Motorcycling Mountains North

After breakfast, prepare for one of the most breathtaking motorbike rides in Northern Vietnam. The road from Bao Lac to Dong Van winds deep into the mountains, where towering limestone peaks pierce the clouds and tiny hill villages cling to the cliffs. Every turn is a photo waiting to happen – so keep your camera ready!

Stop for lunch in Meo Vac, a small but lively border town surrounded by rugged hills. Then conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes”. Here, the Nho Que River shimmers like a ribbon of jade, snaking gracefully through the canyon below. Pause and breathe it in – few places on Earth feel this powerful and pure.

Along the way, you’ll encounter H’Mong and Dao villages, where traditional ways of life endure amid the stone plateau’s raw beauty.

By late afternoon, roll into Dong Van, a charming ancient town nestled among rocky peaks. Explore its old quarter, where centuries-old earthen houses glow under soft lanterns, and history whispers through every narrow lane.

Travel distance: ~100km

Summary of inclusions

Motorcycling

Sightseieng en route

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Hotel in Dong Van

After days surrounded by clouds and ancient stone, it’s time to begin your journey back from Dong Van to Ha Giang. But make no mistake — this is far more than just a ride home. Every winding turn, every mountain pass, every small village you pass holds a new story, a new breath of beauty waiting to unfold.

Leaving the quiet charm of Dong Van Ancient Town, your first stop is the Vuong Family Palace in Ta Phin Commune — a magnificent blend of European and Chinese architecture, once home to the most influential H’Mong leader in Northern Vietnam. Step inside this “mountain palace” and let the echoes of history, wealth, and tribal pride transport you to a bygone era.

Continue your motorbike journey along the dreamlike mountain roads of Quan Ba, where soft clouds drift lazily over valleys and terraced hills. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’ll experience the vibrant Quan Ba Weekly Market — a colorful gathering of the Dao, H’Mong, and Tay ethnic groups. Here, locals trade handwoven textiles, fresh produce, and heartfelt laughter — a true celebration of mountain culture and connection.

By late afternoon, you’ll roll into Ha Giang City, where the Lo River glimmers beneath the fading sunlight. As reflections dance on the water, they seem to mirror your journey — one filled with winding roads, cultural encounters, and moments that will stay with you long after the ride ends.

Summary of inclusions

Motorcycling

Sightseieng en route

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Hotel in Ha Giang

Rise early and get ready for one of the most mesmerizing rides in Northern Vietnam. Leaving Ha Giang, your journey winds through mountain passes, where mist drifts over valleys and clouds hang low above the road. The first highlight awaits at Hoang Su Phi – known as the “sanctuary of rice terraces.” Here, layer upon layer of golden fields ripple gracefully across the hillsides, creating a breathtaking natural masterpiece. During harvest season, the mountains glow like liquid gold under the sun — a sight that feels almost unreal.

Continue towards Xin Man, a remote region that remains beautifully untouched. Along the way, encounter ethnic villages of the H’Mong, La Chi, and Nung, quietly nestled among forested slopes and jungle trails. The air feels purer here; every smile, every handshake from the locals fills you with warmth and wonder — a reminder that true beauty lies in simplicity.

By late afternoon, arrive in Bac Ha, a dreamy highland town resting peacefully amidst misty valleys. Famous for its colorful Sunday market, Bac Ha exudes an authentic charm that enchants every traveler. After checking in to your hotel, take a gentle walk through the quiet streets lined with white-walled houses and tiled roofs — each corner whispering the soul of the northern highlands.

Summary of inclusions

Motorcycling

Sightseieng en route

Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Hotel in Bac Ha

After breakfast, say goodbye to Bac Ha, as you begin a gentle descent along winding mountain passes toward Lao Cai city. Though today’s route is easier, the beauty never fades — forested hills, ethnic villages hidden in the mist, and tiny stilt houses scattered like brushstrokes on a living canvas. Every turn reveals a new postcard-perfect view of Vietnam’s northern soul.

From Lao Cai, the road climbs once more, leading you toward Sapa, the legendary highland town perched at 1,500 meters above sea level, right at the foot of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. As you ascend, the air grows cooler, the terraced fields shimmer in shades of green and gold, and the valleys open wide beneath drifting clouds. Along the roadside, ethnic locals in colorful traditional dress bring splashes of life and culture to the mountain landscape.

By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Sapa, a town where nature, culture, and colonial charm meet in perfect harmony. Wander past misty pine forests, century-old French villas, and the iconic stone church standing proudly in the town square. The vibrant Sapa market hums with energy — a place where highland stories come alive in every smile and handmade craft.

After checking in at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Sip a cup of hot coffee in a cozy café, watch clouds drift across the valley, or simply stroll through Sapa’s charming streets — where every breath feels like a moment suspended in time.

Travel distance: ~120km

Summary of inclusions

Motorcycling

Sightseieng en route

Breakfast & lunch

Hotel in Sapa

Today is a day of freedom and discovery in Sapa – a perfect chance to design your own mountain adventure.

You can choose to ride a motorbike or take a scenic car trip along misty slopes, visiting ethnic minority villages tucked into the valleys, where daily life moves at the gentle rhythm of the mountains. Or, if you prefer, follow your guide on a range of flexible activities — from light treks through terraced fields to cultural encounters with local families, or simply relaxing in town, sipping coffee as clouds drift lazily past the colonial rooftops.

By mid-afternoon, it’s time to bid farewell to this dreamy mountain town and descend toward Lao Cai city. Here, beside the tranquil river, your journey begins to slow. A delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant offers the perfect moment to reminisce about the unforgettable days of winding passes, ethnic smiles, and mountain skies.

As night falls, you’ll board the night train back to Hanoi. Let the rhythmic clatter of the rails lull you to sleep as the mountains fade into twilight outside your window. By around 5:00 AM, you’ll arrive in Hanoi, carrying home not just memories — but a piece of Northern Vietnam’s timeless soul.

Summary of inclusions

Sapa trekking

Breakfast & lunch

O/N train