(12Th – 23Th July, 2026) 12-Day Northwest Vietnam & Halong Bay Motorbike Expedition

We leave Vu Linh after breakfast and begin the ride toward Sapa. The route shifts quickly into mountain terrain, with steady climbs and a mix of paved sections and local backroads. We pass through rice-growing areas and villages of the H’mong and Dzao communities—routine stops for fuel, water, and short breaks keep the pace consistent.

By late morning, we stop for a simple lunch before continuing the ascent. The afternoon section offers higher elevation and cooler air, with several points where we pull over for quick views of the valleys below.

Reaching Sapa, we check into our accommodation and take some time to walk through town. The center is busy, with small shops, a market, and views of the Hoang Lien Son range on clear days. Riders looking for an extra activity can visit Cat Cat Village, located a short ride outside town.

The evening is flexible—rest at the hotel or explore Sapa’s restaurants and cafés before the next stage of the expedition.

After breakfast in Sapa, we ride toward Bac Ha. The route is steady, with open mountain views and regular stretches passing through small highland communities. On arrival, we stop at the Bac Ha market, where local H’mong groups trade livestock, textiles, and everyday supplies—a practical look at how the region operates.

After lunch, we continue toward Xin Man. This section is more remote, with narrow roads, small valleys, and sections running alongside waterfalls and forested hillsides. Traffic is minimal, making it a straightforward but isolated ride.

We reach Xin Man in the late afternoon and check into our accommodation. The rest of the day is open for a short walk around town or a simple rest before the next stage of the journey.

After breakfast at a local restaurant, we make a quick stop at the morning market to observe how different ethnic groups trade and gather supplies. It’s a brief but useful look into daily highland activity before we get back on the bikes.

From Bac Ha, we move into a series of mountain passes that require steady control and attention. We break for lunch in Hoang Su Phi before starting the most demanding section of the day: a 40-kilometer off-road trail leading toward the Tay Con Linh range. The track runs through jungle terrain, with uneven surfaces and tight corners, making it one of the more technical parts of the entire route.

Once the off-road stretch is behind us, we rejoin the main road for an easier 20-kilometer ride into Ha Giang. If time and conditions allow, we can stop briefly at the Ha Thanh Waterfall before heading to our hotel.

We check in during the late afternoon and take the rest of the day to rest and prepare for the next stage of the expedition.

We leave Ha Giang in the morning and move toward the Quang Ba, Yen Minh, and Dong Van regions. The route is a mix of steady climbs and winding sections, with regular views of limestone formations and small highland settlements. These areas are known for tough living conditions, and the villages along the way give a straightforward look at how families manage daily life on rocky terrain.

We stop at a small viewpoint café for a short break and a quick walk up to the overlook above Quang Ba valley. After that, we continue to Yen Minh for lunch before riding on to Pho Bang, a quiet village with old clay-brick houses that reflect earlier architectural styles of the region.

The next stop is the Vuong Palace, where we take time to walk through the compound and its mixed Chinese–French design. In the late afternoon, we ride the final stretch into Dong Van and check into our hotel.

The rest of the day is free to rest or take a brief walk around town before the next stage of the expedition.

We leave Dong Van and head toward the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a 21-kilometer section considered one of the most significant mountain roads in Vietnam. The route runs along steep limestone ridges with sharp drops into the river valley below. Traffic is light, but the road requires steady handling and regular stops to manage the narrow bends and exposure. We take a few short breaks at safe pull-outs to look over the canyon and check the bikes before continuing.

From the end of the pass, we follow the main road toward Meo Vac and then continue to Bao Lac. The terrain eases here, with wider roads and a more predictable riding rhythm. Bao Lac is a small market town where different ethnic groups gather, especially on Sundays, making it a practical center for trade in the area.

We arrive in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. The evening is free to rest, walk around town, or prepare gear for the next day’s ride.

We leave Bao Lac and move into a full day of mixed terrain. The route includes broken road, short off-road sections, and several river crossings, so the pace is steady rather than fast. Multiple passes and winding segments require consistent focus, with regular stops for water, fuel, and quick checks on the bikes. With breaks and meals included, the total riding time sits at around six hours.

In the afternoon, we shift to a slower pace with a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam. There’s time for swimming or simply sitting back and taking in the quiet surroundings.

We finish the day at Ba Be Lake View Homestay, where we have a Tay-style dinner and the option to try the local rice wine. Accommodation is in a traditional stilt house—simple, clean, and a practical base for the night.

After breakfast at Ba Be Lake View Homestay, we prepare the bikes and begin the ride toward Ban Gioc. The route is a mix of winding mountain roads and occasional off-road segments, requiring steady control and regular breaks to manage the changing terrain.

As we get closer to the border region, traffic thins out and the landscape becomes more open. Ban Gioc Waterfall is the main stop of the day, and we take time to walk around the area, check the viewing points, and rest after the ride.

By late afternoon, we head to our accommodation near the waterfall. The evening is straightforward—dinner, rest, and time to prepare for the next stage of the journey.

After breakfast near Ban Gioc, we load the bikes and begin the ride toward Bac Son. The route covers a mix of mountain roads and smoother paved sections, allowing for a steady pace throughout the day. We make planned stops at a few viewpoints and small villages to rest, check the bikes, and take a brief look at local daily life.

As we move farther south, the terrain becomes easier and the valleys widen. We reach Bac Son in the late afternoon and check into our accommodation. The area is surrounded by rice fields and low hills, offering a quiet place to end the day and get ready for the next stage of the journey.

After breakfast in Bac Son, we prepare for the final riding segment toward Halong Bay. The route is straightforward, with mostly paved roads and steady traffic as we approach the coast. We arrive around midday, where a truck is already arranged to collect the bikes and gear.

From here, we switch to the cruise vessel and begin the Halong Bay portion of the trip. The pace shifts completely—no riding, just time to settle in and adjust to the quieter setting on the water.

The afternoon is spent moving through the bay, visiting selected caves or viewpoints as scheduled by the cruise. The rest of the day is open for relaxing on deck, taking photos, or simply observing the landscape as the boat continues its route.

Today is a non-riding day dedicated to the Halong Bay cruise. The schedule is relaxed, with the boat moving through different sections of the bay while we take part in optional activities. Depending on the cruise program, we may visit a cave, kayak in designated areas, or have time for a swim.

When not on an activity, the rest of the day is spent on deck or in the common areas, taking in the views and enjoying the slower pace after several days on the road. Meals are served on board, and the evening includes a quiet dinner followed by free time to rest before returning to Hanoi the next day.

After a late morning meal on the cruise, we disembark and begin the transfer back to Hanoi by car. There is no more riding today, giving everyone a chance to rest after the previous stages of the trip.

The drive passes through familiar countryside areas, offering a final look at the region before reaching the capital. The schedule is straightforward, with an expected arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon.

Once back in the city, the expedition officially comes to an end. Riders can head to their hotel or continue with onward travel plans.