HA GIANG IN 13 DAYS MOTORBIKING

Introduction to Ha Giang In 13 Days

Ha Giang In 13 Days is one of the most exciting motorcycle vacations in Vietnam, combining spectacular mountain roads, remote countryside, ethnic villages, authentic homestays, and the legendary Ha Giang Loop. The adventure starts in Hanoi and heads northwest toward Sapa, crossing some of the highest and most dramatic mountain roads over the Hoang Lien Son range. From Sapa, we continue through Bac Ha and ride deeper into Ha Giang Province, widely regarded as one of the most scenic regions in Vietnam.

Throughout the journey, you will experience a fantastic mix of asphalt mountain roads, winding passes, remote backroads, and dirt tracks, making this itinerary ideal for riders who want to explore Vietnam beyond the usual tourist routes. Staying in local homestays along the way also allows you to meet local people, enjoy traditional Vietnamese food, and experience rural mountain life more authentically.

The adventure doesn’t end in Ha Giang. After exploring the spectacular Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Bao Lac, and Cao Bang, we continue east toward Halong Bay for a relaxing cruise. Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Halong Bay provides a perfect contrast to the challenging mountain riding. All in all, Ha Giang In 13 Days is a complete Vietnam motorcycle tour that combines adventure, culture, mountains, remote villages, and one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders.

Ha Giang In 13 Days Dirtbike 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 – Quang Uyen
10^th day: Quang Uyen – Lang Son
11^th day: Lang Son – Halong City
12^th day: Halong Bay cruise
13^th day: Halong Bay – Hanoi

This 13-day Ha Giang dirt bike adventure takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern Vietnam. From the mountains around Sapa and Ha Giang to the limestone peaks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau and the dramatic scenery of Cao Bang, every riding day offers something different. The final Halong Bay cruise adds a relaxing finish after nearly two weeks of motorcycle exploration.

Below is a video clip featuring portions of this Ha Giang in 13 Days motorcycle tour, giving you a taste of the roads, landscapes, local villages, and riding experiences included in the adventure. If you would like to watch more videos from our Vietnam motorbike tours, please visit our YouTube channel.

 

Other Ha Giang & North Vietnam Motorbike Routes

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DETAILED ITINERARY

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

This is the first riding day of our Ha Giang In 13 Days motorcycle tour, and a good start will help you feel comfortable, confident, and ready for the adventure ahead. Before leaving Hanoi, we spend around 30 minutes checking the motorcycles, adjusting controls, and making sure we have all the necessary tools, spare parts, and riding equipment. This preparation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable dirt bike adventure in Vietnam.

We leave Hanoi and skirt along the Red River toward Son Tay before turning into the mountains toward Nghia Lo. The road is relatively easy and flat from Hanoi to Thanh Son, making this a good section to get familiar with your bike and the Vietnamese traffic. From Thanh Son to Thu Cuc, and then from Ba Khe to Nghia Lo, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as the road winds along the foothills of the Hoang Lien Son Range.

After around 250 km of riding, we arrive in Nghia Lo, a lively mountain town surrounded by green valleys and rice fields. It is an ideal place to stop for the night before heading deeper into the northern mountains.

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

Today the Ha Giang motorcycle adventure becomes more challenging as we leave Nghia Lo and enter wilder mountain terrain. The ride starts with the Lung Lo Pass, our first major challenge of the day, with winding roads, steep sections, and impressive views over the remote countryside.

The next challenge is even higher: Khau Pha Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in northern Vietnam. We ride through the dramatic Mu Cang Chai massif, with its mountains rising to elevations almost comparable to the Fansipan region. From the higher sections of the pass, there are breathtaking views across deep valleys, terraced rice fields, and rugged mountain slopes.

The riding can be wild, bumpy, and demanding, but the spectacular scenery makes every kilometer worthwhile. For adventure riders, this is exactly the kind of remote mountain riding that makes a Vietnam dirt bike tour so memorable. We spend the night in a hotel in Than Uyen.

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

The area around Than Uyen is mainly home to Flower H’mong and Dzao ethnic communities, making today’s ride a great opportunity to experience the diverse cultures and traditional lifestyles of northern Vietnam. We leave Than Uyen and continue toward Sapa, riding through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery and remote villages.

For roughly the first 100 km, we follow an easy mountain track through quiet countryside, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and observe local life along the way. The final 40 km are on an asphalted mountain road, leading us toward the famous mountain town of Sapa. As we gain altitude, the landscape changes noticeably, with steep valleys, forested slopes, and spectacular views across the Hoang Lien Son mountains.

We arrive in Sapa and have time to relax and explore this popular mountain destination. Spend the night here and discover for yourself why Sapa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, attracting travelers with its mountain scenery, ethnic cultures, cool climate, and spectacular rice terraces.

Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha (~100 km, ~3 h)

Today’s ride from Sapa to Bac Ha takes around three hours and combines mountain roads, beautiful countryside, and a fascinating look at the northern border region. We leave Sapa and descend approximately 34 km toward Lao Cai, an important border city located close to China. Along the way, we can stop to take photos with China visible in the background, providing a memorable moment on this northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

After lunch in Lao Cai, we turn away from the border and ride approximately 70 km uphill toward Bac Ha. The road gradually climbs through a spectacular mountain landscape, with winding sections, green valleys, remote villages, and impressive views of the surrounding highlands.

Bac Ha is well known for its colorful ethnic communities, traditional markets, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. After arriving, we settle in for the night and have time to relax or explore the town. Overnight in Bac Ha, ready for another exciting day of riding toward Ha Giang.

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

After breakfast, we leave Bac Ha and ride toward Xin Man on a combination of small mountain tracks and remote backroads. This is a quieter side of northern Vietnam, with fewer tourists and plenty of opportunities to experience the rugged countryside, traditional villages, and spectacular mountain scenery.

The route winds through highland valleys and across mountain passes before eventually joining the main road toward Ha Giang City. Along the way, the changing landscapes and isolated communities make this an especially rewarding section of our 13-day Ha Giang motorcycle tour. The riding is varied, with a mixture of easier sections and more challenging mountain roads, keeping the day interesting from start to finish.

We arrive in Ha Giang in the afternoon and check into our accommodation for the night. Ha Giang is the gateway to the famous Ha Giang Loop and the starting point for some of the most dramatic riding in northern Vietnam. We also take care of the necessary Ha Giang border-area permit with the local Immigration Police before continuing farther north. An original passport is required for the permit application.

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

After obtaining our permit to ride in the border areas of Ha Giang, we leave the city and head deeper into the spectacular northern mountains. Today’s route follows small and challenging mountain roads through a remote landscape inhabited by colorful ethnic minority communities. The roads can be demanding, but the scenery is incredibly beautiful, making this one of the highlights of the entire Ha Giang motorcycle adventure.

We continue toward the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most famous mountain passes in Vietnam. From the high viewpoints, dramatic limestone mountains disappear into the clouds while the Nho Que River winds far below through the deep valley. The combination of towering karst peaks, narrow roads, and enormous mountain views makes this an unforgettable section of the Ha Giang Loop.

After crossing the pass, we follow a zigzag mountain track toward Dong Van, a remote highland town surrounded by rugged limestone mountains. Along the way, we see how local people have adapted to life in one of Vietnam’s most challenging environments, farming and building homes among the rocks. After reaching Dong Van, we have extra time to wander through the old streets and admire traditional H’mong houses, many built from clay bricks with tiled roofs. Overnight in Dong Van.

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

The road between Dong Van and Bao Lac is still under construction in some sections, and the rough tracks can make today’s ride relatively long despite the short distance. However, the slower pace gives us more time to appreciate the incredible scenery. This is one of those days when the journey matters more than the number of kilometers, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and enjoy the remote mountain environment.

We cross some of the wildest and most spectacular regions of Ha Giang Province, riding through rugged limestone mountains, isolated valleys, and remote ethnic minority villages. The landscape is among the most beautiful in northern Vietnam, and the challenging road conditions only add to the sense of adventure.

Eventually, we reach Bao Lac, an important ethnic crossroads in northeastern Vietnam. The town sits in a remote mountain region where different ethnic communities have lived for generations. On Sunday, the local market becomes an especially interesting place, attracting people from different ethnic groups on both sides of the border. It is a fascinating opportunity to experience authentic local culture and traditional mountain life away from the main tourist routes.

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

Today we leave Bao Lac and ride east toward Cao Bang Province, enjoying another spectacular day of mountain motorcycling. The route gradually descends through rugged countryside and crosses several scenic mountain passes, with viewpoints where we can stop and look across the surrounding valleys and limestone peaks.

The road is generally easier than yesterday, but there are many blind curves and winding sections, so careful riding is essential. The constantly changing scenery makes this a very enjoyable section of the Ha Giang to Cao Bang motorcycle route, and we can stop frequently for photographs, drinks, and snacks.

Although the riding distance is around 150 km, the many scenic stops mean the journey can take approximately 8 hours in total. There is no need to rush; the idea is to enjoy the spectacular landscapes, remote villages, and peaceful mountain roads along the way. By late afternoon, we arrive in Cao Bang, where we check into a hotel and relax after another memorable day on the road.

Day 9: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen (~140 km, ~5 h)

After leaving Cao Bang, we ride for around one and a half hours to reach the beautiful mountain town of Quang Uyen, set in a spectacular natural cirque surrounded by limestone peaks. This area is traditionally home to Nung and Tay ethnic communities, making it an excellent place to experience the culture and daily life of northern Vietnam. Tonight, we stay in a local homestay, where we can enjoy a more authentic experience with a host family. The hostess is also a fantastic cook, so dinner is another highlight of the evening.

