6-day Off-road Motorbike Tour to Northwest Vietnam-Mai chau, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa

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: 

Highlights: Khau Pha Pass, Tu Le Valley, Hmong culture
Distance: 170 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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: 

Highlights: O Quy Ho Pass, Hmong villages, Sapa town
Distance: 140 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel 

Departing from Sapa, we ride along the winding National Road 4D to Lao Cai city, then detour into hidden Hmong villages. After about 35 km, we stop at a unique riverside café with a view of China across the Nam Thi River. 

Following National Road 70, we reach Pho Rang for a light lunch, then continue to Luc Yen – a gemstone hub famous for ruby mining. From there, a scenic backroad leads us through lush rice fields to Vu Linh, near Thac Ba Lake. 

We stay in a welcoming homestay hosted by the local Dao ethnic minority. After a rest, we board a small boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on Thac Ba Lake – one of Vietnam’s largest man-made lakes. Sip a cold beer, admire the serene landscape, and dive in for a refreshing swim. 

End the evening with a hearty dinner and warm hospitality – be ready, the locals here are known for their strong rice wine and unforgettable toasts! 

* Summary: 

Highlights: Thac Ba Lake, Luc Yen gemstones, Dao culture
Distance: 220 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay 

We say goodbye to our wonderful hosts and set off on our final ride. For those still craving a bit more action, we can sneak in one last off-road trail to cap off the adventure. 

Cruising through rural backroads of Phu Tho Province, we pass peaceful villages and scenic farmlands before reaching Son Tay. Here, we enjoy a relaxing lunch near the iconic Red River. 

The final stretch leads us back to bustling Hanoi, ending this unforgettable 5-day Vietnam motorbike adventure. With dirt-covered gear, full memory cards, and wide grins, we wrap up the journey of a lifetime. 

* Summary: 

Highlights: Red River, rural roads, final off-road ride
Distance: 160 km
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch