Day 1: Lao Cai – Chay River – Trung Do Village: The River Odyssey

• Route: Lao Cai Railway Station -> Bao Nhai Bridge -> Chay River -> Fairy Cave -> Trung Do Village
• Cycling Distance: ~ 46 km
• Road Condition: Mostly flat, sealed rolling roads through countryside and river valleys.

Your adventure ignites at dawn as the Golden Cycling Tours team greets you at the Lao Cai Railway Station. After a revitalizing local breakfast, we gear up for a 46km ride on smooth, rolling roads toward Bao Nhai Bridge. This morning is a gentle introduction to the rural charm of the Red River valley, passing through golden rice paddies and timeless villages.

At the bridge, we trade our bikes for a traditional long boat for a 1.5-hour spectacular cruise up the Chay River. You will be mesmerized by the towering limestone cliffs and the lush jungle canopy. We stop for a gourmet picnic lunch inside the 'Fairy Cave' (Hang Tien), a mystical natural cathedral. The afternoon concludes with a serene boat ride to Trung Do village, a peaceful Tay Hamlet. Here, you will experience the heart of Vietnamese hospitality with a traditional home stay, sharing a sumptuous dinner and stories with your Tay hosts.

Day 2: Trung Do – Bac Ha – Ban Pho Village: The Ascent to the Clouds

• Route: Trung Do -> Bac Ha Pass -> Ban Pho -> Plum Gardens Loop -> Bac Ha
• Cycling Distance: ~ 30 km (18km climb + 12km loop)
• Road Condition: Local trails, steep mountain passes (sealed), and single-track dirt roads.

After a fresh village breakfast, we take a soulful hour-long walk around the hamlet to meet the locals and soak in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Then, it’s time for the "Main Event." We start on a local trail before hitting the main road for an exhilarating 18km climb to the Bac Ha plateau. The views are staggering, and for those who find the incline tough, our support vehicle is right there to provide a VIP lift to the summit.

After lunch in Bac Ha, the fun continues with an 8km loop into the heart of the highlands. We stop at Ban Pho village, home to the Flower Hmong. Here, you’ll navigate a single-track trail and winding dirt roads through vast plum gardens and rice fields. This is the true "off-road" experience, passing local homes and hidden trails that few tourists ever see. We check into our hotel in Bac Ha for a night of relaxation in the cool mountain air.

Day 3: The Hmong King’s Palace – Lung Phin – The Grand Descent

• Route: Bac Ha -> Lung Phin -> Bac Ha -> Bao Nhai -> Lao Cai
• Cycling Distance: ~ 30 km to 82 km (Flexible options)
• Road Condition: Sealed mountain roads, steep climbs, and long-range downhill descents.

We start our final day with a visit to the Hoang A Tuong Palace, the "Castle of the Hmong King," offering a window into the region’s royal past and a panoramic view over the town. Next, we embark on a 12km ride to Lung Phin village, a remote enclave of the Flower Hmong and Phu La people. The route features a 3km steep climb that will test your legs—though you can always hop in the jeep! After 30 minutes of cultural exchange with the villagers, enjoy a effortless 12km glide back to town.

After lunch, it's time for the "Grand Finale." You have a choice: embark on a thrilling 24km downhill descent to Bao Nhai Bridge and then drive back, or for the hardcore enthusiasts, ride the full 82km back to Lao Cai. The road winds along the Chay River valley, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in Vietnam. We return to Lao Cai for a refreshing shower before your overnight train back to Hanoi, marking the completion of an epic 3-day odyssey.