Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tours: 10 Days Into The Wild

Introduction

Fresh off our epic motorcycle adventure through Ha Giang Loop, we were curious: what hidden natural gems awaited us in the lush jungles of Northwest Vietnam? It didn’t take us long to find the answer, as we had experienced the Northwest Vietnam motorbike tours just last month. Follow us to unveil the wild beauty of the area!

10-Day Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tours

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau Motorcycle Tour

Bright and early at the hotel, our friendly guide Hung met us to go over some essential traffic rules and tips for Vietnam. With our gear prepped, we were all set to begin our epic 10-day motorcycle tour to North Vietnam at 9:30 am. Our first destination was Mai Chau, about 160 km from Hanoi, taking about 5 hours of riding. Our motorbikes rumbled to life through Cao Phong, then Tan Lac, and Thung Khe Pass. Since this was the first day, Hung led our crew to scenic Highway 6, allowing us to soak in the magnificent mountainous scenery unfolding along the way.  If you crave a more adrenaline-pumping sense from the get-go, follow Bai Lang Street. Dangerously sharp turns and off-camber trails are on the horizon! After a smooth ride, we reached Mai Chau in the early afternoon and had a relaxing night in a hotel.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Phu Yen Motorcycle Trip

The crisp morning air in Mai Chau washed over us, stirring a wave of fresh energy. Treating our stomachs to a hearty breakfast, we hopped on our motorcycles and set off for Phu Yen via Road No.43. Winding through verdant, emerald mountains seemed to ward us off the scorching heat from the sun.  Marveling at the stunning beauty, we lost track of time and didn’t realize Hoa Binh Dam – the largest hydroelectric dam in Southeast Asia, had emerged in front of us.  After taking several snapshots of this imposing structure, our crew continued towards the Van Yen ferry and reached Phu Yen by sunset. It was a memorable, cozy night with the locals, savoring buffalo meat and spilling the tea about our enjoyable experience on the amazing trip.

Day 3: Phu Yen to Son La Motorcycle Route

We were buzzing with excitement when Hung told us we would visit some remote ethnic villages today, so we set off early from Phu Yen through Road 37 towards Son La. Towering mountains reaching for heaven and rolling hills teeming with vibrant flora alternately unfolded as our team cruised forward.  The earthy aroma of ripe rice fields wafting in the warm air marked the entry to the peaceful village of Black Thai People. They greeted us with a wholehearted welcome and treated us to a colorful plate of sticky rice to refuel our energy. Waiting us ahead were back-to-back dirt trails and rugged roads. When we got our way out of the mountainous terrain, our motorbike wound through a lush sugarcane field. The farmers there gave us some juicy, sweet canes to quench our thirst. Taking a short, smooth road, the charming town of Son La finally emerged from the indigo veil of twilight. 

Day 4: Son La to Tuan Giao Motorbike Tour

This was a day for experienced riders to put their riding skills to the test since we would conquer Pha Din Pass – a magnificent yet risky pass in Vietnam. We treaded carefully on zig-zag, steep mountain roads that led to the entry of the stunning pass.  Reaching 1,648 meters above sea level, Pha Din Pass was shrouded in a swirling, ghostly scarf of fog, exuding a sense of chilling mystery. The climb grew steeper with each turn, but the beautiful scenery, unfurling in the soft glow of fog, grew more breathtaking with every meter gained. That was definitely an amazing experience for adventure enthusiasts. Just be sure you pack some warm clothes there! Bidding farewell to the spectacular view, we arrived at Tuan Giao to unwind after a daunting riding day.

Day 5: Tuan Giao to Sin Ho Motorbike Trip

Another day, another challenge! Most of today’s motorcycle tour was off-road, so we kicked things off early with a warm breakfast to recharge our energy. Our motorbikes shook up the dirt as we wound through tranquil and untouched remote villages of Hmong and Thai people, eventually encountering a small, crystal-clear stream.  What could be a better place to enjoy our lunch while taking in the natural beauty? After a delightful meal, we traversed a 25 km bumpy pass named Sa Tong. A true challenge had been unveiled! The desolate, ragged slopes snaked between the jagged, skyrocketing cliffs and the devouring abyss. It was like treading a tightrope that we didn’t dare let go of our focus for a mere second. On the way out of the deadly pass, we came across the charming town of Muong Lay. However, a flood had swept over the small place, so we couldn’t stop for sightseeing. Instead, we headed north to Sin Ho to stay overnight.

