Northeast Dirtbike Adventure Tour 6 Days: Ha Giang Off‑Road Loop

Your Ha Giang off-road dirtbike adventure kicks off with a quick briefing on riding safety in Vietnam, including essential signals and body language for off-road conditions. After rush hour, we fire up the bikes and leave the city behind, riding out along the Red River dykes to avoid heavy traffic.
The ride takes us through Hanoi’s outskirts, gradually giving way to open roads lined with small villages and vibrant local markets. As you glide past rice paddies and busy roadside stalls, feel the rhythm of Vietnam’s countryside set in.
By noon, we reach Viet Tri for a well-earned lunch, recharging before heading deeper into the northern landscapes. In the afternoon, the roads become quieter and more scenic, winding through lush tea plantations and small dirt trails that warm up your off-road senses.
Arriving at Thac Ba Lake, Vietnam’s largest man-made lake, you’ll have the chance to swim in its calm waters or simply take in the tranquility of the sunset reflecting off the ripples.
We wrap up the day at a traditional Dao family homestay, where a warm dinner and local “Happy Water” rice wine await. Let the peaceful lakeside air and the sounds of rural Vietnam ease you into a good night’s sleep, ready for the dirt tracks ahead.

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

After a hearty breakfast with our Dao hosts, we gear up and fire up the bikes for a day of true adventure. Rolling out from the peaceful Vu Linh village, we follow a scenic route lined with palm forests and limestone outcrops, with the tranquil waters of Thac Ba Lake glinting beside us as we ride.
We make our way towards Bac Quang, where we stop for lunch and a quick refuel before the real ride begins. Instead of sticking to the usual QL2, we veer left onto the DT177, diving into one of Northern Vietnam’s best-kept riding secrets.
The next 55 km aren’t just numbers on a map—they’re a symphony of twisting roads, pine forests, rugged cliffs, and a river raging below as you carve your way through hairpin bends and rolling climbs. Traffic is scarce, leaving the road and the view all to ourselves.
This stretch of dirtbike heaven leads us to Vinh Quang, the heart of Hoang Su Phi, a region famed for its untouched rice terraces and rugged landscapes that few tourists ever see. As we roll into town, the sense of accomplishment after conquering the mountain passes is palpable.
We settle into a local homestay, where a warm dinner awaits, and you can kick back with a cold beer, sharing stories under the stars while the cool mountain breeze whispers promises of tomorrow’s off-road challenges.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the soft sounds of Hoang Su Phi’s morning bustle. A quick stroll through the vibrant local market reveals baskets brimming with forest vegetables, the aroma of fresh herbs, and the hum of ethnic minority traders exchanging stories over steaming bowls of pho.
After breakfast, we fire up the bikes and head off the beaten track, diving deep into hidden trails that snake through breathtaking rice terraces and small mountain villages where time seems to slow down. The vivid greens of the stepped hills and the smiles of children waving from stilt houses create scenes that will stay with you long after the ride.
After a rustic lunch at a local eatery, the call of the North beckons. Ahead lies Ha Giang, the legendary land for riders, known for its jagged limestone peaks and twisting mountain passes that test even the most experienced bikers.
We take on a 40-kilometer off-road segment cutting through dense jungle trails, rocks, and narrow mountain paths as we traverse the rugged Tay Con Linh mountain range. This stretch is a true highlight for any dirtbike lover, delivering adrenaline-pumping moments and panoramic views that make every muddy patch and steep climb worth it.
As we rejoin Road 2, the final 20 kilometers into Ha Giang feel like a gentle cruise, giving you time to reflect on the day's raw adventure. We settle into a comfortable hotel, clean up, and head out for dinner. Later, your guide will handle the permit application, prepping you for the legendary Ha Giang Loop waiting ahead.

