Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tour 6 Days: Mai Chau – Ta Xua – Sapa Highlands Ride

Your Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tour kicks off as our local guide meets you at your hotel in Hanoi for a quick briefing. We then leave the city behind, riding along scenic dyke roads to avoid heavy traffic and ease into the journey.
Mai Chau, often referred to as the “hidden sister” of Sapa, offers a similar charm with its valleys, rice fields, and limestone karst mountains, but is much closer to Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll pass through endless stretches of paddy fields and quiet villages, giving you the chance to see daily local life and the beauty of Northern Vietnam’s countryside.
After lunch in Hoa Binh Province, we conquer Thung Khe Pass, one of North Vietnam’s most stunning mountain passes, before descending into the peaceful valley of Mai Chau. In the evening, a traditional dinner awaits you, followed by a local music and dance performance where you can enjoy a taste of the region’s special rice wine with the villagers.
We will spend the night in a cozy Thai-style stilt house, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Summary:
Accommodation: Best Homestay in Area
Distance: 180km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride offers a relaxed start, allowing you time to enjoy a slow morning and take a stroll around Mai Chau village. You will see local women weaving on looms under stilt houses while children play in the yards, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life in this peaceful valley.
Leaving Mai Chau, we ride towards Moc Chau, a highland town renowned for its tea plantations and pioneering dairy farms. After lunch in Moc Chau, we continue on QL43 for about 10 km before heading north to Van Yen ferry, where a tranquil crossing over the Da River awaits.
From here, we ride winding mountain roads to QL37 and head west towards Ta Xua Nature Reserve, famous for its “cloud-hunting” scenery. Riding up to Ta Xua Peak at 2,600 meters above sea level feels like riding into the clouds, with sweeping mountain views in every direction.
The quiet, winding roads and breathtaking landscapes make this stretch a true highlight of your Ta Xua motorbike tour. Take your time to capture memorable photos before settling into your cozy accommodation, ready for the adventure ahead.

Summary:
Accommodation: Ecolodge
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey will take you deeper into the heart of Northwest Vietnam, riding through landscapes that are both raw and breathtaking. Leaving Ta Xua after an early breakfast, we descend along winding roads through mountain passes and valleys, soaking in the cool air and misty views that define this region.
Our route takes us through Tu Le, a tranquil valley known for its hot springs and rice terraces. From here, we climb towards the legendary Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes,” often called the “Horn of the Sky.” This stretch offers some of the most spectacular views on your motorbike tour, with rice terraces cascading down the mountainsides and rivers winding through the valleys below.
As we continue, the road leads us into the iconic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, one of Vietnam’s most photogenic destinations. These terraces, carved by the skilled hands of ethnic minority communities over generations, transform the hillsides into a layered masterpiece, especially stunning during the green and harvest seasons.
In the evening, we arrive in Mu Cang Chai town, where a warm local dinner awaits with a Thai family. Enjoy a cozy night in a stilt house, reflecting on the day’s ride and the incredible mountain landscapes you’ve just explored.

Summary:
Accommodation: Ecolodge
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride is one of the highlights of your Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure, taking you across some of the highest and most scenic mountain passes in the region. After an early breakfast, we leave Mu Cang Chai and follow the quiet roads through Than Uyen, a small town nestled in Lai Chau Province.
The ride offers endless photo opportunities as we pass through tea plantations, mountain valleys, and streams. For riders seeking extra excitement, an alternative back route with a few river crossings is available, adding a touch of adventure to your day.
As we approach the mighty Fansipan Mountain range, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. We begin the climb towards O Quy Ho Pass, Vietnam’s highest road pass at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Known as one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes,” O Quy Ho offers jaw-dropping views over the mountain ranges stretching towards the horizon. It’s a moment to slow down, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take in the panoramic views that make this ride unforgettable.
After descending from the pass, we roll into the misty valley of Sapa, a charming mountain town once regarded by the French as the summer capital of Northern Vietnam. Here, the cool climate and fresh mountain air are a welcome retreat after a day of riding.
In the evening, enjoy your free time to explore Sapa’s vibrant town center, with its bustling markets, local cafes, and picturesque surroundings. Rest well tonight, ready for another day of exploration with the Indochina Adventure team tomorrow.

Summary:
Accommodation: 4 stars Hotel
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride takes us from the cool mists of Sapa down to the warmth of Thac Ba Lake. We begin the morning with a scenic descent to Lao Cai City, where we will take a coffee break along the banks of the Nam Thi River, overlooking the border with China. Sip your coffee as you watch daily life unfold on both sides of the river.
Back on the bikes, we follow Road 70 before turning onto the quieter Road 152 towards Luc Yen, where we stop for a local lunch. The ride offers a change of scenery, with views of rice fields, river valleys, and small villages dotting the route.
In the afternoon, we continue riding along peaceful backroads to Vu Linh Village, home to the Dzao ethnic minority, located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake—the largest artificial lake in Vietnam. We aim to arrive around 4:00 PM, just in time to take a relaxing boat trip on the lake. Watch local villagers skillfully paddle between the islets as you enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lake at sunset.
In the evening, prepare for a memorable night with the Dzao hosts. Dinner will be served with fresh local dishes, and the evening often turns into a celebration with traditional dance and "Happy Water" rice wine. The Dzao are renowned for their hospitality, and you will be welcomed like family.
As the day winds down, settle into your cozy bungalow equipped with warm blankets and comfortable mattresses. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of riding and soaking in the culture of Vietnam’s northern countryside.

Summary:
Accommodation: Best Homestay in Area
Distance: 200km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The final day of your Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure begins gently in Vu Linh, where the sounds of roosters crowing and children playing remind you of the simple joys of village life. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Ngoi Tu Village, taking in the fresh morning air by Thac Ba Lake.
After saying goodbye to your warm-hearted Dzao hosts, we start our journey back to Hanoi. The ride takes us along small, zig-zag roads that weave through palm forests and stilt-house villages, offering a final glimpse of northern Vietnam’s tranquil countryside. As we descend from the hills to the lowlands, the landscapes gradually transform into the vibrant energy of city life.
We aim to arrive in Hanoi before rush hour, ensuring a smooth return to your hotel. Celebrate the end of your six-day motorbike journey with a cold beer and a toast to new friendships and unforgettable memories made along the winding roads of northern Vietnam.
We look forward to riding with you again on your next adventure.

Summary:
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch