Hanoi – Halong Bay Motorcycle Tour: 10 Days Exploring Heavens On Earth

Tour Highlights

Our 10-day motorbike tour of Northern Vietnam from Hanoi to Ha Long will take you to many of the country's most famous landmarks. 

During your journey, you will have ample time to explore through towns such as Dong Van, Tu Le, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, admire the beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, and visit Halong Bay - one of the best-preserved natural bays in the world.

After more than a week on long off-road trails with nonstop driving, we spent the last day at sea cruising on a luxury ship with spectacular views of the rocky mountains in Halong Bay.

Our adventure will:

• Be suitable for all biking skills, even if you are a beginner.
• Help you enjoy yourself in the scenic spots in northern Vietnam.
• Go through various terrains under the guidance of a professional tour guide.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Nghia Lo 

At 8am in the morning, the Vietnam Motorcycle Tours' guide will take you to our location for quick instruction to make sure everyone is clear on safety. To ensure the bikes are in good condition and safe enough to use for the rugged road, we want you all to inspect them carefully before heading out. 

Then, the team will depart by taking an approximately 4km motorcycling route along the length of the Red River. Life in this area is like a small world of its own, with countless little fishing villages, ferries transporting people and also goods across to other towns and cornfields filling the horizon.

Continuing riding 60 km ahead, the team will make a pit stop to enjoy some quaint scenery that's worth stopping for before arriving at Trung Ha Bridge. 

The adventure really begins when the team finishes lunch then heads up to Xuan Son park. We will then have some off-road adventure through two passes that lead to a township called Nghia Lo. This township offers fantastical pleasures, and as we enter the town, we will soak up the tranquil ambiance of rural life. 

We might indulge ourselves in the nostalgia of war stories in the exciting HCM Memorial Area and visit other local sites such as the Muong Lo market and Con Nghia Lo. Amidst Nghia Lo's picturesque countryside, the team will stay overnight at a local hotel.

Day 2: Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai- Sapa 

Distance: 230 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

After breakfast, the team will drive the first 50km on winding paths to Tu Le and enjoy themselves with an awesome view of the rice terraces and untamed land! We can have a short break with a glass of coffee to recharge our batteries and be ready for the real adventure ahead.

The team then will head on Highway 32 to a parasailing site to go on a photo hunt. At the peak, we can get a glimpse of a breathtaking view of Tu Le valley and Khau Pha Pass. This pass is 32km long and is one of the longest and most rugged passes here.

Khau Pha pass will get you through must-visit places such as Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and Tu Le. After a short stop exploring the beautiful La Pan Tan's Mountaintop, the team will head to Mu Chang Chai to have lunch there.

After that, we will proceed towards O Quy Ho Pass. It is one of the most difficult passes in this region and has been noted for its amazing view of the surrounding landscape. We will stop here for a night to take in all its splendor before ridining onward to Sapa!

Day 3: Sapa - Bac Ha Sunday Market

Distance: 170 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Begin the third day by riding your motorbike and having a look at some of Sapa's most outstanding attractions, like Sin Chai valley Cat Cat Village and cross difficult terrain before reaching Khoang Village, then exploring Ta Phin Valley with breathtaking views. We'll take some time to rest before making our next stop at Sau Chua Peak.

The team will continue to head to Y Linh Ho - a small village scattered on the mountainside and then stop by Ta Van for a home-cooked meal. The road leading there isn't too long, wonderfully blending with its natural surroundings. 

Our next schedule is to visit Bac Ha Market. The driving route to the market can be quite twisting and takes time because the team will drive on a small path parallel to road 153. And here's what makes it worth your time: the ultimate example of a highland market full of colorful goodies and lots of different tastes for you to try!

As you might not know, Bac Ha is not just a central place of trading and sales; it's also the perfect spot for people to find their one true love. After a long day of exploring the sights, we met our hotel's welcoming staff and checked in in the evening.

Day 4: Bac Ha - Ha Giang (visit Xin Man district)

Distance: 180 km

Accommodation: Resort

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

The fourth day will take you on a journey throughout Ha Giang, where we will visit Hoang Su Phi - beautiful rice terraces. It is one of the most magnificent sights in Vietnam and is a must-see for all visitors to the North of the country. 

In addition to mountain roads that lead to a series of breathtaking mountain peaks, Ha Giang is also an area with rocky trails that wind through valleys surrounded by mountains.

Leaving Bac Ha, we will have two options for you to choose. The first one is to take a ride on the provincial road that takes you to Coc Pai (Xin Man district)- a small town with an ethnic minority market that is said to be the highest in the region. But if you want to travel by a more treacherous route, the team will continue to ride for about 40 km.

We'll enjoy a refreshing and energizing coffee followed by a wonderful 20-kilometer off-road path to Phung village. Then we cross into a small town called Ving Quang for lunch and make our way through Hoang Su Phi, a beautiful rice terraced area. 

Afterward, we ride towards Ha Giang along Highway 2, or you can choose an off-road route if you're feeling brave! Or else traveling along the highway affords some spectacular views as well.

Being one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, Ha Giang has much more to offer than its renowned fragrant buckwheat flowers. We will experience some of the country's magnificent nature on this journey, including Chieu Lau Thi, Tay Con Linh, Ma Pi Leng pass. 

Set among heaven's peaks, we will be able to complete the long day by taking a refreshing dip at Truong Xuan Resort for an evening of well-deserved rest.

Day 5: Ha Giang - Dong Van Plateau -Meo Vac

Distance: 170 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

After breakfast, we'll embark on an off-road route that is not too challenging because we'd like to spend time enjoying the beauty of our natural surroundings. 

