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Cyclists enjoying a refreshing coconut roadside in Vietnam - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Cyclists enjoying a refreshing coconut roadside in Vietnam  | Lachlan Gardiner
Rice paddy cycling in Vietnam - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Rice paddy cycling in Vietnam  | Richard I'Anson
Turquoise waters in Pu Luong, Northern Vietnam - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Turquoise waters in Pu Luong, Northern Vietnam
Sharing the paths with locals on the Pu Luong hike - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Sharing the paths with locals on the Pu Luong hike
Comfortable accommodation in Pu Luong, Vietnam - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Comfortable accommodation in Pu Luong, Vietnam
Simple Vietnamese homestay meal - Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam, Vietnam
Simple Vietnamese homestay meal

Bike, Hike & Kayak North Vietnam

Take the path less travelled and bike, hike & kayak through spectacular North Vietnam

Vietnam
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 11 reviews

7 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: NVB
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 7 Days
Activities
  • 3 day cycle
  • 2 day hike
  • 2 day kayak
Accommodation
  • 4 nights local guesthouse
  • 2 nights hotel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

72kg of CO2-e PP per day

(433kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Hike along stunning rice terraces, kayak across turquoise lakes & cycle through river valleys
  • Cycle in beautiful Mai Chau and Ninh Binh
  • Hike through rugged & remote Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Hike in picturesque Cat Ba National Park
  • Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay

Overview

Take the path less travelled and bike, hike & kayak through rugged and remote North Vietnam. Hike along stunning rice terraces, kayak across turquoise lakes and cycle through river valleys past gently turning waterwheels. The combination of stunning scenery and back roads adventuring makes this an ideal trip for anyone looking for an active and engaging journey in Northern Vietnam.

Itinerary

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This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel at around 9am to begin the journey west to Hoa Binh. If you’ve arranged your own pre-tour accommodation, please make sure your reservations consultant has these details so we can coordinate your pickup. You'll bypass the town centre and head north, entering the mountains of the Song Da range. After a light lunch at a local restaurant, you'll start your afternoon ride. Today’s cycling is a solid introduction to the terrain ahead, covering around 26km (6mi) on sealed roads through hilly country, with climbs and descents. Your route winds through remote Muong ethnic lands near the Da Reservoir, ending in the small village of Mo Hem. It’s a strikingly peaceful setting, with a real edge-of-the-world feel. You’ll be hosted in a traditional Muong stilt house and, time permitting, can enjoy a swim in the lake before dinner. Driving: (±)92km (57mi) Cycling: (±)26km (16mi) | Sealed road | Hilly terrain | +936m / -1078m Accommodation: Muong ethnic guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: L,D

After saying farewell to your hosts, you’ll set off on a peaceful paddle across the stunning Da Reservoir, surrounded by jungle-covered mountains. Your bike will travel with you on the support boat as you kayak 7 km (4.3 mi), a journey that takes around 2hours. The kayaks are basic but reliable, and the best available in this remote area. Once you reach the far side of the lake, you’ll stop for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll jump back on your bike for a 30 km (18.6 mi) ride along a quiet road winding through the mountain foothills. After an initial climb to rejoin the old colonial road, it’s a long, scenic descent into the Mai Chau Valley. From there, you’ll ride through the small town and continue into a peaceful sub-valley to reach your guesthouse for the night in Mai Hich. Kayaking: (±) 7km (4.3mi) | 2–2.5hrs Cycling: (±) 30km (18.6mi) | Sealed road | +334m / -357m Accommodation: Mai Hich local guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll travel by bus around 35 km (22 mi) towards the Laos border to reach the entrance of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You’ll begin your trek from Ban Bang village, setting off on foot through a landscape of limestone mountains, jungle, terraced rice fields and winding rivers. The walk takes around 4 hours and leads you through quiet hamlets and wilder stretches of the reserve. By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in the remote village of Kho Muong. From here, it’s a short walk up to the road where your vehicle will be waiting to take you on a brief transfer to your guesthouse for the night. Driving: (±) 35km (22mi) Hiking: (±) 14km (8.7mi) Accommodation: Pu Luong guesthouse (multishare)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll depart Pu Luong and travel east towards the Ninh Binh region. After about 3 hours on the road, you’ll arrive in the lush Tam Coc Valley, often called the inland Halong Bay for its dramatic limestone scenery. Lunch is served in a peaceful garden house before you hop on your bike to explore the area. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 15km (9.3mi) ride along quiet backroads, weaving between rice paddies, lagoons and limestone karsts. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hang Mua and climb its 450 steps for panoramic views across the countryside. The ride finishes at the historic capital of Hoa Lu. From there, a short drive takes you to your hotel, where you can unwind with a swim in the pool. Driving: (±) 130km (81mi) Cycling: (±) 15km (9.3mi) | Sealed, flat roads Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

After an early breakfast, you'll drive around 2-3 hours to the coast and catch a 20 minute ferry to Cat Ba Island. After lunch, you'll hike across the dense jungle of Cat Ba National Park. Today's hike covers three peaks with significant ascents, descents, and steep, uneven trails and takes around 3 hours. Conditions may be slippery in wet weather, so be prepared for a challenging day on the trail. If you prefer not to trek, a non-trekking option is available at an additional cost and needs to be booked in advance. This includes an boat transfer instead of hiking in the park. A local guide will meet you at Cai Vieng pier where you will transfer via bus, boat, and basic local bike to our guesthouse. The journey takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will have free time to relax for the rest of the day, with lunch provided at the guesthouse. Hikers will return in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset of Viet Hai village - a secluded hamlet tucked away between the sea and the forest. Check into our rooms in a local guesthouse, and relax before dinner. Driving: (±) 190 km (118 mi) Hiking: (±) 9km (6 mi); 3-4hrs Accommodation: Lan Homestay or similar

