Motorbike Tour Halong Bay: 12 Days Off The Beaten Path

Introduction

Halong Bay, a world natural wonder recognized by UNESCO, is a favorite destination in Northern Vietnam. But here's the thing: few people know that the neighboring cities have much more to offer. 

It is a great idea to start a motorbike tour Halong Bay from Hanoi, which passes by many interesting sightseeing places. Trust us, we've been there; it was an experience like no other.

Motorbike Tour Halong Bay: The Scenic Roads

Day 1: Hanoi - Vu Linh Motorbike Route

From the departure spot, the Vietnam motorbike tours departed to the West. We followed the well-conditioned road along the Red River Delta. A favorable start quickly brought us to the first destination in the morning - Thac Ba Lake. However, things got challenging after that.

The terrain became rough, so we had to slow down to Vu Linh. The Dao ethnic people warmly welcomed us when we reached their village by the large lake. The peaceful landscape and the hospitality of locals were exactly what we yearned for after being stuck in the chaos of everyday life.

Day 2: Vu Linh Motorcycle Trip To Sapa

Saying goodbye to our new friends, we continued our journey towards Sapa. Along the way, we were treated to some awe-inspiring views begging to be photographed. We once again discovered the shelter of a new tribe - the vibrant Hmong people. These locals treated us to a hearty lunch with authentic flavors dancing on our taste buds.

We stopped more often at noon since the scenery was too alluring to rush through. Therefore, we arrived at our destination late, but that didn't prevent us from exploring Cat Cat Village. Despite being a popular tourist spot, this place still captivates us with its breathtaking views of the Hoan Lien Son mountain range and stunning waterfalls.

As the street lights lit up, we strolled around the dreamy town. The night market caught our attention, warming up our stomachs with grilled Vietnamese foods at affordable prices.

Day 3: Sapa - Bac Ha - Xin Man Motorcycle Path

The air was permeated with excitement and anticipation as we set off for a new place brimming with discoveries. Bac Ha awaited us after a 60 km motorbike ride. The ethnic diversity in the mountainous areas of Vietnam blew our minds. We met another ethnic minority, the Chinese Hmong, in a bustling market. It was almost impossible to tell them apart from the two minority communities we had met earlier.

We returned to the amazing roads in the afternoon and headed to Xin Man. This town is a hidden gem of the Northern mountains. Picturesque waterfalls and dense forests created a mysterious and untamed atmosphere that fueled our adventurous spirits.

Day 4: Xin Man - Ha Giang Motorbike Tour

We spent part of the morning roaming around the local market. It was a good opportunity to get a glimpse into their daily lives. The colorful clothes and buzzing conversations infused the atmosphere with happiness and positive energy.

With our uplifted spirits, we were ready for our first off-road challenges. The winding roads from Hoang Su Phi to the Tay Con Linh Mountain range put our skills to the test. The narrow trails, tight turns, and steep ascents awakened adventurous souls within us.

All our effort was worth it. We passed through immense terraced fields, crept through the old forest, and filled our lungs with the fragrance of dew-kissed grains. At the end of the day, we returned to the main route and visited Ha Thanh waterfall. With only 20 km to go, Ha Giang shimmered out of its misty veil in front of us.

Day 5: Motorcycle Tour From Ha Giang To Dong Van

Ha Giang never ceases to overwhelm us. Each town we visited - Quang Ba, Yen Minh, and Dong Van - had a unique charm that kept us engaged. The hard-working villagers in this arid and rocky terrain had nurtured and developed these towns into thriving places.

We had a leisurely day on the beautiful road, visiting magical little towns. On the way to Quang Ba, we had a coffee break on the hill and climbed the stairs to admire the breathtaking valley.

After lunch in Yen Minh, we rode to the ethnic village of Pho Bang. It was a treasure trove of unique architecture, from clay brick houses to the Royal Palace, weaving Chinese and European threads flawlessly.

We arrived in Dong Van when the sun shone on the limestone peaks. White plum bushes blooming on cliffs added to the romance and vitality of the whole scene.

Day 6: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac Motorcycle Trip

Another challenging ride arrived at the thrilling Ma Pi Leng Pass. Known as the most adventurous road in Vietnam, this 21-kilometer-long pass sparked our curiosity and excitement from the get-go. Next to towering limestone mountains that pierce through the ocean of clouds to heaven stands a rugged cliff draped in a vibrant emerald cloak of rainforest. At its foot lies a ribbon of crystal-clear river, snaking its way through the vibrant valley, but we couldn’t dare to linger our eyes on that beauty for too long.

