Itinerary Overview
The Northern Vietnam BMW Expedition 12 Days with The IA is a premium Vietnam Bigbike Tour crafted for riders who want the most complete combination of iconic peaks, legendary passes, and cultural depth across Vietnam’s northern frontier. This route blends the very best of Sapa, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Ban Gioc, and the hidden highland gems in between — a true highlight–focused expedition built for BMW touring performance.
Departing Hanoi, the ride begins with a smooth warm-up to Mai Chau, where valley roads and stilt-house villages introduce the gentle rhythms of Tay Bac. The climb then sharpens into Ta Xua, famous for cloud oceans, ridge–top lines, and crisp mountain air that perfectly complements BMW bigbike handling.
From there, the journey slips into the quiet natural beauty of Ngoc Chien, a peaceful highland village known for wooden houses, hot springs, and untouched mountain scenery. The road continues toward Sapa, where alpine air, iconic passes, and misty valleys make for some of the most scenic riding in all of Vietnam.
The expedition then pushes into the Northeast, gliding through Bac Ha and onward to the dramatic landscapes of Ha Giang. You’ll conquer the steep ridges of Dong Van and the legendary canyon walls of Meo Vac, including the world-famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, a dream for any bigbike rider.
Turning east, the ride reaches the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular border landmarks. The final descent into Ba Be Lake brings calm waters, forested valleys, and smooth countryside roads before returning to Hanoi, closing out twelve days of northern highlights.
This BMW-focused expedition combines precision riding, unforgettable landscapes, and the most iconic destinations of Northern Vietnam — the ultimate highlight route.
Tour Highlights
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12 days of BMW adventure across Northern Vietnam’s legendary roads
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Relax, soak, and enjoy the serene Northwest landscapes
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Experience Sa Pa: terraced fields of Lao Chải – Tả Van, Silver Waterfall, and local culture
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Explore Dong Van: epic passes, ancient villages, and pristine nature
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Experience the stunning natural wonder of Bản Giốc Waterfall, Vietnam
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Ba Bể, crystal-clear waters, towering mountains, and ancient forests
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Visit ethnic minority villages and experience the rich cultures of the Hmong, Tày, and Nùng people
Overview
Details
Prices
FAQs
Summary
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Culture: Touching Ethnic Culture in North Vietnam
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Average Daily Ride Hours: 4 - 6 hours
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Total Distance KM: 1550 Km
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Level: Intermediate
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Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau
Leaving Hanoi, riders flow into quiet countryside with open rice paddies and soft river valleys guiding the first kilometers. The curves toward Hoa Binh grow wider and smoother, ideal for BMW adventure bikes settling into rhythm. Villages with stilt houses appear among terraced slopes, offering early glimpses of the northwest’s rural charm. The IA leads the convoy across scenic backroads away from heavy traffic. Approaching Mai Chau, the valley opens into a broad bowl of green fields. Evening arrives with cool air and peaceful mountain surroundings.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 140km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner -
Day 2: Mai Chau to Ta Xua
Departing Mai Chau, the ride climbs steadily into the mountains with long sweeping ridgelines. Elevation rises quickly, bringing crisp air and dramatic panoramas stretching across forested slopes. BMW bikes handle the flowing highland curves with ease. The IA schedules scenic regroup points at cloud-view balconies. As riders near Ta Xua, cloud belts drift across the peaks, creating a stunning ridge-top atmosphere. The village rests quietly above the clouds, giving the day a cinematic finish.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 130km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 3: Ta Xua to Ngọc Chiến
Leaving Ta Xua, the descent leads into rolling valleys before the road climbs again through pine forests and remote hillside villages. The scenery becomes a patchwork of terrace fields, bamboo groves, and cool highland basins. Riders enjoy a relaxed but scenic pace as the terrain blends gentle curves with wide open views. The IA selects calm connectors ideal for smooth BMW handling. Ngọc Chiến greets the group with a tranquil basin surrounded by terraces and warm local culture. Evening feels peaceful and refreshing.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 30km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 4: Ngọc Chiến to Sapa
Riders begin with a scenic climb out of the valley before entering deep mountain corridors lined with terraced hills. The route offers clean, predictable curves and sweeping viewpoints that reveal huge mountain walls. The IA guides the convoy through small hilltop villages with light, friendly interactions along the way. As the road ascends toward Sapa, the shift to higher altitude brings cooler wind and sharper ridgelines. The day ends in a lively highland town buzzing with energy under crisp mountain air.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 200km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 5: Sapa – Free Day
A full rest day for riders to explore Sapa’s famous viewpoints, markets, and valleys at their own pace. Optional light loops lead into terraced landscapes below town. Others may prefer slow cafés overlooking the mountains or a gentle walk into ethnic villages. The IA handles full bike checks, chain cleaning, and suspension adjustments after sustained mountain riding. A cool, quiet evening completes a relaxed and restorative day.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 0km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 6: Sapa to Bac Ha
Departing Sapa, riders cruise through pine forests and open farmland with smooth curves ideal for bigbike touring. The scenery gradually shifts into gentler terraces and river valleys as Bac Ha approaches. The IA picks scenic road connectors with minimal traffic for a comfortable flow. Bac Ha sits in a quiet highland region known for colorful ethnic markets and calm rural life. Evening is cool, slow, and peaceful.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 110km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 7: Bac Ha to Ha Giang
