Off-road Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour from Hanoi to Lang Son – 16 Days

We start the off-road Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour by taking the shortest and fastest single tracks to Mai Chau from Hanoi: Hanoi – Xuan Mai – Luong Son – Hoa Binh – Muong Khen – Mai Chau along the National Highway 6. On the 1st day of riding, we clear one of the most challenging off-road routes toward Bai Chao. We cross eight streams and one high, winding pass with mud and big rocks along the way. 

After lunch, we make our way to Cao Phong. We will run on wheels inside a dry stream and in orange and sugarcane single track for last, then get back to national road 6. Reach Ba Khan Lake by going over a back-road and off-road route. Go along the river and lake to enjoy the breathtaking view. Arrive in Mai Chau – the valley hugged by the mighty mountains so that the climate here is dry, cool, and fresh. Also, the weather is moderate and pleasant. The valley is great to be our 1st destination, whose beauty is poetic and cuisine is rustic yet fascinating. We will stay with a Tay family to taste their incredible cuisine tonight. 

Summary:

Distance: 180 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Enjoy your breakfast, then explore Mai Chau valley. This whole morning of the 2nd day will be full of mud. We take a short ride to Moc Chau Plateau and visit and snap some shots of the villages of local hill tribes, vast green tea fields, gardens of plum, apricot trees, and various flowers. Apart from tea, many households in Moc Chau Plateau grew buckwheat and white kale flowers for tourism business purposes. Come to Moc Chau; you’ll experience all four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter within just a day. 

In the afternoon, leave Van Yen Ferry to cross Da River and land at Phu Yen. If you want to experience more off-road track in this Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour, we will go more than 40 km (depending on your riding skill) and then find a hotel in Phu Yen to rest at 5:30 or 6 in the afternoon. End of the enjoyable second day with an amazing single track in Northern Vietnam. 

Summary:

Distance: 165 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Kick-off a new day with a delightful breakfast and strong coffee, then run towards the northwest on Highway 37 and climb up a mountain on a real Vietnam off-road trail. It will take us 5 hours and 40 km to get out of this single track if raining. If not, it is surely a great Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour with exciting parts of landslides and mud and rocky tracks. Stop a while for lunch, discuss and select the next challenging ride. 

Going on a visit to Son La Museum is a must that backpackers can’t skip. Built in 1908 by the French colonialists and located in the historic site of Son La Prison Museum, it is home to thousands of exhibiting objects from prehistoric times reflecting the distinctive culture of 12 ethnic groups in Son La. Besides, you are overwhelmed by the huge collection of 1000 ancient Thai books in all aspects like epic, folk songs, literature, and social-cultural identities. After a long day of the explosion, we ride to the central town for supper and a rest at a homestay to boost energy for the next day. 

Summary:

Distance: 165 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Say goodbye to Son La; we will get on a medium track. Ride along the Pha Din Pass; you will see more of the serenity of indigenous villages and the simple life of rustic ethnic people. The village we pop in today is Tham Village – one of the most splendid villages in the district. To get there, we have to ride through a dark tunnel of 2 km in length, which will give you one of the greatest parts full of emotion in this off-road Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour. 

Drop in the historical remnants of the French battlefield during the Indochina War – Dien Bien Province. We will come to Tham Pua Cave at the foot of Pu Hong Cay Limestone. The cave (about 100m high) is a historical and cultural relic with immense value in Dien Bien Province. People have explored various vestiges believed to be ancient Vietnamese relics.  

The next spot is 100m away from Nam Hua Stream – Tham Temple. Covered by the bushes, it’s hard for tourists to find the place without a tour guide. Get back your energy for the next day with a tight sleep in Tuan Giao. 

Summary:

Distance: 155 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Like the previous day, we have breakfast with coffee first. Later on, we will take the national highway 279 to Than Uyen. The real off-road Northern Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour is waiting for us so let’s get started. Than Uyen is a large valley between Fanxipan and Pung Luong Mountain, located southwest of Lao Cai Province. The district is bestowed with an interlaced river system, and Nam Mu River is the most typical one with a length of 160 km, which has a big steep slope. 

Another day’s site is the Muong Than field – one of the four most famous fields of Northwest Vietnam, including Muong Than, Loi Lo, Tam Than, and Tu Tam. That makes Than Uyen look much better when harvest season comes. Stop at a homestay in the district for a rest after a long day of riding through the imposing mountainous scenery. 

