SCENIC HA GIANG & HIGHWAY 4, VIETNAM
(Scenic Ha Giang 8-11 days, 7-10 nights)
Below is a video clip from one of our recent Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tours, featuring the spectacular mountain roads, remote villages, and dramatic landscapes of northern Vietnam. If you would like to see more footage from our Vietnam motorcycle adventures, please check our YouTube channel.
Scenic Ha Giang Rides At A Glance
* OPTION 1 – Designed for experienced riders and covering more riding than Option 2. (Click here for the detailed itinerary)
1st day: Hanoi – Phu Yen.
2nd day: Phu Yen – Than Uyen.
3rd day: Than Uyen – Sapa.
4th day: Sapa – Bac Ha.
5th day: Bac Ha – Ha Giang.
6th day: Ha Giang – Dong Van.
7th day: Dong Van – Bao Lac.
8th day: Bao Lac – Cao Bang.
9th day: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen.
10th day: Quang Uyen – Lang Son.
11th day: Lang Son – Hanoi.
This Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour can also be completed in 10 days, returning to Hanoi via Ba Be Lake instead of continuing to Lang Son along historical Highway 4.
* OPTION 2 – A shorter riding itinerary for riders who have less time but still want to experience the highlights of Ha Giang. (Click here for the detailed itinerary)
1st day: Hanoi – Vu Linh.
2nd day: Vu Linh – Ha Giang.
3rd day: Ha Giang – Dong Van.
4th day: Dong Van – Bao Lac.
5th day: Bao Lac – Cao Bang.
6th day: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen.
7th day: Quang Uyen – Lang Son.
8th day: Lang Son – Hanoi.
Important! Please send us your full name, passport number, nationality, sex, date of birth, and occupation as soon as your booking is confirmed. We need this information to apply for your Ha Giang travel permit with the local Immigration Police.
These Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour itineraries are flexible. The routes above are examples rather than fixed programs. We can customize the trip according to your riding experience, available time, preferred motorcycle, and travel expectations. Our goal is to create a memorable Ha Giang motorcycle adventure while allowing enough time to enjoy the scenery, local villages, and unique mountain culture along the way.
SCENIC HA GIANG OPTION 1 – THE LONG RIDE IN 11 DAYS
Day 1: Hanoi – Phu Yen (~180km, ~5h).
Before setting off, we spend around 30 minutes checking the motorcycles and making sure all essential tools, spare parts, and riding equipment are ready. A proper bike check helps us start the Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour safely and enjoy the ride without unnecessary delays.
We leave Hanoi and follow the Red River toward Son Tay, gradually leaving the busy capital and entering the quieter countryside. From Son Tay, the route turns toward the mountains as the landscape becomes more rural and scenic. We continue through peaceful roads, traditional villages, and rolling hills before reaching Phu Yen, a small mountain town where we spend our first night.
Day 2: Phu Yen – Than Uyen (~200km, ~6h).
Today the adventure becomes more demanding as we leave the easy roads behind and head into the mountains. The route includes wild and bumpy roads, with Lung Lo Pass providing the first major challenge of the day.
We continue through the spectacular Mu Cang Chai mountain massif, an area famous for its dramatic mountains and impressive rice terraces. The route climbs higher and higher, with changing road conditions and breathtaking scenery keeping the ride exciting.
From the mountain passes, we enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views in North Vietnam, looking across deep valleys, terraced fields, and rugged peaks. The riding can be challenging, but the combination of off-road sections, mountain passes, and spectacular landscapes makes this one of the most rewarding days of the Scenic Ha Giang motorbike adventure.
After approximately 200 km and six hours of riding, we reach Than Uyen, where we spend the night in a local hotel.
Day 3: Than Uyen – Sapa (~140 km, ~5 h).
The mountain area around Than Uyen is home to several ethnic communities, particularly the Flower H’mong and Dao people. We leave Than Uyen and continue toward Sapa, riding through a beautiful combination of remote countryside and mountain landscapes.
For approximately the first 100 km, we follow an easy mountain track through quiet villages and scenic valleys. The final 40 km is on a paved mountain road as we approach Sapa, with increasingly spectacular views along the way.
We arrive in Sapa, one of the most popular mountain destinations in Vietnam. Although the town can be busy with visitors, its location among the Hoang Lien mountains, rice terraces, and ethnic villages makes it well worth visiting. Stay overnight in Sapa and discover for yourself why this mountain town remains one of Vietnam’s best-known destinations.
Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha (~100 km, ~3 h).
The ride from Sapa to Bac Ha takes around three hours. We first descend from Sapa to Lao Cai, covering approximately 34 km. Lao Cai is a border city close to China, and we can stop for photographs with the Chinese border area in the background.
After lunch, we leave Lao Cai and climb back into the mountains toward Bac Ha, riding approximately 70 km through a spectacular landscape of mountain valleys, hills, and traditional villages. The scenery changes constantly as we gain altitude, making this a very enjoyable section of the Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour.
We arrive in Bac Ha in the afternoon and have time to relax or explore the local town before spending the night in Bac Ha.
Day 5: Bac Ha – Ha Giang (~200 km, ~6 h).
After breakfast, we leave Bac Ha and take a more adventurous route toward Xin Man. Instead of following the main highway, we ride a combination of small roads, back roads, and mountain tracks, passing through remote countryside and enjoying spectacular views along the way.
The route provides a great mix of riding conditions and takes us deeper into the mountains of northern Vietnam. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop at viewpoints, photograph the scenery, and experience rural mountain life away from the main tourist routes.
Eventually, we join the main road and continue toward Ha Giang, the gateway to the famous Ha Giang mountain region. After arriving in town, we check in for the night and arrange the necessary Ha Giang travel permit before continuing deeper into the province on the following days.
Day 6: Ha Giang – Dong Van (~180 km, ~6 h).
After obtaining the necessary permit for riding in the border area from Ha Giang Immigration Police, we leave Ha Giang and head deeper into the mountains. Today we follow small and challenging mountain roads, but the spectacular scenery makes every kilometre worthwhile. The route passes through remote communities and villages inhabited by colourful ethnic minority groups, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in the highlands.
One of the major highlights is Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam. From the high viewpoints, you can see dramatic limestone peaks disappearing into the clouds, while the Nho Que River winds far below through the deep canyon.
We continue along a spectacular zig-zag mountain road toward Dong Van. This remote region is home to hardworking local people who have built their lives among the rugged limestone mountains. Seeing how communities cultivate crops and maintain their homes in such difficult terrain is one of the most inspiring parts of the Ha Giang motorbike tour.
After reaching Dong Van, we have some free time to explore the old town. Wander through the ancient streets lined with traditional H’mong houses, many built from clay bricks with traditional tiled roofs. It is a perfect place to relax after an exciting day of mountain riding.
Day 7: Dong Van – Bao Lac (~80 km, ~4 h).
Day 8: Bao Lac – Cao Bang (~150 km, ~5 h).
We leave Bao Lac and continue toward Cao Bang, enjoying a beautiful ride through the mountains of Northeast Vietnam. The route crosses several mountain passes, with elevated viewpoints offering impressive panoramas across the surrounding valleys and peaks.
The road is generally easy to ride, although there are many blind curves, so we maintain a careful pace and follow the guide closely. This is a scenic day rather than a race, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, drinks, and local food along the way.
With regular stops to enjoy the scenery and experience the countryside, the journey can take most of the day. We eventually arrive in Cao Bang, where we check into a hotel for the night.
Day 9: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen (~140 km, ~5 h).
We leave Cao Bang and head toward Quang Uyen, a beautiful rural area surrounded by mountains. The initial ride takes around an hour and a half before we reach this peaceful valley, located in the middle of a dramatic mountain cirque and traditionally inhabited by the Nung An people.
After settling in with our host family, we continue exploring the surrounding area and make our way toward Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in northern Vietnam. Located around 50 km from Quang Uyen, the waterfall sits on the border region between Vietnam and China and is surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and green countryside.
Weather and local conditions permitting, there may be an opportunity to swim near the waterfall, where the water plunges from the high cliffs into the river below. After exploring Ban Gioc, we return to Quang Uyen for a traditional homestay. Our hostess is also an excellent cook, making the evening meal another highlight of the day.
Day 10: Quang Uyen – Lang Son (~180 km, ~6 h).
Today we ride from Quang Uyen to Lang Son along the historic Highway 4, one of the most interesting roads in Northeast Vietnam. The route passes through beautiful mountain scenery and rural communities before gradually bringing us closer to the bustling border city of Lang Son.
Lang Son has long been an important trading centre between Vietnam and China, and the city still has a strong commercial atmosphere. After arriving, we have time to explore the city and visit Dong Kinh Market, where you can browse a wide range of inexpensive Chinese and Vietnamese products.
After a day of mountain riding and exploring the border region, we spend the night in a local hotel in Lang Son.
Day 11: Lang Son – Hanoi (~150 km, ~3 h). End of Scenic Ha Giang in 11 days.
Today is the final day of our 11-day Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour. After ten days of riding through the mountains and remote areas of northern Vietnam, we keep the final journey relaxed and straightforward.
You can sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast before getting back on the bikes. We leave Lang Son and head toward Hanoi via the newer Highway 1B, following an easier route back to the capital. After so many long riding days, this shorter final section gives you time to relax and enjoy the last views of the countryside.
We expect to arrive in Hanoi around 3 pm, comfortably ahead of the evening rush hour. This brings our Scenic Ha Giang in 11 Days to an end, after an unforgettable journey through Ha Giang, Dong Van, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, and the spectacular mountains of northern Vietnam.
Contact us for more details, availability, and a quotation for this 11-day Scenic Ha Giang motorbike adventure.
SCENIC HA GIANG OPTION 2 – THE SHORT RIDE IN 8 DAYS
This is the shorter version of our Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour, designed for riders who have less time but still want to experience the spectacular mountains, remote villages, and famous roads of northern Vietnam. The route combines easy countryside riding with scenic mountain roads and some of the highlights of the Ha Giang motorbike adventure.
Day 1: Hanoi – Vu Linh (~180 km, ~7 h).
We leave Hanoi and enjoy an easy ride on sealed roads toward Thac Ba Lake. As we get closer to the lake, the traffic becomes lighter and the scenery more rural. We then leave the main road and follow a small, peaceful route along the lake toward Vu Linh.
Vu Linh is a traditional Dao village on the shores of Thac Ba Lake, surrounded by green hills, waterways, and countryside. The village is known for its friendly local people, and the warm welcome from our host family is one of the highlights of this shorter Ha Giang ride.
We spend the night in a traditional local homestay, allowing us to enjoy a home-cooked meal and experience genuine rural hospitality.
Day 2: Vu Linh – Ha Giang (~180 km, ~6 h).
After breakfast, we continue riding along the shores of Thac Ba Lake on a small scenic road lined with palm trees. The route offers beautiful views across the lake, surrounding mountains, and rural villages, making this a relaxing start to the day’s ride.
Eventually, we leave the lake and join the main road heading north toward Ha Giang. The landscape gradually becomes more mountainous as we approach the gateway to the famous Ha Giang region.
After arriving in Ha Giang, we check in for the night and arrange the necessary permit for riding in the border area. This prepares us for the spectacular mountain roads and remote landscapes waiting for us over the next few days of the Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour.
Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van (~180 km, ~6 h).
After obtaining the necessary permit to ride in the Ha Giang border area from the local Immigration Police, we leave Ha Giang and head deeper into the spectacular northern mountains. Today we ride on small and challenging mountain roads, passing through remote areas inhabited by colourful ethnic minority communities.
The highlight of the day is Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam. From the high viewpoints, dramatic limestone mountains disappear into the clouds while the beautiful Nho Que River winds through the deep valley far below.
We continue along a spectacular zig-zag mountain road toward Dong Van, one of the most remote areas of Ha Giang. Along the way, we meet hardworking local people and see how communities have adapted to living and farming among the rugged limestone mountains. Their resilience and way of life are truly inspiring.
After reaching Dong Van, we have some free time to explore the ancient town. Walk through narrow streets lined with traditional H’mong houses, many built from clay bricks and topped with traditional tiled roofs. With its combination of spectacular riding, dramatic scenery, and unique mountain culture, Day 3 is arguably the highlight of this 8-day Ha Giang motorbike tour.
Day 4: Dong Van – Bao Lac (~80 km, ~4 h).
Although today’s distance is relatively short, the ride from Dong Van to Bao Lac can take several hours. Parts of the road may still be under construction, with rough tracks and changing road conditions making the journey slower than the distance suggests.
