12-Day Multi-Adventure Tour in North Vietnam: Cycle, Hike & Cruise

Embark on the ultimate 12 day North Vietnam tour designed for thrill-seekers and culture lovers alike. This North Vietnam adventure tour combines the best of biking, hiking, and cultural immersion across breathtaking landscapes and ethnic villages. Our North Vietnam cycling and hiking tour is the perfect multi-adventure tour Vietnam has to offer—blending lush valleys, misty mountains, and serene coastal routes. Whether you're looking for a Vietnam active tour 12 days or simply the best North Vietnam itinerary 12 days, this journey delivers an unforgettable experience. As part of this Vietnam adventure holiday package, you’ll cycle and hike North Vietnam from Da Bac cycling tour and Mai Chau cycling experience to Pu Luong hiking trails and Tam Coc cycling routes. Delve deep into nature on the Cuc Phuong National Park trekking and discover remote beauty with a Pu Luong nature reserve tour. This North Vietnam trekking and biking tour also includes a Lan Ha Bay eco tour and Viet Hai village trekking, making it one of the most diverse and scenic ways to explore the region.
Start your Hanoi to Cat Ba adventure tour cycling quiet backroads, hiking jungle trails, and sailing through emerald waters. Along the way, you’ll visit Cat Ba Island, follow the Viet Hai trekking route, and enjoy a Lan Ha Bay boat and trek experience. Ideal for active travel Vietnam enthusiasts, this off the beaten path Vietnam tour offers an immersive and responsible way to experience North Vietnam mountain villages tour with local charm and authentic connections. Whether you want to book Vietnam 12 day adventure tour, join a guided North Vietnam adventure trip, or plan a custom multi-activity Vietnam tour, this itinerary offers flexibility and excitement. Choose from all-inclusive adventure tour Vietnam options or a small group active tour Vietnam experience, perfect for anyone seeking a Vietnam tour with trekking and cycling.

Day 01: Hanoi Arrival

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your Snail Adventure Tour guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi, the vibrant capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is a city that beautifully blends ancient traditions with dynamic modernity, offering visitors a unique old-world charm along with some of the most striking colonial architecture in Asia.
After checking in, take some time to relax and refresh, followed by a detailed briefing itinerary with your guide about the exciting adventures ahead. Later, enjoy a memorable cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where you’ll experience the energetic fusion of ancient and modern Hanoi, with its winding alleys, colorful street markets, and colonial buildings. This will be a perfect introduction to the city’s rich history and culture. To conclude your first day, you’ll be treated to a special welcoming dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, where you’ll savor authentic local dishes. After a delightful evening, return to your hotel and enjoy a restful overnight stay in Hanoi, ready for the adventures that await in the coming days.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and briefing itinerary
Accommodation: Champton Hotel ****
Meals :D
Cycling distance: No

Day 02: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Da Bac Ecolodge

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we begin our journey by cycling along tarmac and asphalt roads, passing through lush rice paddies and stunning natural landscapes. We make our way to a local ferry to cross the Da River, entering Hoa Binh Province. The ride continues along buffalo-beaten paths, offering an immersive experience of rural Vietnam, with picturesque villages and vibrant landscapes unfolding before you.
Upon reaching Hien Luong village, we will stop for a delightful lunch with a local family, giving you the chance to connect with the residents and learn about their daily lives and customs. After lunch, take a stroll around this exotic village, where you can observe the traditional way of life and interact with the friendly locals.
We then hop back on our bikes for a leisurely 30km ride on a dirt road that winds along the lake, leading us to the charming Da Bia Eco Homestay village. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of limestone mountains, stunning lake panoramas, and unspoiled natural beauty. This section of the ride offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenery and the local culture. Upon arrival at the homestay, we’ll settle in and enjoy the peaceful village life. For dinner, you’ll be treated to a meal prepared by the host family, and after dinner, experience a special performance of traditional music by the local villagers, adding a cultural touch to the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Muong people and experience the warmth and hospitality of the region.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Cycling
Accommodation: Mai Da Ecolodge or homestay**
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 65 Km

