Vietnam trekking mountain biking
Vietnam Trekking &Mountain biking tour
Fansipan Trekking & Northwest Mountain Bike Adventure
Duration: 9 days / 9 nights – arrival in Hanoi on the morning of Day 10
Activities: Mountain biking, trekking and camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Group size: 2–8 riders
Best season: October to May
Trip Highlights
Vietnam is a country of extraordinary natural beauty, with towering mountains, limestone landscapes, tropical forests, river valleys and culturally diverse ethnic communities.
This challenging adventure combines a three-day trek to the summit of Fansipan—Vietnam’s highest mountain at 3,143 metres—with five exciting mountain-biking stages through Sapa, Lao Cai and Bac Ha.
You will cycle along quiet mountain roads, forest tracks, dirt trails and remote village paths. The journey also includes a boat trip along the Chay River and visits to Black H’mong, Flower H’mong and other ethnic minority communities in Northwest Vietnam.
This tour is designed for physically fit travellers with previous trekking experience and confident off-road cycling skills.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Overnight Train to Lao Cai
Meals: Dinner
Meet your guide at the hotel in Hanoi. Our team will collect and prepare the bicycles before the journey.
After dinner, transfer to Hanoi Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai. The train normally departs at approximately 8:30 PM.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa by Mountain Bike
Distance: Approximately 65 km
Elevation: +1,250 m / –500 m
Off-road: Approximately 10%
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station in the early morning and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant.
After preparing the bikes, begin riding towards Sapa using a combination of quiet back roads and mountain routes. The stage includes a long and demanding climb as we gradually gain altitude from Lao Cai to Sapa.
Arrive in Sapa in the afternoon and check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the town.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 3: Sapa – Tram Ton Pass – Fansipan Base Camp
Trekking altitude: Approximately 1,940–2,800 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, transfer approximately 15 km by vehicle, passing Silver Waterfall on the way to Tram Ton Pass at approximately 1,940 metres.
Begin trekking through the tropical forest of Hoang Lien National Park. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic location overlooking the western side of the mountain range.
In the afternoon, the trail becomes narrower, steeper and more technical. Some sections may be wet and slippery, especially after rain.
Reach the campsite at approximately 2,800 metres in the late afternoon. The guide and porters will prepare the tents and dinner.
Weather permitting, enjoy a memorable evening surrounded by the wild mountain landscape.
Accommodation: Tent at approximately 2,800 m
Day 4: Fansipan Summit – Mountain Camp
Maximum altitude: 3,143 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake early and prepare for the final ascent to Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina.”
Follow a steep mountain trail through forest and dwarf bamboo. The vegetation becomes shorter as we approach the summit. The climb is physically demanding, and certain sections may require careful scrambling.
After approximately two to three hours, reach the summit of Fansipan at 3,143 metres. On a clear day, the summit offers magnificent views across the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
After taking photographs and celebrating the achievement, descend carefully to the camp at approximately 2,800 metres for lunch and a well-earned rest.
Continue descending during the afternoon. Some sections follow narrow paths along steep mountain slopes and require concentration, good balance and careful footing.
Set up camp at approximately 2,200 metres, where the team will prepare dinner.
Accommodation: Tent at approximately 2,200 m
Day 5: Fansipan Trek – Sin Chai Village – Sapa
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, continue descending through a protected section of Hoang Lien National Park. This area is known for its rich plant life, forest scenery and mountain wildlife.
After a picnic lunch, trek down to Sin Chai, a traditional Black H’mong village located beneath Fansipan Mountain.
Spend time exploring the village before transferring by vehicle to Sapa. Check into the hotel, enjoy a hot shower and spend the evening at leisure.
Dinner is at your own expense, allowing you to choose from Sapa’s many local restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 6: Sapa – Ban Ho – Thanh Kim – Lao Cai
Distance: Approximately 85 km
Off-road: Approximately 35 km
Elevation: +780 m / –1,000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Depart from the hotel at approximately 8:00 AM.
Begin with an enjoyable descent from Sapa towards Ban Ho village. Continue riding through Thanh Kim before starting a challenging off-road climb along dirt tracks towards Tang Loong.
The route then descends towards Nam Thang through remote mountain and rural landscapes. A packed lunch will be served along the way.
In the late afternoon, meet the support vehicle for the transfer to Lao Cai.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lao Cai
Day 7: Lao Cai – Coc Ly – Chay River – Bac Ha
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Off-road: Approximately 38 km
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,300 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant, with options such as Vietnamese noodle soup, pancakes, bread, coffee and tea.
Transfer by support vehicle to the starting point near An Ho. Begin cycling through Phin Giang and Bao Tan towards Coc Ly.
Today’s route includes two demanding climbs of approximately three to five kilometres, with gradients reaching around 10%.
Upon arrival in Coc Ly, board a local boat for a scenic journey of approximately one hour along the Chay River. The bicycles will be transported on the same boat.
Disembark near Bao Nhai and continue cycling through Coc Dao before climbing towards Bac Ha.
Because much of this route is inaccessible to larger vehicles, the support van may not be able to follow the group throughout the entire stage. Riders should therefore be comfortable cycling in remote terrain.
Arrive in Bac Ha and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bac Ha
Day 8: Bac Ha Mountain-Biking Loop
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Elevation: +1,150 m / –500 m
Terrain: Off-road tracks, singletrack and dirt trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, begin a full-day mountain-biking loop from Bac Ha.
Cycle through Flower H’mong villages and remote mountain communities using a mixture of dirt roads, local trails and technical singletrack.
The route includes several sustained climbs of five to seven kilometres. Although the daily distance is moderate, the rough terrain and elevation gain make this a challenging stage.
Return to Bac Ha in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bac Ha
Day 9: Bac Ha – Coc Ly – Lao Cai – Overnight Train to Hanoi
Distance: Approximately 45–50 km
Terrain: Downhill roads, dirt tracks and asphalt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Bac Ha and cycle downhill towards Coc Ly on a combination of mountain roads and off-road tracks.
Depending on local conditions and the final route arrangement, take another boat journey along the Chay River towards Bao Nhai.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Lao Cai Railway Station.
There will be time to pack the bicycles, shower where facilities are available and relax before dinner. Board the overnight sleeper train to Hanoi.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 10: Arrival in Hanoi
The train arrives at Hanoi Railway Station at approximately 6:00 AM.
Transfer arrangements can be provided upon request.
End of services.
Tour Information
Cycling Summary
Number of cycling days: 5
Number of trekking days: 3
Total cycling distance: Approximately 298 km
Average cycling distance: Approximately 60 km per cycling day
Off-road riding: Approximately 50–60%
Maximum trekking altitude: 3,143 m
Maximum cycling altitude: Approximately 1,940 m
Terrain: Paved mountain roads, dirt roads, forest tracks, singletrack and rough village trails
Difficulty: Challenging
Distances and elevation figures are approximate and may change due to weather, trail conditions, road construction or local restrictions.
Support
An air-conditioned support vehicle will accompany the group wherever road access is possible. Some remote trails and off-road sections are inaccessible to the vehicle.
Support normally includes:
Luggage transportation
Drinking water and refreshments
Basic tools and spare parts
Basic first-aid kit
Emergency assistance
Bike transport when required
Group Size
Minimum: 2 participants
Maximum: 8 participants
Groups will be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking Vietnamese tour leader, local trekking guides, porters, drivers and cycling assistants as required.
Accommodation
The itinerary includes:
Two nights aboard sleeper trains
Five nights in local tourist-class hotels
Two nights camping on Fansipan
Hotels in remote mountain areas may be basic but will normally provide private facilities, hot water and either air-conditioning or a fan.
Camping facilities on Fansipan are simple and subject to national park regulations and weather conditions.
Meals
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary:
B: Breakfast
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
Breakfasts normally include a combination of Vietnamese and simple Western options. Lunch may be served at a local restaurant or provided as a picnic, depending on the day’s route. Dinner usually features Vietnamese dishes with carbohydrates, vegetables and protein.
During cycling stages, refreshment stops will be arranged approximately every 15–20 km whenever road access allows. Refreshments may include:
Drinking water
Coffee and tea
Juice or soft drinks
Bananas and seasonal fruit
Bread or sandwiches
Energy snacks
We recommend bringing your preferred energy bars, electrolyte products or breakfast cereal if you have specific dietary requirements.
Hydration
Adequate hydration is essential. Some remote sections have no reliable places to refill water.
Each participant should carry a hydration pack with a minimum capacity of two litres and follow the guide’s instructions regarding water requirements for each stage.
What Is Included
English-speaking Vietnamese cycling tour leader
Local trekking guide
Porters for the Fansipan trek
Support vehicle where road access is available
Bicycle transportation
Mountain-bike rental
Accommodation as described
Camping equipment for Fansipan
Meals indicated in the itinerary
Drinking water and cycling refreshments
Scheduled sightseeing and activities
Chay River boat trips mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees and trekking permits
Train tickets between Hanoi and Lao Cai
Basic first-aid support
Additional guides or assistants when required
What Is Not Included
International and domestic flights
Vietnam visa
Travel and medical insurance
Emergency evacuation and rescue costs
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Laundry
Excess baggage charges
Medical vaccinations or immunisations
Optional activities
Tips for guides, porters, drivers and local staff
Single-room supplement
Services caused by flight delays, weather, natural disasters or circumstances beyond our control
Comprehensive travel insurance covering mountain trekking, off-road cycling, emergency evacuation and medical treatment is compulsory.
Bicycle Rental
Mountain-bike rental is included in the tour price.
Available models may include Cannondale, Giant or equivalent XC hardtail mountain bikes. The exact brand and model depend on availability at the time of booking.
Recommended bicycle type
XC hardtail mountain bike
Full-suspension mountain bike
All-mountain bike
The tour is not suitable for road bikes or bicycles fitted with narrow tyres.
If bringing your own bicycle, it must be professionally serviced before the tour. Please check:
Brakes and brake pads
Gears and cables
Chain and drivetrain
Wheel spokes and rims
Tyres and inner tubes
Bearings
Quick-release levers or thru-axles
All bolts and fasteners
Participants should also bring suitable spare parts that may be difficult to obtain locally, particularly derailleur hangers, brake pads and tubeless repair components.
Tour Price
From USD 1,595 per person
The price is based on two participants sharing twin accommodation.
A single supplement applies to travellers requesting a private room. Triple rooms are not available at many of the destinations included in this itinerary.
Prices may vary depending on:
Group size
Travel dates
Hotel availability
Train ticket category
Bicycle requirements
Private or scheduled departure
Additional services
Please contact us for an updated quotation and customised group itinerary.
Contact
Email: bikingvietnam@yahoo.com
Alternative email: bikingvietnam@mail.com
Website: BikingVietnam.com
Important Notes
This is a physically demanding trip involving steep climbs, technical descents, remote trails and changing mountain weather.
The Fansipan trekking route, campsites and access arrangements are subject to current national park regulations, permit approval and weather conditions. If camping or a particular trail is unavailable, Biking Vietnam reserves the right to arrange a safe alternative route.
Participants should have good physical fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience and competent off-road mountain-biking skills.