The thrills and spills filled our souls on the narrow and winding track as if we were riding on the edge of the world. Each blind curve flung us sideways, a roller coaster of anticipation sending shivers down our spines and hearts drumming against our ribs. Undoubtedly, it is a must-try route for all adventure travelers.

After a stimulating day, we found ourselves in Bao Lac, which showcases the cultural diversity of the Northeast. Remember to sleep early every Sunday morning to participate in the vibrant market.

Day 7: Bao Lac - Ba Be Motorbike Tour

The combination of challenging terrain awakened our adventurous souls again. The feeling of excitement never cooled down along the rough tracks. We even crossed rivers on a small ferry or went up and down hills.

If you feel tired, feel free to stop and let the beautiful scenery rejuvenate you. But do not get too lazy! You should travel within about 6 hours and reach your destination as soon as possible. There are many interesting activities to do at Ba Be Lake.

One of the highlights was taking a boat cruise around the vast lake. We did not hesitate to leap into the clean water and swim around when the friendly tour guide gave us permission.

Day 8: Ba Be - Ban Gioc Motorcycle Route

After a hearty breakfast with coffee, we were ready for the Vietnam motorbike tours to the legendary Ban Gioc waterfall. Once again, we put our riding skills to the test. We wandered on the winding roads and admired the majestic mountains in the early days of spring.

Even from afar, we could hear the sound of flowing water echoing throughout the forests, promising the grandeur of the waterfall somewhere beyond the verdant curtain of trees. Indeed, it was a breathtaking spectacle that held us spellbound. The waterfall descended through multiple towering tiers, gracefully slithering through the rocks before crashing into the lake with a resounding splash.

We spent the rest of the day capturing this breathtaking scene from various angles. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to fully appreciate the natural beauty and heal ourselves from the bleeding scars of past hardships.

Day 9: Ban Gioc - Bac Son Motorbike Tour

Our exhilarating route continued to take us to new, beautiful lands. From Ban Gioc to Bac Son, we encountered numerous beautiful scenes of the Vietnamese countryside. We frequently stopped on the beautiful mountain passes to rest and savor the tranquil panoramic view.

The good road conditions allowed us to arrive at Bac Son quite early. After a short nap at the comfortable accommodations, we strolled around this charming area. Some friendly locals guided us to their vast rice paddies, where we witnessed the bustling farming activities on a romantic afternoon.

Day 10: Motorcycle Path From Bac Son To Halong Bay

We couldn't hide our excitement as it was finally time to visit our favorite destination - Halong City. Upon arriving in the tourist hotspot, we bid farewell to our private motorbikes and boarded a luxurious cruise. It was time to set sail to explore the magnificent beauty of the world's natural wonder.

There are no words to describe the otherworldly scenery that came into our sight adequately. The emerald-green water reflecting the images of limestone islands took our breath away. The boat then stopped at deserted islands, revealing pristine beaches and mysterious caves for exploration.

We climbed hundreds of stairs to enter another fantasy world. Rays of natural light crept from small rock crevices and lit up the beautiful cave. Stalactites with strange shapes hang down from the stone walls, resembling unique curtains.

Day 11: Halong Bay Cruise Tour

After an exhausting day, we dedicated our last day in Halong Bay to relaxing outdoor activities. We paddled around the limestone islands and rested at a pristine beach. We enjoyed our world on the soft white sand and dipped in the crystal-clear water.

The cruise lit up in the evening for a cozy farewell party on the deck. Our hungry stomachs were treated to a delectable feast of fresh seafood and glasses of gourmet wine. We capped off the night by gazing at the starry sky and cherished the beautiful moments from Hanoi to Halong Bay by motorbike.

Day 12: Halong Bay - Hanoi Motorbike Trip

We returned to shore at noon and returned to Hanoi by a shuttle bus. Though the motorcycle tour Halong Bay had concluded, the exploration of cultural treasures and stunning landscapes was far from over.

We had one last chance to capture the picturesque village on the way to the capital. The peaceful ambiance served as a wonderful dose of stimulation to recall the experiences on the go and share them with fellow travelers.

After all, the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi during rush hour lulled our adventurous souls to sleep, yet the beautiful memories of the past 12 days would forever live on.

Conclusion

One thing is certain: The motorbike tour Halong Bay has brought valuable experiences and new insights to every single soul of us. Despite the off-road challenges, we don't regret a single moment of this journey. 

We've lived the most beautiful days of our year, perhaps even our youth, in Northern Vietnam. Of course, we'll return for other untouched lands, just as you should. Stay tuned to our blogs for the latest itineraries in this beautiful country!

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