Cyclists enjoying a refreshing coconut roadside in Vietnam | Lachlan Gardiner

Rice paddy cycling in Vietnam | Richard I'Anson

Turquoise waters in Pu Luong, Northern Vietnam

Sharing the paths with locals on the Pu Luong hike

Comfortable accommodation in Pu Luong, Vietnam

Simple Vietnamese homestay meal

Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam

Name: Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: NVB
Rating: 4.70 (10 reviews)

Take the path less travelled and bike, hike & kayak through spectacular North Vietnam



10 reviews

7 Days from

$2260 USD

Trip Code: NVB

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam - E-Bike Upgrade (Days 1 & 2 only)

$70 USD

Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam Single supplement

$170 USD

Solo Traveller Supplement

$1520 USD

Duration

7 Days

Activities

3 day cycle
2 day hike
2 day kayak

Accommodation

4 nights local guesthouse
2 nights hotel

Meals

4 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 10

Introductory

Trip highlights

Hike along stunning rice terraces, kayak across turquoise lakes & cycle through river valleys
Cycle in beautiful Mai Chau and Ninh Binh
Hike through rugged & remote Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Hike in picturesque Cat Ba National Park
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Overview

Take the path less travelled and bike, hike & kayak through rugged and remote North Vietnam. Hike along stunning rice terraces, kayak across turquoise lakes and cycle through river valleys past gently turning waterwheels. The combination of stunning scenery and back roads adventuring makes this an ideal trip for anyone looking for an active and engaging journey in Northern Vietnam.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel at around 9am to begin the journey west to Hoa Binh. If you’ve arranged your own pre-tour accommodation, please make sure your reservations consultant has these details so we can coordinate your pickup. You'll bypass the town centre and head north, entering the mountains of the Song Da range. After a light lunch at a local restaurant, you'll start your afternoon ride. Today’s cycling is a solid introduction to the terrain ahead, covering around 26 km (6 mi) on sealed roads through hilly country, with climbs and descents. Your route winds through remote Muong ethnic lands near the Da Reservoir, ending in the small village of Mo Hem. It’s a strikingly peaceful setting, with a real edge-of-the-world feel. You’ll be hosted in a traditional Muong stilt house and, time permitting, can enjoy a swim in the lake before dinner. Driving: (±)92 km (57 mi) Cycling: (±)26 km (16 mi) | Sealed road | Hilly terrain | +936 m / -1078 m Overnight: Muong ethnic guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: L,D

After saying farewell to your hosts, you’ll set off on a peaceful paddle across the stunning Da Reservoir, surrounded by jungle-covered mountains. Your bike will travel with you on the support boat as you kayak 7 km (4.3 mi), a journey that takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The kayaks are basic but reliable, and the best available in this remote area. Once you reach the far side of the lake, you’ll stop for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll jump back on your bike for a 30 km (18.6 mi) ride along a quiet road winding through the mountain foothills. After an initial climb to rejoin the old colonial road, it’s a long, scenic descent into the Mai Chau Valley. From there, you’ll ride through the small town and continue into a peaceful sub-valley to reach your guesthouse for the night in Mai Hich. Kayaking: (±) 7 km (4.3 mi) | 2–2.5 hrs Cycling: (±) 30 km (18.6 mi) | Sealed road | +334 m / -357 m Overnight: Mai Hich local guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll travel by bus around 35 km (22 mi) towards the Laos border to reach the entrance of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You’ll begin your trek from Ban Bang village, setting off on foot through a landscape of limestone mountains, jungle, terraced rice fields and winding rivers. The walk takes around 4 hours and leads you through quiet hamlets and wilder stretches of the reserve. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the remote village of Kho Muong. From here, it’s a short walk up to the road where your vehicle will be waiting to take you on a brief transfer to your guesthouse for the night. Driving: (±) 35 km (22 mi) Hiking: (±) 14 km (8.7 mi) Overnight: Pu Luong guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll depart Pu Luong and travel east towards the Ninh Binh region. After about 3 hours on the road, you’ll arrive in the lush Tam Coc Valley, often called the inland Halong Bay for its dramatic limestone scenery. Lunch is served in a peaceful garden house before you hop on your bike to explore the area. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 15 km (9.3 mi) ride along quiet backroads, weaving between rice paddies, lagoons and limestone karsts. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hang Mua and climb its 450 steps for panoramic views across the countryside. The ride finishes at the historic capital of Hoa Lu. From there, a short drive takes you to your hotel, where you can unwind with a swim in the pool. Driving: (±) 130 km (81 mi) Cycling: (±) 15 km (9.3 mi) | Sealed, flat roads Overnight: Le Clos du Fil Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

