Sapa Motorbike Tour on the Northern Loop Trail – 3 days

The romantic town of Sapa is a perfect place for us to commence our journey to conquer the Northern loop trail. Today’s destination is Mu Cang Chai district in Yen Bai province. We need to prepare well enough because the route from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai is quite long. It may take us six hours to get there. Highway 32 is probably the best option to reach Yen Bai.

We bet that you will be excited as we cross the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It is dubbed “the rooftop of Indochina Peninsula” with the 3143-meter Fansipan peak. The majesty of the landscapes on the way can surely capture anyone’s heart. We can stop somewhere to take some impressive photos.

Do you know what the most remarkable thing about Mu Cang Chai is? It is the vast terraced paddy fields. The special fields that have been nitrifying hundreds of generations of ethnic minorities here bring an irresistible allure. The perfect time to visit Mu Cang Chai is from mid-September to mid-October when the fields put on the golden cloak. If you love photographing, then this is where you can quench your thirst for artistic pictures. Although Mu Cang Chai is getting more and more famous, rural life and natural beauty are still intact. Accordingly, we will see the unique tradition and culture of the local people in this area.

After contemplating the tranquility of Mu Cang Chai, the journey will continue to amaze you with memorable riding experiences on Khau Pha Pass. This is one of the four greatest passes in the North of Vietnam. The pass is well-known for its dangerous curves and slope. With a height of 1400 meters on average, Khau Pha provides superb views of the towering mountains and terraced fields. Arriving at the hotel, we will have dinner and rest to recharge our energy.

Summary:

• Distance: 190 km
• Accommodation: Hotel in Mu Cang Chai
• Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phu Yen – a district of Son La Province – is the destination on the second day of the Northern loop trail tour. 175 kilometers from Mu Cang Chai to Phu Yen is not a challenge that everyone is willing to take. But right when you see the incredible picture Mother Nature has created, the spark of inspiration inside you will be ignited. Continuing series of imposing mountains and hills covered with verdant forests are going to make you feel small in this universe.

But that’s not all about Phu Yen. After lunch, we will together hunt clouds. Yes, you’ve read it right. We will ride higher upward to catch the floating white clouds. It’s not some kind of magnification to say that we will be speechless in front of a whole sea of clouds. It’s like we have just discovered heaven – an unbelievable scenery. Sitting on the top of the mountains with a grilled chicken and some beer while watching the sunray shining on the hovering clouds, we may somehow feel our lives completed.

We can also join a boat trip to explore Suoi Chieu Lake – another impressive tourist attraction in Phu Yen. The lake has a vital role in the agriculture and daily life of the area. One more thing to do in Phu Yen is to taste grilled fish. Nothing is better than enjoying Lam rice and grilled fish with some cans of cold beer in such a gorgeous landscape. Good sleep is needed to make sure that we are ready for the next day of the Northern loop trail trip.

Summary:

• Distance: 175 km
• Accommodation: Hotel in Phu Yen
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hey, let’s wake up and contemplate the sunrise before continuing our Northern loop trail trip! The first place to visit today is Ban Mo Garrison. This historical place dates back to the 50s in the last century when the resistance against French Colonialism became fiercer than ever. Through the stories about Ban Mo Garrison, we can learn more about the heroic past of Vietnam.

Next, we’ll ride to Ta Xua Nature Reserve to witness the renowned “Dinosaur Backbone” mountain range. We have to say that Ta Xua is a real wonder of Vietnam. The mountain is 2600 meters high above sea level with a shape resembling the backbone of a giant dinosaur. The way to the peak is quite challenging and requires us to ride as carefully as possible. But right when we see the white clouds embracing the mountainside, our efforts will pay off. A peaceful moment in such a beautiful spot is going to relieve any stress and bring joy to our souls. Once again, you can show off your photography skills and make all of your friends astounded with superb pictures.

Well, it’s time to come back to the bustling capital city and say goodbye to the captivating nature sceneries. Dike roads are our choice since they can help us stay away from traffic jams. Also, we have a good opportunity to behold the tranquil countryside on the outskirt of Hanoi. The small rural houses, the paddy fields, and the hard-working light-hearted people are another face of Hanoi. So that is our 3-day motorbike tour on the Northern loop trail – full of fantastic experiences and happy memories.

Summary:

• Distance: 190km
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

TOUR ENDS.