10-day North Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tour to Ha Giang, Sapa and Ban Gioc Waterfall

We kick off the tour around 9:00 AM. After about 40 minutes navigating Hanoi’s busy streets, we break free onto Highway No. 8. From here, the traffic eases up, and the countryside starts to unfold.

We grab a quick coffee en route, then roll along scenic backroads through rice fields into Hoa Binh province, where the landscape shifts — mountains rise, the air gets cleaner, and dramatic karst formations start lining the horizon.

After lunch in Ky Son, things get a little wilder. We’ll hit some challenging offroad sections cutting through local farms and forested hillsides. In the afternoon, we turn off National Road 6 and cruise along Road 450, a lesser-known stretch that rewards us with a stunning overlook of Hoa Binh Lake — one of Vietnam’s largest man-made lakes, created by the dam that powers the Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant.

We roll into Mai Chau around 4 or 5 PM — a quiet valley where stilt houses of the White Thai people sit among emerald paddy fields. Surrounded by misty green mountains, this place is a breath of fresh air after a full day’s ride. Tonight, we enjoy a warm local dinner, stay in a family-run homestay, and soak in a bit of ethnic Thai culture.

* Summary:

Distance: 160–190 km

Meals: L, D

Accommodation: Homestay

We hit the road between 8:00–8:30 AM. But before we saddle up, feel free to take a short walk around the village — the cool morning air and rice fields are a perfect start to the day.

After bidding farewell to our friendly homestay hosts, we fire up the engines and head toward the forgotten Old Road No. 6, a historic route that once served as a vital artery through Northwest Vietnam. Nowadays, it lies quietly beneath the hills, winding past remote ethnic villages and tucked-away farms.

As we approach Moc Chau district, the terrain opens up to green plateaus and rolling farmland. Moc Chau is the beating heart of Vietnam’s dairy scene, launched back in the late ’70s with help from Australia and the UN. You’ll spot plenty of cow farms dotting the roadside as we cruise through.

We stop for lunch in Moc Chau, then brace ourselves for the afternoon’s thrill — a series of offroad sections winding through the rugged mountains and deep into remote farming areas. These dirt tracks, wild and challenging, are a proper treat for anyone chasing the real off-the-beaten-path Vietnam.

Eventually, the trail leads us to Van Yen ferry terminal, where we cross the mighty Da River by boat. A short but scenic ride gives us a chance to cool off and soak in the views before the final stretch.

The last leg of the ride hugs the river, offering a peaceful cruise into Phu Yen, a quiet highland town where we kick back and rest up at a local hotel.

* Summary:

Distance: 170 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

Start your second day with a choice: opt for challenging off-road tracks through remote Hmong villages or cruise on scenic paved roads. We tackle the historic Lung Lo Pass – a strategic site during the First Indochina War and a hidden gem on any Vietnam motorbike route.

After lunch in Nghia Lo, we ride through the iconic Tu Le Valley, renowned for its premium sticky rice and the famous Vietnamese green rice delicacy “cốm.” If you’re lucky to be here in early autumn, you might get to witness locals making fresh “cốm” – a rare and authentic cultural moment.

From Tu Le, it’s time to climb the legendary Khau Pha Pass – one of the top 4 most breathtaking mountain passes in Northern Vietnam. Spanning 30 km of thrilling curves and panoramic views at 1,500 meters above sea level, this ride is a dream for adventure motorcyclists.

We arrive in Mu Cang Chai, a must-visit destination known for its magnificent terraced rice fields and rich ethnic culture. Overnight in a cozy local homestay.

* Summary:

Distance: 170 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel or homestay

We kick off the day with some backroad exploration and real off-road challenges through remote mountains and ethnic Hmong villages. This route offers a glimpse into the daily lives of local people, shaped by rugged terrain and tough weather.

After lunch in Than Uyen, we journey past tea plantations and rolling rice fields before ascending O Quy Ho Pass – one of the longest and most scenic mountain passes in Vietnam. With mist rising and cooler air setting in, we enter the misty haven of Sapa.

Located at 1,600 meters altitude, Sapa is known for its cool climate, majestic landscapes, and diverse tribal cultures including Hmong, Dao, Tay, and others. It’s a larger town with restaurants, bars, and shops – a good chance to unwind. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

* Summary:

Distance: 170 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation:Hotel

We kick off the day from Sapa around 8:30 AM, starting with a scenic backroad ride through a few small Hmong villages. After warming up, we reconnect with the main road and head down to Lao Cai City, where we’ll make a short stop at the Lao Cai International Border Gate—where you can literally see China just across a narrow river.

Back on the bikes, we follow Highway 70 through Bac Ngam to Pho Rang, then take Highway 279 heading toward Ha Giang City. If time allows in the afternoon, we’ll spice up the ride with an off-road section to shake off any highway drowsiness.

By late afternoon, our crew arrives at a hotel in Ha Giang City—officially saying goodbye to the Northwest and entering the rugged, awe-inspiring land of Northeast Vietnam and the legendary Ha Giang Loop.