Day 03: Da Bac – Da Bia – Mai Chau

Rise early to embrace the pristine nature and peaceful atmosphere that surrounds Da Bia Eco Homestay. After a hearty breakfast with your host family, embark on an exciting raft rowing adventure to explore the breathtaking scenery of the lake. As you glide across the calm waters, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear lake, offering a refreshing start to your day.  Afterward, return to the homestay, check out, and begin our cycling journey towards the boat dock, where we’ll load our bikes onto the boat and head to Bai Sang. As we continue cycling, we’ll follow a scenic route that provides another stunning perspective of the lake and its surroundings. Enjoy cycling on good single-track paths and undulating rough jeep trails, with some challenging climbs that reward you with magnificent Mai Chau panoramas at the top.
As we arrive in Mai Chau, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. The natural beauty of Mai Chau and the surrounding landscapes will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night in Mai Chau, resting up for the next leg of your adventure.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Taking Boat Trip
Accommodation: Onsen Retreat Eco
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 65 Km

Day 04: Mai Chau – Back Road

After a hearty breakfast to recharge your energy, we set off on a cycling trip through the outstanding natural beauty of Mai Chau Valley, which is dotted with Thai and Muong villages nestled among lush rice terraces. Our adventure begins early, riding from your homestay or ecolodge along a mix of single-track paths that link one village to another. As you pedal through the serene morning, you’ll experience firsthand the peaceful atmosphere of these villages, where life has remained unchanged for centuries. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with local villagers, gaining insights into their daily lives and the traditions that have shaped their communities.  We’ll make a stop in one of these tranquil villages for a well-deserved lunch, enjoying local flavors while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. After lunch, we continue our ascending bike ride along single-track trails and asphalt roads that lead us to the top of a ridge. From here, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Mai Chau Valley before beginning a thrilling descent back to the valley floor. After an exhilarating day of cycling and exploration, return to Mai Chau for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay, ready for the next chapter of your adventure.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from village - Village
Accommodation: Onsen Retreat Eco
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 56 Km

Day 05: Mai Chau – Pu Luong

After a hearty breakfast at the ecolodge, we set off on our cycling journey from the lodge, riding along village roads and asphalt paths towards the Co Luong Section. Along the way, we’ll tackle some steep hills on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where you can admire the stunning natural beauty of the region and the peaceful rural villages that dot the landscape. As we ascend through the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering limestone outcrops and the panoramic beauty of Pu Luong, a landscape of serene valleys and lush greenery.
We’ll take a refreshing break at the summit to soak in the scenery before descending into Don Village for a delicious lunch with the locals. After lunch, we continue on an easier ride, cycling on a mix of tarmac roads and buffalo trails beneath the shade of bamboo forests, leading us to Ban Cong Village. Here, we’ll encounter the iconic waterwheels, an essential part of local life, adding to the charm of this remote village. To fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty, we’ll embark on a peaceful bamboo raft ride for over an hour, drifting along the river while surrounded by stunning landscapes. Afterward, we meet up with our support vehicle to transfer back to the Pu Luong Retreat, where you can enjoy a relaxing shower, followed by cold beers and refreshing soft drinks. After a day of adventure and relaxation, we’ll have a delicious dinner, and you’ll stay overnight at the Pu Luong Retreat, resting up for the next day’s adventures.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling from Hotel - Hotel
Accommodation: Pu Luong Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance:  58  Km

Day 06: Pu Luong Back Road

After recharging your energy with a wholesome breakfast at your homestay or retreat, we kick off a new adventure, cycling through scenic villages on asphalt roads to reach another remote village. Quickly, we turn off the main route onto a dirt track that leads us into the heart of a lush tropical forest. Here, we’ll embark on a hike through dense underbrush, following the hillside to Uoi Village, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of rice terraces. The traditional thatched-roof stilt houses of the Thai Hill tribes nestled under the shade of towering palm trees create an idyllic and peaceful scene.
We continue our journey along broken roads and beaten tracks that lead us to Lanh Village, cycling along irrigation canals that bring water to the fertile fields, supplying fresh water to the villages. In some sections, we’ll jump onto dirt tracks, which adds an element of fun and excitement to this unique ride. During our time in the village, we’ll observe the intricate process of loom weaving and gain a deeper understanding of the traditional techniques used to create beautiful woven cloth. Our adventure takes us further into the untouched region of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, following trails that wind through bamboo forests and cornfields toward Ban Cong Village. Here, we’ll meet our support vehicle, where you can refresh yourself with cool drinks and taste fresh tropical fruits. From here, we tackle the final leg of the journey, cycling along asphalt roads toward Hieu Village for a well-earned lunch. After a delicious meal, we hop back on our bikes and continue on back roads that lead us back to the retreat or homestay. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, you’ll have a traditional dinner with your host family and enjoy a restful night’s sleep at the Thai homestay, immersed in the tranquil beauty of Pu Luong.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Visiting
Accommodation: Pu Luong Ecolodge
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 Km

Day 07: Pu Luong – Cuc Phuong

After a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day, we begin our cycling journey from the hotel, following concrete roads as we descend toward Pho Doan, the gateway to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. If we're lucky, we may get the chance to visit the vibrant tribal market, where you can capture the colorful atmosphere of the local people. After crossing the bridge, we ride along a scenic corridor path through the Nature Reserve, passing by fields of sugarcane and corn, and through villages of the Thai and Muong Tribes, where friendly villagers often greet us along the way. The route takes us to Cam Luong, where the views are truly spectacular, offering a perfect mix of lush landscapes and cultural immersion.  By midday, we reach the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where we stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Kim Tan town. After a well-deserved break, we continue our ride, covering an additional 45 km on a combination of good single-track and undulating paths. The scenery along the way is nothing short of breathtaking, with stunning views as we cycle through villages, rice paddies, and farms cultivating sugarcane and cassava. The ride offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and local culture. We arrive at Cuc Phuong National Park in the late afternoon, where we check into our accommodation and take some time to rest and refresh. The evening will be free for you to relax before enjoying a well-earned dinner. This marks the end of another exciting day of cycling through some of the most stunning landscapes in Northern Vietnam.
Summary:
Activities: Cycling and Short Transfer
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa****
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 45 - 90 Km

Day 08: Cuc Phuong Hiking

After a rejuvenating breakfast to fuel up for a day of adventure, our support vehicle will take us from the hotel to Cuc Phuong National Park, where we’ll begin our outdoor activity day with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. This one-hour stop will provide a fascinating insight into the conservation efforts being made to protect some of Vietnam’s rarest primates.
Next, we head to Bong Center, where our trek begins. Over the course of approximately 5-6 hours and 17 km, we’ll journey through the lush forest, surrounded by thousands of wild plants and animals. The tranquil atmosphere and rich biodiversity will make the trek both relaxing and exhilarating. Along the way, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch, giving you a chance to recharge while enjoying the serene surroundings.
As we continue our trek, the natural beauty of the park will unfold in front of you, offering glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that call Cuc Phuong home. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Khanh Village, home to the Muong ethnic minority. After spending some time immersing ourselves in the local culture, we’ll meet our support vehicle for the transfer back to Cuc Phuong Resort, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure.This day promises to be a perfect blend of nature, culture, and exploration, offering a deeper understanding of both the natural wonders of Vietnam and the lifestyle of its indigenous people.
Summary:
Activities:  Transferring, Hiking and Transferring
Accommodation: Cuc Phuong Resort & Spa****
Meals:B/L/D
Hiking distance: 17 Km

Day 09: Cuc Phuong – Tam Coc

After breakfast, we begin our cycling journey from Cuc Phuong, heading toward Dong Giao, a region known for its pineapple plantations. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fresh pineapple from local farmers selling their produce along the roadside. Continuing on, we leave the plantation behind and cycle towards Tam Diep Township, where we’ll transfer to Tam Coc for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, we hop back on our bikes and ride through magnificent limestone mountains that rise majestically from the lush green rice paddies and winding streams. The landscape is truly breathtaking, offering panoramic views as we make our way towards the Tram Chim Nature Reserve. The scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the area will captivate you as we explore its unique surroundings.
Upon arrival at the reserve, you’ll have some time to relax or wander around and observe the diverse birdlife that calls this area home. It’s a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. After a day of cycling and exploration, we head to our resort for a well-deserved dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Tam Coc region.
Summary:
Activities:  Cycling and Boat Trip
Accommodation: La Montagne Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling distance: 69 Km

