Leave Hanoi for a six-day motorbike loop through the valleys and highland roads of Northwest Vietnam. Ride to Mai Chau, Phu Yen and Than Uyen before crossing the mountain area into Sapa, then return via Thac Ba Lake. This Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Loop from Hanoi combines long riding days with changing landscapes, from cultivated valleys to cooler mountain passes. The exact roads and stops are planned around the group’s riding style, weather and local conditions.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
- Route: Hanoi → Mai Chau → Phu Yen → Than Uyen → Sapa → Thac Ba Lake → Hanoi
- Pick-up: Hanoi; exact meeting point confirmed before departure
- Drop-off: Hanoi
- Estimated distance: Confirmed after the final roads and stops are selected
- Riding style: Guided motorbike tour; ask about Easy Rider passenger and self-ride availability
- Accommodation: Five overnight stops; properties and room arrangements confirmed in your quotation
- Price: Contact Rew Rew Adventures for a quotation based on your group and riding style
Tour Highlights
- Ride from Hanoi into the valley scenery around Mai Chau.
- Follow mountain and riverside roads toward Phu Yen.
- Spend a full riding day crossing the highlands to Than Uyen.
- Climb through the O Quy Ho Pass area on the way to Sapa, subject to conditions.
- Travel from the mountains toward Thac Ba Lake for the final overnight stop.
- Complete the loop with a ride back to Hanoi.
Day 1 – Hanoi to Mai Chau
Estimated distance: Approximately 170 km | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Leave Hanoi and ride west as busy streets give way to farmland and the hills of Hoa Binh. The route introduces the northwest at a measured pace, with breaks before the final approach into Mai Chau Valley.
Stop for lunch on the way and arrive in Mai Chau later in the day. If time permits, take a short walk around the local area after checking in. Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 2 – Mai Chau to Phu Yen
Estimated distance: Approximately 160 km | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Ride north from Mai Chau through higher terrain toward the Moc Chau area. The day mixes cultivated valleys, winding roads and views toward the Da River as you continue in the direction of Phu Yen.
Take a lunch break along the route and make short stops where it is safe to pull over. Arrive in Phu Yen with time to rest before the longer mountain crossing on Day 3. Overnight in Phu Yen.
Day 3 – Phu Yen to Than Uyen
Estimated distance: Approximately 210 km | Riding time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Set out early for a substantial riding day through the northwest highlands. The landscape changes between valleys, hillsides and mountain roads, and progress may be slower than the distance suggests.
Plan regular breaks and a relaxed lunch stop rather than trying to fit in many attractions. Continue toward Than Uyen and aim to arrive before dark. The exact road and travel time will be confirmed before booking.
Day 4 – Than Uyen to Sapa
Estimated distance: Approximately 150 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Ride toward the Hoang Lien mountain range and climb through the O Quy Ho Pass area. Clear weather can offer wide mountain views, while mist or rain may reduce visibility and require a slower pace.
Continue to Sapa and check in. If the group arrives with enough time and energy, discuss a short local ride toward the Muong Hoa Valley; otherwise, enjoy a free afternoon in town. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 5 – Sapa to Thac Ba Lake
Estimated distance: Approximately 220 km | Riding time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Leave Sapa early and descend toward lower valleys before riding south to Thac Ba Lake. This is a longer transition day, with changing scenery from high mountains to farmland and waterways.
Stop for lunch and a few short breaks on the route. Arrive in the Thac Ba area later in the day. A boat trip is possible only if time, weather and local services allow, and its cost must be confirmed in advance.
Day 6 – Thac Ba Lake to Hanoi
Estimated distance: Approximately 180 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Ride south through villages and farming areas on the final leg of the loop. The roads gradually become busier as you approach Hanoi, so the guide will plan a suitable route and allow breaks.
Stop for lunch on the way and return to the agreed Hanoi drop-off point. Arrival time depends on traffic and road conditions; leave enough time before any onward flight or train.
Ride Behind a Local Guide
Ask Rew Rew whether an Easy Rider passenger option is available for your dates. As a passenger, you ride behind a local guide and do not need motorbike riding experience.
Ride Your Own Motorbike
Experienced riders can request a guided self-ride arrangement. Rew Rew will confirm the available bike, required documents, group arrangements and price before accepting the booking.
Self-ride is intended for experienced motorbike riders. You need a valid licence for the motorcycle you will use and driving documents recognised in Vietnam, including an International Driving Permit where applicable. Rew Rew must check your documents before confirming the booking. The bike model and any related costs will be stated in your quotation.
- The guide, motorbike, accommodation and other services explicitly listed in your confirmed Rew Rew quotation.
- Services, optional activities and personal expenses not listed as included in your confirmed quotation.
- Long trousers, a long-sleeved layer and closed shoes suitable for riding.
- Warm clothing for high mountain areas and cool evenings.
- Rain protection, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Personal medication and a refillable water bottle.
- A small bag for documents and daily essentials.
- A valid motorcycle licence and applicable driving documents if you plan to self-ride.
Do I need motorbike experience?
You need experience to operate your own motorbike. If an Easy Rider passenger option is available, you can travel behind a local guide without driving experience.
Can I self-ride the Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Loop from Hanoi?
Ask Rew Rew about guided self-ride availability. Your experience, licence and applicable driving documents must be checked before a bike is confirmed.
Does this six-day route visit Mu Cang Chai?
Mu Cang Chai is not a scheduled stop on this itinerary. If you want to visit it, ask Rew Rew to review the route and riding time before booking.
How much riding is involved?
Days 3 and 5 are planned as longer riding days. Actual times depend on the selected roads, breaks, weather and traffic.
Where will we stay?
The planned overnight areas are Mai Chau, Phu Yen, Than Uyen, Sapa and Thac Ba Lake. Rew Rew will confirm the properties and room arrangements in your quotation.
Is a boat trip on Thac Ba Lake included?
Check your confirmed quotation. A boat trip also depends on arrival time, weather and local availability.
What happens if O Quy Ho Pass has poor visibility?
The guide may adjust the pace, stops or road choice according to conditions. Viewpoints may be skipped when visibility or safety is poor.
Book This Tour with Rew Rew Adventures
Send us your travel dates, group size, preferred riding style and any special requirements. We will confirm the route, available bikes, accommodation, inclusions and price before you book. Rew Rew Adventures – Experience the Real Vietnam.






















