Northern Vietnam, cycling

Stunning natural beauty of historic Ninh Binh

Cycling through the hills, Northern Vietnam

Cycling group taking a rest en route to Pu Luong,

New

Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle

Cycle northern Vietnam from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh through rice terraces and karst landscapes

Vietnam

5 Days from

$1160 USD

Trip Code: CNV

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

e-Bike Upgrade

$80 USD

Single Supplement

$230 USD

Duration

5 Days

Activities

4 days cycle

Style

In Comfort Adventures

Accommodation

4 nights hotel

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

43kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(170kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cycle through Mai Chau valley surrounded by rice fields and karst mountains
Ride into Pu Luong Nature Reserve past traditional villages and terraced landscapes
Traverse limestone landscapes, forested hills and river valleys
Begin and end in Hanoi, experiencing Vietnam’s capital and cultural centre

Overview

Cycle through the diverse landscapes of northern Vietnam, travelling from the energy of Hanoi to the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau, Pu Luong and Ninh Binh. After leaving the city behind, the journey begins with a scenic ride through rice paddies and traditional villages, offering an early glimpse into rural life before arriving in the Mai Chau Valley. The adventure builds as you tackle more challenging terrain en route to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with rewarding climbs and descents through remote countryside, passing terraced rice fields and minority communities. An overnight stay in a local homestay provides a chance to unwind and experience the quieter rhythm of the region. From Pu Luong, enjoy a memorable descent before continuing toward Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” for its striking limestone karst formations rising from the surrounding paddies. Your final day offers a more relaxed ride through this distinctive landscape, followed by a guided boat journey through caves and hidden lagoons. Returning to Hanoi, the trip concludes with a farewell dinner — an opportunity to reflect on a rewarding journey through some of Vietnam’s most varied and visually striking regions.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Leaving Hanoi, a transfer takes you into the foothills of northern Vietnam where the landscape quickly shifts from urban density to rural mountains. After breakfast and bike fitting, riding begins among the villages of the Muong people, with quiet roads weaving through rice paddies and forested hills. The route climbs steadily along a mix of paved roads and cross-country tracks, passing limestone karst formations and opening views toward the Hoa Binh Reservoir. A series of climbs and descents leads into the Mai Chau Valley, where steep mountains surround wide expanses of rice fields. Accommodation: Mai Chau Eco Lodge or similar Total ascent: 500–700m / 1640–2297ft

Meals: B,L,D

A sustained climb leads out of Mai Chau Valley, gaining elevation toward a more remote plateau. As the road rises, views extend across terraced hillsides and layered mountain landscapes, marking the transition into a quieter region of northern Vietnam. The route then follows shaded paths alongside streams before entering Pu Luong Nature Reserve. After a flatter section through rice fields and small villages, a second shorter but steeper climb leads to the lodge, set within the reserve’s forested valleys. Accommodation: Amigo Pu Luong Resort or similar Total ascent: 500–700m / 1640–2297ft

Meals: B,L,D

The day begins with a steep descent through Pu Luong’s terraced landscapes, dropping into the valley below. From here, the route follows a quieter cross-country track, passing through bamboo forest and more remote sections of the countryside. After a short transfer, cycling resumes toward Ninh Binh, where the landscape shifts to limestone karst formations rising sharply from rice paddies. This region, often compared to Ha Long Bay, offers a distinct change from the mountainous terrain of previous days. Tonight, we come together for our farewell dinner to celebrate the journey we’ve shared. Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort or similar Total ascent: 500m / 1640ft

Meals: B,L,D

The day begins with a relaxed ride through Ninh Binh’s countryside and historic landscapes. The route passes limestone formations and rural villages and is relaxed, with time to stop and take in the surrounding scenery. Cycling is followed by a 1.5hr boat journey through river caves and narrow lagoons, offering a different perspective of the region. After lunch, a transfer returns us to Hanoi by 6pm and we end the day with a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or similar

Meals: B,L

The trip concludes after breakfast in Hanoi with time for independent exploration or onward travel. The capital offers a mix of historic architecture, markets and cultural sites reflecting Vietnam’s long history. Travellers may choose to extend their stay or explore further regions. Arrangements conclude after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

All meals as specified in the itinerary: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
All biking gear (mountain bike, helmet, 10L pannier, water cage)
Good quality hotel accommodation and local homestay-style accommodation in Pu Luong
Support vehicle for luggage, equipment and transfers
Sightseeing and boat trip in Ninh Binh
Experienced local cycling guides
Mechanical support during cycling days
Water, soft drinks, snacks and fruit on cycling days
Souvenir water bottle, drawstring backpack, t-shirt and cycling jersey

Not included

International flights
Airport transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Personal expenses
Meals not listed as included
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included