Day 1 – Hanoi → Thai Nguyen

"The adventure begins! We left the bustling streets of Hanoi, dodging scooters and buses, heading north toward Thai Nguyen. A short warm-up ride (~80 km) to ease into the journey. We stopped for some amazing tea in Thai Nguyen, famous for its green tea."

Day 2 – Thai Nguyen → Ba Be Lake

"Backroads and scenic rice fields led us into Ba Be National Park. The final stretch was pure magic—mountains hugging the lake. We took a sunset paddle on Ba Be Lake and stayed in a Tay minority homestay."

Day 3 – Rest Day at Ba Be

"We needed the rest and soaked in the nature. Took a boat to Dau Dang Waterfall, explored Puong Cave, and watched kids jumping off wooden boats into the lake. A perfect peaceful recharge."

Day 4 – Ba Be → Cao Bang

"Woke early for a twisty mountain ride. Tiny villages and locals waved as we passed. Rolled into Cao Bang late afternoon—calm town, friendly people. Hot noodle soup hit the spot!"

Day 5 – Cao Bang → Ban Gioc Waterfall (Day Trip)

"We rode east to the China border. Ban Gioc was absolutely stunning—one of the largest waterfalls in Asia. Border guards waved us through the scenic areas. Ended the day at Nguom Ngao Cave. Unreal limestone formations!"

Day 6 – Cao Bang → Bao Lac

"Rode a remote stretch full of winding roads, cornfields, and buffalo traffic jams. Bao Lac is quiet and raw—spent the night in a Black Lolo homestay. Learned to cook sticky rice in bamboo!"

Day 7 – Bao Lac → Meo Vac

"Into the Ha Giang Loop! The roads were steep and narrow, but the views were worth every turn. Arrived in Meo Vac and sat by the river with some grilled pork skewers. Magic."

Day 8 – Meo Vac → Dong Van (via Ma Pi Leng Pass)

"What a ride! Ma Pi Leng Pass left us speechless—deep valleys, snaking roads, Nho Que River below. Dong Van's ancient town was charming and quiet. Coffee in a 100-year-old Hmong house? Yes please."

Day 9 – Rest Day in Dong Van

"Hiked around the Karst Plateau. Visited the Lung Cu Flagpole (northernmost point of Vietnam). Back in town, shared rice wine with a group of travelers. Heads were spinning—in every sense!"

Day 10 – Dong Van → Yen Minh

"Twisting roads again today. Stopped at Hmong villages en route. Kids ran alongside us giggling. Stayed in a cozy guesthouse in Yen Minh."

Day 11 – Yen Minh → Quan Ba → Ha Giang

"The 'Heaven’s Gate' viewpoint in Quan Ba was surreal—rolling mountains under morning mist. Reached Ha Giang city in the afternoon, had our bikes cleaned and tuned up. Street BBQ for dinner!"

Day 12 – Ha Giang → Lang Son

"Long stretch (~300 km) through valleys and forests to Lang Son, near the China border again. Not as touristy, but the ride was smooth and scenic. Enjoyed some local bánh cuốn."

Day 13 – Lang Son → Ninh Binh

"Another long but beautiful ride. Hit flat Red River delta roads. Arrived in Ninh Binh by sunset—karst cliffs and rice paddies glowing golden. The landscape is like Ha Long Bay on land."

Day 14 – Explore Ninh Binh (Trang An & Tam Coc)

"Took a boat tour in Trang An—pure serenity. Explored ancient temples and hiked to Hang Mua Peak. Breathtaking views of the valley below. Rested legs and enjoyed goat meat hotpot!"

Day 15 – Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay

"Cruised east to the coast. A fairly easy ride. Reached Ha Long City by dusk. Booked a cruise for the next day. The sea breeze was a welcome change from the mountains."

Day 16 – Ha Long Bay Boat Cruise

"Wow. Kayaking through caves, fresh seafood on deck, swimming off the boat. Spent a night on the water under the stars. A totally different kind of peace."

Day 17 – Ha Long → Hanoi

"Back on land, we rode the final leg back to Hanoi. Took the scenic coastal route then merged with the city madness. After 2,000+ km, we’d come full circle."

Day 18 – Chill Day in Hanoi

"Feet up. Banh mi in hand. Reflected on everything—the landscapes, the people, the roads, the moments. What a ride."