HA GIANG IN 10 DAYS MOTORBIKING

Introduction to Ha Giang In 10 Days

Ha Giang In 10 Days is one of our most rewarding motorcycle adventures in Northern Vietnam, combining high mountain roads, remote countryside, ethnic minority villages, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. The route starts in Hanoi, climbs through the mountains towards Sapa, then continues into the dramatic landscapes of Ha Giang before heading across the Northeast and returning to Hanoi.

This itinerary gives you time to experience the journey rather than simply rushing between destinations. You will ride through winding mountain roads, remote valleys, high passes, and scenic backroads, with opportunities to stop for photographs and meet local people along the way. The route also includes Dong Van, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, and Lang Son, creating a fantastic north-country loop.

Ha Giang In 10 Days Motorbike Ride At A Glance

1^st day: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
2^nd day: Nghia Lo – Than Uyen
3^rd day: Than Uyen – Sapa
4^th day: Sapa – Bac Ha
5^th day: Bac Ha – Ha Giang
6^th day: Ha Giang – Dong Van
7^th day: Dong Van – Bao Lac
8^th day: Bao Lac – Cao Bang
9^th day: Cao Bang – Lang Son
10^th day: Lang Son – Hanoi

The route combines high mountain riding around Sapa and Ha Giang with quieter roads through the Northeast. Highlights include Mu Cang Chai, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, the Ha Giang mountain region, Cao Bang, and the historic Highway 4.

Below is a video clip featuring some portions of this trip. If you would like to watch more videos from our Vietnam motorcycle tours, please check our YouTube channel.

 

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DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo (~250 km, ~7 h)

Before setting off, we spend around 30 minutes checking the motorcycles, controls, tires, brakes, tools, and essential riding equipment to make sure everything is ready for the journey. Once the bikes are prepared, we leave Hanoi and follow the Red River towards Son Tay, gradually leaving the busy capital behind.

The first section is relatively easy, with mostly flat and paved roads from Hanoi to Thanh Son. From Thanh Son, we continue towards Thu Cuc before turning into the mountains in the direction of Ba Khe and Nghia Lo.

As we climb higher, the landscape changes dramatically. The road becomes more winding as it follows the foothills of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, passing through forests, valleys, rice fields, and rural villages. This is where the riding becomes much more scenic, with fewer vehicles and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the countryside.

After approximately 250 km and seven hours of riding, we arrive in Nghia Lo, an important mountain town surrounded by spectacular scenery. It is a great place to rest after our first day and prepare for the more challenging mountain roads ahead.

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Than Uyen (~180 km, ~5 h)

Today we leave Nghia Lo and head deeper into the mountains of Northwest Vietnam. The road quickly becomes more adventurous, with rough and bumpy sections providing a genuine mountain-riding experience.

Our first major challenge is Lung Lo Pass, where the road climbs through rugged mountain terrain. After crossing the pass, we continue towards the even higher and more spectacular Khau Pha Pass, one of the famous mountain passes in Northern Vietnam.

From the higher sections, we enter the impressive Mu Cang Chai massif, a rugged mountain region famous for its dramatic valleys and terraced rice fields. The mountains here rise to almost the same elevation as Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak.

From the top, the views are simply spectacular, with layers of mountains stretching into the distance and narrow roads winding through the valleys below. The route can be challenging and demanding, but the scenery and sense of adventure make the effort worthwhile.

After approximately 180 km and five hours of riding, we arrive in Than Uyen, where we spend the night in a local hotel.

Day 3: Than Uyen – Sapa (~140 km, ~5 h)

Than Uyen is surrounded by a diverse mix of ethnic minority communities, including Flower H’Mong and Dzao people. After spending some time exploring the area, we continue towards Sapa, following a scenic route through the mountains.

The first approximately 100 km follows an easier track through remote countryside, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and see local village life. The final 40 km is on a paved mountain road, with winding sections and increasingly dramatic views as we approach Sapa.

The landscape changes as we climb towards the famous Hoang Lien Son mountains, with forests, valleys, terraced fields, and mountain villages along the way. After arriving in Sapa, we have time to explore the town and surrounding area.

Sapa is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Vietnam, and it is easy to understand why. Its spectacular mountain setting, diverse ethnic cultures, cool climate, terraced rice fields, and access to Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain, make it a memorable stop on the journey.

We spend the night in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha (~100 km, ~3 h)

We leave Sapa and descend towards Lao Cai, following a winding mountain road for approximately 34 km. Lao Cai is an important border city between Vietnam and China, and if conditions allow, we can stop to take photographs with the Chinese mountains and border area in the background.

After lunch in Lao Cai, we turn away from the border and begin climbing towards Bac Ha, riding approximately another 70 km through beautiful mountainous countryside.

The route offers spectacular views of deep valleys, forested mountains, rice terraces, and remote villages. Compared with the busier tourist areas around Sapa, Bac Ha has a more relaxed atmosphere and provides an excellent opportunity to experience the cultures of Northern Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

After approximately 100 km and three hours of riding, we arrive in Bac Ha, where we spend the night.

Day 5: Bac Ha – Ha Giang (~200 km, ~6 h)

After breakfast, we leave Bac Ha and take a network of small mountain roads and tracks towards Xin Man. This section is a highlight for riders who enjoy quieter routes, with fewer vehicles and spectacular views across the remote mountains of Northern Vietnam.

We continue through winding backroads, passing mountain villages, forests, valleys, and terraced fields before eventually joining the main road towards Ha Giang. The changing scenery makes this a rewarding day of riding, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the peaceful countryside.

As we approach Ha Giang City, the roads become easier, and we make our way into town for the night. We also take care of the necessary permit for travelling in the border area, allowing us to continue towards the more remote sections of Ha Giang Province on the following day.

We spend the night in Ha Giang.

Day 6: Ha Giang – Dong Van (~180 km, ~6 h)

After obtaining the necessary border-area riding permit from the Ha Giang Immigration Police, we set off towards Dong Van on some of the most spectacular mountain roads in Vietnam.

The route takes us onto small, challenging mountain roads that wind through dramatic limestone landscapes and remote communities. The riding requires concentration, but the scenery makes every kilometre worthwhile. Along the way, we pass through the traditional territories of several ethnic minority communities, with colourful clothing, mountain villages, terraced fields, and isolated homes adding character to the journey.

One of the major highlights is Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most famous mountain passes in Vietnam. From the high viewpoints, we can look across layers of rugged limestone mountains and down towards the spectacular Nho Que River, winding through the deep valley far below.

After crossing the pass, we continue along a zigzagging mountain road towards Dong Van. This remote region is home to communities who have adapted to living among some of the most rugged limestone terrain in the country. Seeing how local people farm, build homes, and maintain their traditional way of life in such a challenging environment is one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.

After reaching Dong Van, we have time to explore the town and wander through its historic streets, where traditional H’Mong houses, clay-brick buildings, and tiled roofs reflect the area’s distinctive architectural heritage.

We spend the night in Dong Van.

Day 7: Dong Van – Bao Lac (~80 km, ~4 h)

Leaving Dong Van, we continue through the remote mountains of Ha Giang Province towards Bao Lac. Although the distance is relatively short, sections of the road may include rough tracks, construction areas, and unpaved surfaces, making this a slower and more adventurous day of riding.

The slower pace gives us plenty of time to appreciate the scenery. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Vietnam, with dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys, winding roads, and isolated villages appearing around almost every corner.

We cross some of the wildest landscapes of Ha Giang before descending towards Bao Lac, an important ethnic crossroads in Northeast Vietnam. The town and surrounding area are home to several ethnic minority communities, and the local market is especially lively on Sundays when people from villages on both sides of the border come together to trade, socialize, and meet friends.

We spend the night in Bao Lac, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this remote mountain town.

Day 8: Bao Lac – Cao Bang (~150 km, ~5 h)

Today we enjoy a beautiful ride through Cao Bang Province, following winding mountain roads through an impressive landscape of limestone peaks, valleys, forests, and traditional villages.

Several mountain passes along the route provide excellent viewpoints over the surrounding countryside. Although much of the road is relatively easy to ride, there are many blind curves, so we take our time and ride carefully. The route is ideal for stopping regularly to take photographs, enjoy a drink, or simply appreciate the peaceful mountain scenery.

The journey becomes particularly enjoyable when we leave the busier roads behind and ride through the quieter countryside. With regular stops for photos, food, and drinks, the actual day can take considerably longer than the distance suggests.

After approximately 150 km of riding, we arrive in Cao Bang, where we check into a hotel for the night.

Day 9: Cao Bang – Lang Son (~180 km, ~5 h)

We leave Cao Bang and ride towards Lang Son along the historic Highway 4, a scenic route through the mountains of Northeast Vietnam. The road winds through valleys, hills, and rural communities, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the countryside along the way.

As we approach Lang Son, the scenery gradually changes from remote mountain landscapes to a busier commercial environment. Located close to the Chinese border, Lang Son has long been an important trading centre between Vietnam and China.

After arriving in the city, we have some free time to explore Lang Son and visit the local markets. Dong Kinh Market is a popular place to browse a wide range of goods, including inexpensive Chinese-made products, souvenirs, electronics, and everyday items.

After a full day on the road, we check into our hotel and have a relaxing evening in Lang Son.

Day 10: Lang Son – Hanoi (~150 km, ~3 h). End of Ha Giang In 10 Days.

Today is an easy final ride back to Hanoi. After nine days of riding through the mountains of Northern Vietnam, you can enjoy a later breakfast and take the morning at a relaxed pace.

We leave Lang Son and follow the relatively easy Highway 1B, heading south towards Hanoi. Compared with the challenging mountain roads earlier in the trip, today’s route is straightforward and gives you a chance to relax and reflect on the journey.

We expect to arrive in Hanoi at around 3 pm, giving us plenty of time to finish the ride before the heavier evening traffic.

This marks the end of your 10-day Ha Giang motorbike adventure, after travelling from Hanoi through Sapa, Bac Ha, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, and Lang Son.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding this 10-day Vietnam motorcycle tour.

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