1. Ha Giang Loop
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlights: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, local ethnic communities.
The Ha Giang Loop is an epic journey through mountainous landscapes, offering daring climbs and thrilling descents. It's a route where each turn reveals a new spectacle, making it a top destination for gravel riders.
2. Ho Chi Minh Trail
Distance: Varies greatly; can be segmented
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Historic trail, dense jungles, waterfalls.
Explore sections of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail. Though historically significant, many parts of the trail offer serene gravel paths through untouched natural beauty.
3. Mekong Delta
Distance: Customizable
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Floating markets, rice paddies, river ferries.
The flat lands and myriad waterways of the Mekong Delta make for an easygoing yet fascinating gravel ride, perfect for those who enjoy cultural immersion.
4. Da Lat to Nha Trang
Distance: About 140 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Breathtaking mountain passes, pine forests, coastal views approaching Nha Trang.
This route offers a mix of elevations, terrains, and climates, ending with the view of the beautiful Nha Trang Bay.
5. Sapa Loop
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Terraced rice fields, Fansipan Mountain, ethnic minority villages.
The Sapa Loop provides gravel riders with challenging climbs and rewarding vistas of North Vietnam's iconic terraced fields and peaks.
6. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Distance: Varies; around 130-160 km for a comprehensive route
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Limestone mountains, tropical forests, traditional stilt houses.
Cycle through Pu Luong Nature Reserve to experience Vietnam's stunning natural habitats and biodiversity.
7. Hai Van Pass
Distance: About 21 km (just the pass itself)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Panoramic views of the sea, Da Nang, and Lang Co Bay.
While primarily known as a scenic road route, gravel options around the Hai Van Pass offer adventurous deviations with spectacular coastal views.
8. Phong Nha to Khe Sanh
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highlights: Phong Nha cave system, Annamite mountains, historic sites of Khe Sanh.
Ride through the heart of Vietnam's cave kingdom on gravel paths that take you through some of the country's most dramatic landscapes.
9. Cao Bang Loop
Distance: About 300 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Highlights: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, limestone karsts.
This route circles through Cao Bang province, offering riders the chance to see the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, the fourth largest border waterfall in the world.
10. Yen Bai Loop
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, local hill tribes, Hmong King’s Palace.
Explore the less traveled roads of Yen Bai for an intimate encounter with rural Vietnam, showcasing some of the most impressive terraced rice fields.
Before You Go
Equipping Yourself: A proper gravel bike, GPS, hydration system, and repair kit are essential.
Safety Precautions: Always wear a helmet, inform someone about your route, and ideally, cycle in groups.
Respecting Local Cultures: Be mindful of local customs and seek permission before entering or photographing private properties or individuals.
Whether you're scaling mountainous terrains or navigating the delta’s intricate waterways, each route promises an unforgettable journey into Vietnam's heartland. Pack your gear, set your sights on the horizon, and pedal your way through the captivating landscapes of Vietnam.