Incredible Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour via Ha Giang, Meo Vac, Ban Gioc and Mau Son

We start our Motorbike tour by riding on to dyke roads following Red river to Thac Ba lake which is one of the 3 biggest man-made lakes in Vietnam. The lake is located in an area between Lục Yên and Yên Bình communes of Yên Bái province. The locals began to build the lake in 1962 and finished it in 1970. Thác Bà lake was created to take water from the Chảy river to serve the Thác Bà hydropower plant that was the first structure of its kind in Vietnam. It was built with the help of experts from the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), now is the Federation of Russia.

En route, we can stop by to see beautiful countryside, rice and green tea fields of Long Coc if time permits

By the end of the day, we turn to the little road to Vu Linh village, where populated by Dzao ethnic minority by the side of Thac Ba lake, very friendly people and the welcome is exceptional.

Home-stay in Vu Linh

* Summary:


+ Distance:  180 km


+ Meals: Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Home-stay

After breakfast, we’ll keep on motorcycling along the Thac Ba lake on a small road lined by palm trees and scenic mountain views to join the main Road 2, heading up to Ha Giang.

The journey from Thac Ba Lake to Ha Giang City is not only a transportation route but also an exploration of the diverse landscapes, cultures, and terrains that characterize northern Vietnam. The scenery changes as you traverse different provinces, making the trip a memorable experience for those who appreciate natural beauty and cultural diversity. En route, we might have some shortcuts through remote villages to have more experiences of daily life of the different hill tribes as well as discover many other spectacular natural beauties in remote areas where most of normal tourists are untouchable.

* Summary:

+ Distance:  180 km

+ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

+ Accommodation: Hotel

After getting the permit to ride in border areas at Ha Giang’s Immigration Police, we motorbike on small challenging mountain roads (but incredibly beautiful) on the land of colorful mountain hill-tribes. Head up the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here is yet another amazing place, with cloudy mountain ranges and the poetic Nho Que river winding off in the distance.

It is really difficult to find the exact words to describe Ma Pi Leng Pass, located between Dong Van and Meo Vac, near the northernmost tip of Vietnam, as a painting of astonishing beauty and magnificence that captures the eyes of all viewers and nature lovers.

Ride on a zig-zag track until reaching Vuong Family’s Residence, 14 kms before Dong Van.

Vuong Family was considered the King of the Hmong People in Dong Van, Ha Giang. Their residence was built in the scenic valley of Sa Phin with Chinese architecture. The whole house was built out of wood and rock only. The rocks for the buildings were imported from China. Vuong Family Residence is a masterpiece of man work in the valley of heavenly beauty of Sa Phin.

This is a remote area and we can meet the hard-working local people here. It is inspiring to see how they survive as they manage live in the rocks.When we reach Dong Van Town we will have some extra time to wonder the ancient streets lined with H’mong homes of clay bricks and tiles roofs built centuries ago.

Summary:

Distance:  160 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Homestay

Start Vietnam motorbike tour on road and tracks what make the ride relatively long in spite of few kilometers, however, such an adventure ride makes your epic trip more fun The journey from Meo Vac to Ban Gioc Waterfall is not only a physical adventure but also a visual feast. You’ll witness the raw beauty of northern Vietnam, from the rugged mountain passes to the serene valleys and the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall. The diversity of landscapes makes this trip a memorable exploration of Vietnam’s northern frontier.

We will ride motorcycles cross the wild regions of the mythical province of Ha Giang. Passing by Bao Lac, the ethnic crossroad of Northeast Vietnam. Many other ethnic groups on the two sides of the border meet at the market every Sunday. After having lunch, We make our own way through spectacular sceneries to Ban Gioc Waterfalls which is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. Located on the Quay Son River at the border between Vietnam and China, the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a postcard-worthy scene. Visitors can take boat trips to get closer to the falls and appreciate their majestic beauty.

Summary:

Distance:  220 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Homestay

In this morning, after inhaling fresh air in such a peaceful frontier’s area and having delicious breakfast at your homestay, you’ll jump on your iron horses to leave the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall to the historic city of Cao Bang, and experience the enchanting landscapes that unfold along the way. Leaving behind the lush greenery and the thundering cascades of Ban Gioc, the journey takes you through Cao Bang Province, a region rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. The road winds its way amidst towering karst mountains and serene valleys, presenting a seamless blend of the grandeur of nature and the cultural tapestry of the Vietnamese countryside.

As you traverse the roads of Cao Bang, be prepared to be captivated by the sight of terraced rice fields, where vibrant green carpets cascade down the slopes, reflecting the agricultural prowess of the local communities. The landscapes evolve, revealing quaint villages nestled against the backdrop of verdant hills, each with its own story to tell and traditions to share.

Cao Bang, a city steeped in history, unfolds before you with its colonial architecture and cultural landmarks. The echoes of the past resonate in the city’s streets, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s storied history. Immerse yourself in the local markets, where the hustle and bustle of daily life add a vibrant touch to the historical charm.

Summary:

Distance:  160 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Homestay

Ride from Cao Bang city to Lang Son on the famous historical Highway 4. We will have time to discover this city which has become a big trading post between China and Vietnam. You will ride to the top of Mau Son Peak. Mau Son is located at an altitude of 1,190m above sea level, distributed on the steep slopes of Mau Son Range, in Loi Pia hamlet, Mau Son commune. Mau Son consists of nearly 80 peaks. Phia Po (also known as Cong Son Mountain) is the highest of them at 1,541 m, followed by Phia Se (also known as Mau Son) at 1,520 m tall and Tra Ky at 1,180 m.

You can shop for cheap Chinese products at the nearby Dong Kinh market. Overnight at hotel.

Summary:

Distance:  180 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Easy day motorcycle ride back to Hanoi on the new Highway 1B, however, before riding back Hanoi, we should not be missed to get by a beautiful place called Bac Son Valley which is nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam with vibrant hues of green and majestic limestone karst mountains.

Bac Son is a sanctuary of tranquility, a haven for those seeking respite from the clamor of urban life. The valley is embraced by winding rivers that meander through emerald fields, nurturing the lush vegetation that carpets the valley floor. This verdant expanse is particularly enchanting during the planting and harvesting seasons when the fields come alive with the rhythmic dance of farmers tending to their crops.

Inhabited predominantly by the Tay ethnic minority, Bac Son offers a genuine encounter with Vietnamese rural life. Traditional stilt houses dot the landscape, showcasing the architectural heritage of the Tay people. As a guest in this serene valley, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the warmth of the local hospitality, sharing moments with communities whose traditions have been woven into the fabric of Bac Son for generations.

Arrival in Hanoi around 3pm.

Summary:

Distance:  200 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: None

End of the trip