Cycling from Hanoi to Ha Giang in 2°C weather during the Lunar New Year
To welcome the new year, my companion and I set out on a cycling trip to the highlands. Riding my Focus road bike with two water bottles, I covered over 400 km, finally arriving in Dong Van District, Ha Giang.
Unprecedented slopes in Ha Giang
Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Huong Thao during her cycling journey to Ha Giang
Before setting off, everyone warned me about the steep and long slopes of Ha Giang, with many sharp downhill sections. But I was undeterred, even though I hadn’t done any long-distance cycling in the past seven months. I am Nguyen Thi Huong Thao, 37 years old, living in Hanoi.
The first leg (140 km) began on January 22 (the 23rd day of the Lunar New Year), taking me from Hanoi to Vinh Phuc and then to Tuyen Quang. The roads were crowded with vehicles, yet I felt exhilarated, especially when cycling along the emerald-green Lo River. By the time I reached Tuyen Quang, night had fallen, and I had to rely on my bike light to navigate.
Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Huong Thao during her cycling journey to Ha Giang
The second leg (97 km) from Tuyen Quang to Bac Quang town (Ha Giang) introduced me to towering mountains on both sides of the road, thick fog, and occasional drizzle. I constantly wiped my glasses to see clearly. Along the way, I stopped to visit the famous Ham Yen orange orchards and Thuy waterfall.
After a night of rest, the third leg (145 km) took me to Yen Minh town. This was the longest stretch, with winding roads and terrifyingly long slopes, enough to leave my companion gasping for breath. The journey became even more challenging in the fourth leg (50 km) from Yen Minh to Meo Vac. Though short, the relentless steep inclines drained my energy. The higher I climbed, the stiffer my legs became; the more I braked on descents, the number my hands felt. Eventually, I had to walk my bike just to catch my breath.
Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Huong Thao during her cycling journey to Ha Giang
Taking it slow, I finally had the chance to truly appreciate Ha Giang’s breathtaking beauty—pristine air, endless blue skies, and scenery that left me in awe.
Cycling through the bone-chilling cold
Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Huong Thao during her cycling journey to Ha Giang
The final stretch (23 km) began on January 26 (the 27th day of the Lunar New Year), taking me from Dong Van Old Quarter through Ma Pi Leng Pass. The weather turned freezing, dropping below zero in some places, with thin layers of snow. In the morning, my companion and I woke up early to visit the weekend market in Meo Vac. By noon, the sky cleared up a bit, so I packed my belongings and continued the journey.
For the first time, I cycled against the wind in piercing cold. My hands nearly went numb, and I wrapped every scarf and layer of clothing I had around me. Since I had never been to Ha Giang before, my excitement kept me going. Riding across Ma Pi Leng Pass was breathtaking—its beauty was overwhelming, and time seemed to stand still.
Photo provided by Nguyen Thi Huong Thao during her cycling journey to Ha Giang
Reaching the finish line safely, I shouted in triumph, having completed five days of exploring the northern mountain roads. It felt like conquering the world. That afternoon, my companion and I indulged in a feast and wandered around town. To me, this journey was more than just an endurance test—it was a testament to patience and resilience. Even after returning home, I still carried the exhilarating feeling of adventure in Ha Giang.
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