Experience The Real Vietnam
Experience The Real Vietnam
We offer North East Vietnam challenging cycling through a stunning unexplored area rich with cultural and geographical wonders. From Vietnam’s buzzing capital, Hanoi, we journey to the remote undiscovered Ha Giang region. Cycling hilly hairpin bends amongst slopes, ridges, valleys, and limestone karsts the outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.
Terraced paddy fields and surreal limestone peaks are home to a vibrant, traditional tribal culture. Crops and dwellings seem to cling to the rocky terrain. We encounter Red Dao, Tay, White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo communities who, until recently, have lived in complete isolation from the outside world. We witness an unchanged way of life, visiting the local markets, and seeing wildlife including water buffalo, pigs, and horses.
Countryside Adventures Team
Cycling to explore the North -East is one of the best ways to experience and challenge yourself for these locations up to 2,000 meters above sea levels.
Cycling hilly hairpin bends amongst slopes, ridges, valleys, and limestone karsts the outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.
We encounter Red Dao, Tay, White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo communities who, until recently, have lived in complete isolation from the outside world.
Countryside Adventures Team
Cycling to explore the North -East is one of the best ways to experience and challenge yourself for these locations up to 2,000 meters above sea levels.
Cycling hilly hairpin bends amongst slopes, ridges, valleys, and limestone karsts the outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.
We encounter Red Dao, Tay, White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo communities who, until recently, have lived in complete isolation from the outside world.
Countryside Adventures Team
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Tam Dao -Vinh Yen. Start biking, this is a fascinating bike through many minority villages, as we climb onto a higher plateau. We stop for lunch then continue riding from Doan Hung town and then cycle passing coffee and tea plantations. We will transfer by vehicle into the busy Tuyen Quang city center, arriving late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Tuyen Quang.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
The ride begins with a 40km climb into the beautiful surrounding countryside off-road on a wide track. We pass through a patchwork of rice fields and plum orchards. After the 40km mark, we have a 12km, 900m lung-busting ascent. The scenery makes up for the hard work as we travel through a rolling landscape with stunning karst rock outcrops and trees. The land is home to the Tay, Nung hill tribes. We finish the day with a transfer 35km into the town of HaGiang.
Cycling distance: 50 -55km
Road condition: Hilly, off roads.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Setting off this morning we head out of town cycling for the first 25km on a relatively flat road through the landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. Passing through minority villages we cycle the next 25km up winding roads into the vast limestone mountain range with its perpendicular walls of rock, climbing 800m towards the mountain road pass “Heaven gate 1”. As we pass through mountain villages sometimes covered by cloud, we will receive a friendly greeting from the local communities. From the pass, we can look down at amazing views, including the famous vista of the Tam Son valley with the ‘Twin Hills and can spy Quan Ba town, our destination, in its beautiful location. It’s mainly downhill for the last 15km into Quan Ba.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.mixture flat and hilly
Riding require: Experienced rider
We will want to take our time today as our beautiful surroundings offer numerous photo opportunities and the rocky limestone and karst terrain is as diverse as it is beautiful. We cycle uphill for the first few km before a descent of around 10km and then relatively flat terrain for the next 10km. It’s a challenging up and down terrain to an altitude of 1.025m before we make a final descent for the last 15km into Yen Minh. We will have the chance to see the traditional homes of the local hill tribes. The communities in this area are Chinese.
Cycling distance: 35-40km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Today we cycle on semi-surfaced quiet roads as we undertake a challenging uphill ride out of dense cedar forest onto the rocky Dong Van plateau. A registered UNESCO Global Geopark, 80% of the terrain is covered by rock and it is said to contain fossils from 400-600million years ago. Nestled in a valley in the heart of the Rock Plateau, is the isolated town of Dong Van, very close to the Chinese border and surrounded by mountain forest and multi-colored orchids. Meaning ‘sharing culture’ Dong Van is occupied by Chinese Hoa, and Hmong, Tay and Kinh People. The houses are built in Chinese style.
As we cycle on the modest road from Dong Van to Meo Vac alongside a vast gorge, the views are spectacular. This is a winding and undulating road with the sight of the Nho Que River below. From the Ma Phi Leng Pass, we look down from an altitude of around 1500m into the valley. We stay tonight in the small town of Meo Vac. Most of the tribes living here have preserved their way of life from outside influence as traveling to Meo Vac was almost impossible until the recent construction of new roads.
Cycling distance: 50 – 60km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
There is a market daily in the town center of Meo Vac used mainly by the White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo hill tribes. Women dressed in their brightly colored traditional clothing walk into the town carrying their bamboo woven baskets laden with corn and vegetables. Today we follow a remote mountain road to Bao Lac. After a 5km uphill cycle, we make a 20km descent the follow a fairly flat road for the next 10km. The surrounding landscape with predominantly limestone formations is a surreal vista of peaks, troughs, towers, and caves. The crops and dwellings seem to perch precariously on the hillsides. There’s a relatively gentle uphill climb of 250m before we descend for the final 30km along flat terrain. We will pass people from the local minority communities along the way dressed in their vibrant tribal costumes. We stay tonight in Bao Lam.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Even in this isolated mountain town, there is a busy morning market. We set off for a full day of cycling along challenging terrain but the road is quiet and well surfaced. We cycle through a pretty valley to the tin-mining town Tinh Tuc, heading on to Nguyen Binh. We continue along challenging terrain, but the unparalleled beauty of our surroundings more than compensates for the challenges of cycling.
