Best Selling Hanoi Northern Motorbike Tour To Sapa – 6 Days

Mai Chau stands as one of the nearest destinations to Hanoi where you can immerse yourself in the authenticity of a Montagnard village. Our morning begins with a brief stroll around the village, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. In the countryside, the day starts early, bustling with various activities. The skilled Thai women, renowned weavers, showcase their expertise, providing a vibrant display of traditional-style clothing available for purchase in the village center. Observing women at looms under or inside their houses is a common sight. You have the opportunity to acquire handmade traditional-style clothing, knives, or cross-bows.

Following breakfast at the homestay, we bid farewell to the villagers and depart from Mai Chau around 10 am. Our journey takes us towards Moc Chau, where we break for lunch. This highland town is renowned for producing some of Vietnam's finest tea, making it an ideal location for stocking up. The surrounding area is home to diverse ethnic minorities, including Green H'mong, Dzao, Thai, and Muong. Notably, Moc Chau boasts a pioneering dairy industry that commenced in the late 1970s with Australian (and later UN) assistance. This dairy sector contributes delicacies such as fresh milk, sweetened condensed milk, and toothsome treats known as "Banh sua" to Hanoi.

After lunch, we veer onto the less-traveled Road 43, guiding us to the Da River. Crossing the reservoir at Van Yen ferry, we continue our journey on a picturesque winding secondary road until reaching Phu Yen mountain town, a district of Son La Province in the Northwestern region of Vietnam. Our accommodation for the night is arranged in a basic guesthouse.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Continuing our motorcycle expedition on the nearly deserted Road 37, we venture into mountains densely inhabited by the Black Thai people, known for their toil on extensive terraced rice fields. As we navigate the winding road, it traverses numerous Thai villages and fields, offering a captivating glimpse into the rhythms of rural life. The journey unfolds through rolling hills, ascending to the cooler Son La plateau renowned for its thriving sugar cane cultivation.

In Son La City, the capital of Son La Province, we indulge in a late lunch before exploring The Old French Prison & Museum. This historical site once served as a French penal colony where anti-colonial revolutionaries were detained. Although it suffered destruction from the disposal of unused ammunition by returning US warplanes after bombing raids, the site has undergone partial restoration.

Reconstructed turrets and watchtowers stand sentinel over the remnants of cells, inner walls, and a poignant lone surviving peach tree. Planted by To Hieu, a former inmate from the 1940s, the tree blooms with traditional "Tet flowers." To Hieu has since been commemorated, with various landmarks bearing his name.

Our overnight stay is arranged in Son La City.

Summary:

Distance: 160 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Embarking on our northwest journey from Son La, the route traverses a succession of mountain passes and areas bustling with Black Thai activity. En route, we witness scenes of children commuting to school, youngsters tending to buffaloes, women engaging in rice planting, and men laboring with their buffalo companions. The adventure progresses to the inception of the extensive and steep Pha Din Pass, where, upon reaching the summit, panoramic views unfold, revealing the majestic mountains that surround us. The descent on the opposite side unfolds on a sharply inclined, well-paved road.

Our midday reprieve awaits in Tuan Giao. We then veer onto the serpentine Road 279, characterized by its near-deserted stretches, leading us to the Pa Uon bridge.

The first segment of the Pa Uon bridge, spanning the Da River, was linked to Highway 279 in Chieng On commune, Quynh Nhai district, Son La province. This strategic bridge, an investment by the Ministry of Transport, is part of the food-avoiding highways and provincial roads project, a development stemming from the Son La Hydro-electric Power project. It significantly contributes to establishing the closest road connection between Son La and Lai Chau provinces.

Commencing construction on May 28, 2007, the bridge opened to traffic on April 30 and was operational by July 2010. We continue our motorbike journey on the secluded, winding road until reaching Than Uyen Town in Lai Chau Province.

Our accommodations for the night are arranged in Than Uyen.

Summary:

Distance: 180 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Our motorbike expedition directs us unwaveringly towards the prominent Fansipan Mountain range. An alternative, more arduous route also presents itself, guiding us through numerous river crossings. The colossal mountain range presides over the route until we undertake a magnificent ascent from Binh Lu, ascending to the zenith of Vietnam's loftiest road pass, Tram Ton Pass.

Surpassing the 2,000m mark and entering Lao Cai Province, the panoramic views extend across the expansive range for miles before our descent into the mountainous Sa Pa valley. Situated in Lao Cai Province, northwest Vietnam, and 350 km north-west of Hanoi, in close proximity to the Chinese border, Sa Pa is renowned for its picturesque, rugged landscapes and cultural diversity.

In the early decades of the 20th century, the French designated Sapa as the Summer Capital of Northern Vietnam. Its innate, captivating beauty has consistently lured vacationers, establishing it as a premier choice for honeymooners.

Our overnight accommodations are arranged in a local hotel.

Summary:

Distance: 110 km

Accommodation: Hotel

Enjoy leisure time in Sapa, exploring the town, shopping for local handicrafts as souvenirs, or engaging in conversations with the locals. The residents, fluent in English, are eager to share delightful stories about their traditions.

Later in the afternoon, we descend to the train station in Lao Cai city to board the night train bound for Hanoi.

Anticipate arrival in Hanoi early the following morning.