Motorcycle Road Trip From from Hanoi To Halong Bay – 9 days

We begin our 9-day long trip in the early morning by escaping Hanoi and riding along the Red River. After a short rest for lunch, we will continue to more vacant areas with the occasional towns and rice fields before reaching our destination of the day – Vu Linh commune. We will rest in homestays hosted by the Yao people living here for the chance to learn more about the culture and customs.

Summary:

Distance: 180 km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Continuing our journey, we will leave the Thac Ba Lake and venture eastward onto Son Duong district in Tuyen Quang province, home to the historic site of Tan Trao. Recognized as a Special National Relic, the site used to be the revolutionary base in the fight against French colonialists and played a key role in Vietnam’s history.

Another National Relic site nearby is Cho Chu Prison Monuments in Dinh Hoa district of Thai Nguyen province. The prison’s construction began in 1913 by the French colonialists. After a revolt in 1922, the bamboo cells were reinforced with brick and cement. The prison itself was also expanded, with some cells capable of holding up to 200 prisoners. Now lying abandoned, Cho Chu Prison is a relic of times long gone. Setting off Cho Chu, we continue to head northeast towards Na Khan, a Nung people’s village in Bac Kan province, where we will have a night’s rest.

Summary:

Distance: 130 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

After a good night’s rest at Na Khan, we head to northern Bac Kan, into Ba Be district, and stop at Pac Ngoi village. In other words, our destination for the 3rd day is Ba Be National Park – an expanse of over 100km2set up to protect Ba Be Lake. Surrounded by limestone cliffs at the center of the park and home to 106 fish species, Ba Be Lake stands as Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake, with a surface area of up to 6.5km2 and about 8km in length. To the north of the lake is Nang River, where the lake water is drained during the dry season and is also where you can observe nearly a kilometer of rapids named Dau Dang Waterfall.

When you’ve explored the natural wonders of Ba Be Park, we return to Pac Ngoi village on the bank of the lake. The village belongs to the Tay people, one of the ethnic minorities who reside in Ba Be. A night at Pac Ngoi among the Tay will revitalize you after a long day of adventuring.

Summary:

Distance: 80 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

In the early morning, we leave the Park and drive to Cho Ra, the capital of Ba Be district, for lunch. Then we head out to Highway 3 and up Cao Bac Pass. The Pass is often shrouded in mist and fog at an elevation of 1000m above sea level. While it makes for incredibly romantic sceneries, extreme caution should be taken as there have been several serious accidents in the past. We will stay the night in Cao Bang city.

Summary:

Distance: 130 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

We continue on Highway 3 to Ma Phuc Pass after departing Cao Bang city. Frequently considered one of the most beautiful passes on Highway 3, the road up the pass is flanked by two limestone cliffs, believed to be the pass’ namesake (Ma Phuc means bowing horses). However, don’t let the breathtaking landscape fool you into relaxing as the pass can be dangerous with high mountains on one side and a steep drop on the other. Be cautious!

When you see the aquamarine of Quay Son River is time you can relax, as we have reached Ban Gioc Waterfall – a natural border between Vietnam and China. Located in Trung Khanh district of Cao Bang, the waterfall cascades down from the height of 30m over layer upon layer of bedrock. Limestone cliffs surround the area, creating a sense that you’ve stumbled into the land of giants, splendid beauty in the way only Mother Nature can create. After lunch in a local eatery, we will turn to Quang Uyen district, home to the Nung An people. We will rent a homestay for our 5th night.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Drive south of Quang Uyen, on Highway 4A, to the renowned Dong Khe town. The town played a pivotal role in our victory against the French in the Border Campaign, also known as the Battle of Route Coloniale 4. Nowadays, there is a historical monument site dedicated to the battle, comprised of old enemy subterranean posts, cannons, barracks, a museum, a Ho Chi Minh statue complex, and a cemetery. The site has received the title of National Historical Relic since 1975.

Continue driving southeast into Lang Son province. After a late lunch, we proceed on our way until we reach Lang Son city. Here we can spend the evening shopping at Dong Kinh market, considered the largest commercial center of Lang Son.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After a night in Lang Son city, we depart onto Highway 1B, then turn on Highway 18 to get to Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province. This will be a driving-heavy day; don’t be discouraged! There is plenty of beautiful scenery on the way for you to sightsee.

Summary:

Distance: 220 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Our morning schedule is vacant after a long day of driving, so feel free to sleep in or do whatever you want. After lunch, we will regroup to set out on Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site and now one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Make some friends and let loose! It’s party time!!!

You can spend the morning exploring more of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay in the northeast. Apart from limestone karsts and isles of all shapes and sizes, there are also various caves, including Dau Go cave, Kim Quy cave, and Trong and Trinh Nu caves. After lunch, we begin our returning trip to Hanoi and finish the last day of the 9-day Northeast Vietnam Motorbike tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Note: We provide a support truck for emergency and safety on your trip ($150 per day). Contact us for more information.

Summary:

Distance: 160 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

END OF TOUR