Top Gear Northern Vietnam Tour 12D/11N: From Cityscapes To Mountains

Introduction

Top Gear Northern Vietnam tour promises breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable riding experiences. A new chapter unfolds with each twist and turn of the road, revealing hidden gems and cultural treasures. So, rev up your engines, buckle your helmets, and join us on a beautiful ride through the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam!

Top Gear Northern Vietnam Tour: Gearing Up For The Beauty Of Mountains

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau Motorcycle Tour

Our across Vietnam motorbike tour departed northwest from the capital - Hanoi. The once-dense gridlock was replaced by stretches of dirt roads, and the once-bustling cityscape melted into endless serene fields and forests as we reached the entrance to the mountainous area. Along the Da River, we glided on small country roads, passing through rural villages. As simple as they are, the wooden houses nestled among the verdant rice fields created a picturesque scene.

The first limestone mountains rolled out after a few hours of riding. After lunch, we approached the cliffs dotted by Muong and Thai’s nice villages. Initially, we could distinguish between these ethnic people by their colorful traditional costumes. However, this tip no longer worked out in the following days as we met more and more minority groups.

Day 2: Mai Chau Motorbike Trip To Phu Yen

After breakfast, we spent time walking around the peaceful town of Thai people and taking a glimpse into their daily ways of life. Soon, we were back on the roads and geared up for Moc Chau. As we ventured onward, we encountered yet another tribe, the Mong people, who welcomed us with their warm hospitality.

We exited the main road and turned into a quiet track leading up to Hua Tat Pass. Though it was built during the French colonial period, it is still in good condition. Ascending the pass, we were greeted by awe-inspiring views of towering mountain ranges that seemed to touch the sky.

The sun blazed down on the pavement, but luckily, the cool breeze from the Da River soothed our skin. This made our motorcycle ride to Phu Yen town more pleasant under harsh summer conditions.

Day 3: Phu Yen - Son La Motorcycle Trip

Our rumbling stomachs were treated to a warm bowl of Pho for future discoveries. We soon wandered on quiet roads with beautiful views of terraced fields. Every time we passed through the rustic villages, we wondered how the minorities survived in a wild landscape without any modern amenities.

Curiosities filled our minds until we conquered the gentle hills. The cool highland air gently caressed our skin, offering a refreshing respite from the summer heat. Son La welcomed us with an amazing ride to the historical site - an old prison of the bygone era. For the first time in our lives, the brutality of colonization and war has come to life, provoking a sense of affinity.

Day 4: Motorbike Tour From Son La To Muong Lay

The first half of the North Vietnam motorbike tour was a comfortable adventure on Route 6, but everything changed at the foot of Pha Din Pass. The best part of motorcycle tours - the off-road challenges arrived. Though there was a well-maintained alternative route, we couldn't resist the allure of Pha Din Pass, renowned as one of the most beautiful passes in North Vietnam.

These narrow tracks snaking through the barren cliffs satiated our cravings for thrilling adventures. The echo of gravel crunching under our tires and our ragged breaths was the only stark reminder of our fragile presence in the great silence. Our racing heartbeat only calmed down when we reached Muong Lay, nestled near a gentle river.

Day 5: Muong Lay - Sin Ho - Lai Chau Motorbike Adventure

The variety of landscapes on the way to Lai Chau was a feast for the eyes. From the limestone mountains, we shifted our gaze to the lush rice fields and the winding Da River. The tension drained from our shoulders as we breathed in the cool air, replacing the city’s heat with a whirlwind of peace and solace. Honestly, words failed to capture the sheer beauty of these scenes. Come there and admire it with your naked eyes!

Another pass came and threw some off-road challenges at us. But do not worry! Even our fellow beginners nailed this riding test, and the reward was well worth our efforts. Lai Chau town shimmered out of its misty veil and showcased its romantic charm to first-time tourists.

Day 6: Lai Chau - Sapa Motorbike Trip

Our morning began on a smooth road through peaceful villages. The thin mist gradually dissipated, revealing a mesmerizing view of the majestic Northern mountains. Suddenly, O Quy Ho Pass kicked off our stagnancy and kindled the ember trapped under the ashes inside us.

