Welcome to my fourth cycling adventure in Vietnam!
Having explored various regions of this incredible country on my bicycle and gathered countless memories along the way, I felt a strong urge to head north this time. Cycling from Hanoi to Sapa offered the ideal opportunity to experience the untamed beauty of the northern highlands and to witness the majestic landscapes that define this region.
Destination Sapa. Situated approximately 350 km from Hanoi, I planned to cycle the distance over five days, averaging 50 to 75 km per day depending on the terrain and elevation. After spending a few days exploring Hanoi, cycling through its streets and discovering some of the lesser-known heritage and historical sites. On April 12, I finally began my journey toward Sapa.
#1: April 12 – Hanoi to Vinh Yen
Today, I finally began my journey toward Sapa. The ride, 15 km past Hanoi’s bustling streets and past the airport, took me through expansive paddy fields and vibrant plantations of vegetables and flowers stretching as far as the eye could see. This region is the agricultural heartland that supplies most of Hanoi’s produce and flowers, earning the city the nickname “Land of Flowers.” The vibrant colors and peaceful atmosphere of the countryside were a striking contrast to the urban hustle of Hanoi. Along the way, I made a stop at a war cemetery, a poignant reminder of the devastation of conflict, and visited a couple of serene Buddhist temples, amidst my journey.
After cycling 50 km and reaching Vinh Yen, I decided to check into a hotel since the next town was approximately 30 km away, and the weather was hot and humid.
Distance: 50.83 km
Time: 4:04:35
Elev Gain: 72 m
Stay: Ancient Lane Hotel, Hanoi and Trung Du Hotel, Vinh Yeh
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11162485833
#2: April 13 – Vinh Yen to Viet Tri
Today, I planned to cycle to Viet Tri, passing by vibrant green rice fields and vegetable plantations along the way. I also visited a quaint church, easily spotted from kilometers away due to its tall bell tower and spire, a common feature of churches in Vietnam. Along the route, I saw rice noodles hanging out to dry, made by local families at home.
As I continued cycling, I came across a war memorial on a hill. This monument was built to commemorate the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during various wars, especially during the resistance against French colonialism and the American War. It honors the soldiers from Phu Tho province who fought and died defending their country.
Further along my route, I reached the Hung Kings Temple Complex, a major tourist attraction in Viet Tri, dedicated to the legendary Hung Kings, the founding fathers of Vietnam. Since it was conveniently along the way, I decided to visit. The complex is situated on Nghia Linh Mountain, about 10 km from the center of Viet Tri, and consists of several temples and shrines built to honor the Hung Kings, who are believed to have established the first Vietnamese state, Van Lang, around 2879 BCE.
When I arrived, I asked a local vendor if I could park my bike at her stall. From the entrance of the complex, I hired an electric buggy to get closer to the temples, followed by a climb of about 600 steps to explore the different sites on the hill. These included:
Den Ha (Lower Temple): Thought to be where the first Hung King established his capital.
Den Trung (Middle Temple): Located midway up the mountain, where the Hung Kings supposedly held court.
Den Thuong (Upper Temple): At the peak, where the Hung Kings are said to have worshiped the gods of heaven and earth.
Gieng Temple (Well Temple): Known for its sacred well, associated with two princesses of the Hung Kings.
After the tiring and challenging ascent to the uppermost temple, I decided to check into a hotel. Fortunately, I found one just a few kilometers away.
Distance: 53.12 km
Time: 4:19:25
Elev Gain: 321 m
Stay: Trung Du Hotel, Vinh Yeh and Mimoza Hotel, Viet Tri
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11170735293
#3: April 14 – Viet Tri to Yên Bái
Today’s destination was Yên Bái, a journey primarily through the countryside where I passed by expansive tea and acacia plantations. Acacia trees, typically grown for plywood production, are harvested once they reach about 18 inches in diameter. The trees are then cut and sliced into thin sheets, which I saw drying along the route.
During the trip, I also made a stop at another war memorial.
Distance: 76.40 km
Time: 5:56:14
Elev Gain: 1,065 m
Stay: Mimoza Hotel, Viet Tri and Hotel Nhu Nquyet 3, Yên Bái
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11178443298
#4: April 16 – Yên Bái to Lang Thíp
Given the hot and humid conditions, with temperatures soaring above 35°C during the day, I decided to extend my stay in Yên Bái by an extra day. After resting, I set out to explore Yen Hoa Park, dedicated to preserving and honoring the fighting spirit and noble sacrifices of Nguyễn Thái Học and his comrades, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Yên Bái Uprising.
As I traveled, the countryside was dotted with cinnamon plantations, showcasing the region’s thriving spice industry. I saw freshly harvested cinnamon bark being sliced into thin strips and laid out to dry under the sun. This traditional preparation method highlighted the meticulous care involved in processing cinnamon, from cultivation to drying. The aromatic scent of cinnamon added a delightful sensory experience to my scenic journey.
During my ride, a young boy on a bicycle approached and invited me to follow him to his school. After a brief but delightful interaction with him and his friends, I continued on my way. Thank you, Bảo (the boy in the black t-shirt, second from the left)—it was a pleasure meeting you all. I hope we get to meet again soon!
I also made a stop at a sawmill where I saw acacia logs being sliced for plywood production.
The ride to Lang Thíp proved to be very challenging due to the heat, humidity, and numerous climbs. I also encountered difficulties finding the hotel I had planned to stay at. Fortunately, as the sun was setting and I reached a small village, I managed to find a guest house to spend the night.
Distance: 87.81 km
Time: 7:34:23
Elev Gain: 1,156 m
Stay: Hotel Nhu Nquyet 3, Yên Bái and Nha Tro Guest House, Lang Thíp
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11195082243
#5: April 17 – Lang Thíp to Tân Thượng
That night in Lang Thíp, a massive thunderstorm struck, bringing heavy rain. Fortunately, a kind shopkeeper had safely stored my bicycle in his shop. With the weather forecast predicting more heat and rain, and with Sapa still approximately 150 kilometers away with an elevation gain of over 2,500 meters, I decided to take a bus to Sapa.
Upon reaching Tân Thượng, I inquired with locals who directed me to the bus station. There, I boarded a Futa Hason Bus, known for its comfort and reliability, for the journey to Sapa. This option allowed me to avoid the challenging mountain climb in unpredictable weather while ensuring a safe and comfortable trip to my destination.
Distance: 14.40 km
Time: 1:13:17
Elev Gain: 177 m
Stay: Nha Tro Guest House, Lang Thíp and May Ho Hotel, Sapa
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11199941669
#6: April 20 – Sapa
Sapa, nestled in the northern highlands of Vietnam, is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Encompassed by dramatic mountain ranges, verdant terraced rice fields, and picturesque valleys, Sapa boasts a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is celebrated for its charming colonial architecture and lively local markets.
Key attractions in Sapa include the impressive Fansipan Mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” which is the highest peak in Vietnam. The region is home to various ethnic minority groups, and guided tours offer valuable insights into their unique traditions and ways of life. Visitors can trek through scenic routes leading to enchanting villages like Cat Cat and Lao Chai, while the tranquil Lake of Sapa provides a serene spot for relaxation.
While in Sapa, I had met Julian Beaudru, a French cyclist who began his journey in France. Having recently arrived in Sapa from Laos, Julian planned to continue his travels to China and ultimately end his cycling adventure in Japan.
Distance: 10.23 km
Time: 1:09:44
Elev Gain: 168 m
Stay: May Ho Hotel, Sapa
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11220846006
#7: April 22 – Sapa to Lào Cai
The ride downhill from Sapa to Lào Cai was exhilarating, with a continuous descent of 1,500 meters. The route provided stunning views, with lush terraced rice fields on one side and mountain scenery on the other. During the descent, I met three Israeli tourists traveling through Vietnam on their motocycles, sharing their own travel stories and experiences.
Upon arriving in Lào Cai, I checked into a hotel and, later in the evening, visited the Vietnam-China border. This visit offered a unique opportunity to see this key geopolitical point.
Distance: 40.13 km
Time: 2:34:48
Elev Gain: 137 m
Stay: May Ho Hotel, Sapa and Hotel Minh Dung, Lào Cai
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11236393307
#8: April 22 – Vietnam – China Border
The Vietnam-China border was approximately 5 kilometers from my hotel. A local in Sapa had mentioned that it was possible to obtain a day pass to cross into China. However, upon arrival, I was unable to find any information or secure a pass, so I had to return without crossing the border.
Distance: 16.36 km
Time: 1:48:39
Elev Gain: 90 m
Stay: Hotel Minh Dung, Lào Cai
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11237453773
#9: April 23 – Back in Hanoi
Yesterday, on my way to the border, I passed the Lào Cai bus station, located across from the train station. After inquiring, I learned that buses to Hanoi depart every hour. Deciding this was the best option, I took a bus back to Hanoi, bringing my amazing journey to Sapa to a close.
Distance: 13.65 km
Time: 1:01:11
Elev Gain: 21 m
Stay: Ancient Lane Hotel, Hanoi
Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/11244350718
If you enjoyed reading about my journeys across Vietnam, feel free to share it with any adventurous friends who might be planning their own trip through this beautiful country. If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you—just let me know!