Northern Vietnam Bigbike Expedition 15 Days: Legendary Ride Across Dien Bien, Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay

Leaving Hanoi, riders ease into quiet countryside where open paddies, gentle valleys, and light village traffic replace the city's energy. Broad curves toward Hoa Binh let bigbikes settle into a smooth, confident rhythm. Terraced foothills and stilt-house communities slowly appear, marking the transition into the northwest. The IA guides the convoy across scenic connectors with minimal traffic. Mai Chau’s valley opens into a wide bowl of green fields framed by soft mountains. Evening is calm with cool highland air.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 140km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Departing Mai Chau, riders climb into higher terrain with rolling passes and sweeping ridge views. The route weaves through peaceful districts, offering steady, gentle curves perfect for bigbike touring. Forested hills, terraced farms, and quiet ethnic villages shape the visuals throughout the day. The IA keeps the ride smooth with scenic regroup points along panoramic overlooks. Approaching Son La, the terrain softens into a broad highland basin. Evening is relaxed in a quiet provincial town.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 160km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride heads deeper west into rugged mountains and long, forest-lined corridors. Elevation rises gradually as the scenery becomes more dramatic with wide valleys and remote highland communities. Bigbikes flow comfortably on the mix of sweeping bends and steady climbs. The IA schedules stops overlooking vast rolling hills and river valleys. Dien Bien Phu emerges as a historic basin surrounded by green mountains. The evening offers time to reflect on the region’s significance and peaceful atmosphere.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 155km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the historic valley, riders climb into cooler, higher terrain where the mountains grow steeper and more dramatic. Pine forests, valley floors, and twisting hill passes form a dynamic, scenic mix. The IA leads the group through calm rural districts with light traffic and fresh air. Approaching Lai Chau, the landscape opens into a spacious highland region with tall peaks guarding the horizon. Evening is quiet, clean, and refreshing.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riders follow a stunning mountain corridor toward one of Vietnam’s most iconic highland destinations. The terrain alternates between deep valleys and high ridgelines, offering clean bends ideal for BMW and bigbike handling. The IA selects scenic breaks overlooking terraced slopes and distant peaks. The final ascent into Sapa delivers crisp mountain wind and panoramic valley views. Evening in Sapa is lively, cool, and full of highland colors.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 80km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A well-timed rest day allows riders to recharge and explore Sapa at an easy pace. Optional short loops lead into terraced valleys and ethnic villages. Others may relax in mountain cafés or stroll local markets. The IA handles full bike checks, chain cleaning, and fine-tuning after several heavy mountain stages. Cool Sapa air makes the break refreshing and comfortable.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 0km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Sapa, riders roll through pine forests and farm valleys before transitioning into broader highland views. The route becomes gentler, offering a comfortable post-rest-day pace. Terraced slopes and riverside curves mark the approach to Bac Ha. The IA guides the convoy across scenic connectors with minimal traffic. Bac Ha greets riders with calm mountain air and a laid-back highland atmosphere known for its colorful ethnic markets.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 100km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Bac Ha, the route winds through soft valleys and gentle mountain passes before rising toward the sharp limestone formations of Ha Giang. Bigbikes flow smoothly through broad countryside bends. The IA keeps pacing steady through remote farming areas and scenic river corridors. Ha Giang’s rugged skyline appears as riders enter the gateway to the legendary northern mountains. Evening is cool and peaceful.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 120km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riders climb into Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain region. The road snakes through the ridges of Quan Ba and Yen Minh, offering panoramic views of rock plateaus and sharp limestone formations. The IA organizes scenic regroup stops along high ridgelines. Dong Van rises among towering peaks, surrounded by canyon walls and ancient villages. Evening arrives with a deep highland atmosphere.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 140km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day features the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass — one of Asia’s most breathtaking mountain routes. Riders traverse cliff-edge corridors above a deep emerald river canyon. Tight bends and ridge-top flow create an unforgettable bigbike experience. The IA keeps regroup points frequent for safety and photos. Descending toward Bao Lac, the scenery softens into green valleys and quiet riverside settlements. A tranquil evening waits in a remote highland town.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 80km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Bao Lac, riders follow peaceful valleys and rolling mountain districts. The terrain offers smooth curves and river views ideal for a steady cruising pace. The IA selects gentle countryside connectors toward Ba Be. As riders approach the lake, the mountains pull apart to reveal a broad expanse of blue water surrounded by dense forest. Evening by the lake is calm and atmospheric.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 110km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riders head east through soft highland roads and limestone corridors, enjoying varied scenery and a comfortable flow. The approach to Ban Gioc gradually shifts into borderland terrain with wide views and open fields. The IA keeps the pace steady until the thunder of the waterfall grows near. Ban Gioc appears as a massive cascade framed by cliffs — a highlight of the entire journey. Evening is cool with mist drifting from the falls.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 150km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the waterfall, the route flows through gentle passes and quiet rural districts. Limestone hills and spacious valleys guide the way toward the border province. The IA leads the convoy through low-traffic countryside paths. Lang Son arrives with its mix of vibrant markets and scenic karst formations. Evening brings a refreshing change of atmosphere after deep mountain riding.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 150km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riders transition from borderland hills into broader coastal plains. Open curves and light countryside wind mark most of the approach. The IA keeps riders on scenic connectors until Ha Long’s limestone islands appear on the horizon. Sea breeze and shimmering water create a stunning visual shift from mountain terrain. Evening arrives with harbor lights and coastal calm.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A slow, relaxing morning by the bay gives riders time to unwind, walk, or enjoy final photos before gathering for farewells. After two weeks crossing mountains, valleys, terraces, rivers, waterfalls, and coastal landscapes, the expedition closes with a sense of completion and balance.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 0km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch