EXPLORE NORTHWEST VIETNAM IN 7 DAYS: A ROUND JOURNEY FROM HANOI

 TOUR DESCRIPTION 

Discover the hidden beauty of Northwest Vietnam motorbike tours on an unforgettable 7-day motorbike journey starting and ending in Hanoi. Ride through dramatic mountain landscapes, remote ethnic villages, iconic rice terraces, and cloud-covered peaks. This loop offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery—ideal for travelers seeking an authentic motorbike experience in Vietnam’s rugged highlands.

DAY 1: HANOI → VU LINH (THAC BA LAKE): 180 KM

Leaving Hanoi in the early morning, the journey begins with a ride through peaceful countryside, rice fields, and gentle rolling hills. The noise of the city fades away, replaced by fresh air and the smell of farmland. As the road approaches Yen Bai, the vast Thac Ba Lake slowly appears, its calm blue water dotted with hundreds of small green islands.

By afternoon, the group reaches Vu Linh Village on the lakeside. This traditional Dao community welcomes travelers with warm smiles, wooden stilt houses, and a quiet atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustling capital. After a day of riding, everyone gathers around a homestyle dinner and enjoys local dishes and rice wine, ending the first day on a warm and relaxing note.

Overnight: Homestay.

DAY 2: VU LINH → HOANG SU PHI: 160 KM

The second day leads deeper into the northern mountains. Winding roads rise steadily, passing through small villages and lush valleys. The journey across Gio pass which brings stunning views with layers of mist drifting across the mountaintops.

Entering Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi, the scenery becomes breathtaking. Terraced rice fields stretch endlessly, carved into steep mountainsides like giant steps rising toward the sky. These terraces—among the most beautiful in Vietnam—create a magnificent landscape that changes color with every season.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Hoang Su Phi. The homestay, perched on a hillside, offers panoramic views of terraced fields glowing under the sunset. The stillness of the mountains makes this one of the most peaceful nights of the trip.

Overnight: Homestay.

DAY 3: HOANG SU PHI → SAPA: 170KM

After breakfast, the ride continues through ancient Shan Tuyet tea hills, where old tea trees grow on misty slopes. The road toward Bac Ha is lined with simple mountain villages and lively local life. If it is a Sunday, the Bac Ha weekly market becomes a colorful highlight of the day—an explosion of vibrant costumes, local food, and joyful trading among ethnic minority groups.

Leaving Bac Ha, the road winds through Lung Phinh Pass and heads toward the mountains of Sapa. By afternoon, the town comes into view, surrounded by towering peaks of the Hoang Lien Son range. The cool climate, stone church, and mist floating above the rooftops create an enchanting atmosphere for the night’s stay.

Overnight: Hotel/Homestay.

DAY 4: SAPA → MU CANG CHAI: 160 KM

Day four begins with one of the grandest experiences of the trip: crossing O Quy Ho Pass. Known as one of Vietnam’s four greatest mountain passes, its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views make it unforgettable. Clouds drift lazily across the road, and the cool mountain winds energize the journey. Travelers may stop at the Rong May Glass Bridge for a thrilling view over deep valleys below.

Descending from the pass, the landscape softens into serene highlands. The road leads toward Mu Cang Chai, home to legendary terraced rice fields. Villages like La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and Mam Xoi offer some of the most spectacular photography locations in the country. End the day in a peaceful stilt house, surrounded by mountains and the quiet evening sounds of the countryside.

Overnight: Hotel/Homestay.

DAY 5: MU CANG CHAI → TA XUA: 170 KM

The morning ride from Mu Cang Chai follows the majestic Khau Pha Pass, a favorite among motorbike adventurers for its sweeping curves and panoramic views. Arriving in Tu Le Valley, travelers may enjoy a refreshing dip in natural hot springs or taste the famous Tu Le young rice.

In the afternoon, the road continues to Nghia Lo and then climbs steadily toward Ta Xua. As the altitude increases, clouds begin to gather around the road. Ta Xua is renowned as Vietnam’s “cloud paradise”—and reaching it near sunset offers the chance to see waves of clouds rolling like the ocean below the peaks. The Dinosaur Backbone ridge and the Lonely Apple Tree make for remarkable scenes before nightfall.

Overnight: Hotel/Homestay.

DAY 6: TA XUA → MAI CHAU: 160 KM

Leaving Ta Xua behind, the road leads across remote mountain ranges and quiet ethnic villages. The scenery gradually changes from rugged cliffs to wider valleys and soft green hills. By midday, the group heads toward Hoa Binh Province.

Approaching Mai Chau, the view opens to a vast valley dotted with stilt houses of the Thai ethnic people. Endless rice fields stretch across the valley floor, framed by limestone mountains. The peaceful pace of local life, the smell of wood smoke, and the traditional stilt houses create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The evening in Mai Chau is calm and soothing—perfect for resting before the final ride back to Hanoi.

Overnight: Homestay.

DAY 7: MAI CHAU → HANOI: 150 KM

The final day begins with a gentle ride through the Mai Chau countryside. Leaving the valley, the road climbs over Thung Khe Pass, known for its unique white-stone landscape and panoramic views. As the journey continues toward Hanoi, the mountains gradually recede, giving way to the familiar pace of the lowlands.

By afternoon, we returns to the capital, marking the end of a remarkable seven-day adventure through some of the most beautiful mountain regions in northern Vietnam—filled with unforgettable landscapes, cultural encounters, and moments of pure freedom on the open road.

 √ What's included

 • Motorbike driver

 • Hotel pick up/drop off 

 • English-speaking tour guides

 • Sightseeing tickets

 • Accommodation: Double or twin shared rooms at hotel/ homestay: 2 guests/ room

 • Motorcycle protective gears (Helmet, Elbow & Knee pads)

 • Raincoat.

√ What's not included

 • Personal expenses

 • Meals & drinks

 • Medical insurance

 • Bike damages (For self-riding)

 • Tips.

√ Important Notes

 • Pick up time: 8:30 am at your hotel or requested area in Ha Noi city 

 • We can tailor a tour to your preferences and desired dates

 • During the trip, we provide private rooms at the homestay or local hotel. If you want to upgrade to a higher hotel standard, please request it which incurs an extra charge

 • For group tours, if a guest requests a private room, an additional surcharge will apply

 • The tour price does not include a support vehicle, but we can arrange this service for an additional cost if needed

 • The tour cost can be changed depending on the low/high tourist season or other special requests, please contact us to get the right price for your tour

 • Passengers sitting behind self-riding partners will be charged 70% of the $700 USD fee.

AN ADDITIONAL FEE APPLIES FOR SELF-RIDING