Cycle the Hilltribes of Vietnam

16 days
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Small Group Tour
The remote mountains of northeast Vietnam encapsulate every element of a superb bike ride; challenging climbs and fantastic descents are rewarded with breathtaking views and an extremely warm welcome from the hospitable locals. We start our journey passing through verdant rice paddies and lake-flanked national parks before pedalling through the spectacula...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Quiet roads with little traffic in remote North-east Vietnam
    • Cycle through the UNESCO site of Ha Giang
    • See and learn about many traditional hill tribes
    • Freshwater lakes and dense forests of Ba Be National Park
    • Exhilarating descents and tough challenging climbs
    • Cruise among the limestone formations of Halong Bay

What's this trip about?

    The remote mountains of northeast Vietnam encapsulate every element of a superb bike ride; challenging climbs and fantastic descents are rewarded with breathtaking views and an extremely warm welcome from the hospitable locals. We start our journey passing through verdant rice paddies and lake-flanked national parks before pedalling through the spectacular karst limestone scenery of Ha Giang. A recent addition to the UNESCO list, this mountainous province is recognised for its high peaks and deep canyons which make for an entirely unique landscape. This area is also one of the last few places where traditional hill tribe life reigns strong; nearly 90% of the population are ethnic minorities, traditional subsistence farming is the mainstay of most and the colourful attire of many of the inhabitants signals the cultural diversity of the area. This insight into remote Vietnam is for many the absolute highlight but time spent in fascinating Hanoi and a cruise around the islands of Halong Bay is definitely the perfect reward after 10 days of challenging cycling.  Remote Vietnam at its best 

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityHanoi
End CityHanoi

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 11 lunches, 3 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
    • Arrival & departure transfers
    • Local bike hire

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Depart London.

Day 2 Arrive Hanoi

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where an unstoppable energy thrives alongside traditional Vietnamese culture and a colonial charm permeates the broad tree-lined boulevards, most noticeably from the faded French architecture. So whether you’re buying baguette...

Day 3 Hanoi; warm up ride around West Lake on outskirts of the city 

We’ll transfer a very short distance to the outskirts of Hanoi and get set up on our bikes before heading out on our warm-up ride of Tay Ho/West Lake. Now very much the most fashionable of addresses in Hanoi, our ride provides a glimpse into modern and traditional...

Day 4 Transfer to Ba Hang; cycle through tea plantations to Thai Nguyen 

Today begins with a 1 hour transfer into the countryside to avoid the Hanoi traffic. We start cycling in Ba Hang and are soon in the countryside passing through quiet roads flanked by rice fields. We pause for lunch at Nui Coc Lake; containing 89 islands mostly in...

Day 5 Ride through rice paddies and karst cliffs; boat into Ba Be National Park; overnight homestay

We take a brief 10 minute transfer out of the town this morning and start our cycle through quiet country roads passing by small agricultural holdings; expect to share the road with the odd motorbike transporting cattle, furniture and often a whole family.  Today...

Day 6 Undulating day; Tinh Tuc for lunch; end Bao Lac 

We cycle directly from the homestay this morning. Leaving the lake we immediately climb uphill on an unsurfaced track to reach the road again. We leave Ba Be N.P and cycle through many small village holdings for approx. 45km. We jump on the bus for a couple of hou...

Day 7 Cycle next to the turquoise Gam River; pass through traditional Hmong villages; Ma Pi Leng Pass; end at Dong Van

The first 20km are undulating until we reach the deep turquoise Gam River where locals cruise slowly along on bamboo rafts. We continue to climb and pass three new dams signalling the region's use of hydropower – it now generates more than a third of the country’s...

Day 8 Ride into UNESCO site of Ha Giang Geo Park; transfer to overnight homestay

Today we start from the hotel and ride along the magnificent Ha Giang Geo Park for 25km of cycling above the clouds amongst the towering limestone cliffs. We will stop at Vuong House, home to the much revered 19th century Hmong king. There’s enough time to visit t...

