Northern Vietnam Off-Road Expedition 8 Days 7 Nights

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Embark on Northern Vietnam’s most exhilarating off-road motorbike expedition. This 8-day journey plunges you deep into the rugged mountains and untouched tribal regions of Ba Be, Dong Van, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, and Sapa. Designed for confident riders, the route combines 60–70% dirt, jungle single tracks, rocky passes, and hidden backroads rarely seen by outsiders.

Ride through remote Black Lo Lo villages, conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng cliffs, tackle the wild trails of Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man, and unwind in the cool mountain air of Sapa after six days of demanding terrain. Along the way, experience authentic homestays, breathtaking landscapes, and the vibrant cultures of the Tay, Dao, and H’Mong people.

For riders seeking raw adventure, stunning scenery, and real cultural immersion, this is Northern Vietnam’s ultimate off-road expedition.

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Northern Vietnam Off-Road Expedition 8 Days 7 Nights

Tour Code: MTB06X
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Route: Hanoi – Ba Be – Bao Lac – Meo Vac – Dong Van – Ha Giang – Bac Ha – Sapa – Night train to Hanoi
Riding Style: 60–70% backroads and off-road (dirt, single tracks, rocky mountain passes), 30–40% paved scenic roads
Difficulty: 🟠🟠🟠⚫⚫ Intermediate to Advanced — not suitable for complete beginners
Best Time: September–November & March–May (avoid heavy rains for certain dirt sections)

Tour Highlights:

Conquer Vietnam’s most remote and rugged landscapes on an off-road expedition designed for confident riders.
Navigate dirt trails, rocky climbs, jungle tracks, old French military roads, and hidden tribal routes rarely ridden by tourists.
Explore the majestic beauty of Ba Be National Park, including a relaxing boat trip across its emerald lakes.
Experience authentic highland culture with the Tay, Dao, H’Mong, and Lo Lo ethnic groups through homestays and village visits.
Ride the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, including secret backroad detours overlooking the Nho Que River.
Cross the spectacular mountains of Hoang Su Phi and the wild frontier route into Xin Man, one of Vietnam’s most challenging regions for motorbiking.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest in Sapa, with options for trekking, herbal baths, or short scenic rides.
Finish the journey with an overnight train experience from Lao Cai back to Hanoi.

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be Lake ~240 km (L/D)
- We meet at your hotel at 07:30 for a full bike check and safety briefing before beginning our off-road expedition. Leaving Hanoi, we take a series of small dike roads and riverside farm tracks to avoid the busy traffic and immediately ease into rural riding. These early miles are perfect for warming up, with sandy paths and winding village lanes leading us toward Thai Nguyen. When the delta ends, the landscape changes quickly into forested hills and old French-era service roads that climb into the mountains. Some sections are broken, steep, and rocky, offering the first challenge of the trip. By midday we reach Ba Be National Park, where a boat will take us across one section of the lake to explore the limestone scenery before arriving at Bo Lu village. Here we settle into a Tay family homestay, enjoy a warm welcome, and relax for the evening with home-cooked dishes.
Day 2: Ba Be - Tinh Tuc - Bao Lac ~ 178km (B/L/D)
- After breakfast, we begin one of the most adventurous riding days of the expedition. The trail leaving Ba Be climbs sharply through dense forest, following narrow dirt paths used by local villagers. As we approach Tinh Tuc, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher, with jagged rock gardens and old mining roads providing technical riding and striking mountain views. Lunch is taken at a small roadside stop before we continue deeper into the mountains. The trailing ridge toward Bao Lac weaves through H’mong settlements and terraced hillsides, sometimes requiring low gear to tackle loose stones and tight climbs. We reach Bao Lac town in the late afternoon, check into the hotel, and enjoy a quiet night after a demanding day.
Day 3: Bao Lac – Lo Lo Villages – Meo Vac – Dong Van ~100 km (B/ L/ D)
- This morning we ride into the remote territory of the Black Lo Lo, following cliffside single tracks that offer panoramic views over the deep valleys below. Depending on the season, we may also ride across dry riverbeds, navigating smooth stones and sandy sections before climbing toward Meo Vac. After lunch in the town, we begin the approach to Ma Pi Leng Pass. Instead of the main road, we take several hidden off-road detours known only by local riders. These narrow trails cut across the cliffs, offering stunning views of the Nho Que River. The final stretch into Dong Van is a mix of paved and dirt zigzags through the karst plateau. We arrive in the old quarter of Dong Van, check in, and take the rest of the evening to explore or relax.
Day 4: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Yen Minh – Quan Ba – Ha Giang ~150 km (B/ L/ D)
- After breakfast, we ride north toward Lung Cu on winding dirt paths that run between jagged limestone towers and traditional clay-walled H’mong settlements. This area feels isolated and wild, with the trail offering constant challenges: loose rocks, sharp turns, and narrow passes. We visit the Vuong Palace, once home to a powerful H’mong family, before making our way through Yen Minh’s pine forests and into Quan Ba. Here we follow an off-road downhill section that leads us through farmland and terraced slopes on the way to Ha Giang. The road is gentle compared to the previous days, making today’s pace relaxed and pleasant. We reach Ha Giang in the afternoon and settle into a comfortable lodge.
Day 5: Ha Giang – Hoang Su Phi – Xin Man – Bac Ha ~210 km (B/ L/ D)
- Today is the toughest riding day of the entire expedition. We leave Ha Giang early to ensure enough daylight for the long mountain section ahead. The road climbs through Hoang Su Phi’s famous terraced fields, but we stay off the main road whenever possible, taking old, mossy forest trails used by local farmers. These paths are narrow, slippery, and extremely scenic. The ride becomes more challenging as we approach Xin Man, where the track drops sharply into a deep valley. Depending on the weather, there may be water crossings and muddy patches that require strong handling skills. After a demanding descent, we continue toward Bac Ha on rolling backroads and arrive in town before sunset. Dinner is served at the hotel, and the rest of the evening is free to relax.
Day 6: Bac Ha – Remote Villages – Sapa ~120 km (B/L)
- The morning begins with a ride through remote H’mong villages north of Bac Ha, where we take ridge-top dirt trails overlooking the mountains of Lao Cai. This area offers a mix of bamboo forest tracks, narrow single paths, and open farmland routes. After crossing a high pass, the road gradually improves, giving us a comfortable descent toward Lao Cai city. From here, we climb up to Sapa using a quieter back route rather than the main highway. Arriving early afternoon, we check into a hotel and enjoy a complete change of atmosphere—cool climate, mountain cafés, and comfortable rooms after six challenging days on the trail.
Day 7: Relaxation Day in Sapa
- This day is entirely free to rest and recover. Guests may choose a gentle walk to a Red Dao village, a herbal bath, a café day, or an optional short motorbike ride along the Tram Ton Pass, but the recommended plan is simply to enjoy Sapa’s comfort after nearly a week of demanding off-road riding. Overnight in the same hotel.
Day 8: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi (Night Train)
- We ride downhill to Lao Cai in the morning, where there is time to walk around the border area or enjoy a final coffee before preparing the bikes for transport. Bikes are loaded onto the train or sent by truck, while guests board the overnight train back to Hanoi. The expedition ends upon arrival the next morning.

Includes:

Motorbike jacket, rain gear, helmets
All petrol (gasoline)
Motorbikes: 1 bike per person - Honda XR150
Accommodation at ecolodges, hotels, homestays as mentioned
Experienced English-speaking guide
Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
(Optional) Vegetarian and vegan food is available
Bottled water
All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
All Taxes and Fees
No extra charge after confirmation
24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Excludes:

Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
International flights and taxes
Beverage
Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc.

What To Take:

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking
It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

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Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Sapa Village Hotel

Address: Alley 520 Dien Bien Phu, Sa Pa, Vietnam

The hotel stretches view to Ham Rong mountain and Sapa lake. Sapa Village Hotel has 7 levels - each is named after a village of Sapa such at Ta Van Village, Ta Phin Village, Cat Cat Village, Supan Village, Sin Chay Village...Most rooms overlook to the beautiful landscape of magnificent Ham Rong mountain and the legendary Fansipan, bring about the most stunning view to the center of Sapa town.

Lap Xuan Homestay

Address: Na Lo, Ta Chai, Bac Ha, Lao Cai

Located in Na Lo Community Tourism Village, 1.2km from Bac Ha Market. Lap Xuan Homestay offers peaceful accommodation in the midst of lush greenery, overlooking the plum valley, in the white flower season.

Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van

Address: Dong Van Town, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Hotel is located in the center of the ancient town of Dong Van district - Ha Giang, where the center of the Highland area of stone was recognized by UNESCO. The hotel opened in early 2015 is the most modern hotel in Ha Giang province

Mr Doan's Homestay

Address: Ha Thanh village, Phuong Do, Ha Giang City, Ha Giang Province

Visit Mr Doan, his wife and his two sons in a traditional stilts house of Tay ethnic minority group in North of Vietnam. He is a good chef and kind owner

Ba Be Jungle Houses

Address: Coc Toc village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province

A step up in amenities to Ba Be's homestays, this lakeside place in Coc Toc village takes the form of six small, spic-and-span, wood-panelled private rooms, and a dorm. Visitors are well looked after by friendly English-speaking staff.

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4 average based on 1 reviews.

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Bumble_beeszzz

Wrote a review 4 - 2023

7 day North West trip

Review of: The Great Trails 7 days 7 nights

Had a really good time on this trip. I believe I got to see a lot more than I would have if I had travelled independently.
Things I really enjoyed:
- Eating authentic, delicious Vietnamese food every day; my guide & driver ensured I had plenty of vegetarian options (but if you are super staunch just know that there will be meat options at every meal you have, for others to eat)
- Some beautiful hikes
- Some lovely accommodation, especially the homestay just out of Bac Ha
- The knowledge of my guide and the safe driving of Mr Bao (he has the best laugh)
- Spending a whole day without seeing a single other western tourist

Not so great:
- This is a pretty expensive trip if you are travelling solo
- Long trips in the car - not such a problem for me but as a practical tip be prepared for this and if you suffer from car sickness this may be an issue for you

Would recommend this tour to those who want to see a little more of the 'off the beaten track' but with the comfort and security of a private tour.

Date of experience: 4 2023