10-Day Offroad Motorbike Tour To Halong Bay: An Amazing Ride

Introduction

Words can’t capture the stunning beauty of the land and the sea in Vietnam. That’s why we decided to embark on an offroad motorbike tour to Halong Bay to fully enjoy the pristine, picturesque landscapes and seascape in this beautiful country first-hand. Let’s see what is waiting for us in 10 days!

Offroad Motorbike Tour To Halong Bay: 10 Days To The Natural Wonder

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo Motorbike Tour

At around 8 am, we met our friendly tour guide, Hoang, at our hotel, got the hang of some safety rules, and gave our motorbike a thorough check-up. Once all the boxes were ticked, we embarked on a leisurely 4km ride along the Red River.  The river snaked through vibrant fishing villages and swaying cornfields, teeming with ferries and boats. The lively scene of life boosted our mood for the next challenges on the road. Our motorbikes kept humming for about 60 km through the tranquil natural landscape and finally reached Trung Ha Bridge. After lunch, our motorbike tour continued to Xuan Son National Park and Nghia Lo. A bunch of off-road and back-road tracks, along with two long trails, led us to the charming Nghia Lo town. The pleasant weather was a welcome respite from the hot day trip. This small town is home to various revolutionary relics and tourist hotspots, like Muong Lo markets, Con Nghia Lo, and Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area.

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Sapa Motorbike Trip

A hearty breakfast refueled our energy, and we were ready to ace the journey ahead. The morning itinerary started with a 50km motorbike ride on winding roads. We wove through pristine lands, where vibrant terraced rice fields stretched to the horizon line. We then had a refreshing coffee break after conquering a daunting off-road trail. Getting back on the motorbikes, we followed National Route 32 and stopped by the Parasailing site to capture some stunning photos. Some sharp bends led us to the foot of the thrilling, rugged Khau Pha Pass, forcing us to tread slowly with unwavering focus. As we made it to the top, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolded below – the endless emerald rice terraces in Tu Le Valley gracefully embraced the foot of the pass.  This pass also took us to stunning destinations like Che Cu Nha, Nam Co, La Pan Tan, and Mu Cang Chai. The La Pan Tan mountain is nestled in the picturesque Mu Cang Chai town, where we can admire the magnificent beauty of lush, verdant terraced rice fields and have a glimpse into the daily life and culture of ethnic minorities. After lunch at Mu Cang Chai, we conquered another daunting pass – O Quy Ho. With its challenge came a great reward – the peaceful, untamed charm of the valley on its foot, whose untouched scenic beauty dwarfed human presence. As the landscape was soaked in the indigo glow of twilight, we finally made our way to Sapa to have a restful night.

Day 3: Sapa – Bac Ha Market Motorbike Route

Today’s itinerary was full of hotspots, so we kicked off early after a warm breakfast. The first destination was the rustic Sin Chai valley, where lush rice fields stretched as long as our eyes could see, dotted with some timeworn stilt houses. Our motorbikes continued towards Cat Cat Village. Charming houses scattered along the hillside, flanking a crystal-clear stream like a fantastic scene straight out of an epic film. Navigating an off-road track and following National Highway 4D, we reached Khoang Village and Ta Phin Valley to take a break. With fresh energy bubbling within, we rode to Ta Van Valley (Lao Chai), Sau Chua Peak, and Y Linh Ho village. Then, our team had a scenic ride on paved roads to Ta Van village for lunch, with spectacular mountainous landscapes unfolding along the way. In the afternoon, we took on an off-road adventure towards Bac Hac Market, passing winding roads that were parallel to Provincial Road 153. The buzzing market was teeming with vibrant colors and mouth-watering aromas from street foods wafting in the air. There, we also had a chance to witness a fascinating way locals connected and found their destined halves. After a day full of activities, we arrived at the Cung Fu Hotel at around 5:30 pm for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Bac Ha – Xin Man – Ha Giang Motorcycle Tour

