14-Day Offroad Halong Bay: A Thrilling Ride On Two Wheels

Introduction

Think Halong Bay is all about luxurious cruises? Think again! This beautiful land has more to offer adventure seekers. Our 14-day offroad Halong Bay tour will blast you with an adrenaline-filled journey to untamed areas. The best part? You will have a chance to admire both the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes on two wheels. Keep reading to see what natural wonders are waiting to be explored!

14-Day Offroad Halong Bay Motorbike Tour

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo Motorbike Trip

We met our tour guide quite early in the morning to check our motorbikes and learn the ropes of some traffic rules in Vietnam. We then set off on our motorbike tour to Halong Bay, cruising along the Red River and the ancient Son Tay town. The lush vegetation flanking the river soothed our weary eyes while the peaceful, emerald water calmed us down. After a scenic motorcycle route, we geared up to navigate a mountain track to Nghia Lo. But overall, the path was still even, with beautiful scenery along the way. We arrived in Nghia Lo for dinner and a tight night’s sleep to refresh our energy after a 7-hour motorbike ride, as the real offroad adventure awaited us tomorrow!

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Than Uyen Motorbike Route

Challenge alert! Today was a 5-hour offroad tour into the wild. Hopping on our motorbikes, we entered a rough track towards Lung Lo Pass. Muddy and slush tracks alternated with dirt roads, forcing us to navigate carefully. One of our members fell off on a muddy patch, but luckily, he was fine. That was nothing compared to the thrilling Khau Pha Pass – one of the most risky passes in Vietnam.  The zig-zag, steep roads snaked up the majestic mountain like a giant ribbon, sending silver to our bones. With each blind turn, we gained altitude and ventured further into the misty veil that shrouded the mountain. From its peak, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the verdant terraced rice fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. Winding through the lush fields in Mu Cang Chai Massif, we reached a cozy homestay for a hearty dinner.

Day 3: Than Uyen – Sapa Motorcycle Tour

In the morning, we soaked in the crisp mountain air while feasting on a table full of local delicacies. With full bellies, we hit the road for a five-hour trip towards Sapa. The first 100 km was a scenic tour with flat roads, while the last 40 km was through not-so-daunting mountain tracks. The closer we approached Sapa, the cooler and fresher the air became. Sapa was a charming, cloud-kissed town nestled amidst towering, lush mountain ranges. We strolled around to immerse ourselves in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere before returning to our homestay for a warm dinner.

Day 4: Sapa Motorcycle Trip

As one of the tourist hotspots in Vietnam, Sapa deserved an entire day of exploration in our PG-1 adventure tours. This dreamy town was a natural paradise for weary souls to escape from the stark reality. Home to extensive verdant terraced fields, majestic mountainous scenery, and timeworn ethnic villages, Sapa offered us a golden chance to reconnect with nature. From this misty town, we could admire the imposing Fansipan mountain from 19 km away – the rooftop of Indochine at 3,143 m above sea level. Seeing the mysterious cloud-piercing mountain from such a close distance made our hearts pound with anticipation. Our adventurous souls were triggered, but our tour guide said there were only a few people who could manage to reach its peak. 

Day 5: Sapa – Bac Ha Motorcycle Route

Today was an easy, short-riding day, so we stuck around Sapa town for a little bit more to take in its clear, crisp air. Hitting the road for around 34 km, we arrived at our first stop – Lao Cai, from which we could take a sneak peek into China’s diverse landscape.  After having a fascinating lunch in Lao Cai, our motorbikes rumbled to life on the 70 km route toward Bac Ha. Here, human presence was dwarfed by the vibrant, lush vegetation dotted with weathered stilt houses. We were transported back in time to a forgotten kingdom once setting foot in this rural district. We spent a well-deserved night’s rest there, ready for the adventurous Ha Giang motorbike tour tomorrow!

Day 6: Bac Ha – Ha Giang Motorbike Tour

A 200 km daunting day trip awaited us, so we kicked off early. Some narrow, rugged trails led us to the untamed Xin Man District, where the lush flora painted the town green. We stopped for some snapshots of the stunning scenery and entered a mountain path to Ha Giang. Winding through a scenic path flanked by towering, cloudy mountains, we then followed the main road to reach Ha Giang – the northernmost point of Vietnam, to stay overnight. This untouched place promised an exhilarating adventure ahead. But before that, we had to apply for a permit from Ha Giang Immigration Police to travel along the Vietnam-China border.

Day 7: Ha Giang – Dong Van Motorbike Trip

Weaving through small, twisting paths, we reached Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of the most thrilling passes in this country. The steep, rugged roads zig-zagged upwards, filling us with both anticipation and anxiety. In return, navigating that tightrope rewarded us with a breathtaking view of the jade-green Nho Que River weaving a ribbon at the mountain’s foot.  Descending from the pass, we continued on winding roads towards Dong Van Rock Plateau. The quaint town whispered ancient tales with vintage cobblestone streets flanked by centuries-old clay brick houses and timeworn tile roofs. For centuries, locals here have lived on the rocks. 