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

Fuel up with breakfast because today marks the legendary Ha Giang Loop—a ride that many bikers dream of but few truly conquer.
We start by picking up permits from Ha Giang Immigration, granting us access to Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-recognized geological wonder with sharp limestone peaks, deep valleys, and hairpin passes that test your riding skill while rewarding you with awe-inspiring views.
The road today is a blend of narrow, winding tarmac and rough village connectors, weaving through quiet hamlets where H’mong, Tay, and Lo Lo people live much as they have for generations. Children wave as you pass by, and the aroma of wood fires drifts from stilt houses perched on the hillsides.
After a simple lunch at a roadside eatery, we push on towards Ma Pi Leng Pass, dubbed the “King of Passes” in Vietnam. Rising to around 1,500 meters, the road here hugs the cliffs with sheer drops to the emerald Nho Que River far below, creating a ride that is equal parts thrill and beauty. Every corner reveals a postcard-perfect scene of jagged limestone mountains and layered terraced fields.
We take our time, stopping often to breathe in the mountain air and capture this epic stretch with your camera, ensuring you take home memories as vivid as the landscapes themselves.
Descending from the pass, we reach Meo Vac, a rugged border town nestled at the foot of the mountains. Here, you’ll stay at a cozy H’mong homestay, sharing dinner with your hosts and learning about their traditions over cups of corn wine under the starry northern sky.

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

After breakfast, we saddle up for another day of adventure, heading toward Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, hidden deep within the northern mountains.
The ride from Meo Vac is an off-road rider’s dream—and test. We take the unpredictable DT217, weaving through remote villages and terraced hillsides, where children wave as you pass and water buffalo graze under bamboo groves. The real fun begins as we approach Khau Vai, crossing the Nho Que River on a bamboo raft ferry that sways gently under your bike’s weight, giving you a moment to catch your breath while soaking in the emerald scenery.
Prepare for muddy challenges and river crossings that will test your balance and grit. At certain flooded stream crossings, you might find yourself dismounting, wading knee-deep, and guiding your dirtbike across, your boots heavy with mud but your spirit light with the thrill of it all.
After a rustic roadside lunch in Bao Lac, we press on, rolling through valleys where time seems to slow down, with stilt houses nestled under limestone cliffs and smoke curling from kitchen fires. The ride to Ba Be National Park is long, but the anticipation of a cool swim and cold beer at the lake’s edge keeps the throttle steady.
As we arrive, we trade helmets for life jackets, taking a short boat trip on the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake. Surrounded by towering karst mountains and thick rainforest, you can jump in for a swim, letting the cool water wash away the day’s dust and sweat.
Tonight, we’ll stay with a Tay family in a traditional stilt house, sharing a hearty home-cooked dinner and stories over rice wine as the sounds of frogs and crickets echo across the lake, marking the end of another unforgettable day on your Northern Vietnam Dirtbike Adventure.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 230km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the lake lapping against the shore, surrounded by the towering karst formations draped in morning mist. Enjoy a slow cup of coffee while watching local fishermen paddle out, the jungle waking up around you.
After a hearty breakfast with your Tay hosts, we gear up for the final ride back to Hanoi. It’s a long journey, but the changing scenery will keep your spirit alive—from the green embrace of the mountains to the quiet rural backroads that slowly transition into the rhythm of the Red River Delta.
The morning ride is still breathtaking, with winding roads taking us through valleys, small ethnic villages, and hidden tea hills as we pass through Bac Kan and into Thai Nguyen for lunch. This final stretch is a time to reflect on the mud tracks conquered, the mountain passes climbed, and the river crossings that made your Northeast Vietnam Dirtbike Adventure truly unforgettable.
Rolling back into Hanoi by late afternoon, we time our arrival to avoid the rush hour chaos, bringing you safely back to your hotel. It’s time for a final round of beers with the Indochina Adventure team, sharing a toast to the memories made and the stories you’ll carry home.
Thank you for trusting us to guide you through Vietnam’s raw, untouched landscapes. We hope your dirtbike adventure left you with new skills, deeper connections, and a burning desire to return for more. Until next time—see you on the next ride!

Summary:
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch