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Cycling Nature Experience

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Northern Vietnam

The Vietnam omitted from standard travel brochures

7 nights, 6 stages, 377 km and more than 5,000 m of elevation gain to discover Cao Bang in Northern Vietnam in a way very few travellers experience it: by bike, in a small group and with full support throughout the route.

A journey designed to ride without rushing, enjoy the scenery and experience Vietnam from the inside.

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The detour that changed everything

When we first traveled to Northern Vietnam, Cao Bằng wasn't even on our itinerary. Our plan was to ride the famous Ha Giang Loop.

However, just a few days before arriving, a typhoon hit the region, forcing us to rethink our journey entirely.

With the map spread out in front of us, we looked for an alternative. We chose Cao Bằng almost by chance, never imagining it would become one of those places you never forget.

During those days, we got lost more than once. We asked locals for directions, followed tracks and roads that appeared on no itinerary, and every day ended with the same feeling:

We had uncovered a side of Vietnam completely different from what we had expected.

During those days, we got lost more than once. We asked locals for directions, followed tracks and roads that appeared on no itinerary, and every day ended with the same feeling:

Then, we designed a brand-new expedition centered around Cao Bằng.

Because this is how we build our trips. We don’t choose places because they are the most famous. We choose them because, after riding them ourselves, we believe they are worth discovering by bike.

And before every new expedition, we return to check the roads, accommodation and logistics. Because Vietnam changes, routes change, and we’d rather discover any changes ourselves before our travellers do.

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Worried about the elevation gain or the weather? You won't be riding alone

It’s completely normal to have doubts. Vietnam features demanding mountain passes, heat, and humidity. But we don't want you spending months wondering if you'll be able to keep up with the group. That’s why we do things differently.

1

We train together

From home

Months before the trip, we build you a customized training plan on intervals.icu adapted to your routine, ensuring you arrive fully prepared.

2

We ride by your side:

a real group

The same people who design your training plan are the ones going to Vietnam to guide you, cheer you on during the climbs, and set a pace everyone can enjoy.

3

Support Vehicle

always behind

If your legs call it quits one day, the support van is just a few meters back so you can rest without any pressure, recharge, and jump back on whenever you like.

NORTH VIETNAM

Trip Specifications

7 Nights · 6 Stages · 377 km · +5,700 m

Duration 7 nights / 6 stages
Distance 377 km
Elevation Gain +5.700 m
Start / Finish Hanoi
Discipline Gravel
Level Challenging
flight_takeoff
Upcoming Departures
28/12/2026 27/01/2027 14/03/2027
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NORTH VIETNAM

Your route, stage by stage

01
STAGE 1 · 52 KM · +450 M

Hanoi → Cao Bằng

ON THE ROUTE

We leave Hanoi behind and head north in our van. Once in Cao Bằng, we set up the bikes and ride 52 km on quiet roads. No rush. Today has one simple goal: to start experiencing Vietnam from the saddle.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

The first real contrast of the journey. From the noise of Hanoi to the silence of the northern mountains. Small villages, rice fields and that first feeling of entering a Vietnam very different from the one most travellers know.

02
STAGE 2 · 65 KM · +850 M

Cao Bằng → Quảng Uyên

ON THE ROUTE

Today, the real north begins. 65 km across Ma Phuc Pass and through a succession of valleys, quiet roads and limestone mountains.

If you’re still feeling strong, we can extend the stage to around 90 km.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

Angel Eye Mountain is one of those places that’s hard to capture in a photo. We’ll ride into this vast valley hidden between the mountains and finish the day staying in a traditional Nùng house.

03
STAGE 3 · 75 KM · +720 M

Quảng Uyên → Ban Gioc

ON THE ROUTE

75 km following the Quây Sơn River through rice fields, small villages and karst formations. A stage to find your rhythm and enjoy kilometre after kilometre of quiet roads where traffic almost disappears.

If your legs are asking for more, we can extend the stage to around 90 km.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

Today we’ll link together some of the highlights of the journey: the valley’s rice fields, Nguom Ngao Cave and, at the end of the day, Ban Gioc. Arriving by bike at one of Asia’s most spectacular waterfalls is something you won’t forget.

04
STAGE 4 · 80 KM · +1.100 M

Ban Gioc → Pac Bo

ON THE ROUTE

80 km of rolling, leg-sapping terrain through one of the most remote parts of the expedition. We’ll spend much of the day riding close to the Chinese border, linking quiet mountain roads through a spectacular landscape.

For anyone looking for an extra challenge, we can extend the stage to around 100 km.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

Probably the day you’ll feel furthest from home. Tiny villages, limestone mountains and long stretches where we’ll barely see another soul. We’ll finish in Pac Bo, surrounded by crystal-clear water and one of the most important places in Vietnam’s history.

