Summary schedule
- Day 1: HANOI TO MAI CHAU (HOA BINH)
- Day 2: MAI CHAU TO PHU YEN (SON LA)
- Day 3: Phu Yen to Mu Cang Chai – Conquer Khau Pha Pass
- Day 4: Mu Cang Chai to Sapa
- Day 5: Sapa to Ha Giang
- Day 6: Ha Giang to Dong Van
- Day 7: Dong Van to Ba Be lake
- Day 8: Ba Be Lake to Hanoi – One Last Ride Home
Day 1: HANOI TO MAI CHAU (HOA BINH)

After lunch, we’ll hit some challenging offroad sections then 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.
We spend the night in Mai Chau-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
Day 2: MAI CHAU TO PHU YEN (SON LA)
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.

* Summary:
Distance: 170 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3: Phu Yen to Mu Cang Chai – Conquer Khau Pha Pass
Start your 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: Homestay
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai to Sapa
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
Day 5: Sapa to Ha Giang
We kick off the day 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 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 and also 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
Day 6: Ha Giang to Dong Van
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
Day 7: Dong Van to Ba Be lake
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. The highlight of the morning comes as we ride to the mighty Ma Pi Leng Pass, one off the most beautiful passes in Vietnam.

From here, we head to 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.

By day’s end, we’ll arrive at Ba Be Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. After a peaceful boat ride across its tranquil waters, we’ll settle in for the night at a cozy homestay hosted by a local Tay family. 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: 200 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 8: Ba Be Lake to Hanoi – One Last Ride Home
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
Note: This itinerary is just a short outline, our motorbike tours are all about flexibility, with plenty of room for detours and unexpected discoveries. Your guide will tailor the routes and stops to match your riding skills and travel vibe, making sure every mile feels just right. Don’t hesitate to speak up and customize your ride daily. We’re here to bring you the ultimate motorcycle adventure in Vietnam!.
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