Our 7-day off-road Sapa motorbike tour kicks off with a briefing at the BM Travel Adventure's office, where our director and guide instructor will provide essential instructions and help you familiarize yourself with your bike. It's also an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Setting off, we head northwest from Hanoi towards Thac Ba Lake in Yen Bai province. Thac Ba Lake, formed by the Thac Ba hydroelectric plant in the 1960s, spans 234km2 and boasts 1,300 islands and islets adorned with caves and caverns. Besides its picturesque charm, the lake holds historical and cultural significance, designated as a national heritage site since 1996. Activities here include boat rides on the lake and visits to Thuy Tien Cave, Xuan Long Cave, and Cao Bien Mountain.

Continuing our journey, we venture to a secluded village inhabited by the Yao people in Vu Linh commune. Take a leisurely stroll, capture some memorable photos, and unwind in this tranquil setting, savoring local delicacies and embracing the unique rhythms of Yao music as we spend the night here.

Summary:

Distance Covered: 180 km

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

We hope you had a restful night's sleep, as day two entails a lengthy journey of 210 kilometers. We begin the day with a leisurely drive along the scenic Thac Ba Lake, basking in the refreshing atmosphere. Then, we head northwest towards Lao Cai province. In Sapa, there are numerous points of interest worth exploring. Near the Hoang Lien Son mountain range lies Sapa Heaven's Gate, situated eight kilometers north of the town center. Standing at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, the view from the Gate is boundless – encompassing expansive valleys adorned with terraced fields and the majestic Fansipan Peak towering in the distance.

Another attraction to consider is Ham Rong Peak, offering a thrilling ascent to its impressive height of 1,800 meters, with the added delight of passing through vibrant flower gardens along the way. At the base of Ham Rong Peak lies the historic Stone Church, erected in 1895, representing one of Sapa's few remaining French colonial structures. After a fulfilling day of exploration, we'll retire to a cozy homestay in Sapa, allowing you to relish the delightful climate of the region.

Summary:

Distance Covered: 210 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to Sapa, embarking on a tranquil morning journey towards the northernmost province of Ha Giang. En route, we traverse a series of passes nestled within Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi districts. One notable pass in Xin Man is Gio Pass, renowned for its rare salmon farms and the ethereal Fairy Falls nestled amidst the primary forest atop the pass. Encountering the Fairy Falls feels akin to stumbling upon paradise, with its otherworldly beauty and serene ambiance setting it apart from other waterfalls.

In Hoang Su Phi district, we encounter a series of locales known as Heaven's Gate, comprising two passes and a mountain. Despite their diversity, they all offer breathtaking vistas of the undulating terraced rice fields below. After traversing these two districts, we eventually arrive in Ha Giang city, where we'll spend the night.

Summary:

Distance Covered: 220 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After enjoying breakfast in Ha Giang city, we set out towards Dong Van district, our destination for day 4 of our tour. Our journey takes us to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-certified International Geopark since 2010. Spanning an area of 2,356 km2 across four districts—Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh, and Quan Ba—the geopark is characterized by its limestone terrain, covering approximately 80% of its landscape. Towering mountains, including the highest peak, Mount Mieu Vac at 1,971 meters, and deep canyons like Tu San, reaching depths of 800 meters, adorn the geopark's diverse topography.

Home to 250,000 residents from 17 ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Yao, Yi, Tay, and Nung, the geopark boasts rich biodiversity. Its habitat supports various flora and fauna species, including the critically endangered Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, once thought to be extinct until its rediscovery.

Summary:

Distance Covered: 150 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

On day five, we have the option to spend the morning leisurely exploring the Dong Van Plateau. If our timing aligns with a Sunday, we're in for a special treat as we can immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Dong Van Fair. As the largest trading market on the Dong Van-Meo Vac Plateau, the fair offers a wide array of goods, from intricately decorated hemp cloths to locally crafted garments, fresh produce, and even live animals. Beyond its role as a marketplace, the Dong Van Fair holds significant cultural importance, serving as a melting pot of various ethnic cultures and traditions. It's a weekly celebration that draws in crowds of young people and couples eager to experience its lively ambiance.

Following our time at the Dong Van Fair, we bid farewell and resume our journey. We cross into Meo Vac district, where we navigate along provincial road 217 en route to Bao Lac district in Cao Bang province. We spend the night at a guest house in Bao Lac town.

Summary:

Distance Traveled: 100 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

After departing from Bao Lac town, our journey continues as we venture along off-road tracks leading towards Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan province. Spanning over 100km2, Ba Be National Park was established in 1992 with the primary aim of preserving the pristine beauty of Ba Be Lake and the surrounding evergreen forests. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, boasting over 400 species of plants and 354 species of butterflies.

Nestled amidst towering limestone cliffs, Ba Be Lake is a natural marvel, holding the distinction of being Vietnam's largest freshwater lake. With a history dating back approximately 200 million years, the lake stretches across an expansive surface area of 6.5km2 and spans 8 kilometers in length. It comprises three distinct zones known as Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng, fed by the convergence of three rivers: Nang, Ta Han, and Nam Cuong.

As we arrive at the tranquil shores of Ba Be Lake, we settle into homestays nestled in Pac Ngoi village, where we'll spend the night surrounded by the serenity of this pristine natural landscape.

In the morning, we can further explore the wonders of Ba Be Lake and the National Park. Up north along the Nang River lies Dau Dang Waterfall, spanning nearly a kilometer with its cascading rapids feeding into Ba Be Lake. Boat rides are available to explore the numerous islands dotting the lake, with Po Gia Mai (Widow’s Island) being the most renowned. Additionally, boat excursions offer visits to the fascinating caves surrounding Ba Be Lake, including Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats hanging upside down from its ceiling. Other notable attractions include An Ma Shrine, Fairy Pond, and Hua Ma Cave, each offering unique experiences worth exploring.

After immersing ourselves in the beauty of Ba Be, we bid farewell to Bac Kan province and commence our journey back to Hanoi via Highway 2B. With light traffic along the way, we can fully appreciate the picturesque countryside landscapes. Arriving in Hanoi ahead of the rush hour, we conclude our 7-day off-road Sapa motorbike tour from Hanoi to Ba Be.

Summary:

Distance: 170km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel