West & Central North 11 Days Self

Day 1:

Hanoi – Mai Chau (170km/approx. 4 hours)

Departing from Hanoi, our journey to the north unfolds along the Hong Son Lake, offering breathtaking scenery of tiny islands nestled in the surrounding forests. Riding on smooth roads, we encounter charming landscapes, reaching Mai Chau in the afternoon. Explore this lovely town before enjoying a traditional Thai Dance show and retiring to Thai stilt houses for the night.

Day 2

Mai Chau – Son La (250km/approx. 6 hours)

Leaving Mai Chau, our tour continues on a small dirt road west of the Da River, passing through caves of great archaeological and historical significance. We will then cross the lake by ferry, marveling at the majestic mountain ranges and riverside beauty. A quick stop at Bac Yen for lunch, then we continue heading north along the river bank. This night we rest in Son La city.

Day 3

Son La – Than Uyen: (160km/approx. 6 hours)

Right after breakfast, we embark on Highway 6. We will proceed to visit a village of the Black Thai people and observe their customs, which takes us through the Dark Cave, before enjoying lunch at the commune of Tuan Giao. Heading North after lunch, we will ride the winding, exhilarating Road 279 through lush forests and rice terraces, stopping to take a break at Pa Uon Bridge to soak in the stunning landscape. Tonight we rest at a hotel in Than Uyen city.

Day 4

Than Uyen – Sapa (130km/approx. 4 hours)

Today we ride along the splendorous Hoan Lien Son mountain range, through a valley full of tea plantations and rice fields lying gracefully next to the Nam Ma River. The tribe villages of Dzao, H’mong, and Tay sit on the foothills and the Hoang Sien Son Mountains, while the O Ouy Ho Pass offers heart-stopping panoramic views from over 2,000 meters of altitude. We make our epic entry into Sapa early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy this famously hip city where we will spend the night.

Day 5

Sapa – Bac Ha – Xi Man (160km/ approx. 5 hours)

We saddle up after breakfast and head down to the center of Lao Cai city, found next to the border with China. Lao Cai is an important trading hub in the North, so we will stop for photos at it’s famous border bridge before we set out for the town of Bac Ha.

Bac Ha is most popular for its 100-year-old colorful market comprised mainly of the Dzao and Flower H’Mong people, among other mountainous ethnic groups. Open only in Sunday mornings, the various ethnic minority tribes come down from the mountains to trade their hand-made traditional goods.

After departing from Bac Ha, we ride up a small dirt trail with absolutely stunning scenery of the Chinese mountain range across the valley below, and ending up in the town of Xi Man. After lunch, we will visit the Lao Chai village set on a nearby mountaintop to take in the enchanting a view of the Chay River that seems as if it goes all the way up in the sky and through the clouds. This area has many interesting dirt roads to explore, which, combined with the amazing natural landscapes, certainly justify its name as one of the most beautiful spots in Vietnam.

We spend the night in a hotel in Xi Man.

Day 6

Xi Man – Ha Giang (150km/approx. 6 hours)

After enjoying breakfast at a nearby local restaurant, we explore the bustling local market, indulge in souvenir shopping, capture memorable moments through photography, and engage with the diverse local ethnic communities such as Dzao, Flower H’mong, Nung, and more. Today presents an opportunity to put our riding skills to the test and enhance them as we navigate challenging mountain passes. Lunchtime brings us to Tan Quang, and the final 50km to Ha Giang is a more relaxed and effortless ride as we rejoin Road 2. If time permits, we might even have the chance to unwind and rejuvenate in the hot springs of Thanh Ha. Our night is spent at a comfortable hotel in Ha Giang city.

Day 7

Ha Giang – Dong Van (150km/approx. 6 hours)

Our first task is to secure a visit permit from the Ha Giang immigration office, enabling us to proceed with our journey through the captivating Quang Ba, Dong Van, and Yen Minh regions. These areas boast breathtaking natural landscapes and pristine views of the surroundings. The local residents, accustomed to hard work and long hours, exhibit remarkable resilience, creatively navigating challenges in their rocky farmland existence. Despite their modest desires for happiness, they are known for their outgoing and friendly nature.

Taking a brief break at an informative coffee shop, we may ascend some stairs to enjoy picturesque views of Quang Ba. Afterward, we pause for lunch in Yen Minh before exploring Pho Bang, a centuries-old village characterized by multi-storey clay brick houses with tiled roofs. In Quang Ba, a visit to the Vuong Palace is a must—an architectural gem showcasing European-Chinese design and once home to the high-ranking H’mong family, including Vietnam’s purported H’mong King, Vuong Chi Sinh, during the French colonial era. This historical site captivates architecturally-minded visitors. Our final destination is Dong Van, where we spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

Day 8

Dong Van – Meo Vac town – Bao Lac (120km/approx. 4 hours)

Today, we traverse the awe-inspiring Ma Pi Leng Pass, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Nho Que River. Descending towards Meo Vac, we journey through the mystical high mountainous areas of Ha Giang before arriving at Bao Lac, our resting place for the day. Bao Lac serves as a significant ethnic crossroads, bringing together diverse ethnic groups from Northeast Vietnam. The Sunday market in Bao Lac becomes a vibrant gathering spot for various ethnic communities hailing from both sides of the borders. Our accommodation for the night is in a comfortable hotel.

Day 9

Bao Lac – Ba Be (150km/approx. 5 hours)

Embarking on the journey from Bao Lac to Ba Be Lake, you will be captivated by the scenic beauty of the winding mountain roads leading to our destination. The route takes us through numerous mountain passes, providing a thrilling experience for those seeking an adventurous ride. With the flexibility to make stops as desired, the journey allows for moments of exploration and appreciation of the breathtaking landscapes. Anticipated to take around 8 hours, including breaks for meals and refreshments, the ride culminates in the enchanting Ba Be Lake. The destination offers a unique overnight stay in traditional stilt houses within a Tay community, providing an authentic and immersive cultural experience.

Day 10

Ba Be (Visit and relaxation)

Being in Bac Ngoi presents an excellent chance to embark on a delightful 2-hour boat cruise, gliding gracefully across the lake. Subsequently, we pause at the captivating Dau Dang waterfall for a scenic lunch and, for those inclined, an opportunity to swim. Further exploration includes a visit to a primary school and the village situated below the waterfall before returning to Ba Be Lake. Our journey continues with a visit to the An Ma temple, followed by a trek through the enchanting Ba Be rainforests, offering stunning photo opportunities from atop a nearby tower. The night unfolds with accommodations in local stilt houses, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.

Day 11

Ba Be – Hanoi (220km/approx. 7 hours)

On the final day of our journey, we have an exciting ride ahead as we make our way back to Hanoi. The route skirts the west side of Ba Be Lake as we head south, passing through the town of Thai Nguyen, famed in Vietnam for its superior tea. We will stop here to explore the Vietnamese Ethnic Group Museum of Cultures, where vibrant exhibits showcase the diverse lifestyles of the 50 tribes residing in Vietnam’s hills.

Our estimated arrival in Hanoi is 5:00 P.M., marking the conclusion of this adventure.