Sapa Motorbike Tour 6 Days: Ha Giang Loop & Ban Gioc Waterfall - One Way

We depart for Ba Be around 7:30 A.m., passing through the mountainous province of Thai Nguyen. We'll skillfully navigate away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic until we arrive at Cho Chu town, where we'll savor a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will surely have an enjoyable motorcycle ride to Ba Be because the roads have less traffic and offer many grand mountain views. There are superb landscapes with terraced rice fields and bamboo paddle wheels on both sides of the river.
Upon arrival, we board our private boat for a cruise on Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam. We can swim in crystal clear waters before dinner and overnight in Pac Ngoi Village, where we'll immerse ourselves in the unique culture of the Tay ethnic minority.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 240km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the stunning views of karst formations all around you, covered with patches of wild vegetation and rich wildlife. Enjoy the remaining moments of your journey before departing to Ban Gioc via Nguyen Binh, where you will be surprised by the infinite lush green color of bamboo forests and the mountains gently meeting the rice terraces' valleys. Stop for filming or taking photos whenever possible. The motorbike ride to the waterfall offers a great mountain view. The road is not so steep, but it is quiet and different from the roads we rode on before.
After lunch in Cao Bang, the road takes you to your accommodation next to the waterfall, where you can rest before enjoying a traditional dinner. If time permits, we board a boat trip to admire the grandeur pass in a closer way. As one of Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfalls, the sheer majesty of Ban Gioc Waterfall leaves anybody in awe when they first lay eyes on it.

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

In the morning, we board a boat trip to admire the grandeur pass in a closer way. As one of Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfalls, the sheer majesty of Ban Gioc Waterfall leaves anybody in awe when they first lay eyes on it. The roar of the falls and the mist that rises from the crashing waters evoke a sense of bewilderment that is both exciting and humbling. Leaving that backdrop behind, we embark on an exhilarating off-road motorbike tour, crossing some streams and promising a day filled with adventure.
To reach today’s destination, we must conquer Me Pia Pass. Its unique shape winds like a long snake, and its steep gradient has shaped it into curves resembling a ribbon fluttering in the wind, forming 14 twists and turns. Despite its length of only 2.5 kilometers, a trip through it is enough to make the soul soar and a surefire bet for adrenalin junkies feeling adventurous. The pass takes you to your accommodation in Bao Lac, where you can rest before enjoying a traditional dinner.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 50km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The road to today's destination is another spotlight, making this Northern Vietnam motorcycle trip more memorable. Especially, we have to cross a few rivers instead of riding on some bamboo bridges. Take the unpredictable condition road DT217 to reach Khau Vai, then cross a bamboo raft ferry over the Nho Que River and continue on the other side down to Meo Vac.
After lunch, we will start our excursion again. We then head up the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Sitting approximately 1500 meters above sea level with the poetic Nho Que River winding off in the distance, it's not exaggerated to say Ma Pi Leng is the King of Passes. Although the pass is relatively short at about 20 kilometers, it punches far above its weight. Keep going until we get to Dong Van in the afternoon. Walk to Pho Bang Street, which was created long ago and features multi-story clay brick houses with tile roofs. Free to wander around the Town. Overnight in Dong Van.

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

Today's journey will take you to many attractions, so make sure your camera is fully charged and your handlebar is steady. The Dong Van Rock plateau is reminiscent of an open-air geological museum, preserving the imprints of the Earth's crust's evolution over millions of years.
After breakfast, backtrack slightly to the fork in the road and head north to Lung Cu, a sacred symbol of Vietnamese sovereignty and national pride. At a height of 34.85 meters, the Lung Cu flagpole represents the northernmost point of the Motherland, where the red and yellow star flag waves proudly in the wind.
The road then sequentially leads us to the Palace of the Hmong King, Tham Ma Pass, and Quan Ba Heaven Gate… As you ride through, you will see ladies in colorful costumes carrying bundles of sticks in baskets and children playing (or working) in the streets; they sometimes appear from the road before vanishing into clouds or hills.
As you drive further west, the views become more stunning. Along the road, there will be several spots constantly catch your eye and overwhelm your mind. Arrive in Ha Giang and indulge in a cold beer beside a pool.

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

We will continue our trip to Sapa via Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi on a narrow, winding road characterized by layered terraced rice fields and deep valleys, which cover the hills like an impressive work of art painted by skillful human hands. After lunch in Bac Ha, we're ready to get our hands (and sometimes our whole body) dirty. We leave Bac Ha to the northwest before connecting with the DT178. The combination of sharp bends and rugged paths on DT178 is a true test of your riding skills at an extreme level, with some wild scenery along the way, including the opportunity to ride up to the summit of Kiou Leou Ti. It's a moment so captivating that we lose track of time.
We'll descend downhill to Lao Cai town on a nice route and take a quick look at China's largest border gate. Arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon. Clean up all the mud and bust into a big cuisine.
Toasting the finish of a 4-day motorbike tour with cold beers and saying goodbye to the Indochina Adventure team. We hope to reunite further on the road in the next coming trip.

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