Summary:

Distance: 165 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

In the morning, we will clear a smooth road that makes our ride today easier. However, this route is blessed with stunning tea fields and colorful hill tribes along the way. After that, we run along O Quy Ho Pass to cross the highest mountain range in Vietnam – Hoang Lien Son, notorious for Fansipan peak with a height of 3142m above sea level. 

Hit Sapa at noon and have lunch here. Shortly after, we will uncover the beauty of Sapa – a romantic town. Located in the northwest of the country, Sapa is a land of modest quiet but hides many natural landscape wonders. Then, we have two options for the 6th day: check in at a hotel if you are tired or finish another off-road track if you are not. Be noted that it’s not a road; it’s a single muddy and rocky track at an elevation of 2000m. Not only slippery, the track sometimes is even covered by fog. But we’re sure that it will be an extremely exciting ride.

Summary:

Distance: 125 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

It’s a special day when we spend time shopping or sightseeing in Sapa instead of clearing any routes. As a day outing, we may have a short Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour around Sapa for those who don’t want to take a day off or go trekking. Go for sightseeing in one of the most fabulous valleys in Vietnam – Muong Hoa with a view of terrace fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Stop taking pictures to feed your Instagram and weave through the charming villages of the Hmong, Zay, and Tay people. Return to Sapa at about 1 in the afternoon for lunch. 

After that, run on wheels to picturesque Cat Cat Cat Village for enjoyment. At an altitude of 1600m above sea level, the village is closed to Sapa. Traveling for 30 minutes, we will get off the bikes once getting to the village’s gate. Have a short walk around, see the traditional accommodations of the locals, learn more about the Hmong people’s culture, and capture photos of fantastic sceneries. Head back to the hotel in Sapa for dinner and sleep. 

Summary:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Leave Sapa after breakfast and move to another side of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. In front of your eyes is a great view of the mountain with more terrace rice fields. Our smooth roads today extend along the Chinese border and some rustic villages. Yet, for the highly experienced riders, we offer another longer, more dangerous, dirtier, and even more challenging route than the previous days. It’s promising to be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime. 

Today’s site on arrival is Bac Ha Market – the biggest ethnic market in North Vietnam, which is opened every Sunday. It is the most colorful of Vietnam Markets thanks to the bright colors and extravagant costumes of the natives. Not only a place for the sale or exchange of goods, but Bac Ha is a rendezvous of lovers, too. Come here; you can feel the rare taste of Northern Vietnam & the H’Mong people from the local clothes, foods, and culture. We’ll arrive in the little town of Bac Ha at around 4 p.m. and then check in at a standard hotel. 

Summary:

Distance: 115 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

For a break between Lao Cai and Ha Giang Province, we’ll stop at a non-touristy village – Lung Cai, which is blotted out all year round. From Bac Ha, we climb an A-shaped single track, then down to the pretty town of Coc Pai in Xin Man District, which is home to nearly a hundred large and small waterfalls and the well-known Chay river. It will be thrilling to drop down a steep slope at the Ma Ngan – Lung Cai turn. The nearer you get to Coc Pai, the thicker the cloud becomes. 

Keep going another 25km of winding mountain road to reach the Xin Man border gate – the most remote area of ​​Ha Giang. Though that road is high and steep, it is not as difficult as before. There’s a paved road leading to the gate. The great trail is like a strip of silk flying up to the sky with bands and growing altitude. Be present at the hotel at 4:30 in the afternoon. Have dinner with some beer afterward.

Summary:

Distance: 60 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Begin our journey to Ha Giang with a ride-along Lo river. On the 10th day of this Vietnam dirt bike Tour, we will discover more about the splendid terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi. Popping out on the sides are the best views of Phung Village. Nevertheless, it’s quite hard for beginner bikers to get there, who might be overwhelmed by a run along the Chay river from the mountain’s top, not on the dirt road. 

Going over the path of blood and flowers – the legendary Road of Happiness, is another amazing day experience. Built in 1959 with a length of about 200 km, the road was shaped by the hands of over 1,300 volunteers from 6 provinces of the nation and two delta provinces along with over 1,000 people of 16 ethnic groups on the rocky plateau for seven years. 

Crossing the road, you can eye-witness several beautiful tranquil places. Ma Pi Leng, for instance, is the most beautiful stretch of the rocky plateau. It’s also one of the four greatest passes in up-north Vietnam. We will end the tough yet passionate day at a local homestay for supper and rest. 