Our motorcycle tour to Halong Bay would be incomplete without visiting Ha Giang – the land of fantasy. Today’s route was also a dream come true for thrill seekers, with twisting off-road tracks, treacherous mountain trails, and cloud-kissed peaks. We followed provincial road 153 and dropped by the charming, humble town of Coc Pai in Xin Man District to blend in a hustling, lively ethnic market. Feeling more adventurous? You can navigate a more challenging, rugged off-road route of 40 km instead.  We stopped for a refreshing cup of joe while soaking in the grandeur of the mountainous landscapes before turning to a 20km off-road trail to reach Phung village and Vinh Quang town for a hearty lunch. Then, a short ride led us to the awe-inspiring majesty of the Hoang Su Phi rice terrace, which looked like a dazzling golden sea under the bright glow of sunlight.  Following National Highway 2, we found our way to Ha Giang before sunset. Here, sprawling buckwheat flower fields painted the horizon with its delicate charm. Natural wonders like Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tay Con Linh Peak, and Chieu Lau Thi Peak were also waiting for us to explore. Then, our team enjoyed a restful night at a cozy resort.

Day 5: Ha Giang – Meo Vac Motorcycle Trip

We began the 5th day of our PG-1 adventure motorbike tours with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an off-road adventure in Ha Giang. The journey wasn’t overly challenging, allowing us to truly savor the untamed natural wonders from the comfort of our motorcycles. As we traversed a road that cut through dense forests and crossed a breathtaking waterfall, we paused for some photos at the charming weaving village of Lung Tam.  Another highlight was the Quan Ba Valley, an unmissable stop. From an altitude of nearly 8 km, the valley unfolded like a dreamscape, with verdant hills, stretching meadows, hidden grottoes, and a vibrant array of peach trees, plum trees, orchids, and medicinal plants, all mingling to create a stunning view. We had the option to either continue along the main road to explore the Yen Minh pine forest or take a 20km off-road detour to immerse ourselves in the wild nature and vibrant daily life. After a hearty lunch in Yen Minh town, we wandered through the capital of the Rock Plateau and visited an ancient lord house belonging to the H’Mong people. The historical richness of the place was palpable, transporting us back in time. We then tackled one of Vietnam’s greatest mountain passes – Ma Pi Leng – along the Nho Que River and the Happy Road. The pass, notorious for its danger, offered some of the most breathtaking views in Northern Vietnam. At the top, we were greeted by a mesmerizing dusk, with hues of orange and purple painting the sky. Our tour guide then led us back to the Hoa Cuong Hotel, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner and settled in for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Dong Van – Bao Lac – Quang Uyen Motorcycle Route

We embarked on an unforgettable journey through Cao Bang Province, known for its stunning tourist sites, such as Nguom Ngao, Lenin Stream, and Pac Po Cave. Our team experienced a winding ride, weaving through a remarkable blend of on- and off-road paths, with beautiful scenery flanking our route. We tailored the motorcycle tour to the weather and our riding skills, ensuring the most exciting and suitable paths. Though our motorbike route was designed for experienced riders in pleasant weather conditions, we always had backup plans ready. Our first stop was Khau Vai Love Market on the outskirts of Meo Vac. This market wasn’t just about trading goods; it was a place where lovers, separated by circumstances, met once a year. As we ventured onward, we tackled a challenging path full of twists, turns, uphill climbs, and downward spirals, eventually reaching Bao Lac in Cao Bang province. We enjoyed a hearty lunch at a restaurant in Bao Lac, savoring the flavors of the region. Continuing our journey, we set our sights on Quang Uyen, a place of unparalleled and unique beauty. The landscapes unfolded before us, revealing limestone mountains, verdant cornfields, and quaint villages. As we ventured west of Cao Bang along the Vietnam-China border, we marveled at the surrounding raw beauty. Our day concluded as we checked into a cozy homestay, reflecting on the remarkable sights and experiences of the day trip.