Ha Giang province is one of the last true frontiers for motorbike adventurers in Vietnam. Rugged, raw, and remote, this land is carved with dramatic karst peaks, twisting mountain passes, misty valleys, and roads that feel like they were made for two wheels. Ha Giang is home to a rich mix of ethnic minorities including Hmong, Tay, Dao,…all living in harmony with the mountains, holding tight to their traditions, language, and unique way of life.

* Summary:

Distance: 230 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation:Hotel or homestay

This is where things get next-level. After a hearty breakfast, we take on the legendary Ha Giang loop, with stunning panoramic views at every turn. Offroad and backroad options are available depending on the group. We visit remote villages, wave at smiling kids, and (optionally) stop at a local school to share some small donations. The iconic Tham Ma Pass gives us a dramatic photo op before we reach the Vuong Family Palace, a historic H’mong mansion mixing French, Chinese, and local architecture. We spend the night in Dong Van. Located in the far north of Vietnam, Dong Van-also known as the Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, is famous for its spectacular and unique landscape having high mountains and deep canyons.

Dong Van is also home to 17 ethnic groups which creates the unique and rich cultural heritage of the place. This town is a charming old town with ancient clay brick houses, and the most touristy stop of the Northeast route, so feel free to explore the local bars or shops.

* Summary:
Distance: 140 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

We’ll kick off the day with an early breakfast and hit the road around 8 AM — today’s a big one. From Dong Van, we warm up on a short backroad section where, on a clear day, you can spot the Vietnam–China border just a few kilometers away. Then comes a real wake-up call: a tough offroad track that gets your adrenaline pumping, just in time to cruise into the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — often hailed as the most breathtaking pass in Northern Vietnam.

We’ll take a short break here for some epic photos and a coffee with one-of-a-kind views that’ll stay with you for years.

From there, we ride toward Khau Vai commune in Meo Vac district, where an unforgettable moment awaits: crossing the all green Nho Que River on a  bamboo raft. After wrapping up this wild offroad section, we’ll ride for about another hour and stop for a well-earned lunch in Bao Lac town.

After lunch, we’ll continue the journey over the famous Mẻ Pja Pass, known for its 13 unique switchbacks. In the late afternoon, the route will take us through charming small villages of the Tày ethnic minority. Our destination for today will be the city of Cao Bằng

* Summary:
Distance: 200 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

We depart from Cao Bang City around 9 AM, leaving the main road behind to wander through small villages and fields of arrowroot grown by the local people. Returning to National Highway 3, we continue our journey, following a trail that leads us to the famous ‘God’s Eye Mountain’ (Núi Mắt Thần). This is a stunning grassland area where we can freely enjoy riding, take incredible photos, and capture unforgettable footage.

After a lunch stop in the town of Trùng Khánh, we head to the highlight of the day: Bản Giốc Waterfall. Situated right on the border between Vietnam and China, Bản Giốc is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Vietnam. We’ll take a short boat ride to get up close and truly feel the power and grandeur of the water cascading from above.

Saying goodbye to Bản Giốc, we ride back to Cao Bằng. If time permits, we may visit Ngườm Ngao Cave, a beautiful natural wonder nearby. On the way back, we’ll tackle another off-road stretch and enjoy the majestic scenery as we pass through Mã Phục Pass—a perfect way to end a day full of adventure and wonder.
We spend the night at Cao Bang city again.

* Summary:
Distance: 160km
Meals: B, L, D
Destination: Hotel

After breakfast at around 8:00 or 8:30 AM, we set off heading southeast along National Highway 3, passing through Tài Hồ Sìn Pass, Cao Bắc Pass, and Gió Pass—each offering stunning and unforgettable scenery.

Following lunch, we turn onto Highway 279, passing through the small town of Chợ Rã, before arriving at the destination.
And here comes the highlight of the day, a much-anticipated boat trip awaits us on the peaceful water of Ba Be lake-the largest natural lake in Vietnam, we’ll kick back with a few cold beers, surrounded by the majestic landscape with vibrant water, epic mountain and forest. Tonight, we’ll stay at a cozy homestay hosted by a local Tày ethnic family, nestled near the lake. To close the evening, we’ll enjoy a charming traditional performance by local Tay ladies-a beautiful cultural touch to cap off an incredible day.

* Summary:
Distance: 130 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

We say goodbye to our homestay and the peaceful waters of Ba Be Lake, then hit the road back to Hanoi. If you feel like you’ve had your fill of challenges over the past few days, we’ll take it easy with a more relaxed route.

But if your body’s still craving that shot of adrenaline, don’t worry — we’ve got one last offroad trail lined up for this morning. A little more dirt and mud won’t hurt!

After lunch in Thai Nguyen, we follow the main road back to Hanoi, wrapping up this unforgettable motorbike adventure through Northern Vietnam.

* Summary:
Distance: 200 km
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: N/A