10-day motorbike trip can be an epic adventure, with options like exploring the remote, rugged mountains of Northern Vietnam, which includes the Ha Giang Loop, or experiencing a mix of northern and central Vietnam with routes that go into neighboring Laos. You can choose between fully supported tours that handle logistics like guides, mechanics, and accommodation, or opt for a self-guided tour, which requires more planning but offers greater flexibility

Hanoi → Ba Be Lake → Cao Bang → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Meo Vac → Dong Van → Ha Giang → Hanoi

Plan of travel

Day 1: Hanoi → Ba Be Lake (220 km / ~6–7 hrs)

Ride from Hanoi to Bac Kan and continue to Ba Be National Park.

Enjoy peaceful countryside views.

Stay in a homestay near the lake.

Boat ride on Ba Be Lake

Puong Cave

Tay ethnic culture

Day 2: Ba Be → Cao Bang (130 km / ~4–5 hrs)

Wind through forest roads and valleys.

Arrive in Cao Bang in the afternoon.

Local market in Cao Bang town

Rustic villages

Day 3: Cao Bang → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Cao Bang (170 km round trip)

Ride to the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, right on the China border.

Visit Nguom Ngao Cave nearby.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Nguom Ngao Cave

Border landscapes

Day 4: Cao Bang → Bao Lac (150 km / ~5–6 hrs)

Ride winding mountain passes with fewer tourists.

Visit local ethnic communities (Black Lolo, H’mong, Tay).

Authentic ethnic villages

Remote mountain views

Day 5: Bao Lac → Meo Vac (80 km / ~3 hrs)

Begin entering the legendary Ha Giang Loop.

Short but scenic ride via passes like Ma Pi Leng.

Ma Pi Leng Pass (one of Vietnam's most famous passes)

Nho Que River

Day 6: Meo Vac → Dong Van (25 km / ~1 hr)

Spend time exploring villages, and markets, and hike to view points.

Dong Van Karst Plateau

Old Quarter in Dong Van

Local Sunday market (if timing fits)

Day 7: Dong Van → Yen Minh → Quan Ba (110 km / ~4–5 hrs)

Beautiful stretch with panoramic mountain views and stops at Hmong villages.

Lung Cu Flag Tower (northernmost point of Vietnam)

Heaven’s Gate in Quan Ba

Day 8: Quan Ba → Ha Giang City (70 km / ~2 hrs)

Final part of the Ha Giang Loop.

Rest and enjoy Ha Giang city.

Twin Mountains

Relax in a local homestay

Day 9: Ha Giang → Thac Ba Lake (200 km / ~6–7 hrs)

Head back south on less-touristed backroads.

Overnight at lakeside homestay.

Highlights:

Chill by Thac Ba Lake

Sunset boat ride

Day 10: Thac Ba → Hanoi (170 km / ~5–6 hrs)

Easy ride back to Hanoi.

Return bikes and celebrate with street food & beer.