Ride to the Roof of Vietnam: My Motorbike Trip to Sapa

Traveling to Sapa by motorbike wasn’t just a journey — it was an adventure through some of the most stunning landscapes Vietnam has to offer. Forget the tourist buses — if you truly want to feel the North, the road to Sapa is best experienced on two wheels.

Starting Point: Hanoi
We picked up our bikes from Hanoi Pearl Motorbike Rental in the Old Quarter. The owner was super helpful, and the bikes (we chose 3scooter 125cc and 2 manuel 150cc) were in great shape — powerful enough for mountain climbs, yet light enough for winding passes. After a quick safety check and gear-up, we hit the road.

The Route
We avoided the main highway and chose the scenic route via Nghia Lo → Mu Cang Chai → Than Uyen → Sapa. It took us three days, and every stretch was worth it:

Day 1: Hanoi → Nghia Lo (~190 km)
Riding out of the city into the countryside felt like breaking free. The traffic slowly thinned, the air got fresher, and the rice paddies stretched endlessly.

Day 2: Nghia Lo → Mu Cang Chai (~100 km)
We climbed our first serious pass — Khau Pha — and it didn’t disappoint. Mist rolled through pine forests while kids waved from roadside villages.

Day 3: Mu Cang Chai → Sapa (~120 km)
This was the most breathtaking leg. Riding through O Quy Ho Pass was unforgettable — standing above the clouds, the valley below seemed to go on forever.