STAGE 1 DESCRIPTION

Today we ride straight into big mountain territory after a transfer out of the capital, Hanoi.

The day has five passes of varying difficulty, but no extreme gradients. These are excellent ‘warm up’ climbs to get you set up for the days ahead. 

The stage goes through beautiful and little visited Bac Kan province on the way to Cao Bang border province, land of infinite greens, outrageously scenic mountain landscapes and some of the best noodle soup in the land. 

Road surfaces are almost all very good right the way to the night’s hotel.

TODAY’S 6 SEGMENTS

1.75km at 5% | 3.8km at 6% | 9.36km at 6% | 4.73km at 4% | 6.28km at 5% | 2.43km at 6%

STAGE 2 DESCRIPTION

Today we roll out of Cao Bang onto a quiet road and our first segment. At just 2% gradient, this is one for the rouleurs among us. It’s almost  a shame to ride it hard as there are some cracking morning views to be had, but as you’ll discover on this ride, more of the same is around every corner - in this case it’s an amazing downhill complete with one of the prettiest valleys on this whole tour where we’ll re-group for a photo.  

After passing a gloriously grand war memorial, we hit one of our favourite climbs in the land at almost 9km and 4%. More amazing vistas lead to a finish section of switchbacks - we’ll make sure our photographer is here to get some shots for you as getting your phone out might not be so easy if you are pushing hard here. 

The final sustained climb of the day is another beauty and leads onto an overall (but of couse, not all) downhill 40k to the finish. We’ve spiked this run in with one final segment test - a little 800m 8% kicker that should favour a different type of rider. 

TODAY’S 4 SEGMENTS

14.28k at 2% | 8.77k at 4% | 7.4k at 5% | 0.86k at 8%

STAGE 3 DESCRIPTION

Today we head into the real Frontier Area of Ha Giang province. For the initial 50k we can ride easy as a bunch and enjoy the scenery as we prepare for a GC climb of over 17km at 5%. 

This is the stuff Grand Tours are made of in terms of epic length and epic visuals. It’s hard to not unleash a torrent of superlatives to describe both this climb and the magical climb that follows it on the brilliantly named Happiness Road.

This day is the stuff of cycling bucket list dreams. We love to ride it and we love to see others knocked out by it. Welcome to the Northern Frontier proper!

TODAY’S 3 SEGMENTS

2.15k at 10% | 17.4km at 5% | 4.15km at 8%

STAGE 4 DESCRIPTION

After an initial steep climb out of town we hit a pine forested stretch before entering into the other worldly territory of the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Landscape.

We don’t like to throw the word epic around here at Velo Vietnam, but this is one occasion when it can definitely be used. Every kilometer of today’s ride is spectacular until you reach our destination - a small village just outside Ha Giang town. We finish at a small traditional ethnic minority house. Here, we will get cleaned up before enjoying a big feast and a few drinks together. 

Those who want to head straight back to Hanoi can do so, while those who want to stay the night and travel the next day can take that option - please let us know when you book which option you prefer. 

TODAY’S 4 SEGMENTS

1.38km at 9% | 5km at 7% | 7.6km at 5% | 3.3km at 7%