailored to our liking. The bikes are of very high quality. The guide showed us places we would never see as ordinary tourists. He introduced us to beautiful Vietnam food and wonderfully kind people. The Accomodation was lovely

Richard Vernon

Something different everyday with great locations and accommodation. Trọng was superb…he explained everything perfectly and he adapted the tour with thought and intelligence. He even laughed at my jokes! I have no hesitation In recommending the tour to any fairly competent cyclist.

Eyco Rogge

Great mechanics to maintain your bike. I recommend their bike tours as well.

Show all reviews

Lilian

Richard Vernon

Eyco Rogge

Great mechanics to maintain your bike. I recommend their bike tours as well.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local, English-speaking cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day northern Vietnam cycling tour (7 days of cycling)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights at local homestays, guesthouses, and hotels (double occupancy)
  - All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
  - Water, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruit on biking days
  - High quality MTB rentals & all biking gear (bike, helmet, tool kit, water cage)
  - Air-conditioned van for transfers
  - Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
  - Entrance fees & boat trips
  - Water bottle, backpack, t-shirt and cycling Jersey
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - E-bike rentals
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Airport transfers
  - Vietnam visa
  - Hotel early check-in/late check-out fees & overweight luggage fees
  - Personal expenses
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
Great fitness and previous cycling experience are needed for this tour. The Ha Giang Loop covers serious ground, but the daily profile varies more than you might expect. Some days are big, with up to 60 km (37.3 mi) and 1,700 m (5,577 ft) of climbing, while others are shorter and more forgiving.

If you’re a regular cyclist who’s comfortable with hilly terrain and consecutive days in the saddle, you’re in good shape for this northern Vietnam cycling tour.

A paid e-bike upgrade is available for those who want a mechanical assist on the bigger days without missing any of the route.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more cycling tours in Southeast Asia here!
High-quality mountain bikes in all sizes are provided for the full duration of the trip, complete with helmets, tool kits, and water cages. An e-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost and can be selected at checkout.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. The simplest option is the Vietnam e-visa, applied for online before travel and typically processed within 3 business days. Check current requirements for your nationality at the official Vietnam Immigration Department website.
Cycling:
- - Padded cycling shorts or bib shorts
  - Cycling jerseys (2-3)
  - Cycling gloves
  - Cycling shoes or stiff-soled shoes
  - Cycling socks
  - Chamois cream
  - Sunglasses
  - Helmet (provided)
Layers and clothing:
- - Arm warmers and leg warmers
  - Lightweight base layer for cold starts
  - Neck gaiter or buff
  - Light waterproof rain jacket
  - Comfortable off-bike clothes for evenings
  - Sandals or flip-flops
Essentials
- - Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
  - Insect repellent
  - Personal toiletries
  - Personal medication and any prescription drugs
  - Small personal first aid (blister treatment, pain relief, anti-chafe)
  - Power bank and charging cables
  - Camera
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this northern Vietnam cycling tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
  - Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost (subject to availability), or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
A northern Vietnam cycling tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this northern Vietnam cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost (subject to availability), or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of your northern Vietnam cycling tour is Hanoi. To get there, most people fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). From there, you can take a shuttle service or a taxi to reach Hanoi.

You will meet your guide at the hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the evening of Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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