Leaving Bac Ha, the route winds through soft mountain valleys and long riverside stretches. Terraced slopes rise on both sides as the scenery transitions toward the limestone formations of Ha Giang province. BMW adventure bikes enjoy the broad, sweeping mountain curves along the way. The IA keeps regrouping tight through rural zones to ensure smooth pacing. Arriving in Ha Giang, the landscape grows sharper and more rugged. The gateway to Vietnam’s iconic northern loop opens ahead.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 100km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8: Ha Giang to Dong Van
This section delivers classic northern highland riding: steep ridges, twisting passes, and dramatic limestone walls. Riders climb toward Quan Ba and Yen Minh where the air cools and the views expand massively. The IA manages frequent scenic stops along the route for photos and safety breaks. Approaching Dong Van, the canyon landscape becomes deeper and more iconic. The ancient town sits quietly among towering peaks, creating a memorable finish to the day.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 160km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 9: Dong Van to Meo Vac
One of the most unforgettable riding days in all of Vietnam. Riders traverse the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, where jagged cliffs drop into a winding emerald river far below. Tight mountain curves blend with panoramic ridge lines offering endless views. The IA keeps regroup points frequent along narrow scenic edges. BMW bikes carve confidently through the bends as the canyon opens beneath. Meo Vac lies deep in the valley with cool evening air and rugged mountain silhouettes.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 50km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 10: Meo Vac to Ban Gioc
Leaving Meo Vac, riders follow gentle riverside valleys before transitioning into remote borderland terrain. The ride flows smoothly through limestone hills and green forest corridors. The IA leads the group along scenic low-traffic connectors. As Ban Gioc nears, the thunder of the waterfall grows louder, announcing one of the north’s most iconic natural landmarks. The falls appear dramatically between cliffs and emerald pools. Evening is calm with refreshing cool air drifting off the water.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 11: Ban Gioc to Ba Be Lake
Riders head southwest through small villages, terraced valleys, and forested mountain districts. This section offers a relaxed, scenic flow perfect for a late-journey cruising pace. The IA chooses smooth, enjoyable countryside connectors. Approaching Ba Be, the mountains pull apart to reveal wide blue water and quiet lakeside communities. The final kilometers are gentle and calming. Evening by the lake is serene, peaceful, and the perfect second-to-last stop.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 150km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 12: Ba Be Lake to Hanoi
The final day blends rolling valleys, rural plains, and wide countryside roads leading back toward the capital. Riders enjoy steady, scenic flow with light village traffic. The IA keeps the convoy on quiet connectors until reaching the outskirts of Hanoi. As the skyline comes into view, the journey feels complete — terraces, cloud ridges, peaks, canyons, waterfalls, and lakes all experienced across one epic northern expedition. The tour ends with a smooth, organized return to the city.
Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 230km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Price
| CB 500X | Tenere 700/Kove 800x | GS 1200/1250 | GS 1300 | |
| 1 Rider | Please check the group tour | |||
| 2 Riders | USD260/Day | USD330/Day | USD360/Day | USD400/Day |
| 3 Riders | USD240/Day | USD310/Day | USD340/Day | USD380/Day |
| 4 Riders | USD220/Day | USD290/Day | USD320/Day | USD360/Day |
| 5+ Riders | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us | Contact Us |
Inclusions
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Motorcycle - Gasoline
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1 English Speaking Guide – Lead the routes by CB500x
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Good Accommodation: 3 Stars Hotel – Twins or Homestay (1 bed – 1 person)
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All Meals On Tour
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Luxury Bus Pickup and Drop off
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Water - Coffee during a day
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Ferry Fee
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Hotel before & after Tour
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All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
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Welcome & Farewell Dinner
Excludes
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Personal insurance - Travel insurance (this at your own risk)
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Third Party Insurance - please check this link for it
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Motorbike Damage - please check this link for it
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4G SIM Card - You can buy Viettel 4G sim at airport around 10$
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Air ticket
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Soft Drink, Beers, Alcoholic drinks
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Personal expenses & Other expenses not described in the itinerary
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Visa
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Note
- 1 Mechanic (Sweeper Support) – Included free of charge for groups of 5 bikes or more.
- Support Truck (Luggage & Assistance) – Available for groups of 12 motorcycles or more at $100 per day for a one-way tour, plus an additional $200 for the driver to return the vehicle to the departure point.
- Cameraman – $130 per day, including professional photos, Flycam/FPV footage, and 2 edited video clips delivered after the tour.
- Single Supplement (Single Occupancy) – Price will be provided depending on the specific tour booked.
- Halong Bay Cruise Add-on – $100 per person.
- Motorbike Transfer Back to Departure Point – $150 per bike.
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Hello Riders!
Tour: Northern Vietnam BMW Expedition 12 Days: Ultimate Ride Through Ha Giang, Sapa and Ban Gioc Highlights
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12 Days 11 nights
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1550 Km
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights - 12 days of BMW adventure across Northern Vietnam’s legendary roads
- Relax, soak, and enjoy the serene Northwest landscapes
- Experience Sa Pa: terraced fields of Lao Chải – Tả Van, Silver Waterfall, and local culture
- Explore Dong Van: epic passes, ancient villages, and pristine nature
- Experience the stunning natural wonder of Bản Giốc Waterfall, Vietnam
- Ba Bể, crystal-clear waters, towering mountains, and ancient forests
- Visit ethnic minority villages and experience the rich cultures of the Hmong, Tày, and Nùng people
Contact info
