Northern Vietnam Mountain E-Bike Adventure

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

This 14-day Northern Vietnam cycling adventure is an E-Mountain Bike commercially assisted tour beginning and ending in Ha Noi, Vietnam. The tour starts in the afternoon on February 19, 2027 with bike fitting and a welcome dinner.

The tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Ha Noi to the rugged highlands of Ha Giang, showcasing some of the most dramatic scenery and cultural diversity in Southeast Asia. The journey begins with rides through the valleys of Mai Chau, the terraced landscapes of Pu Luong, and the limestone formations of Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — before heading into Vietnam’s remote frontier.

From Ha Giang onward, the tour continues with challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and unforgettable views along legendary routes such as the Dong Van Karst Plateau and Ma Pi Leng Pass. You’ll visit remote ethnic minority communities, local markets and historic sites like the Hmong King Palace and Lung Cu Flagpole Tower (Vietnam's northernmost point).

The final rides in Ha Giang cycle along misty Skywalk Road on the way to Ma Pi Leng Pass (famous for its cliffs, deep valleys and dramatic bends), and glide through the breathtaking Nho Que Canyon on a river cruise. From Meo Vac you'll climb to the Mau Due - Lung Ho summit (one of the most stunning panoramic viewpoints in Ha Giang). With professional support, delicious local cuisine, and carefully designed routes, this tour delivers the ultimate Northern Vietnam cycling experience. The daily schedule is below.

19 Feb 2027 Day 1: Ha Noi arrival – Bike fitting and Welcome 
20 Feb 2027 Day 2: Ha Noi – Mai Chau – Ride 71 km (38 mi) 2300 ft – 13% unpaved
21 Feb 2027 Day 3: Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ride 57 km (35 mi) 3200 ft – 24% unpaved
22 Feb 2027 Day 4: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Ride 66 km (41 mi) 2276 ft – 10% unpaved
23 Feb 2027 Day 5: Ninh Binh – Ha Noi – Ride 35 km (21 mi) 505 ft – 10% unpaved
24 Feb 2027 Day 6: Ha Noi at leisure - transfer to Tuyen Quang – Rest day
25 Feb 2027 Day 7: Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang City – Ride 60 km (37 mi) 2222 ft – 11% unpaved
26 Feb 2027 Day 8: Ha Giang – Yen Minh – Ride 62 km (38 mi) 3866 ft – 20% unpaved
27 Feb 2027 Day 9: Yen Minh – Dong Van – Ride 51 km (32 mi) 3428 ft – 12% unpaved
28 Feb 2027 Day 10: Dong Van – Rest day
01 Mar 2027 Day 11: Dong Van – Skywalk – Nho Que Cruise – Meo Vac – Ride 28 km (17 mi) 1951 ft (3786 down) – 9% unpaved
02 Mar 2027 Day 12: Meo Vac – Du Gia – Ride 50 km (31 mi) 2665 ft (7910 down) – 22% unpaved & unknown
03 Mar 2027 Day 13: Du Gia – Ha Giang – Ha Noi – Ride 40 km (25 mi) 3544 ft (4466 down)
04 Mar 2027 Day 14: Ha Noi - tour ends after breakfast

Health and Safety: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Participants should refer to Vietnam Travel Health Notices and Vaccines and Medicines at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam. The CDC says to make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. If you have questions ask your doctor.

Visas: You must have a Vietnamese visa to travel to and enter Vietnam. Vietnam e-Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, for single or multiple entries. In general, you should be prepared to present your passport and proof of legal residence such as a visa or temporary/permanent residence card.  Airport authorities and airlines routinely check passports. The e-visa application fee is paid through the e-visa portal's e-payment gateway and is non-refundable in case the visa is not granted. E-visa fee: 25 USD for a single-entry visa / 50 USD for a multiple-entry visa. The Vietnamese E-visa instructions and application are available online and can be found at https://evisa.gov.vn/.

Ride Rating: The tour is rated 3B! The average daily elevation gain is 2600 feet. 2 days exceed the 3 rating and have long climbs (1 day at 3866 feet over 38 miles and 1 day at 3544 feet over 40 miles). The average distance is 32 miles, but most of the days are over 35 miles giving the tour a B rating. Only about 5% to 10% of the riding will be on busy roads. The rest of the tour focuses on quieter, more scenic routes, with 5% to 10% on unpaved paths between villages. Grades exceed 8% on many days.

Cue sheets, maps, GPS files: RidewithGPS links with generated cue sheets will be provided so that riders can download to their devices. It is up to the rider to know how to use his or her GPS or phone app before the tour begins. A physical map of Viet Nam also will be provided for riders.

Weather: The temperature in Highlands will be 12°C–22°C (54°F–72°F) and the Lowlands will be a perfect 20°C–26°C (68°F–79°F). This is "Peach Blossom" season with little precipitation, however be prepared for warm, cold, wet, dry, calm and windy.

Lodging & Meals: Lodging, Meals, & Happy/Social Hour: The hotels vary from modern deluxe city hotels, retreats, resorts and charming local lodges, all displaying Vietnamese hospitality. All rooms have private bathrooms and hot showers. There will be two 2-night stays, in Ha Noi and Dong Van.

The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners. Daily Happy/Social Hours will have a choice of drinks and a rotating selection of local Vietnamese snacks daily such as fresh or fried spring rolls (Nem), local rice crackers, spicy nuts, specialty seeds, seasonal tropical fruits (Pomelo, Mango, or Dragon fruit) and small, savory local appetizers unique to the mountain regions. We use your BAC Preferences to try and accommodate your special medical and dietary needs. Vegetarian meals are available.

Logistics: The tour begins on February 19, 2027 at 4:00 PM at Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture in Ha Noi, Vietnam where we will be trasferred to the garage for bike fitting. The welcome dinner is at the hotel at 7:00 PM. The tour ends after breakfast in Ha Noi, Vietnam on March 4, 2027. Pickup and dropoff from Ha Noi Noibai International airport, (HAN), in Ha Noi, Vietnam is NOT included. Information on airport transportation will be available later.

Rental Giant Fathon E+ Mountain bikes or similar are included in the cost of the tour. Everyone must use these rental bikes, as some of the terrain is very steep and unpaved. No one may bring their own bicycle and tandems are not available. You will be given size information, so that you can submit your size prior to leaving for the tour. Last minute changes can be accommodated at the bike fitting.

There are a number of transfers during the tour using a modern air conditioned van. While the van will be available to assist with any emergencies, it will not serve as a sag vehicle and participants are expected to complete the ride each day. We recommend traveling light with small carryon size luggage, as laundry services will be available throughout the journey and and it will be easier for logistics in the mountainous area.

Cost & Administration:

The tour cost is $3000 (USD). The deposit is $1500. The second payment of $1500 is due December 1, 2026. Included in the tour cost are:
● Accommodations for 13 nights lodging, 13 breakfasts, 10 dinners, and 10 lunches
● Air-conditioned van for transfers
● Support vehicle to carry gear, luggage, first aid
● 2 cycling guides, mechanic, van driver, and support vehicle driver
● Entrance fees, boat trips
● Daily Happy Hours on cycling day (first drink and snack included)
● All biking gear (tool kit, water cage)
● Water, snacks, soft drinks, fresh fruit on biking days
● High quality E-Mountain bikes, all sizes, with handlebar bag and helmet
● Mr Biker Saigon Water Bottle, Handy Backpack, T-shirt and Cycling Jersey
● Tips for staff

Not included in the tour cost:
● Airport transfer
● Visa
● International airfares
● Hotel early check-in / late check-out
● Personal expenses
● Travel insurance

Singles & Solos Policy: Singles are welcome, but encouraged to find compatible roommates and/or riding partners. Ride Directors will introduce and assist singles to find roommates, but singles must make their own rooming decision. We do not accept solos, as the number of rooms available are limited.

Cancellation Policy: The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Coordinators are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Coordinator. While on the ride, support your Ride Coordinator with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Coordinator informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Coordinator’s decisions.

Commercial Tour Operator Insurance: Mr. Biker Saigon carries 100K of general liability insurance.  The insurance policy for the tour is attached under Ride Leader Docs.  Additional information can be obtained by contacting the ride coordinator.

Insurance Statement: BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

Sign-up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is a $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.