Day 7: Quang Uyen – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Bac Son Valley Motorbike Tour

The 7th day of our Vietnam motorcycle tours to Halong Bay was a 7-hour 210 km journey to the fabulous lands of Cao Bang and Lang Son. The most anticipated destination in Cao Bang is Ban Gioc Waterfall. This multi-tiered wonder cascades like silky fabric, slithering smoothly through jagged rocks and exploding into frosty white bubbles before mingling with the jade river below.  We dove into the cool, fresh water, letting it wash away the day’s fatigue while soaking in the natural grandeur of the surroundings without distractions from crowds of tourists. Invigorated, we sipped a hot cup of coffee to recharge our energy and headed to Nguom Ngao Cave. A 45-minute exploration inside the cave led us through the fantastical world of time-honored stalagmites and stalactites in various marvelous shapes. After lunch in Quang Uyen, we headed to the idyllic Bac Son Valley. Ascending twisting roads, we gained altitude with each turn. Climbing 1,200 stairs, we cuddled up in the gentle embrace of fresh mountain air and swirling clouds while shifting our gaze to the breathtaking panoramic view below. We arrived at our homestay quite early, so we strolled around the tranquil village, admiring the craftsmanship on the traditional roof tiles first-hand and taking in the peaceful view.

Day 8: Bac Son – Halong Bay Motorbike Trip

From Bac Son, we entered a small dirt track through the lush Khe Ro forest and followed a scenic, desolate route in the west of Yen Tu towards the world-famous Halong Bay. If you want to traverse paved roads, choose National Highway 1 or 18 instead; just be prepared to navigate the frenzy of traffic.  Our detour cut through Yen Tu natural reserve, encompassing Thanh Son, Thanh Luan, Tuan Mau, An Lac, and Luc Son. Each commune boasts a unique nuance of beauty. But all the surroundings radiate a spiritual charm as we wove through this sacred land. This landmark was the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism, where King Tran Nhan Tong sowed seeds of Buddhism that were distinctive to the country. We savored our lunch in this divine place before continuing our motorcycle tour towards Quang Ninh. When the daylight bled into a fiery orange-red painting on the horizon, we set foot in Halong City. Our team threw a feast with freshly caught seafood and cold beer at a hotel, letting the salty sea breeze run through our faces.

Day 9: A Relaxing Day On A Lavish Cruise In Halong Bay

After an -8-day off-road adventure, today was a well-deserved, laid-back day to unwind amidst the seascape. We allowed ourselves to sleep in a bit until 9 am before savoring our warm breakfast with strong coffee. We kicked off the day with a leisurely wander around the coastal city, sniffing the salty, humid air that was worlds apart from the crisp mountain air.  Then, we stepped aboard a lavish cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site – Halong Bay. As the cruise gently glided through the crystal-clear emerald water, we enjoyed our hearty lunch while admiring verdant, majestic islets in all shapes and sizes. Gifted with diverse scenic charm, historical and cultural significance, and first-class fresh seafood, Halong promises an unforgettable experience for everyone. We docked at Titov Island and climbed 430 stairs to capture the breathtaking beauty of the bay as a whole. Returning to the cruise, we had a chance to attend a cooking class, learning how to make the best spring rolls from the cruise chefs. At around 7 pm, a table filled with freshly cooked dishes was ready for our dinner. We then slouched on lounge chairs on the well-lit deck, casting lines for cuttlefish while admiring the sparkling carpet of stars above.

Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi Motorbike Route

Waking out with refreshing energy, we refueled our stomachs with a light yet nutritious breakfast and, of course, a cup of Vietnamese coffee, one of the best coffee in the world. Then, we set off to explore the massive Sung Sot Cave, known as one of the biggest caves worldwide.  Each step forward within the cool, spacious interior revealed towering stalagmites in bizarre, beautiful shapes. As we found our way to the top of the cave, a fantastic view unfolded – a picturesque royal garden and a peaceful, clear pond teeming with lush vegetation and diverse bird species. After lunch, at around 11:30 am, we left the beautiful city of Ha Long for Hanoi, wrapping up our Vietnam motorbike tours. We chose a quiet and safe route to return to the capital before rush hours. What an enjoyable experience!

Conclusion

The 10-day offroad motorbike tour to Halong Bay never failed to surprise us with the magnificent view along the way, from pristine mountainous areas to buzzing coastal cities. Want to explore more hidden gems in this country? Follow our blog for more exhilarating motorcycle tours! What riders have said about PC-1 Adventure Tours on Tripadvisor!