However, this slower pace allows us to appreciate the spectacular mountain landscape. We cross some of the wildest and most remote areas of Ha Giang, following winding roads through dramatic limestone peaks, deep valleys, and isolated villages.
The scenery is among the most beautiful in Vietnam, so there is no reason to rush. We take regular stops for photographs and to enjoy the surrounding mountains and local life.
By the end of the day, we reach Bao Lac, an important ethnic crossroads in Northeast Vietnam. The area is home to several different ethnic communities from both sides of the Vietnam-China border. If we arrive on a Sunday, the Bao Lac market is especially interesting, as people from different mountain communities gather to trade, socialize, and meet friends.
We spend the night in Bao Lac, ready to continue our Scenic Ha Giang adventure into the spectacular mountains of Cao Bang.
Day 5: Bao Lac – Cao Bang (~150 km, ~5 h).
We leave Bao Lac and ride south-east toward Cao Bang Province, enjoying a beautiful route through the mountains of Northeast Vietnam. The road crosses several mountain passes, with elevated viewpoints offering impressive panoramas across the surrounding valleys and rugged peaks.
The road is generally easy to ride, although there are many blind curves, so we keep a careful pace and follow the guide. This is a scenic day, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, drinks, and local food along the way.
Although the riding distance is around 150 km, regular stops mean the journey can take most of the day. This relaxed pace allows us to enjoy the scenery rather than simply covering kilometres. We arrive in Cao Bang and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 6: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen (~140 km, ~5 h).
We leave Cao Bang and head toward the beautiful mountain area of Quang Uyen. The initial ride takes around an hour and a half before we reach this peaceful countryside, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains. This is the traditional territory of the Nung An people, where villages and farmland are scattered among the mountains.
After arriving in Quang Uyen, we stay with a local host family in a traditional homestay. The accommodation is simple, but the warm hospitality and excellent home cooking make this a memorable part of the Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour.
From Quang Uyen, we continue through spectacular mountain scenery toward Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the most impressive natural attractions in northern Vietnam. Located around 50 km from Quang Uyen, the waterfall is surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, green farmland, and traditional villages.
Weather and local conditions permitting, we may have the opportunity to swim near the base of the waterfall, where the water drops from the high cliffs into the river. After exploring Ban Gioc and enjoying the surrounding scenery, we return to the Quang Uyen area for the evening.
Day 7: Quang Uyen – Lang Son (~180 km, ~6 h).
We leave Quang Uyen and ride toward Lang Son along the famous and historic Highway 4, one of the most interesting routes in Northeast Vietnam. The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery, rural villages, and valleys before gradually bringing us closer to the border city of Lang Son.
Lang Son has long been an important trading centre between Vietnam and China. After arriving, we have time to explore the city and visit Dong Kinh Market, a popular local market where you can browse a wide range of inexpensive Chinese and Vietnamese goods.
After a full day riding through the mountains, we spend the night in a local hotel in Lang Son.
Day 8: Lang Son – Hanoi (~150 km, ~3 h). End of Scenic Ha Giang in 8 days.
Today is the final day of our 8-day Scenic Ha Giang motorbike tour. After seven days of riding through the mountains, remote villages, and spectacular landscapes of northern Vietnam, we keep the final ride easy and relaxed.
You can sleep a little later in the morning before setting off. We leave Lang Son and take Highway 1B toward Hanoi, following a relatively straightforward route back to the capital. After several long days in the saddle, the shorter riding distance gives you plenty of time to enjoy the final section of the journey.
We expect to arrive in Hanoi around 3 pm, comfortably before the evening rush hour. This marks the end of our Scenic Ha Giang in 8 Days, an adventure combining mountain passes, remote ethnic villages, winding roads, Ban Gioc Waterfalls, and some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Vietnam.
Contact us for more details, availability, and a quotation for this 8-day Scenic Ha Giang motorbike ride.
More Motorbike Tour Itineraries In Vietnam
- Full North Loop Vietnam
- Middle North Vietnam Motorbike Tour
- North-East Vietnam Motorbike Ride
- North-West Vietnam Loop
- Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorcycle Voyage
- One Day Motorbike Tour
- Women Tours
- Custom Tours
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