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4 Days
Up to 1 day
15 people
English
Cao Bằng is home to several ethnic minorities that have preserved their unique traditions, though they remain among the poorest communities in Vietnam.
This tour offers some of the most stunning cycling routes in North Vietnam, in a region that is just beginning to open up to international tourists. You’ll explore the craft villages of Cao Bằng, including the peaceful village of Phia Thap, before cycling northeast toward the Chinese border. There, you’ll encounter the breathtaking Ban Gioc waterfall, where the water cascades between trees, with Vietnam on one side of the river and China on the other.
The route utilizes mostly sealed and unsealed roads (over 90% of the planned journey) with the remaining sections being well-maintained walking trails, making it suitable for those with limited mountain biking experience. However, a moderate level of fitness is required, especially for day 2 and day 3, which each involve stages of over 50 km.
Highlights of the tour include:
6:00 – Travel from Hanoi to Phia Thap Commune (by bus)
15:00 – Short bike ride around the homestay area
19:00 – Dinner at the homestay
Route Description:
After arriving at the homestay, you’ll have the chance to stretch your cycling legs with a short "there-and-back" ride through the local area. This ride takes us along wide dirt roads to a traditional paper-making village, where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at making paper using methods that locals have passed down for generations. Once you've tested your skills, we’ll take a relaxed ride back to the Phia Thap homestay village.
Overnight stay at Phia Thap.
7:00 – Ride from Phia Thap Homestay to Basket Weaving Village
8:00 – Participate in Basket Weaving Challenge
12:00 – Lunch at Swimming Spot
19:00 – Dinner at Homestay
Route Description:
Today, we’ll tackle the Phia Thap Epic Loop, a 40km ride that will really stretch your legs! The route takes us along a mix of dirt and sealed roads, with a small section of singletrack, through a local basket-weaving village. Here, you’ll not only see how baskets are made but also try your hand at weaving one yourself. We’ll continue along the southern part of the loop and make a refreshing stop at a natural spring, where you can cool off with a swim after lunch. After refueling, we’ll cycle north along a sealed road toward Quang Uyen, where you can grab drinks at the local shops. A short but steep climb out of town will bring us to the northern half of the loop, where we’ll pass through stunning countryside on our way back to the homestay for a well-earned rest.
Note: Water and fruit stations will be available along the trail.
Overnight stay at Phia Thap.
7:00 – Travel from Phia Thap Commune to Trung Khanh (by bus)
8:00 – Bike ride from Trung Khanh to Lung Niec Homestay
19:00 – Dinner at the homestay
Route Description:
Today is the longest day of the tour, distance-wise. We begin with a 40-minute bus ride to Trung Khanh, leaving behind the busy highway that leads to the Chinese border. After a quick water refill, we’ll ride north through stunning river landscapes, passing rice paddies, water wheels, and, on clear days, glimpsing the Chinese border in the distance. After crossing the beautiful Quay Son River, we’ll head southeast along sealed roads and village trails, then turn east toward our destination: the Lung Niec Homestay, located just a short distance from the iconic Ban Gioc waterfall.
Note: Water and fruit stations will be available along the trail. There will also be a lunch stop on the way.
Overnight stay at Lung Niec Homestay.
7:00 – Bike ride from Lung Niec Homestay to Ban Gioc Waterfall
8:00 – Participate in Community Development Project at Ban Gioc Waterfall
10:00 – Travel from Ban Gioc to Hanoi (by bus)
Route Description:
After breakfast, we’ll cycle from Lung Niec Homestay to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most picturesque natural landmarks in Vietnam. Upon arrival, we’ll engage in a community development project that helps preserve the beauty of the area and supports local efforts to maintain the waterfall’s surroundings. Following this enriching experience, we’ll board a bus for the journey back to Hanoi, reflecting on the unforgettable moments and landscapes we’ve encountered during the tour.
The majority of our tour guides are fluent in English, with some also speaking French. A few are proficient in other languages such as German, Russian, and Spanish. All our guides possess in-depth knowledge of the history, local culture, and religions of the areas you'll be cycling through. They are professionally trained and fully licensed in tour guiding.
Embark on a cycling adventure like never before! Tackle challenging terrains with our variety of bikes, including Hybrid, Road, Mountain, Single-speed, Children's bikes, and Electric-assisted bikes for a smooth and effortless ride. Join us for an exhilarating experience as you navigate adrenaline-pumping trails and picturesque routes, all with the perfect biking companions by your side.
During our cycling tours, we typically stay in small hotels, guesthouses, or homestays, with some accommodations being more basic than others. Please note that many of our overnight stops are in areas off the beaten path. In larger cities and towns, we usually stay in more modern, Western-style hotels, typically rated three or four stars (based on your preferred price option). Camping is not a standard option on our cycling tours in Vietnam, except in certain locations, and should be arranged well in advance. Camping is available only in select areas, such as Cat Ba Island Beach and Cuc Phuong National Park.
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