You'll rendezvous with your fellow riders and tour leader in Lao Cai before embarking on Highway 4D, which stretches from Sapa to Muong Khuong. As you cruise along this expansive route, you'll be treated to a medley of iconic landscapes characteristic of Northwest Vietnam. Muong Khuong greets you with its resplendent charm in the morning sunlight, framed by majestic winding mountain ranges and vibrant local rooftops.

The most memorable moments arise when navigating the challenging curves that lead into Muong Khuong. Even the most seasoned riders may find themselves exhilarated after conquering these winding paths, especially when encountering landmarks such as the plaque dedicated to the 9-year resistance warriors or the border notice board, which evokes a unique sense of emotion.

Your journey culminates at Pha Long Border Station, marking the end of Muong Khuong. Here, a memorial plaque honors the 37 Border guards who bravely lost their lives while defending Pha Long against Chinese invaders in February 1979. Immerse yourself in the poignant tales recounted by the elders, shedding light on the bloody battles endured over four days and nights. Nearby, landmarks like LoCo Chin Border Station and Fortress Le Dinh Chinh provide further insight into the area's rich history.

Summary:

Distance: 85 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Today, our journey takes us further along the rugged and winding roads as we make our way to Si Ma Cai, situated just 40 km from Pha Long Commune. Si Ma Cai is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Northwest Vietnam. Often regarded as Sapa's lesser-known sibling, Si Ma Cai boasts its own unique charm and allure. Unlike Sapa, which has enjoyed fame for decades, Si Ma Cai remains a remote district, offering a sense of untouched beauty that is not easily found elsewhere.

The landscape here is nothing short of breathtaking, with epic rice terraces, picturesque buckwheat flower fields, towering mountains, and enchanting valleys. But it's not just the scenery that captivates; the vibrant cultural tapestry woven by the various ethnic minority groups adds another layer of richness to the experience. With over ten ethnic groups calling this district home, there's no shortage of diverse activities and traditions to explore.

One of the highlights of Si Ma Cai is the bustling Can Cau market, a vibrant hub where the local cultural identity comes to life through bustling trading activities. Here, you'll find a plethora of local agricultural products, livestock, and traditional brocade, all showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

Summary:

Distance: 90 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Let's kick off the third day of our tour with a visit to Bac Ha market, an unmissable highlight of the region. From Bac Ha market, we'll embark on a 45 km journey, crossing the steep Lung Cai mountain and descending into the picturesque Nan Ma valley, reminiscent of a tranquil watercolor painting. Continuing our route, we'll travel another 25 km to reach the Xin Man border gate, situated in the remote reaches of Ha Giang.

The road leading to Xin Man presents its own set of challenges, particularly the Lung Cai road, which is notorious for its perpetual shroud of clouds and sparse human presence. There are two routes from Bac Ha to Cau Pai: one is a 25 km-long renovated muddy road, while the other is a level road adorned with mossy patches. Picture our journey as tracing the shape of the letter A: starting from Bac Ha, traversing the dash to Coc Pai, ascending to the apex of the letter, and then descending to the other end.

Upon reaching Coc Pai, we'll continue our journey to the border market at Xin Man, which is only 25 km away. Along the way, we can take a brief pause to visit the ancient Nam Dan stones in Xi Man and marvel at the refreshing beauty of Thac Tien waterfall. In the evening, we'll retire to a hotel in town to ensure we're well-rested for the adventures that await us on our final day. So, let's make the most of our remaining time and ensure a good night's sleep!

Summary:

Distance: 165 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

As travelers pass through Km17 of the Bac Quang – Hoang Su Phi route, they are greeted by the breathtaking expanse of picturesque terraced fields, offering a new perspective brimming with poetic charm. Another must-visit destination in Hoang Su Phi is Con Linh, nestled amidst misty surroundings, where pristine forests intertwine with the Chay River and Silver River, while snow-capped tea hills add to the enchanting scenery.

An essential stop along the way is the Heaven Gate Pass and National Monument, located approximately 40 km from the center of Hoang Su Phi district. Nam Hong village in Thong Nguyen commune is home to 37 Red Dao ethnic households and has been designated as a national scenic spot. Additionally, the ancient Shan snow region of Phin Ho boasts unique cultural features of the Dao people. After a delightful lunch featuring local delicacies, travelers conclude their long yet exhilarating journey on the Sapa to Ha Giang motorbike tour. A quick snapshot serves as a refreshing break before resuming the ride.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel