Pedal Through Vietnam’s Striking Limestone Mountains: 6-Day Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive in Hanoi and enjoy free time.

Day 2: Hanoi/Mai Chau (30km cycling) (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through mountainous landscapes to Mai Chau, where you’ll check in at your resort. In the afternoon, it’s time to hop on your bike for a 30km ride along a mountain stream, following a single-track trail that leads to the Thai village of Buoc, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rugged limestone peaks.

The trail offers a fun mix of motorbike/cycle paths, winding through rice paddies and untouched villages. While the first few kilometers are a bit of a challenge with a steep climb, it’s manageable on foot if needed, and the rest of the ride is mostly downhill or flat.

Along the way, you’ll cross a rickety suspension bridge, visit a small kindergarten, and pass by charming villages and the countryside. You’ll always be within easy reach of motorbike support for any assistance. The day ends with an overnight stay in a local Thai minority village.

Day 3: Mai Chau/Pu Luong Nature Reserve (40km cycling) (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll continue cycling along the valley, following scenic country lanes and riding alongside the Ma River until you reach Co Luong. From there, you’ll board a boat for a relaxing downstream journey, passing beautiful riverside landscapes. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and explore local villages on the riverbank.

After an hour on the water, you’ll hop back on your bike and ride into Pu Luong Nature Reserve, navigating a mix of vehicle tracks and single-track trails. The route includes two stream crossings and winds through remote villages hidden among the hills.

After cycling 8km into the reserve, you’ll stop for lunch at Hang Village before continuing along a jeep trail made of hard-packed gravel and clay. The ride to Kho Muong Village, nestled at the base of towering limestone hills, involves some steep climbs, but the breath-taking scenery and glimpses of local villagers going about their daily routines make it a rewarding journey. You’ll spend the night in a lodge with beautiful views over the Pu Luong area.

Day 4: Pu Luong Nature Reserve/Cuc Phuong National Park (20km cycling) (B, L, D, G)

Today, you have two cycling options. For those seeking adventure, take on a thrilling 12km downhill single-track trail leading to the Nature Reserve’s only market. This route includes some technical sections, featuring a steep 3km descent, short but sharp ascents, and stream crossings. Alternatively, you can opt for a more relaxed ride along a jeep trail to visit the market (open only on Thursdays and Sundays). Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at a local café for a bowl of traditional noodle soup before continuing your ride to La Han Ferry, where you’ll cross the Ma River via a newly built bridge. From there, you’ll cycle to the small town of Canh Nang for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to Cuc Phuong National Park for a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, a sanctuary for gibbons and langurs rescued from poaching. Among the rare species housed here are Delacourt’s Langur, found in only a few locations in North Vietnam, and the critically endangered Cat Ba Golden Langur, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservationists are working tirelessly to rehabilitate these primates, with a carefully managed release program aimed at reintroducing them to their natural habitat. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse within the park, surrounded by the lush greenery of Vietnam’s oldest national park.

Day 5: Cuc Phuong National Park/Tam Coc (40km cycling) (B, L, D, G)

In the morning, you’ll be driven to the starting point of a scenic 7km hike through Cuc Phuong National Park’s lush subtropical forest. This ancient landscape is home to towering thousand-year-old trees, cascading vines, and a rich variety of wildlife. On the way back to the park headquarters, you’ll stop to explore a fascinating cave where prehistoric graves and relics have been discovered, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient past.

After lunch at the park’s canteen, you’ll continue your journey with a leisurely bike ride along quiet roads through Dong Giao Farm, passing through peaceful rural scenery. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Tam Coc, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore the charming village at your own pace. Your overnight stay will be in a hotel in the Tam Coc area, surrounded by breath-taking limestone karst landscapes.

Day 6: Tam Coc/Ninh Binh/Hanoi (12km cycling) (B, L, G)

In the morning, you’ll embark on a serene boat ride through Tam Coc, also known as the “Three Caves.” As you glide along the gentle river, you’ll pass through breath-taking limestone karst formations and lush rice paddies, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the valley. On the return journey, you’ll disembark for a leisurely 2km stroll through the peaceful countryside to Thai Vi Temple, a historic site nestled among the fields.

After lunch, you’ll continue cycling along a quiet single-lane road, passing through traditional villages on your way to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll visit two significant temples—one dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other honouring Emperor Le, both key figures in Vietnamese history. A brief stop at the remains of the old palace offers insight into the country’s rich past. From Hoa Lu, you’ll board your support vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi, bringing your journey to a close.