It was a siren song with its off-camber turns and the narrow track embracing the limestone ranges. But the thrills and spills fueled the adrenaline as we inched towards the mountain peak. We did not dare let our guard down until we completed this adventure route. Our wealth of experience had taught us a valuable lesson: one moment of carelessness and the abyss yawning hungrily below may devour any rider.

Day 7: Sapa Motorcycle Tour To Bac Ha

After a thrilling day, we started the motorbike tour a little later than usual. Just when the sun cleared away the sea of clouds, we set off to Bac Ha. Instead of the busy main road, we took a more daring path parallel to the Chinese border gate.

We had the opportunity to encounter more tribes, such as the Red Dao, Hmong, and even Chinese traders, at the local market. The market was a vibrant hub of activity, with traders showcasing an array of goods, predominantly handmade products. The allure of these unique crafts was undeniable, but we found it challenging to negotiate a favorable price.

We were unsure if skipping these one-of-a-kind crafts was the right decision. The lingering regret weighed upon our hearts until the friendly Tay people in Bac Ha welcomed us with a warm hug.

Day 8: Bac Ha - Ha Giang Motorbike Path

We filled our stomachs with delicious specialties to prepare for a long day ride. With our energy replenished, we geared up and embarked on the backroads, gradually transitioning to tougher terrain. The rugged roads drained a lot of our energy, but the beautiful landscape of terraced fields immediately poured a surge of vitality through our veins.

Instead of crowded sightseeing spots, we chose random stops along the way to Ha Giang. We took many photos, but they were nothing compared to admiring the natural beauty with our own naked eyes and hearts.

Day 9: Special Motorcycle Tour From Ha Giang To Dong Van

After days stuck in the busy city, silence was the best medicine to strip off our worries. Along the Chinese border, we roamed around deserted roads. It was just us cuddled in the arms of Mother Nature. Though the landscapes might have been familiar from previous trips, each day brought a new perspective and appreciation for our surroundings.

Dong Van greeted us after several hours of riding. Among the barren cliffs stood a small town breathing a great sense of life. As we ventured deep into the boulder fences, we discovered buckwheat flower gardens interspersed with ripe rice fields. An alluring scene with two contrasting vibes surpassed our wildest imaginations of what to expect in this plateau.

Day 10: Dong Van - Bao Lac Motorbike Route

We dedicated the morning to uncovering every corner of Dong Van Geopark. It was as if we entered a world of stones dressed in shades of gray, each whispering its own stories that transcended time. Afterward, we headed towards Ma Pi Leng Pass, hearts thrumming with the thrill of discovery.

The off-road challenges also reached new heights. The pass unfolded like a hair-raising roller coaster, with its sharp curves and off-camber turns. The scene transformed into a different vibe when the Nho Que River came into our sight. The jade green flow added a nuance of romance and elegance to the already captivating landscape, resembling brushstrokes on an oil painting.

Day 11: Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake Motorcycle Path

After exhausting days, we opted for a relaxing exploration along the peaceful roads. We left the troubles and stress behind and filled our hearts with worthwhile experiences. Our crew had a hearty lunch to prepare for the long-awaited excursion in the afternoon. Our destination was Ba Be Lake, home to natural landscapes and rich ecosystems. 

Leaving our motorbike, we boarded a wooden raft and paddled to small islands and mysterious caves. The boat tour took us to untouched lands associated with mysterious stories from ancient times. A 1.5-hour trip was far from enough to enjoy the charming and tranquil beauty of the lake. That night, we had a cozy gathering at a homestay in the village of Tay people, recalling our sweet memories of the motorbike tour.

Day 12: Ba Be - Hanoi Motorbike Tour

We maintained to stay on the backroads and remain close to green nature for as long as possible. But unfortunately, everything must come to an end. The last 50 km of our Vietnam motorbike tours led us to the modern and bustling city center. 

The roads gradually got crowded with traffic, throwing us into the stop-and-go tango of rush hour, but we made it to the finish line before rush hour. It was time to bid farewell to our fellow riders and the beautiful Vietnam!

Conclusion

The Top Gear Northern Vietnam tour was a transformative experience for all travelers. From the bustling city to the serene countryside, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of nature, the people's warmth, and the culture's richness. 

The spirit of adventure and the love for this beautiful country would guide us to other untouched places. Follow our blogs for the latest Vietnam motorcycle tours!

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