Summary:

Distance: 150 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Let’s get on two wheels toward the most astonishing mountain road in all of Vietnam – Ma Pi Leng. Riding on this pass, the immense scenery of limestone mountains running to the horizon instantly captivates you. Casting downward, you’ll see the tranquil local villages and the colorful hill tribes. The must-visit hotspot once coming to Ha Giang is Dong Van Rock Plateau – Vietnam’s first and most impressive geological park. The plateau is a true wonder of Mother Nature, where the human being is so small against the vastness of the sky, mountains, and clouds. Your journey to this rocky land is without dispute to fulfill your dream of discovery. 

To access Dong Van, you must pass a tough road that is well worth your efforts. From there, you can explore spectacular mountain peaks and the richness and uniqueness of traditional customs. Have dinner in Dong Van and spend the night at a hotel here.

Summary:

Distance: 185 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Have breakfast before moseying along some gorgeous mountainous passes leading to Meo Vac District, at the end of the Happy road. The district has majestic scenery in the northern part of Vietnam. This place is worth seeing every season. After lunch, we move downhill along the river; meeting your eyes is the different mountain views, which are less rocky and green. 

As always, our Vietnam Motorbike Tour Club has a reserve of another route for real bikers or mixed off-road tracks in Ha Giang: from MeoVac, we can take a different single track to cross the Chinese border and weave through KhauVai Love Market (the market’s name and activities have common things with love market in Sapa). However, if it rains, we won’t choose this track because it will be too slippery and dangerous while its width is small and high altitude. Still, if you want to try your riding skill level, prepare to travel on a 60 km hard off-road track for at least 5 hours. Have a good night’s sleep at a homestay in Bao Lac. 

Summary:

Distance: 90 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

As we said earlier, we will bring you to all the mind-blowing and splendid views in North Vietnam, which you must come to see in person because no words can describe their beauty. One is Vietnam’s second UNESCO-recognized Global Geopark – Non Nuoc Cao Bang. Cao Bang geopark abounds with famous landscapes and historical and cultural relics such as Le Nin stream, Pac Bo cave, Ban Gioc waterfall, PhiaOac National Park – Phia Den, Thang Hen lake, Cao Vit gibbon habitat conservation area, and so on. There are hundreds of relics, tangible and intangible cultural heritages, and various cultural, historical, archaeological, and biodiversity values. 

Be noted that the road to Cao Bang is easy to ride, but there are blind curves. Yet nature here is so photogenic that we will make some short stops for photo opts. Finish an 8-hour exciting journey with the joy of drinks and local foods. Get some sleep at a hotel in the province. 

Summary:

Distance: 155 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Today, we continue to uncover the left of the world heritage of the Rocky Plateau. The 14th day’s ride is not far; it takes about 1 hour and a half to hit the pretty village of QuangUyen in the middle of a mountain cirque. The town is a perfect stopover for visitors to explore the traditional villages of the Nung. Lying at the foot of the mountain, mixed in the fresh green flowers and rice fields, Quang Uyen has a favorable geographic position that tourists are not difficult to find. 

Then go to one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural sights – Ban Gioc Waterfall, 50 km from Quang Uyen. We can go swimming under the 50m waterfall’s foot. Thanks to the few tourists coming here, Ban Gioc can keep its beauty intact and a place for those who love to be closer to nature. Shelter from the night at a homestay and enjoy the great cook of the hostess. 

Summary:

Distance: 185 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Today, this is another easy ride when we cross the quiet mountainous area with stunning views. Stop for sightseeing in Bac Son Valley which deserves to be known as a green paradise on Earth. The mountain standing around the valley and the valley’s paddy fields create a great scenic landscape that you can only see its best after climbing to the peak. Standing atop, you can see a panorama view of the beautiful river crossing the rice fields.

Carry on the Northern Vietnam dirt bike tour; we will go over some mountainous passes to Lang Son, which offer different views because we will get lower and lower where the mountains, people, and villages differ in their look. We will arrive in Lang Son City at around 4:30 p.m. If zipping around the busy city is your thing, we have an extra motorcycle ride for you to reach some big and colorful markets downtown or at the Vietnam – China border gate. Our accommodation for the day is a homestay in Lang Son City. 

Summary:

Distance: 185 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

On the last day, we will head back to Hanoi on Highway 1b. End of the amazing16-day off-road Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour to Northwest Vietnam. For more kinds of Vietnam motorbike tours, such as dirt bike/off-road tours, motorcycle touring, enduro, etc., on different terrains, come to us – the top-notch Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club. As Vietnam’s largest motorbike tour company, we offer riders the best bikes for their trips. All of our bikes are always in top working condition, and if the bike provided to you has any technical troubles during the tour, we will promptly give you a change of another bike of the same type. 

Summary:

Distance: 150 km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 End Tour