05
STAGE 5 · 75 KM · +1.250 M

Pac Bo → Pac Ngoi · Ba Bể

ON THE ROUTE

The queen stage. 75 km and +1,250 m of climbing, with the mountains taking centre stage. We’re not here to chase records — we’re here to finish together. And if your legs need a break, our support van will be nearby.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

After several days riding through the north, Ba Bể finally appears. Descending into the National Park and finishing the stage in Pac Ngoi, right on the lakeshore, is one of those arrivals that explains exactly why we designed this trip.

06
STAGE 6 · 30 KM · +380 M

Pac Ngoi → Cho Ra · Hanoi

ON THE ROUTE

The final 30 km. A short, relaxed stage through villages and farmland, enjoying the last few kilometres on the bike before getting back into the van and returning to Hanoi.

WHAT MAKES THIS STAGE SPECIAL

Before we leave, we’ll experience Ba Bể from a different perspective: out on the water. Then comes that inevitable moment at the end of any great trip — returning to Hanoi with everything that happened over these six days still fresh in your mind.

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Everything set so all you have to do is pedal

You ride. We make everything else flow smoothly.
Paloma coordinates the logistics so that, when you finish each stage, your luggage is already waiting in your room and all you need to think about is showering, eating and resting. We also choose accommodation with local character, because for us the journey doesn’t end when you get off the bike.

Small Group

Maximum 8 riders. Small enough to ride like a group of friends, not like an organised tour.

Pre-Trip Training

Personalised training plan included, so you arrive in Vietnam prepared and ready to enjoy every stage.

WE RIDE WITH YOU

We don’t just hand you a GPX file and disappear. We ride alongside you through all six stages, setting the pace for the group.

Support Vehicle

Support van during every stage, plus luggage transfer. If you need to stop, your journey keeps moving.

Accommodation with local character

Hotels and locally selected accommodation chosen to help you rest well while still experiencing Vietnam after each stage.

Transfers Included

We pick you up in Hanoi and take care of all transfers throughout the expedition until we return to the city.

From €1,495 per person

New Group Rates

The more people in your booking, the lower the price for everyone:

1 person 2.095 €
2 people 1.995 €
4 people 1.795 €
6 people 1.695 €
8 people 1.495 €

To secure your spot, a 30% deposit is required upon booking confirmation.

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Clear up any doubts before getting your bike ready.

This is a gravel cycling trip.

You can travel with your own bike or, if you’d rather not transport it all the way to Vietnam, we can arrange a gravel bike rental from $20 per day and have it ready for you when you arrive.

We will just need your frame size and bike fit measurements in advance.

 

 

Our support vehicle stays with us throughout every stage and meets the group at different points along the route.

At these stops, you can refill your water bottles, grab sports nutrition, leave extra layers, receive technical support, or simply take a break.

 

 

This isn’t a trip for beginners, but with the right preparation you’ll be able to enjoy the route to the fullest.

You need a solid endurance base and should be used to spending several hours on the bike over consecutive days.

In addition, before the trip you will have our training plan to arrive prepared.

And remember: we travel with support vehicleIf you need to rest, shorten a stage, or skip a climb one day, you can do so.

Here, the goal isn't to prove anything. It's to enjoy.

Vietnam has a tropical climate, with heat and humidity, and that’s part of the experience.

That's why we roll out early to take full advantage of the cooler morning hours.

Along the route, the support vehicle stays stocked with cold water, hydration mixes, and nutrition,giving us the flexibility to adjust the pace or shorten the stage if needed.

The idea is simple: adapt to Vietnam.

No, mandatory insurance is not included so that each participant can select and purchase a policy that best fits their country of origin and personal circumstances. It is a strict travel requirement that your insurance policy specifically covers road cycling, full medical assistance, and repatriation. If needed, we can advise you on finding a suitable option.

 

Your main luggage will travel in our support vehicle from one accommodation to the next.

On your bike, you'll only need your water bottles and whatever essentials you want to carry during the stage.

You pedal. We move the rest.

.

 

After every stage, we look for something pretty straightforward: a great night's rest in a place that feels like part of the journey itself.

We choose comfortable stays packed with local character where you can recharge your legs, enjoy a great dinner, and kick back at the end of the day with the group.

 

We want everything to be clear right from the start. The following are excluded from the trip price:

  • International flights Round-trip flights to Bali.
  • Road bike rentalthough we can arrange this for you in Bali if you prefer not to travel with your own.
  • Personal cycling gear helmet, cycling shoes, water bottles, and kit.
  • Travel insurance,which must cover road cycling, full medical assistance, and repatriation
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expensessuch as laundry, minibar, or extra purchases.
  • Meals or dinners not specifically marked as included in the itinerary.
  • Specific replacement parts for your personal bike in case of breakdown or wear and tear during the trip.

Everything else will be clearly detailed before you confirm your booking.

The adventure starts with a "hello"

We’re not asking for a credit card right now. We just want to get to know you, understand your cycling level, and see if this trip matches what you're looking for. Fill out the form, let's have a virtual coffee, and we'll share all the details.

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