Vietnam N.E

redspokes North East Vietnam cycling holiday offers challenging riding through a stunning unexplored area. From Vietnam's buzzing capital, Hanoi, we journey to the remote undiscovered Hà Giang region. Beginning in Lao Cai, the border city to China we cycle through a topography of hilly hairpin bends, slopes, ridges, valleys and limestone karsts; the outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.

Hà Giang is a mountainous region and one of the poorest provinces of Vietnam with a largely agricultural economy. Much of the terrain is too precipitous to farm and covered by forest with dense undergrowth and tumbling streams, waterfalls and pools.

Ethnic Vietnamese, H'Mông, Tày, Dao, Mán, Nùng, Giấy, Lô Lô and Thổ communities populate the area and continue a vibrant, traditional tribal culture.The majority still practice ancestor and spirit worship. Travel around the province can be difficult so we will encounter little in the way of traffic on our cycling adventure.

We visit Bac Ha the largest town in Lao Cai Province and cycle some of the regions remotest border areas up to Hoang Su Phi, the 'Heaven Gate' pass. We enjoy a rest day in Ha Giang market town where dramatic limestone out karsts soar above the town. We continue over the rocky Dong Van plateau, a registered UNESCO Global Geopark, to Meo Vac. Our route here along the Ma Pi Leng Pass is a winding, undulating road that clings precariously to the mountain with dramatic views of the Nho Que River below and theatrical natural acoustics.  Most of the tribes living here have preserved their traditional way of life from outside influence as travelling to Meo Vac was, until recently, almost impossible. Our cycling ends with a tough day through picturesque valley to Nguyen Binh, a beautiful and dramatic end to our journey. We will transfer from here back to Hanoi.

HA LONG BAY - EXTENSION 

If you're keen to extend your adventure in Vietnam, we're thrilled to present an appealing option for a trip extension to the enchanting Ha Long Bay.

After two weeks of thrilling cycling, a visit to Ha Long Bay offers a serene and unforgettable way to conclude your redspokes Vietnam cycling holiday. Often referred to as the 'eighth wonder of the world' and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay, meaning 'Descending Dragon Bay,' is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance. The bay boasts a breathtaking seascape adorned with innumerable limestone karsts and islets, crowned with lush rainforests, emerging from emerald-green waters. The formation of these karsts has unfolded over 20 million years of tropical climate, and research has revealed evidence of prehistoric human presence tens of thousands of years ago. Most of these islands remain uninhabited, offering a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

You can enjoy your stay aboard a wooden junk, designed after traditional Vietnamese court sailing boats, as you embark on a leisurely cruise through the bay. This allows you ample time for kayaking, swimming, and exploring the captivating surroundings.