Motorcycle circuit Northern Vietnam

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jwscott96
jwscott96

Hello!

I am currently on a four month backpacking circuit through SEA and I head to Vietnam in about a week. Flying into Hanoi where I’ll be staying for three nights and yes, I have my visa sorted out.

The northern towns and villages really intrigue me and I’m planning on allocating 7-8 nights just exploring the far north. Obviously, the towns like Sapa, Lai Chau and Ha Giang keep coming up but I was wondering what would be a good circuit for this amount of time? I also really want to have the freedom of a motorcycle and I’m not a fan of group tours. I want to explore on my own.

So,
I’m assuming Sapa is a good starting point. Should I make my way there then branch off to other areas?
How is the motorcycle route from Hanoi to Sapa?
Are there any towns or villages that are an absolute must in the far north?

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mrmoto
mrmoto

There is a lot to explore all around this region northland northwest of Hanoi.

Have you ridden a motorcycle before? You need to understand this High Risk, as VN they don't drive like back home, and accidents are commonplace...Medical attention, and X-rays or MRI's will be few and far between...so just you know.

That said, if you are confident on a moto, or 150 CC moped, then consider it a great way to get about. I would first take the train ir a shuttle up to Sapa region, and then rent a moto there and explore further afield as day trips or a loop. The only reason I suggest this, is the traffic and roads around Hanoi are terrible and confusing as hell. Trucks and cars will be driving within inches of you at 50 MPH...

I prefer to rent locally. There are also moto tours based in Hanoi too, depending on days and what and where you want to go...

Wear a good helmet, and if possible, have Medical Insurance with Evacuation Coverage, if something bad happens, you need to be flown to Bangkok or worse, home.

Adventure Travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Africa, Morocco, Turkey, EU, USA National Parks, enjoying culture, cuisine, motorcycling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, rafting, hiking, fishing, camping, nature, wildlife. Get a Guidebook, and get lost!
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weallwanttobehappy
weallwanttobehappy

Read http://vietnamcoracle.com/ and you can't go wrong.

7-8 nights isn't enough for much more than Ba Be, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, but 7-8 nights there is pretty good.

https://weallwanttobehappy.blogspot.com/
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larsay
larsay

Done it at least 10 times already ! The best for me is
Day 1 : Hanoi-Ha Giang (long but mostly boring road, so get it of it !)
2 HG-Quang Ba-Dong Van (stunning road !)
3 DV (Lunc Cu et Saphin) (stunning also !)
4 DV (Mai Pi Leng-Meo Vac-Sin Chai at the Chinese border (stunning also !)
5 DV-Bao Lac
6 BL-lac Babe (Pac Ngoi - DUY THO Homestay)
7 Boat lake and Nang River organized by Duy Tho
8 Pac Ngoi-Hanoi

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skidrowe1
skidrowe1

I would second the Ha Gang loop---It was awesome---you can rent bikes there---we rode from Hanoi slowly up to Sapa and then on to Ha gang and the loop-----the loop was the most spectacular in terms of major limestone Karsks---the area before Sapa was best for rice paddies....but with your time frame Ha Gang loop is best---we are heading back this year for more.

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nguyenthu
nguyenthu

check this for motorbikes

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skidrowe1
skidrowe1
In response to #5

check this for motorbikes

We needed a 125cc so went with Flamingo

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