(2Nd - 8Th Nov, 2025) 7-Day Motorcycle Adventure To Discover Vietnam’s Majestic Northwest

Leaving Hanoi, we head north, with the tranquil Hong Son Lake by our side. The journey offers stunning views of small islands nestled among lush forests and towering limestone peaks, creating a picture-perfect scene. As we continue north, the smooth roads lead us through more captivating landscapes. In the afternoon, we reach Mai Chau, where we have some free time to explore before dinner. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Thai dance performance, offering a glimpse into local culture. We'll spend the night in charming Thai stilt houses, immersing ourselves in the region's unique atmosphere.

After breakfast at our homestay, we bid farewell to the villagers and set off from Mai Chau toward Moc Chau, where we'll stop for lunch. This highland town is renowned for its exceptional tea, making it the perfect place to stock up. The surrounding area is also home to diverse ethnic minorities, including the Green H’mong, Dzao, Thai, and Muong. Following lunch, we take the less-traveled Road 43, winding our way to the Da River. We'll cross the Da River Reservoir at the Van Yen ferry and continue along a scenic, winding secondary road, eventually arriving in the mountain town of Phu Yen, located in Son La Province. Here, we'll spend the night at a simple homestay, experiencing the area's authentic charm.

In the morning, we continue our journey, riding through the challenging Lung Lo Pass before heading onto Road 32. During the First Indochina War, Lung Lo Pass, a 15-kilometer stretch, played a crucial role as the Vietnamese resistance used it to transport weapons, food, and supplies during the 1954 Dien Bien Phu campaign. The French heavily bombed the pass in an attempt to disrupt the supply line between the front and the rear. Located in Yen Bai province, Lung Lo Pass is now recognized as a national heritage site. The ride through this historic and scenic pass is both challenging and rewarding. We'll overnight in a hotel, resting after this remarkable journey.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll descend from Sapa to Lao Cai City, making a coffee stop by the Nam Thi River, which marks the Vietnam-China border. Enjoy your coffee while taking in the scenic view of China across the river. We’ll then head onto Road 70, turning onto Road 152 toward Luc Yen. As we ride through lush palm forests, we make our way to the village of Vu Linh, home to our Dao friends, located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake, Vietnam’s largest man-made lake. Covering an area of 23,400 hectares, Thac Ba Lake is dotted with 1,331 islands and hills, each showcasing diverse ecological environments. The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the ancient surrounding forests, and the hills and islands are home to caves like Hum, Cau Cuoi, and Bach Xa. After lunch, we embark on a boat ride through the tranquil waters of the lake, stopping at an island for a refreshing swim. We’ll explore the unique features of the area—witnessing how villagers paddle their boats, encountering exotic wildlife, and soaking in the peaceful beauty of the lake. This is a chance to experience the Dao people's way of life, set amidst the serenity of the islets.

After breakfast, we head southeast on Highway 2, making our way to the quiet town of Phu Tho. Following the edge of the Red River along its dyke, we ride almost to the point where it meets the Black River, before the two rivers converge on their journey toward Hanoi. At this stage, we're deep into the fertile lowlands of the delta plains, Vietnam’s main agricultural heartland. We cross the Black River via bridge, passing through Son Tay, before heading back to Hanoi on the highway. We aim to return to the city before rush hour (around 4 pm), as traffic tends to get increasingly congested.