Day 10: Tam Coc - Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a scenic bus journey to Cat Ba Island, traveling via the newly constructed Hai Phong Highway. Upon arrival at Dinh Vu Harbor, we board a 45-minute high-speed boat to reach Cat Ba Island. Once on the island, we head to Cat Ba Town for a delicious lunch, savoring local specialties.
In the afternoon, we venture into Cat Ba National Park for an exciting trek to Viet Hai Village. This trek takes us through pristine forests and along the shores of Frog Lake, a serene spot perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park is a haven for wildlife, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot native animals such as cats, squirrels, spotted deer, snakes, and thousands of butterflies. If we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of the rare Cat Ba Langurs, one of the most endangered primates in the world.
After a day of trekking and exploration, we’ll round out our adventure with a dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy bungalow in the peaceful Viet Hai fishing village, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The highlights of the day include Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba National Park, Viet Hai Village, and a 10-12 km trek through some of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Trek
Accommodations: Viethai Bungalow
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking distance: 12 Km

Day 11: Viet Hai – Fishing Village – Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Begin your day with a scenic transfer from Viet Hai to the picturesque Fishing Village, where you’ll experience the daily lives of local fishermen. This charming village is a great place to observe traditional fishing techniques and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lan Ha Bay.
After exploring the fishing village, board a comfortable cruise boat and set sail into the stunning Lan Ha Bay. Known for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Lan Ha Bay is often considered a quieter and equally stunning alternative to Halong Bay. As you cruise through the bay, marvel at the towering limestone islands that rise dramatically from the water, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape.
Throughout the day, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the boat while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Stop at some of the bay’s secluded beaches and caves, where you can take a leisurely walk or explore hidden corners of this untouched paradise.  The cruise promises to be a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. As the day comes to an end, enjoy a delicious dinner onboard while watching the sunset over the bay, creating unforgettable memories in the heart of Lan Ha Bay.
This day of exploration and relaxation on the water is a perfect addition to any Northern Vietnam adventure tour, giving you a chance to experience the natural wonders of this beautiful region in a peaceful, intimate setting.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Trek
Accommodations:  On cruise
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking distance: 12 Km

Day 12: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba – Hai Phong – Hanoi

Start your final day with a delightful breakfast on the boat, watching the sun rise over the stunning landscape of Lan Ha Bay. 
After breakfast, continue your cruise through the bay, weaving among the myriad limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the turquoise waters. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery and capture some unforgettable moments. On this last day of the tour, we will visit a fish and shellfish farm, where you can learn about the local aquaculture practices. 
We’ll also stop at the colorful floating village of Cai Beo, a charming community that thrives on the water, offering a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the people living in this remote part of Vietnam.
After an unforgettable morning of exploration, we’ll enjoy lunch either onboard the boat or on land, depending on whether we have new passengers arriving for the next cruise. We’ll disembark around 11:30 AM and begin our journey back to Hanoi, marking the end of your spectacular tour of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. This day offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation as you wrap up your adventure in one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer only
Accommodations: By yourself
Meals: B/L
Transferring distance: 150 Km

Important Notes
Accommodation:
Please note that hotel and homestay accommodations are subject to change based on availability. In the event of any changes, we will ensure that you are placed in equivalent or higher-quality lodging to maintain your comfort throughout the tour.

Meals & Dietary Requirements:

If you have any specific dietary requirements—such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies—please inform us in advance. This allows us to notify our local partners, restaurants, and guides so they can provide appropriate meals that meet your needs. For food lovers and culinary explorers, Snail Adventure Tours can also be your local food guide! We offer opportunities to savor delicious traditional dishes, sample authentic hill tribe cuisine, and experience Vietnam’s most tempting local foods, from fresh market bites to world-famous specialties.

What’s Included in Your 12 Day North Vietnam Adventure Tour

What’s Not Included

International airfare to and from Vietnam
Travel insurance (highly recommended for all participants)
Personal expenses, such as: Laundry, Telephone calls, Souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks during meals
Mineral water beyond the daily amount provided
Optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional transportation required in the event of emergency or evacuation
Vietnam visa fees and processing
Departure tax, if applicable
Tips and gratuities for your trekking guide, local team, and support crew