No cycling today Meals provided: dinner Accommodation: Amorita Boutique Hotel – Upon arrival at the hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, you will undergo a meticulous bike fitting session, ensuring that our expert mechanics tailor your mountain bike precisely to your preferences and body dimensions. Once all riders have assembled and undergone the fitting process, we will commence the tour with a welcoming dinner featuring traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine. This dinner provides an excellent opportunity for you to acquaint yourself with both your fellow cyclists and the members of the BTA team, setting the stage for camaraderie and adventure ahead.

Cycling distance: 22km Elevation gain: 800m Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Accommodation: Cay’s Homestay or similar – At 6:00, our team will pick you up from the hotel for a 6-hour van journey to Ha Giang city in the north. This extended transfer allows ample time to acquaint yourself with the surrounding landscape or catch up on some rest. Along the route, we'll make a stop for a delightful local breakfast. Upon reaching Ha Giang, we'll indulge in lunch at the home of a local family, providing a genuine immersion into rural Vietnamese cuisine. Don't hesitate to sample unfamiliar dishes for a truly authentic experience! Following lunch, the Ha Giang Loop adventure truly begins. We'll hop on our bikes and embark on a mountain biking excursion, covering a distance of 22 kilometres with an elevation gain of 800 meters. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a cozy local homestay in Ha Giang, immersing yourself fully in the warmth and hospitality of the region.

Cycling distance: 60km Elevation gain: 1500m Meals provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: 3-star hotel/Homestay or similar – Begin your day with a 25-kilometer bus transfer along a paved road, winding through local terraced rice paddies. While the morning scenery is undeniably breath-taking, the flat and relatively straight terrain is better suited for our less intense cycling tours. Upon reaching the end of the bus ride, saddle up on your bike and venture through Vietnam's limestone mountain range. Marvel at the stunning geological formations and misty rice terraces as you tackle steep climbs and descend hills at exhilarating speeds. Transitioning from the mountain range, the terrain levels out slightly as you traverse minority villages and mountain communities, immersing yourself in the rich local culture and engaging with the welcoming locals. A highlight of the day awaits at the mountain road pass known as "Heaven's Gate 1," offering a renowned vista of the Tam Son valley and the Twin Hills, showcasing one of Vietnam's most spectacular sights. The mix of challenging ascents and descents, along with intermittent flat sections, will put your cycling skills to the test, yet the scenic panoramas and heart-warming interactions with local hill tribes will make every pedal worthwhile. As the journey progresses, descend into Yen Minh, where traditional homes of local communities dot the landscape, offering a picturesque backdrop for your ride. Conclude the day with an overnight stay at a homestay in this tranquil northern town, soaking in the serene ambiance and rustic charm of the surroundings.

Cycling distance: 60km Elevation gain: 1700m Meals provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Dong Van Eco Stone House or similar – In the morning, we'll embark on a leisurely bike ride for several kilometres to visit the nearby hill tribe market, offering a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant local culture characteristic of the heavily Chinese-influenced far North of Vietnam. It's an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and perhaps discover some Northern Vietnamese antiquities to take home as souvenirs. Continuing our journey, we'll ascend the "Way of Happiness Road" while marveling at the breath-taking Dong Van Karst Plateau, renowned as one of the world's most stunning natural landmarks (if you need convincing, just glance at the captivating photos). Upon reaching the road's summit, riders will have the chance to explore the historic Hmong King Palace (Vuong Chi Sinh Palace) and the iconic Lung Cu Flag Pole Tower. Concluding our day's adventures, we'll pedal 15 kilometres to Dong Van ancient town and settle into a comfortable hotel. Here, you'll have the opportunity for self-guided exploration of one of Vietnam's most historically rich hidden gems, immersing yourself in the captivating tales of the past that linger within its ancient streets.

Cycling distance: 30km Elevation gain: 700m Meals provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Vivi home or similar – Departing from Dong Van, our journey leads us through the enchanting Sky Walk, a cyclist-friendly route that occasionally cloaks in mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere akin to walking on clouds, hence its name. Along the way, cyclists will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Ma Phi Leng Pass. Following the Sky Walk, riders will descend a steep downhill stretch to reach the Nho Que River, where they'll embark on an unforgettable Nho Que River cruise. As the boat navigates through the canyon, with walls plunging 700 meters deep, prepare to be mesmerized by the breath-taking scenery. Upon disembarking, we'll rendezvous with a waiting support van in Nho Que, retracing our route to the vibrant village of Meo Vac, where we'll spend the night, immersing ourselves in the colourful local culture and traditions.

Cycling distance: 54km Elevation gain: 1500m Meals provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner Accommodation: Du Gia Stream Lodge – At daybreak, we embark on a thrilling ride from Meo Vac to the majestic Mau Due - Lung Ho summit, promising one of the most breath-taking panoramic vistas in Vietnam. This leg of the journey stands as one of the most challenging, so remember to keep hydrated throughout the ride. Conquering the summit demands endurance, even from seasoned cyclists, but the journey culminates with a well-deserved picnic lunch atop the mountain. The descent from the summit offers one of the most exhilarating stretches of any Mr Biker tour, boasting high speeds and adrenaline-fueled excitement as we glide down towards the serene riverside village of Du Gia. Here, we'll spend the night at a comfortable Riverview hotel, unwinding amidst the tranquil ambiance of the town.

Cycling distance: 38 km Elevation gain: 800m Meals provided: breakfast and lunch – Kickstart your day with a visit to the vibrant local market in Du Gia, where you'll have the chance to mingle with members of various hill tribes, adorned in colourful attire, and admire their exquisite traditional crafts. From Du Gia, brace yourself for one of the most ruggedly picturesque segments of this adventure: a challenging uphill cycling stretch spanning 5 kilometres through remote mountainous terrain, framed by majestic cliffs, mysterious caves, and other natural wonders. This intense ascent marks the climactic peak of the Ha Giang Gauntlet. Following the demanding climb, revel in a well-deserved descent covering 20 kilometres, providing a blissful opportunity to rest weary cycling muscles. Concluding the cycling portion of the tour, enjoy a leisurely 10-kilometer ride on flat terrain to the town of Ha Giang, where you'll check into a comfortable hotel. Later in the afternoon, gather for a heartfelt farewell lunch at the hotel, bidding adieu to fellow riders and your trusty bike unless both of you plan to extend your stay in Ha Giang. As the day draws to a close, board a sleeper bus bound for Hanoi, arriving at 10:00 pm, bringing an end to this unforgettable cycling odyssey through the captivating landscapes of Northern Vietnam.