Day 8: Dong Van – Bao Lac Motorbike Route

The 80 km route from Dong Van to Bao Lac was short yet quite challenging due to the under-construction roads. Though our motorbikes kept bouncing on the road, we didn’t feel exhausted, thanks to the picturesque and untouched landscape along the way.  Riding slowly for a few hours, we left Ha Giang behind to reach Bao Lac. This town is home to various ethnic tribes in Northeast Vietnam, offering a colorful tapestry of local culture. It was a blessing to come here on Sunday when all the ethnic minorities gathered in a market to trade goods. We could blend in the vibrant life there before coming to our homestay for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Bao Lac – Cao Bang Motorcycle Tour

Bidding farewell to the colorful Bao Lac town, we set off for an 8-hour motorbike ride to Cao Bang. The roads offered a mixed bag, with some smooth stretches and some dirt tracks with blind bends.  Each bend revealed a new awe-inspiring, intact natural landscape, keeping us energized along the way. We stopped for some Instagram-worthy photo shots and enjoyed a light brunch before continuing our motorcycle tour. After finishing 150 km of alternating on and offroad journey, we finally set foot in Cao Bang for dinner.

Day 10: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall Motorcycle Trip

Today’s itinerary was a 180 km motorbike tour to the Vietnam-China border – Quang Uyen. Being one of the most remote areas, the route to Quang Uyen was filled with backroad and offroad tracks. Of course, the natural landscapes were still untouched, captivating us with their wild beauty. But the highlight of day 10 was the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, straddling both Vietnam and China. The silky waterfall cascaded through multi-tiered jagged rocks and finally pooled in a jade-green lake underneath. We enjoyed a relaxing picnic amidst the stunning landscape and dove into the cool, fresh water to replenish our energy.

Day 11: Quang Uyen – Lang Son Motorcycle Route

Located 240 km away from Quang Uyen, Lang Son was steeped in history, witnessing many pivotal moments. Crossing Dong Khe and That Khe rural villages, we stepped back in time to the bloody battles of the Viet Minh against the French Army.  After a morning of learning history knowledge, the afternoon welcomed us with a more relaxing itinerary. We arrived in Lang Son and admired the otherworldly beauty of Nhi Thanh and Tam Thanh caves. After checking in at the hotel, we wandered around the local market. Since Lang Son is the gateway between Vietnam and China, we savored a culinary fusion and experienced a cultural blend of both countries.

Day 12: Lang Son – Halong Bay Motorbike Tour

Eager to head to the world-famous Halong Bay, we hit the road early, following secondary roads. Our motorbikes crossed through many coal mines, kicking up storms of black coal dust. As anticipation bubbled within us, these dirt roads couldn’t hold us back. After 6 hours on two wheels, we arrived in Ha Long City in the afternoon. The gentle breeze wafting the fragrance of the sea caressed us, melting away our fatigue and washing away the black dust on the way.

Day 13: Explore Halong Bay On A Lavish Cruise

After a restful night at the hotel, we soaked in the salty breeze from the grand ocean, carrying the lively sounds of life from the nearby harbor. With our stomachs refueled, we took a boat trip to explore the spectacular natural beauty of the UNESCO Heritage site of Halong Bay. Gliding past emerald islands, we explored Surprising Cave, kayak, and swim in the crystal-clear water there. Returning to the boat, a table full of freshly caught seafood and other delicacies was calling us. When the sky donned its dazzling starry cape, we gathered for a relaxing movie night, followed by a fun karaoke session. Some of us opted for leisurely squid fishing from comfy lounges. If you seek a more indulgent experience, book a private, lavish cruise or boat and stay overnight to fully admire the breathtaking Halong Bay.

Day 14: Halong Bay – Hanoi Motorbike Trip

The clinking sounds from the nearby harbor kicked us off from the cozy blanket. After breakfast, we boarded a boat to Titov Island, where we plunged into the immaculate turquoise water, letting go of all the stress and concerns along the flow. We then returned to Bai Chay and enjoyed a delicious lunch at a restaurant. Otherwise, you can start the day with a boat trip around Halong Bay and have lunch there before coming back at noon. With refreshed energy after a relaxing day in Halong Bay, we felt a sense of satisfaction, ready to return to Hanoi. The last day of our Vietnam motorbike tours was a 5-hour motorbike ride. We arrived in Hanoi at 5 pm, just right before peak hours.

Conclusion

Our 14-day offroad Halong Bay tour has come to an end. The journey was a thrilling mix of bustling cities, scenic countryside, and the unforgettable beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Want to experience this adrenaline-filled motorcycle tour firsthand? Contact us to register for the trip! What riders have said about PG-1 Adventure Tours on Tripadvisor!