Epic Vietnam Dirt Bike Adventure Tours to Mai Chau, Ta Xua, Ngoc Chien & Sapa

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (Approx. 160 km)

Your adventure begins as you leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and head southwest into the heart of Vietnam’s countryside. The journey to Mai Chau is a scenic ride through the Red River Delta, where you’ll pass by vibrant green rice paddies, quaint villages, and rivers that snake through the land. As you move further from the city, the landscape gradually transforms, with karst mountains rising in the distance.

About halfway through your journey, take a break at Thung Khe Pass, a popular stop for breathtaking panoramic views. The pass offers a glimpse into the beauty of the valleys below, where the patchwork of rice fields stretches as far as the eye can see. After soaking in the views, continue your ride towards Mai Chau, a serene valley inhabited by the White Thai ethnic minority.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, you’ll be welcomed into a local stilt house, where you’ll spend the night. The stilt houses here are traditional wooden structures, built to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by your hosts, featuring local dishes made from fresh ingredients grown in the valley. The day ends with a cultural performance, where you’ll have the chance to see traditional Thai dances and music, giving you a deeper insight into the local culture.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Ta Xua (Approx. 170 km)

As the sun rises over Mai Chau, you’ll set off on your motorbike, heading towards Ta Xua, a destination known for its dramatic landscapes and cloud formations. The ride today is one of contrasts, as you leave the peaceful valley of Mai Chau and climb into the rugged mountains.

The road to Ta Xua winds through remote villages and terraced fields, with each turn offering new views of the majestic landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through Moc Chau, a region famous for its tea plantations and dairy farms. This area is often shrouded in mist, adding an ethereal quality to the ride.

Upon reaching Ta Xua, you’ll be greeted by a small, quiet town perched on the edge of the mountains. Ta Xua is less known than other destinations, which means you’ll likely have stunning views all to yourself. In the afternoon, take a trek to the Dinosaur Spine, a narrow ridge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is one of the best spots to witness the “ocean of clouds” phenomenon, where a sea of clouds stretches out below you, creating a dreamlike landscape. Afterward, return to the town for dinner and an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 3: Ta Xua to Ngoc Chien via Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai (Approx. 180 km)

Leaving Ta Xua behind, you’ll continue your journey through the northern highlands of Vietnam. Today’s ride is one of the highlights of the tour, taking you through some of the most spectacular scenery the region has to offer. The road winds its way through the mountains, passing through the town of Tu Le, known for its terraced rice fields that cascade down the hillsides.

As you ride through Tu Le, take time to stop and admire the view, especially if you visit during the rice harvest season when the fields turn a golden yellow. From Tu Le, the road continues to Mu Cang Chai, another area famous for its terraced fields. These terraces are a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. The fields stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a mesmerizing pattern of green and gold across the landscape.

After exploring Mu Cang Chai, continue your journey to Ngoc Chien, a small village nestled in a remote valley. Ngoc Chien is known for its natural hot springs, which are the perfect way to relax after a long day of riding. The village is also home to the Thai and H’Mong ethnic groups, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life.

Overnight in a local homestay, where you’ll enjoy another evening of traditional food and hospitality.

Day 4: Ngoc Chien to Sapa (Approx. 150 km)

The ride from Ngoc Chien to Sapa takes you deeper into the northern mountains, where the air is cooler and the scenery even more dramatic. The road today is a mix of paved highways and rugged mountain tracks, making for an exhilarating ride. You’ll pass through a number of small villages, where you can stop to interact with the local people and learn about their daily lives.

As you approach Sapa, the landscape becomes even more stunning, with towering peaks and deep valleys. Sapa itself is a bustling town that sits high in the mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding region. The town is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, drawn by its cool climate and the chance to explore the nearby ethnic minority villages.

In the afternoon, take a ride out to the nearby villages of the Black H’Mong and Red Dzao people. These villages are famous for their traditional handicrafts, especially their intricate embroidery and textiles. After exploring the villages, return to Sapa for an overnight stay. The town offers a range of dining options, from traditional Vietnamese food to international cuisine, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the road.

Day 5: Sapa to Vu Linh Village in Thac Ba Reservoir (Approx. 180 km)

The journey today takes you from the mountains of Sapa down to the shores of Thac Ba Reservoir, one of the largest artificial lakes in Vietnam. The ride is a mix of winding mountain roads and flat, open highways, providing a varied and enjoyable riding experience.

As you approach Thac Ba Reservoir, the landscape changes again, with the mountains giving way to rolling hills and vast expanses of water. The reservoir is dotted with hundreds of small islands, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. Upon arrival in Vu Linh Village, you’ll be welcomed by the Dao ethnic people, who live in traditional wooden stilt houses along the shore of the reservoir.

Spend the afternoon exploring the village and learning about the Dao people’s way of life. You can also take a boat trip out onto the reservoir, where you can swim, fish, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner with your hosts, followed by an overnight stay in a stilt house.

Day 6: Vu Linh to Hanoi (Approx. 180 km)

On the final day of your tour, you’ll leave the tranquil shores of Thac Ba Reservoir behind and head back to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. The road back to the city is a mix of rural and urban landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights along the way.

As you approach Hanoi, the traffic will become busier, but by now you’ll be well-accustomed to the rhythm of the road. Arriving back in the city in the afternoon, you’ll have time to reflect on your journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam, from the serene valleys of Mai Chau to the cloud-covered peaks of Ta Xua, the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai, and the tranquil waters of Thac Ba Reservoir.

End of the trip