Day 9 Morning village trek; cycle amongst the thousands of limestone pinnacles and the famous 'twin hills' to Ha Giang town

We start this morning with a short trek through the village of Nam Dam to Chuc Son for a home breakfast. From here we will unload our bikes  and cycle our way up into the mountains again and will arrive at the wide tree-lined boulevards of Ha Giang town in time for a well-earned dinner in the provincial capital.  Elevation gain: 1000m *Truong Xuan Resort or similar*

Day 10 Challenging ascent followed by exhilarating 20km descent past huge rice terraces to Hoang Su Phi 

We jump on the bus for a short transfer to start the day (1 hour) before starting a challenging ascent through forest-flanked roads. The first 10kms are very steep but then the climb for the next 20kms is a little easier going. Our reward from the top is views of ...

Day 11 Rolling hills through dense pine forests to Bac Ha, famous for traditional steam baths 

Today sees us leaving the national park as we have a 30km undulating start to the day. We’ll pass through dense pine forest with the smell of these trees staying with us all morning. There are many small road side waterfalls which make for a refreshing face wash f...

Day 12 Easy morning ride; transfer to Hanoi 

Departing Bac Ha town is a largely downhill affair as we leave the hills and mountains behind and head into the lower lands for a leisurely cruise to the main highway. Our bus will be waiting for us for the transfer (4-5 hours approximately) back to Hanoi and we’l...

Day 13 Drive to Halong Bay; board boat and cruise among spectacular limestone formations

Today is a well-deserved full day of relaxation. We’ll board the bus to Halong Bay (4 hours) and board our private traditional junk boat upon arrival. Halong Bay is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks ris...

Day 14 Return to Hanoi; free time to explore the Old Quarter

We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi and there will be time to explore the Old Quarter of the city for those keen. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings and is a shoppers' del...

Day 15 Fly to London

Fly to London. 

Day 16 Arrive London

Arrive London

Land Only

Day 1 Start Hanoi

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where an unstoppable energy thrives alongside traditional Vietnamese culture and a colonial charm permeates the broad tree-lined boulevards, most noticeably from the faded French architecture. The leader will of course be on h...

Day 2 Hanoi; warm up ride around West Lake on outskirts of the city 

We’ll transfer a very short distance to the outskirts of Hanoi and get set up on our bikes before heading out on our warm-up ride of Tay Ho/West Lake. Now very much the most fashionable of addresses in Hanoi, our ride provides a glimpse into modern and traditional...

Day 3 Transfer to Ba Hang; cycle through tea plantations to Thai Nguyen 

Today begins with a 1 hour transfer into the countryside to avoid the Hanoi traffic. We start cycling in Ba Hang and are soon in the countryside passing through quiet roads flanked by rice fields. We pause for lunch at Nui Coc Lake; containing 89 islands mostly in...

Day 4 Ride through rice paddies and karst cliffs; boat into Ba Be National Park; overnight homestay

We take a brief 10 minute transfer out of the town this morning and start our cycle through quiet country roads passing by small agricultural holdings; expect to share the road with the odd motorbike transporting cattle, furniture and often a whole family.  Today...

Day 5 Undulating day; Tinh Tuc for lunch; end Bao Lac 

We cycle directly from the homestay this morning. Leaving the lake we immediately climb uphill on an unsurfaced track to reach the road again. We leave Ba Be N.P and cycle through many small village holdings for approx. 45km. We jump on the bus for a couple of hou...

Day 6 Cycle next to the turquoise Gam River; pass through traditional Hmong villages; Ma Pi Leng Pass; end at Dong Van

The first 20km are undulating until we reach the deep turquoise Gam River where locals cruise slowly along on bamboo rafts. We continue to climb and pass three new dams signalling the region's use of hydropower – it now generates more than a third of the country’s...

Day 7 Ride into UNESCO site of Ha Giang Geo Park; transfer to overnight homestay

Today we start from the hotel and ride along the magnificent Ha Giang Geo Park for 25km of cycling above the clouds amongst the towering limestone cliffs. We will stop at Vuong House, home to the much revered 19th century Hmong king. There’s enough time to visit t...

Day 8 Morning village trek; cycle amongst the thousands of limestone pinnacles and the famous 'twin hills' to Ha Giang town

We start this morning with a short trek through the village of Nam Dam to Chuc Son for a home breakfast. From here we will unload our bikes  and cycle our way up into the mountains again and will arrive at the wide tree-lined boulevards of Ha Giang town in time for a well-earned dinner in the provincial capital.  Elevation gain: 1000m *Truong Xuan Resort or similar*

Day 9 Challenging ascent followed by exhilarating 20km descent past huge rice terraces to Hoang Su Phi 

We jump on the bus for a short transfer to start the day (1 hour) before starting a challenging ascent through forest-flanked roads. The first 10kms are very steep but then the climb for the next 20kms is a little easier going. Our reward from the top is views of ...

Day 10 Rolling hills through dense pine forests to Bac Ha, famous for traditional steam baths 

Today sees us leaving the national park as we have a 30km undulating start to the day. We’ll pass through dense pine forest with the smell of these trees staying with us all morning. There are many small road side waterfalls which make for a refreshing face wash f...

Day 11 Easy morning ride; transfer to Hanoi 

Departing Bac Ha town is a largely downhill affair as we leave the hills and mountains behind and head into the lower lands for a leisurely cruise to the main highway. Our bus will be waiting for us for the transfer (4-5 hours approximately) back to Hanoi and we’l...

Day 12 Drive to Halong Bay; board boat and cruise among spectacular limestone formations

Today is a well-deserved full day of relaxation. We’ll board the bus to Halong Bay (4 hours) and board our private traditional junk boat upon arrival. Halong Bay is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with around 3000 limestone peaks ris...

Day 13 Return to Hanoi; free time to explore the Old Quarter

We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi and there will be time to explore the Old Quarter of the city for those keen. This charming city contains many beautiful old buildings and is a shoppers' del...

Day 14 End Hanoi

For land only clients, the tour ends this morning in Hanoi after breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,649
Price per day$166
Last Updated: 6/15/2021

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
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A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Hill tribes of Vietnam

Excellent trip well off the beaten track. Our leader, Loc, was exceptional The beautiful climbs, challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Views to die for Forst rate...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Wow. Loved every second.

I'm recently back from the November trip. This was my third Exodus holiday. The other two were great, but this one took it to another level. Literally. Those c...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

A glorious adventure.

A truly fantastic two week adventure, that saw us vist some jaw dropping scenery, eat some delicious food and cycle up some seriously big hills. It’s only been a w...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

The Hilltribes of Vietnam

For my husband and I this was our first venture into SE Asia. The appeal was to be among the first group to cycle this tour at a Catagory 5 'challenging' level. W...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 3 dinners are included. Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch with delicious fresh and fiery flavours. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup). Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five elements) meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. As this trip is remote you will struggle to find Western food in most locations (although Hanoi will fulfil all of these urges with every type of cuisine on offer). Most breakfasts will be traditional Vietnamese; on occasion this might mean warm rice pancakes cooked with fresh herbs or a noodle soup. There will also be a basic hotel buffet of baguettes, eggs and some cold meats available in some locations. Lunch will either be a picnic lunch that the team expertly prepare on the day or a stop in a local restaurant to sample some of the regional dishes. Vegetarians can be catered for but the choices will be limited, especially when out of Hanoi in the hills. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in SE Asia the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. You may find it beneficial to bring some 'cycling snacks' with you from home if you have high energy bars or gels that you like to use during a ride.  For those who wish to contribute, a snacking kitty is arranged  – fresh exotic fruit, nuts, savoury and sweet biscuits and local snacks are all provided from the snacking kitty along with drinks. 
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-MOU

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