After that, the team will stop in a village where you are offered beautiful traditional Vietnamese clothing for sale: Lung Tam weaving village. 

Another majestic site that can't be missed is Quan Ba Valley. The valley gently slopes up to nearly 8000 meters and offers a spectacular panoramic view when one reaches the top. There's an abundance of natural beauty surrounding the valley as well as many flora and fauna - creating a truly mesmerizing scene to take in!

Later, the team can choose to explore a famous pine forest in Yen Minh town or take a little adventurous route by motorcycling for about 20km to experience more about life in remote areas.

We will have lunch in Yen Minh and take some time to visit an ancient Hmong' house. In the late afternoon, it's time to explore one of Vietnam's biggest treasures and the supreme motorcycling challenge - Ma Pi Leng Pass. While on top, it lets us immerse ourselves in a majestic sunset with awe-inspiring scenic views.

Day 6: Meo Vac - Cao Bang (visit Bao Lac town, Quang Uyen district)

Distance: 210 km

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Our main mission for the sixth day is to explore Cao Bang - a province with beautiful landscapes which tourists visit all year round. There are many interesting places to see while in the area: Ban Gioc waterfall and caves like Nguom Ngao, Pac Po, and a unique pass with 15 storeys. 

While traveling, you will experience some amazing scenery with open grassland and lush forests with stunning valleys. Specific routes will be reviewed and offered during the trip, depending largely on the driver's skill and weather conditions. We also ensure to come prepared and ready for anything that makes our schedule unexpected!

The next spot is Khau Vai - a love market was made for lovebirds who cannot remain together but dearly want to see each other. On our way from Khau Vai market, we will head to Bao Lac town for lunch - after crossing a cunning and challenging path surrounded by mountains.

The views that await us when driving to Quang Uyen are breathtaking. Once reaching there, we will discover Vietnam's border with China highlights expansive cornfields, limestone mountains, and small villages, where we will have a homestay.

Day 7: Cao Bang - Bac Son (visit Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao cave)

Distance: 210 km

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

The seventh day is dedicated to exploring other charming places in Cao Bang with about a 7- hour motorbike riding on a 210 km- route. The first spot is Ban Gioc - a waterfall that is divided by the Vietnam-China border in half.  

We'll either go boating or swimming in the water. One thing to note: Chinese travelers have become a common sighting at this destination lately. 

Recharge your batteries with a mug of coffee and kick start our adventure to Nguom Ngao. We'll spend an hour discovering the caves' immense space and see some extraordinary formations from countless stalactites. 

Following lunch, we head to the Bac Son - a valley in Na Lay Peak which rises just shy of 600 meters. It is also a well-known spot for cloud hunting. The panorama should prove unforgettable for anyone willing to climb 1,200 steps!

The team will then head over to a small village, where you can watch local artisans create handmade roof tiles one at a time. Take some time to enjoy some good drinks with great views of the village and its surroundings. We will also spend the night in a home-stay here.

Day 8: Bac Son - Halong Bay

Distance: 240 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Farewell Bac Son, the team will go on the route to Khe Ro forest then go west towards Yen Tu on the spiritual route to Ha Long. This route is both dense and charming!

Yen Tu Nature Reserve spans five different communes and is a famous religious site that is so popular that it attracts millions of people per year. This unique location was originally founded on worshiping Buddhas and carries on to today. 

After having lunch, we leave Yen Tu and head out to Ha Long in Quang Ninh. We pull up at a hotel where the team stays overnight and enjoy a meal full of culinary delights from fresh seafood.

Day 9: On a Halong Bay cruise

Accommodation: Cruise

Meals: 3 servings (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

After a long journey of hitting the road, you can now wake up later at 9 o'clock and enjoy breakfast with a mug of Vietnamese coffee. You have your free time to explore the area to see what this great city has to offer! 

The team will then cruise around Halong Bay and try to take in as many incredible scenes as possible while you enjoy your lunch at 13:00.

Halong- a perfect combination of natural beauty from the natural ecosystems, salubrious flora and fauna, archaeological sites, and unique geology. All of these added together make it one of nature's greatest wonders while also becoming a source of pride for Vietnam's long-standing heritage.

After lunch, we will set sail from Halong Bay to Titop - an island nearby, and climb 430 steps to take stunning views of the bay from the summit. Return to the boat and follow chefs on board who teach you how to make spring rolls before dinner at 19:15. Then try your hand at night fishing - a perfect activity for relaxing after a long day at sea.

Day 10: Ha Long - Hanoi

Distance: 180 km

Meals: 2 servings (breakfast, lunch)

After breakfast, the team will then go for a boat tour of the famous Sung Sot Cave - which means "astonishment". This cave is where you will see unique stalactites formations, and one looks like a banyan tree. As you reach its peak, don't miss out on what is said to be a "royal garden".

The team will have a yummy buffet for lunch and then check out at around 11:30 and arrive at the capital at about 16:30. After a 10-day motorbike trip from Hanoi to Ha Long through countless majestic landscapes, it's time to say farewell and return to our daily life.

Conclusion

Our Hanoi - Halong Bay Motorcycle Tour is designed to bring you the best motorcycle road trip experience to Northern Vietnam. You will have the opportunity to ride on extremely scenic roads, visit the most beautiful destinations, and learn about the culture and history of the area.

We would love to make this journey a reality for you and show you how much of our country we can see in just ten days. If you want to experience this trip, don't hesitate to contact us right now.

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