After exploring the area, we continue through spectacular mountain scenery toward Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the most impressive natural attractions in Vietnam and one of the highlights of this 13-day northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure. The waterfall is approximately 50 km from Quang Uyen and lies close to the Chinese border.

The road can be dusty or muddy depending on the weather and traffic, especially because of the heavy trucks transporting goods toward China. The rough conditions add an adventurous touch to the ride. Weather permitting, we can get close to the falls and even swim in the river near the base of the 50-meter-high waterfall. After enjoying Ban Gioc and the surrounding karst landscape, we return to the Quang Uyen area for another memorable night in the mountains.

Day 10: Quang Uyen – Lang Son (~180 km, ~6 h)

Today we ride from Quang Uyen to Lang Son along the historic Highway 4, a road with an important place in Vietnam’s history. The route passes through rugged mountain country where fierce battles took place during the war against the French colonial army. Today, the same road provides a fascinating combination of history, culture, and scenic motorcycle riding.

As we approach Lang Son, the landscape gradually changes from remote mountain countryside to a busy commercial city. Located close to the Chinese border, Lang Son has long been one of the most important trading centers between Vietnam and China. After arriving, there is time to explore the city, walk around the local streets, and experience its lively atmosphere.

For those interested in shopping, the nearby Dong Kinh Market and Tam Thanh Market are popular places to browse for inexpensive Chinese-made products and local goods. After exploring Lang Son, we check into our hotel for the night, ready for the next stage of our journey toward Halong Bay.

Day 11: Lang Son – Halong City (~200 km, ~6 h)

Today we leave Lang Son and head toward Halong City, following mainly secondary roads through the countryside. It is a fairly long riding day, with plenty of changes in scenery as we gradually leave the mountains behind and approach the coast.

Along the way, we pass numerous coal mines and mining areas, which are an important part of the local economy. Some sections of the road can be dusty because of the heavy trucks carrying coal, so don’t be surprised if your bike and riding gear pick up a little dark coal dust before we reach Halong City! It is all part of the character of this less-touristy route.

We eventually arrive in Halong City, formerly known in the tourist area as Bai Chay, the main gateway to the spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters of Halong Bay. After checking into the hotel, you can relax and prepare for a completely different experience tomorrow, when the motorbike is replaced by a boat.

Day 12: Halong Bay cruising. Sleep on the boat.

After the long ride from Lang Son, enjoy a relaxed morning in Halong City and take some time to recover. This is probably the most peaceful day of the entire Big North Loop, with no mountain passes or challenging tracks to negotiate. Instead, we spend the day exploring the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions. There are two options:

1. Join a group cruise: Depart around noon by boat and begin cruising through Halong Bay. After boarding, check into your cabin and enjoy lunch featuring a deluxe Vietnamese set menu. A tender boat takes us to Surprising Cave, where we explore the impressive limestone formations. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming, or simply relax on the boat and admire the scenery. Dinner is served with Vietnamese dishes, followed by optional evening activities such as watching movies, singing karaoke, or joining the crew for squid fishing if conditions are suitable.

2. Book a private boat: For a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade to a private boat and private cruise in Halong Bay. You will spend the night on board while enjoying the dramatic limestone islands and peaceful waters at your own pace. This option costs extra, and we will provide the additional price if you would like to make this upgrade.

Day 13: Halong – Hanoi. (~160 km, ~5 h). End of Ha Giang In 13 Days

After spending the night on the boat, we enjoy our final morning in Halong Bay before heading back to Hanoi. There are two options for the last part of the cruise:

1. Standard cruise option: Transfer by tender boat to Titov Island, where you can go swimming, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the spectacular views. We then continue cruising through the bay before returning to Bai Chay. Back at the harbor, check out of your cabin and settle your drinks bill. Lunch is served at Thang Long Restaurant in Halong City, or sometimes on the boat depending on the cruise schedule.

2. Extended cruise option: Continue cruising through Halong Bay during the morning, enjoying more time among the limestone islands and peaceful waters. Lunch is served on the boat before returning to the harbor around noon. This option costs extra, and we will let you know the additional price if you would like to upgrade.

After the cruise, we pick up our motorbikes and begin the final ride back to Hanoi. The route follows Highway 18 before joining Highway 1B, taking us through the changing landscapes between Halong and the capital. After around 160 km and approximately five hours of riding, we expect to arrive in Hanoi at around 5 pm.

This marks the end of our Ha Giang in 13 Days adventure, after an incredible journey through northern Vietnam’s mountains, remote villages, ethnic communities, winding backroads, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and finally the spectacular waters of Halong Bay.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding this Ha Giang motorbike adventure in Vietnam.

More Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Itineraries From Hanoi

• North-west Vietnam
• North-east Vietnam
• Central North Vietnam
• Big North Loop of Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh Trail/Road
• Mai Chau, Hoa Binh
• One Day Tour Around Hanoi
• Easy Scooter Tours