Cycling distance:50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
This morning we pack up our bikes and have a transfer back to Hanoi. We can relax this afternoon and enjoy the bustle and lively pace of Hanoi after our journey through the remote mountains.
Countryside Adventures Team
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Tam Dao -Vinh Yen. Start biking, this is a fascinating bike through many minority villages, as we climb onto a higher plateau. We stop for lunch then continue riding from Doan Hung town and then cycle passing coffee and tea plantations. We will transfer by vehicle into the busy Tuyen Quang city center, arriving late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Tuyen Quang.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
The ride begins with a 40km climb into the beautiful surrounding countryside off-road on a wide track. We pass through a patchwork of rice fields and plum orchards. After the 40km mark, we have a 12km, 900m lung-busting ascent. The scenery makes up for the hard work as we travel through a rolling landscape with stunning karst rock outcrops and trees. The land is home to the Tay, Nung hill tribes. We finish the day with a transfer 35km into the town of HaGiang.
Cycling distance: 50 -55km
Road condition: Hilly, off roads.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Setting off this morning we head out of town cycling for the first 25km on a relatively flat road through the landscape of terraced rice paddy fields. Passing through minority villages we cycle the next 25km up winding roads into the vast limestone mountain range with its perpendicular walls of rock, climbing 800m towards the mountain road pass “Heaven gate 1”. As we pass through mountain villages sometimes covered by cloud, we will receive a friendly greeting from the local communities. From the pass, we can look down at amazing views, including the famous vista of the Tam Son valley with the ‘Twin Hills and can spy Quan Ba town, our destination, in its beautiful location. It’s mainly downhill for the last 15km into Quan Ba.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.mixture flat and hilly
Riding require: Experienced rider
We will want to take our time today as our beautiful surroundings offer numerous photo opportunities and the rocky limestone and karst terrain is as diverse as it is beautiful. We cycle uphill for the first few km before a descent of around 10km and then relatively flat terrain for the next 10km. It’s a challenging up and down terrain to an altitude of 1.025m before we make a final descent for the last 15km into Yen Minh. We will have the chance to see the traditional homes of the local hill tribes. The communities in this area are Chinese.
Cycling distance: 35-40km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Today we cycle on semi-surfaced quiet roads as we undertake a challenging uphill ride out of dense cedar forest onto the rocky Dong Van plateau. A registered UNESCO Global Geopark, 80% of the terrain is covered by rock and it is said to contain fossils from 400-600million years ago. Nestled in a valley in the heart of the Rock Plateau, is the isolated town of Dong Van, very close to the Chinese border and surrounded by mountain forest and multi-colored orchids. Meaning ‘sharing culture’ Dong Van is occupied by Chinese Hoa, and Hmong, Tay and Kinh People. The houses are built in Chinese style.
As we cycle on the modest road from Dong Van to Meo Vac alongside a vast gorge, the views are spectacular. This is a winding and undulating road with the sight of the Nho Que River below. From the Ma Phi Leng Pass, we look down from an altitude of around 1500m into the valley. We stay tonight in the small town of Meo Vac. Most of the tribes living here have preserved their way of life from outside influence as traveling to Meo Vac was almost impossible until the recent construction of new roads.
Cycling distance: 50 – 60km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
There is a market daily in the town center of Meo Vac used mainly by the White Hmong, Tay, and Lo Lo hill tribes. Women dressed in their brightly colored traditional clothing walk into the town carrying their bamboo woven baskets laden with corn and vegetables. Today we follow a remote mountain road to Bao Lac. After a 5km uphill cycle, we make a 20km descent the follow a fairly flat road for the next 10km. The surrounding landscape with predominantly limestone formations is a surreal vista of peaks, troughs, towers, and caves. The crops and dwellings seem to perch precariously on the hillsides. There’s a relatively gentle uphill climb of 250m before we descend for the final 30km along flat terrain. We will pass people from the local minority communities along the way dressed in their vibrant tribal costumes. We stay tonight in Bao Lam.
Cycling distance: 40 -50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
Even in this isolated mountain town, there is a busy morning market. We set off for a full day of cycling along challenging terrain but the road is quiet and well surfaced. We cycle through a pretty valley to the tin-mining town Tinh Tuc, heading on to Nguyen Binh. We continue along challenging terrain, but the unparalleled beauty of our surroundings more than compensates for the challenges of cycling.
Cycling distance:50km
Road condition: Hilly, paved road.
Riding require: Experienced rider
This morning we pack up our bikes and have a transfer back to Hanoi. We can relax this afternoon and enjoy the bustle and lively pace of Hanoi after our journey through the remote mountains.
Countryside Adventures Team
Most of our accommodation are chosen as local places and home stay to make sure our guests will stay closely with the locals,thus will provide an inside of local life style and their cultures.
We offer New Ford Transis which is comfortable for transportation and always available at your side in case you need to take a break during a ride.
Local leaders at Countryside Adventures who all have strong passion in outdoor activities. Deep knowledge about History, culture and local cuisine. They know well and love their country are the most important to connect and happy to share with you all about whatever topics you may want to know.
We use Giant & Trek mountain bikes all size available at our bike store. Kids bikes are also provided. Please let us know your height on the time of tour booking and we will arrange proper bikes for you.
We do provide light breakfast & Lunch for most of our day trip. As we want you to experience local food, therefore, most of our meal break is at super local restaurant with healthy and special local food of the area.
We do provide healthy local snacks and drinks during our outdoor activities. We buy all snacks & drinks along the way to support local community.
Please send us your request for the best prices.
info@countrysidediscovery.com
Road conditions: Most of the roads in the Northwest are hilly and passes, mountainous terrain, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descent, and uneven trails.
The total cycling distance for 08 days is around 380 km, as a group size of 02 -05 riders, we will arrange 01 experienced cycle guides setting an even pace and stop often to visit points of interest and sample some of the local food. Our support vehicle follows close behind with plenty of refreshments. For a group size from 06 -12 riders, we will arrange 02 Cycling guides or 01 mechanics
BIKING GRADE
Moderate Grade means these tours involve active, physically required activities up to 03 – 06 hours per day, under variable weather conditions or quick attitude changes. You should be at a good level of fitness.
Who suits: Recommended for fit travelers
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Cycle 40 – 55 miles (or 65 – 88km) most days
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day (about 1200m)
Altitude: up to 12,000 ft. (about 3600m))
The bikes you will be riding are well-known such as Trek/ Giant or Cannondale makes of hybrid or mountain bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 27- 29 speed gearing, Disc-brakes, and Shimano components, and front suspension.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee to have spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube, and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is nonnegotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture, and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
THE BIKING DAYS
A typical biking day starts at about 7.30 am after breakfast. Lunchtimes can vary depending on the distance. We aim to reach the next overnight stop by 4.30 or 5:00 pm. During the biking, we will have short breaks for rest, snack,s and photographs.
Depending on the distance and the terrain the biking day can be part-drive part-ride or riding the whole way.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING WITH?
We recommend that you visit a travel medical doctor and ask about the following vaccinations: typhoid, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis A. A certificate for Yellow Fever is required when arriving from an infected area within six days.
The weather in Vietnam is split into two distinct weather patterns Tropical and temperate zone. The average temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees all year round but in the South, temperatures can stay almost the same. The Southern part of Vietnam has 2 distinct seasons. The cold season is from November to April and the hot season from May to October. Whilst in the North there are 4 seasons with a distinct difference between them. It can get cool in the winter but very warm in the summer.
The best months to travel in the north-east is during the dry season, from October to April, although December and January can get very cold. We recommend avoiding traveling during the rainy season (May to September).
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from noncycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Rice is the staple food in Vietnam. Soup with rice noodles is a national dish. Recipes for main meals make use of vegetables, meat, and fish. Herbs and spices used in food preparation include basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint, and black pepper. Other ingredients are garlic, onions, ginger, and lime juice. There are numerous types of noodles eaten at all times of the day and noodle and rice-based snacks wrapped in rice paper or leaves are available. Desserts include a variety of cakes and fresh fruit (bananas, durians, guavas, jackfruit, mangoes, oranges, persimmons, and pineapples). Popular drinks are tea, coffee, and beer. The local spirit is rice wine.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Coldwater, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
Countryside Adventures does not require you to pay a surcharge for traveling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveler of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
HOTELS AND HOMESTAY
In big towns, we use the finest 3-star with the central location. Please contact us if you prefer a higher hotel category. In remote areas, we use the best hotels or guest houses available.
Homestay in villages is basic in terms of bedding conditions and amenities. We will sleep on a bed or floor with a mattress, clean sheet, pillows, and mosquito nets. The toilet is usually a western style.
GENERAL BOOKING INFO
If this is the tour for you here’s what you need to do to confirm your place: Read our Booking Conditions.
When booking your tour, you’ll be required to pay a deposit to guarantee your place. For tours less than 7 days, the deposit amount is 100% of the tour price, per rider. For tours 7 days or longer, the deposit amount is 30% of the tour price, per rider.
Day tours and tours shorter than 7 days require full payment at the time of booking. For tours 7 days or longer, full payment must be paid 45 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights. Our confirmation will include personal details you provided us (including your flight information), visa application advice, a packing suggestion list, and a detailed tour itinerary. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday.
On the rare occasions when we, Countryside Adventures, must cancel a trip, all payments received to date will be 100% refunded, which constitutes full settlement. There will be absolutely no deductions. If you, the client, must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to when you cancel. For full details, please read our cancellation policy.
Countryside Adventures Team