12 Days Northern Vietnam - Ha Long Bay

Amazing Ride: Northern Vietnam | Ha Long Vacation

Route: Hanoi – Phu Yen – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bao Lac – Ban Gioc – Ba Be – Vu Linh – Ha Long (2 days) – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Phu Yen (180 km)

We leave the bustle of Hanoi behind and head west on winding rural roads. The ride takes us through scenic countryside, past rice paddies and local markets.

After lunch in a small roadside town, we continue into the hills toward Phu Yen. This peaceful area offers a glimpse into the quiet rural life of northern Vietnam.

Day 2: Phu Yen – Mu Cang Chai (160 km)

We climb deeper into the mountains, riding over Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s most stunning. The view of terraced rice fields cascading down steep hillsides is unforgettable.

Mu Cang Chai is home to the H’mong people and their spectacular agricultural landscape. Explore local villages in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa (160 km)

Today’s ride follows winding mountain roads toward the Lao Cai highlands. We pass through Than Uyen and cross the mighty O Quy Ho Pass, the highest in Vietnam.

Arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon. The town offers cool weather, lively markets, and colorful ethnic cultures.

Day 4: Sapa local exploration

We stay in Sapa for a relaxing day of riding and cultural discovery. Ride to surrounding villages like Ta Van, Lao Chai, or Cat Cat, where Black H’mong and Red Dzao people live.

Optional short hikes, local craft visits, or cable car trip to Mount Fansipan.

Day 5: Sapa – Ha Giang (240 km)

A long but rewarding ride eastward to Ha Giang. We descend from the high mountains into valleys lined with tea hills and streams, passing through remote areas untouched by mass tourism.

Ha Giang is the gateway to the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau.

Day 6: Ha Giang – Dong Van (150 km)

We enter the Dong Van Geopark, where the road climbs through Heaven’s Gate and the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass. This region is known for its deep gorges, sharp limestone peaks, and ancient stone villages.

Stop at ethnic markets and visit the H’mong King’s Palace before reaching Dong Van

Day 7: Dong Van – Bao Lac (100 km)

Though short, today’s ride is incredibly scenic. We follow a narrow route along the Chinese border, passing through Meo Vac and multiple small minority villages.

Bao Lac is a quiet, authentic mountain town where you can experience real local life

Day 8: Bao Lac – Ba Be Lake (130 km)

We leave the high mountains of Bao Lac behind and ride south through peaceful valleys and forest roads. The route takes us through quiet ethnic villages and scenic backroads, gradually descending into Ba Be National Park.

Arrive by mid-afternoon and take a boat ride on the lake if time permits. Ba Be is known for its tranquil water, limestone cliffs, and jungle atmosphere.

Day 9: Ba Be Lake – Ban Gioc Waterfall (210 km)

After breakfast, we begin an eastward ride through the heart of Cao Bang province. The journey winds through forested roads, mountain passes, and riverside tracks.

Arrive at Ban Gioc in the late afternoon. Marvel at the majestic waterfall cascading between Vietnam and China – one of the most iconic natural sights in northern Vietnam.

Day 10: Ban Gioc – Lang Son (190 km)

We head southeast on scenic roads along the Chinese border. The ride passes through karst valleys, bamboo forests, and small markets before reaching Lang Son – a historical trade gateway between Vietnam and China.

Explore the local market or visit Tam Thanh cave if time allows.