Day 6: Sin Ho to Sapa Motorbike Route

The 6th day of our PG1 adventure tours was a short yet thrilling motorcycle journey to Sapa. Leaving behind the wild beauty of Sin Ho, Hung led us through an off-the-beaten route that crossed verdant forests and cool rivers. We chilled by a little river and splashed some water on our faces to wake ourselves up. Our motorbike trip continued across Binh Lu commune to reach Tram Ton pass, where we admired the majesty of the imposing Fansipan and its surrounding towering mountains and lush valleys.  Exiting the pass, we had a smooth, amazing ride to the dreamlike town of Sapa. All of us were so eager to explore every nook and cranny of this place tomorrow.

Day 7: Sapa Motorcycle Tour

After 6 days on the road, we decided to spend the entire day to unveil the surreal beauty of Sapa. Early in the morning, the town was enveloped in dense fog like a floating island in the sky.  As the first sliver of sunlight cut through the misty veil, we also arrived at Cat Cat village, where we experienced the Hmong people’s daily life and culture. The next hidden gem was Rose Valley, whose picturesque beauty transported us to an ethereal floral world straight out of a fairy tale. The afternoon itinerary was just as exhilarating. We took a short 18 km trip north to reach Sky Gate – a real paradise in the clouds. Honestly, one day was far from enough to completely take in all of Sapa’s charm. That night, we all had a restful sleep after a day full of joy and unforgettable experiences.

Day 8: Sapa to Luc Yen Motorcycle Trip

Today was a long motorbike tour after a relaxing day in Sapa. Our team kicked off early on a 180-km road, winding through verdant palm forests. Our motorbikes kept rumbling for almost 6 hours before we reached Luc Yen. It was still early, so our group decided to meander around the town and rolling hills to admire the magnificent limestone mountains and the picturesque valleys. Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to savor some local specialties there. As the night wore on, we checked in at a lovely, cozy homestay of Tay people. The family was so welcoming and down-to-earth, treating us to a scrumptious meal despite the language barrier. 

Day 9: Luc Yen to Vu Linh Motorcycle Route

Since we decided to enjoy half a day in Luc Yen, we didn’t have to wake up early. After a hearty breakfast, we wandered around to the local market to have a taste of their daily life and traditions. In the afternoon, our motorbike started to rumble again toward Vu Linh village, home to the Dzao people for thousands of years. We cycled around and visited some local houses, where we soaked in their soothing folk songs and joined their lovely dances. Feel adventurous? Try climbing up the Cao Bien and Yen mountains to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Returning to the Dzao homestay, a freshly cooked meal was waiting for us on the table. 

Day 10: Vu Linh to Hanoi Motorbike Tour

A long, long route was awaiting us on the last day of our Vietnam motorbike tours through the northwest regions. We had a fascinating breakfast with the Dzao family and geared up to head southeast to Hanoi.  As our motorbikes exited Vu Linh, we followed Highway 2 and a winding road across Phu Tho. While cruising along the Red River, we encountered the meeting point of the Black and Red Rivers. Crossing the bridge over the Black River, we joined a highway and returned to Hanoi. When the high-pitched horns and engine sounds broke the tranquility, we knew it was time to say goodbye. Our 10-day motorcycle tour came to an end at 3 pm.

Conclusion

Each day of our Northwest Vietnam motorbike tours unfolded a unique beauty, offering a unique blend of relaxation, leisurely cruises, and heart-pounding thrills. The scenery? Simply breathtaking, beyond words!  Ready to experience it for yourself? Share this post with your fellow riders, and plan your motorcycle trip today! What riders have said about PG-1 Adventure Tours on Tripadvisor!