A Ninh Binh – Mai Chau cycling tour is a fantastic way to explore two of northern Vietnam’s most scenic destinations. Here’s suggested 3-day cycling itinerary that covers both areas:

Ninh Binh is known as famous place that attracts many tourists. Possessing a beauty that makes everyone fall in love when coming here, carrying many unique historical and traditional cultural climate, here in a day is divided into four different seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter. The average temperature is about 23.5 degrees Celsius, the temperature is cool, not too hot and not too cold. Each person can choose for themselves the right time to travel to Ninh Binh in the seasons to see the whole beauty, clearly feel the change of scenery here.

Day 1: Arrival in Ninh Binh & Explore Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (Cycling Distance: 25-30km)

Morning: Arrive in Ninh Binh , after a quick orientation and bike check, start cycling to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Explore the temples of Kinh Dinh and King Le, learning about Vietnam’s ancient history.

Midday: Cycle through quiet countryside paths, passing lush rice fields, karst formations, and local villages.

Afternoon: Reach Tam Coc, where you can take a peaceful boat trip along the Ngo Dong River through stunning caves and limestone mountains. Option to visit Bich Dong Pagoda.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or homestay and enjoy local Ninh Binh cuisine.

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Mai chau (cycling Distance : 40 – 50 km)

Morning: Transfer by vehicle (or part cycling) to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley inhabited by ethnic minority groups like the Thai people. Upon arrival, start cycling to explore the valley.

Midday: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant or homestay in Mai Chau. Enjoy local dishes such as sticky rice and grilled meats.

Afternoon: Continue cycling through the stunning Mai Chau Valley, passing green rice terraces, traditional stilt houses, and meeting friendly local villagers.

Evening: Stay at a local homestay in Mai Chau and enjoy a traditional Thai cultural performance (optional) and dinner.

Day 3: Cycling around Mai Chau & Departure (cycling distance: 20-30 km)

Morning: Begin the day with a leisurely cycle around the nearby villages such as Pom Coong and Lac villages, where you can learn about the local crafts and culture.

Midday: Lunch at a local homestay, then free time to explore on your own or relax.

Afternoon: Transfer back to Hanoi or your next destination.

Mai Chau specialties

1. Boiled wild boar

Boiled wild boar in Mai Chau is a famous specialty of the Northwest highlands, especcially in the Mai Chau valley – Hoa Binh. Wild boar, also known as armpit pig, is raised naturally in the forest, eating only tress and grass. This helps wild boar meat have characteristics such as: firm meat, lean meat, low fat, delicious and naturally sweet when eaten.

2. Buffalo meat cooked with lom leaves

Buffalo meat cooked with lom leaves is also a dish in Mai Chau that you must try. Buffalo meat cooked with lom leaves will make the meat more fragrant, not fishy. Lom leaves will have a sour taste that stimulates the taste buds and dispels the smell of buffalo meat if you do not like them.

Tips:

Bring comfortable cycling gear and sunscreen.

November to April is an ideal time for this tour due to cooler weather.

This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and nature, making it a well-rounded cycling experience!