Northern Vietnam Bigbike Expedition 14 Days: Scenic Ride Ha Giang and Ba Be to Ha Long

Leaving Hanoi, riders shift quickly into quiet countryside where wide rice fields and flowing river valleys shape a gentle start. The curves toward Hoa Binh become smoother and broader — perfect for settling into a bigbike touring pace. Terraced foothills and stilt-house villages appear along the slopes, adding early northwest charm. The IA takes the group along calm backroads to avoid busy areas. Mai Chau’s valley opens wide with soft afternoon light. Evening is peaceful with cool mountain air.

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

Departing Mai Chau, the route climbs steadily into higher mountains. Long ridgelines, misty forests, and wide panoramic views define the day. The curves stretch beautifully for bigbike handling, offering both comfort and excitement. The IA selects ridge-top viewpoints where clouds drift across the peaks. Approaching Ta Xua, the road narrows into a high-altitude backbone surrounded by floating clouds. The village rests quietly above the cloud line — a dramatic finish to a strong climbing day.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 130km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Riders drop from the ridge into rolling valleys before rising again into the heart of terrace country. The scenery becomes a mix of forest corridors, layered hills, and towering slopes carved by generations of farmers. The IA sets a steady pace through remote ethnic villages and soft winding passes. Arriving in Mu Cang Chai, riders are greeted by vast terraced fields spreading across the mountains. Evening is calm, cool, and visually spectacular.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 210km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This long mountain stage leads through remote districts with dramatic passes, deep valleys, and quiet village life. BMW and bigbike engines run smoothly through sweeping curves and high-elevation corridors. The IA organizes scenic regroup points across ridge sections overlooking river valleys. As riders approach Dien Bien Phu, the terrain opens into a historic basin framed by green hills. Evening brings a peaceful atmosphere and a deep sense of history.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 200km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the historic valley, the route climbs into pine-covered passes and higher mountain walls. The cooler air and long sweeping curves create perfect bigbike terrain. The IA maintains a steady rhythm as riders move through dramatic highland scenery and deep ridgelines. Approaching Sapa, terraced valleys widen into breathtaking panoramas. The town greets the group with lively energy and crisp mountain air.

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

A full day to rest or explore Sapa’s iconic viewpoints, terraces, and markets. Optional short loops lead into nearby valleys with light, relaxed riding. The IA handles bike checks, cleaning, and adjustments after several high mountain days. Riders can enjoy the cool weather, cafés, or walks into local villages. Evening stays refreshing under quiet highland skies.

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

Departing Sapa, riders glide through pine forests and farmland before transitioning into broad valley routes heading east. Terraced hills, river plains, and limestone ridges gradually appear as Ha Giang province approaches. The IA guides through scenic connectors ideal for smooth bigbike flow. Entering Ha Giang, the landscape becomes sharper, signaling the beginning of the legendary northern loop.

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

Riders ascend through the quiet mountain towns of Quan Ba and Yen Minh before heading into deeper limestone landscapes. The passes grow narrower and more dramatic, offering panoramic views across rugged rock plateaus. The IA chooses safe scenic stops along mountain ridges and canyon overlooks. Approaching Dong Van, towering peaks rise in every direction. Evening is atmospheric in this ancient highland town.

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

One of the most memorable sections. Riders cross the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, riding along sheer cliff edges above a deep emerald river valley. Tight bends, ridge-top flow, and sweeping views deliver a world-class bigbike experience. The IA keeps regroup points frequent along scenic edges. Descending toward Bao Lac, the landscape softens into green valleys and quiet riverside villages. Evening is calm in a remote highland town.

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

Leaving Bao Lac, riders move through gentle passes and rolling borderland terrain. Smooth countryside curves and limestone hills set the tone for a relaxed but scenic day. The IA guides through quiet rural districts until the roar of Ban Gioc appears in the distance. The waterfall reveals itself in dramatic fashion — wide, powerful, and beautifully framed by cliffs. Evening near the falls is cool and refreshing.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 90km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The route heads west through calm mountain districts, terraced farmland, và forested valleys. Bigbikes cruise easily through long, smooth bends with constant scenery. The IA selects quiet connecting roads toward Ba Be to maximize scenic riding. The lake appears as a vast sheet of blue surrounded by tall green mountains. Evening is serene with gentle breezes drifting across the water.

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

Departing Ba Be, riders travel through soft, rolling countryside and low mountain passes. The scenery becomes a blend of rural plains, rice valleys, and limestone hills as Lang Son province approaches. The IA maintains a consistent pace through local villages and forest-lined sections. Arriving in Lang Son, riders feel the shift into borderland culture with bustling markets and wide karst formations. Evening is lively yet relaxed.

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

The final ride transitions from borderland hills into broader coastal plains. Riders enjoy wide curves and open countryside views before approaching the coast. The IA brings the group along scenic backroads until the limestone islands of Ha Long rise on the horizon. Sea breeze and shimmering water finish the adventure on a high note. It’s the perfect closing to a journey that crossed terraces, ridges, peaks, canyons, waterfalls, lakes — and finally the sea.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 170km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A slow, easy morning by the bay allows riders to unwind, take photos, or enjoy a short walk before regrouping. The adventure concludes with a final briefing and farewell. Fourteen days across northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes leaves riders with a full, satisfying sense of completion.

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