Legends of the North: Ha Giang and Cao Bang Road Biking

In the afternoon, meet your tour guide to go for a bike fitting. Later, we will meet for a welcome dinner to set the stage for our journey.

After a transfer out of the city, we begin cycling alongside a range of hills in Tam Dao. We reach Thac Ba Lake, an enormous reservoir that dates to the 1960s, and spend the night in a quiet community of the Dzao ethnic group.

Continue up a small road flanked by huge mountains on the two sides to approach Hoang Su Phi, with its rice terraces and rushing mountain streams where a rich mosaic of ethnic minority groups retain their distinct cultures in daily life. Transfer to our mountain lodging for dinner.

Ride along the Lo River and climb the Quan Ba mountain pass. Take in stunning vistas, including the famous Tam Son valley with the Twin Hills. Descending the pass, ride to Nam Dam, where the traditional Dzao lifestyle carries on in a beautiful village at the foot of Quan Ba mountain range.

Ride into Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark with a 10 km descent through Hmong villages, followed by riverside riding and two long, tough climbs. See the centuries-old clay-walled townlet of Pho Bang and relics of the Vuong Palace, named for the family that ruled over the region and controlled opium production.

A series of jagged climbs takes us to the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass and around Meo Vac Mountain. A long downhill takes us into river valleys where we cruise past dreamy scenery of bamboo forests, stilt houses, and vibrant green of the hillsides.

Pedal along the Gam River before a section of rolling hills with fruit orchards. Conquer the Me Pja and Khau Coc Cha passes, two of Vietnam's most scenic routes. Enjoy a downhill ride through the picturesque Ha Quang district to a beautifully-constructed farmstay that showcases the rural traditions of the area.

Ride to Pac Bo, which was once the hideout of Ho Chi Minh. Meet farmers using water buffalo to plow the fields and tending to a wide variety of crops amid a surreal mountain background. Cross the Quay River and conclude your day in picturesque Ban Gioc.

Rise early to witness the breathtaking cascades of Ban Gioc Waterfall, which straddles the border between Vietnam and China. Embark by bike Phia Thap, renowned for handmade incense production. Later, conquer the Ma Phuc Pass and arrive in Cao Bang. Explore the many small businesses and unique cultural sites in town!

This morning’s road is a highlight reel of scenic tea plantations, cornfields, and rolling hills with the pointed ridges known as the “Dragon’s Back” in the background. We will stay in Ba Be National Park, with stunning mountain scenery, semi tropical monsoon rainforest, and the largest natural fresh water lake in Vietnam.

The last cycling day on our trip takes us back southward, as we leave the highest mountains behind and pass through tea, palm, and gum tree plantations. Tonight, we will celebrate in style, reminiscing over this journey over a feast of Vietnamese specialties here in the capital.

We depart to continue exploring Vietnam, or other onward travels. Hẹn gặp lại!