After an early breakfast, you'll drive around 2-3 hours to the coast and catch a 20 minute ferry to Cat Ba Island. After lunch, you'll hike across the dense jungle of Cat Ba National Park. Today's hike covers three peaks with significant ascents, descents, and steep, uneven trails. Conditions may be slippery in wet weather, so be prepared for a challenging day on the trail. If you prefer not to trek, a non-trekking option is available at an additional cost and needs to be booked in advance. This includes an boat transfer instead of hiking in the park. A local guide will meet you at Cai Vieng pier where you will transfer via bus, boat, and basic local bike to our guesthouse. The journey takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will have free time to relax for the rest of the day, with lunch provided at the guesthouse. Hikers will return in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset of Viet Hai village - a secluded hamlet tucked away between the sea and the forest. Check into our rooms in a local guesthouse, and relax before dinner. Driving: (±) 190 km (118 mi) Hiking: (±) 9km (6 mi); 3-4hrs Overnight: Lan Homestay or similar

Meals: B,L,D

You’ll start the day with around a 5 km (3.1 mi) bike ride from the guesthouse to the coast, where your boat will be waiting. From here, you’ll cruise into the more remote corners of the Halong archipelago, within the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay. The day is all about exploring by boat and kayak. You’ll paddle through sheltered coves, visit a floating house, and stop at a quiet sandy beach for a swim or to simply relax in the sun. Lunch is freshly prepared and served onboard. In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise back to Cat Ba Island and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Cycling: (±) 5 km (3 mi) Kayaking: flexible Overnight: Cat Ba Paradise Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

This morning you’ll drive to the pier to board the ferry back to the mainland. On the way to Hanoi, you’ll stop to explore the fascinating Hospital Cave, a hidden medical bunker used during the war. You can expect to arrive in Hanoi by mid-afternoon, with time to enjoy a late lunch. If you haven’t booked your post-tour accommodation with World Expeditions, please make sure your reservations consultant has your hotel details so we can assist as needed. Driving: (±)130 km (±81 mi)

Meals: B

What’s included?

Included

6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
4 nights accommodation in local guesthouse on multi-share basis, and 2 nights hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis
Services of a bilingual guide
Private vehicles
Kayaking equipment including life jackets
Modern mountain bikes & support vehicle on cycling days
Drinking water & snacks while cycling
Site entry and National Park fees

Not included

Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills
Tips and gratuities
International airfares and departure taxes
Visa costs
Travel Insurance
Bike helmet (compulsory)

Adventure Highlighted Video

Bike, Hike & Kayak Vietnam with Australian Geographic Outdoor & World Expeditions

Reviews (10)



Modern Mountain Bikes

The bikes used on this trip are modern aluminium framed, front suspension mountain bikes. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by disc brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you. * Kindly take note that a basic local bike will be provided for use in Ninh Binh on day 4.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

E-Bikes Available

Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains with ease, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. Electronic Bikes make it possible and are available to hire on this trip (day 1 & 2 only) for an additional fee (see prices below). The E-bikes available feature Hybrid Cycling Technology, combining electric and human power to produce the most efficient, powerful and natural E-bike riding experience. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by hydraulic disc brakes. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Kayaking Equipment

Kayaks are provided with paddles and life jackets. Kayaking on this trip is suitable for beginners and your expert guide will provide instruction and a safety briefing.

Guaranteeing A Great Vietnam Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Thoughtful Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Stay in the loop

Ullamcorper nullam a laoreet id risus a ullamcorper eu parturient fringilla dictumst

###activeCampaignForm###

BIG Adventures with a
small footprint, since 1975.

Part of the World Expeditions Travel Group.

Learn more about our family of Adventure & Active travel brands.

Performance Cookies

Functional Cookies

Targeting Cookies