Meals: B,L,D

You’ll start the day with around a 5km (3.1mi) bike ride from the guesthouse to the coast, where your boat will be waiting. From here, you’ll cruise into the more remote corners of the Halong archipelago, within the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay. The day is all about exploring by boat and kayak. You’ll paddle through sheltered coves, visit a floating house, and stop at a quiet sandy beach for a swim or to simply relax in the sun. Lunch is freshly prepared and served onboard. In the late afternoon, you’ll cruise back to Cat Ba Island and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Cycling: (±) 5km (3 mi) Kayaking: flexible Accommodation: Cat Ba Paradise Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

This morning you’ll drive to the pier to board the ferry back to the mainland. On the way to Hanoi, you’ll stop to explore the fascinating Hospital Cave, a hidden medical bunker used during the war. You can expect to arrive in Hanoi by mid-afternoon, with time to enjoy a late lunch. If you haven’t booked your post-tour accommodation with World Expeditions, please make sure your reservations consultant has your hotel details so we can assist as needed. Driving: (±)130km (±81mi)

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

70 scheduled departures between 23 Oct 2026 and 1 Jan 2027.

  • Departs 23 Oct 2026 – ends 29 Oct 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 24 Oct 2026 – ends 30 Oct 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 25 Oct 2026 – ends 31 Oct 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 26 Oct 2026 – ends 1 Nov 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 27 Oct 2026 – ends 2 Nov 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 28 Oct 2026 – ends 3 Nov 2026 (7 days)
  • … and 64 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
  • 4 nights accommodation in local guesthouse on multi-share basis, and 2 nights hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis
  • Services of a bilingual guide
  • Private vehicles
  • Kayaking equipment including life jackets
  • Modern mountain bikes & support vehicle on cycling days
  • Drinking water & snacks while cycling
  • Site entry and National Park fees

Not included

  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Bike helmet (compulsory)
  • Any items not listed as included

Video

Bike, Hike & Kayak Vietnam with Australian Geographic Outdoor & World Expeditions

Reviews (11)

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Guide could have stopped a few more times for photo opportunities. But when asked to stop did so willingly.

Elizabeth Ann|New Zealand
15 Apr 2025
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We loved our trip, April is hot the temperatures are over 30C so you need to consider this.

Margaret Mary Neill|Auckland New Zealand
12 May 2024
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Good guide and backup in a very interesting country......Vietnamese people to be much admired

Mark Francis Neill|Auckland, New Zealand
30 Apr 2024
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We had a wonderful experience led by our equally wonderful guide Tien. He took us to places we have never see before and provided an insightful knowledge

David Debono|Belimbla Park, NSW Australia
28 Nov 2023
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Was harder than I thought it was going to be yet all the places we visited and stayed were amazing.

Kieron Finlay-Mulligan|West Beach, WA Australia
2 May 2023
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Great trip, more challenging than expected. Our tour guide Ian was fantastic, made our trip extra special.

Omofola E.|St Neot, UK
7 Dec 2022
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Communication with this company was great, they responded to my emails quickly. As I planned a private tour they helped customise my tour and even suggested changes based on their local guides experience with the area.

N. Collas|Seven Hills, NSW
9 Apr 2019
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Just a quick email to say we had a wonderful trip so varied, excellent guide a real adventure. Thanks for organising.

Stephanie P.|London, UK
14 Oct 2018
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Bernadette Kennedy|Hong Kong
5 Apr 2024

Extra trip info

BikesWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Ha Long Bay kayaking

Kayaking Equipment

Kayaks are provided with paddles and life jackets. Kayaking on this trip is suitable for beginners and your expert guide will provide instruction and a safety briefing.

Giant Explore-E-1-gts

E-Bikes Available

Cycle hassle-free and climb mountains with ease, enjoy nature and landscapes without physical limitations. Electronic Bikes make it possible and are available to hire on this trip (day 1 & 2 only) for an additional fee (see prices below). The E-bikes available feature Hybrid Cycling Technology, combining electric and human power to produce the most efficient, powerful and natural E-bike riding experience. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by hydraulic disc brakes. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Trek Mountain Bike ASIA DMC

Modern Mountain Bikes

The bikes used on this trip are modern aluminium framed, front suspension mountain bikes. Consistent and safe braking is ensured by disc brakes and the wide spread of gears provide the ability to ride up and back down the hills in comfort and confidence. If you have a saddle and clip in pedals you wish to bring and use, the mechanic would more than happy to fit them for you. * Kindly take note that a basic local bike will be provided for use in Ninh Binh on day 4.

*For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Full pre and post trip support from your local office to help with flight booking, travel insurance and any of those pre trip queries you might have.
  • Experienced Local Guides: Our guides have in-depth knowledge of the region, ensuring a richer understanding of the culture, history, and environment.
  • Exclusive Routes & Hidden Gems: World Expeditions includes less-travelled routes and unique experiences, providing a more exclusive and off-the-beaten-track adventure.
  • World Expeditions have been pioneering active adventures to all corners of the globe since 1975.

Guaranteeing A Great Vietnam Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

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Adventure Experts Since 1975

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