Vietnam’s mountains 19 days

Travel to Vietnam: We will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation. If you still have enough energy, we can head to explore the city of Hanoi.

After resting from the journey and the bustling excitement of the previous night, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our bus for a full day of exploration in the wonderful city of Hanoi.

Seated comfortably on the bus, we excitedly plan our day filled with discoveries and experiences. As we head towards the city, we glimpse the vibrant and colorful landscape through the windows.

Hanoi is captivating in every way. The blend of traditional and modern elements, the historical buildings, and the bustling streets promise new surprises at every turn. The buzz of the streets, the array of aromas, and the smiles of the people will all contribute to a rich collection of experiences.

As we wander through the city, we will delve into Hanoi’s rich cultural and historical heritage. We’ll visit famous landmarks, explore the markets, and immerse ourselves in the local culinary delights. Throughout the day, we will have ample opportunities to learn about and fall in love with this enchanting city, which will become our home for at least a few days.

Day 4: Early morning departure awaits us as we head towards the mountains of Vietnam. After breakfast, we’ll pick up our motorbikes, pack our essentials, and head to Viet Tri. Before settling into our accommodation, we’ll visit the Khu Di Tích Đền Hùng Temple, where we’ll climb 500 steps and gain a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. The day’s journey is not too long, approximately 140 km, but should be sufficient for today.

Day 5: After breakfast, we will explore the real rice fields and the winding mountain roads. We will spend the evening in Bac Yen village, covering about 160 km for the day.

Day 6: After savoring a cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee in the fresh morning air, we’ll dress up and set off for a day trip south towards Laos, then return to our accommodation. There will be a ferry crossing, although one year we could only cross through a muddy riverbed due to severe drought. We will find out on the spot. If we’re delayed, we will adjust the route accordingly. The daily distance is approximately 270 km.

Day 7: We’ll leave our accommodation and head north to Khau Pha Pass. Expect memorable moments on this incredibly winding road with breathtaking views that will make you almost forget to adjust the throttle. The day’s distance is about 220 km.

Day 8: We continue north through Lao Cai city to Bac Ha. The highlight of the day is O Quy Ho Pass. This rocky road climbs towards the sky, but the view will make it all worthwhile. It will feel like you’re touching the clouds on your motorcycle. We’ll also strive to reach Fansipan, Southeast Asia’s highest point at 3,143 meters. It’s a truly special place; we hope for clear weather to enjoy the view. Entrance fee on-site is 35 EUR per person. Daily distance is approximately 200 km.

Day 9: In the morning, we’ll set off to explore Vietnam’s rice fields and visit the zero-kilometer milestone of Ha Giang.

Day 10: The highlight of this day is Ma Pi Leng Pass, considered one of Vietnam’s most dangerous and scenic passes. This is a must-do route for every motorcyclist visiting Vietnam. The day’s distance is about 150 km.

Day 11: This will be a longer day but full of sights. If we make good progress, we will visit the Thác Bản Giốc Waterfall, located right on the Chinese border, making it just an arm’s reach away. The daily distance is about 270 km.

Day 12: Heading back, but don’t be fooled—Vietnam still has sights to offer. We will stay in Ba Be, where we’ll take a one-hour boat ride on Ba Be Lake the next morning. The cost is approximately 10 EUR per person. Daily distance is around 200 km.

Day 13: Our last day of riding takes us back to Hanoi. We’ll return the motorbikes and head to our accommodation in Hanoi. After resting from our ride, those interested can dive into the urban life of the city. The day’s distance is about 230 km.

Day 14:

Between 7:30 and 8:00 AM: A private 29-seat bus will arrive at our hotel in central Hanoi to transport us and all our luggage to Ben Beo Harbor on Cat Ba Island. The bus ride will take approximately 3.5-4 hours. Upon arrival at Ben Beo Harbor, the speedboat captain will meet us, purchase the harbor entry tickets, and guide us to the boat. The boat ride will take around 10-15 minutes. After disembarking, an electric vehicle will pick us up from the harbor and take us through the national park to our accommodation.

Day 15:

Wake-up call at 8:00 AM, followed by a quick breakfast as we prepare for our boat trip. At 9:00 AM, our electric vehicle will take us on a private boat tour. The spacious boat, with a sun deck, dining area, and room for 50 people, will be exclusively ours. The boat will head north from Lan Ha Bay, near the border of Ha Long Bay, offering beautiful and rugged landscapes with various islands and beaches. The boat will stop at a floating house surrounded by stunning lagoons, natural caves, and mysterious tunnels. This area is protected by the government for the rare Cat Ba Langur monkeys and other endangered species. Our guide will lead us on a 1-1.5 hour exploration of the area. Between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM, we’ll return to the boat for a delicious lunch prepared in the Vietnamese family-style with local flavors and spices. From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, the boat will anchor at one of the bay’s wild beaches, Three Peace, where we can swim or enjoy surface snorkeling. Snorkels will be provided on the boat. At 3:15 PM, we will return to the boat and head back to Viet Hai Harbor. From there, we’ll hop back into our electric vehicle and return to our accommodation for a relaxing evening and a hearty dinner.

Day 16:

Early wake-up at 8:00 AM, followed by breakfast. We’ll visit the Navy Peak viewpoint in the national park, where we can enjoy the best views of Ha Long Bay, Ha Long City, Lan Ha Bay, and the national park. The peak is about 270 meters high, and the hike will take around 3 hours. Be sure to bring enough water, mosquito repellent, and wear appropriate footwear. Around 12:00-1:00 PM, we’ll return to the accommodation, have lunch, rest a bit, and prepare for the afternoon activities. Between 3:45 PM and 4:00 PM, we’ll leave the accommodation and head to the dock with our trusty electric vehicle. A speedboat will be waiting at the harbor to take us to a secluded beach in Lan Ha Bay. Upon arrival, our guide will prepare a grilled meal (not dog) on the beach while we swim and enjoy the sunset over Lan Ha Bay, creating unforgettable memories. Between 6:15 PM and 6:30 PM: As the sun sets, we’ll finish our meal and head to a floating house in Lan Ha Bay. Our guide will prepare kayaks and take the group around a nearby lagoon to see the bioluminescent plankton, offering a magical and relaxing experience. The amount of plankton may vary based on factors like humidity, temperature, moonlight, and tides, but it will be a memorable experience. From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, we’ll return to the floating house, board the speedboat, and head back to the accommodation.

Day 17:

For those who wish, there is an option to sleep in a bit longer, but breakfast must be completed by 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we’ll again use the electric vehicle to reach the harbor, where the speedboat captain will take us to Ben Beo Harbor. A 16-seat bus will be waiting for us, and our destination is Cannon Fort Hill. This historic site, built in 1947 for Vietnamese soldiers, served during two significant wars against France and America. The hill offers panoramic views of Cat Ba City, the national park, and the bay. Some of the cannons and structures built by the army still stand, reminding us of the challenging times in Vietnamese history. At 11:30 AM: We’ll head to a local restaurant in Cat Ba City Center for lunch, where we’ll sample more Vietnamese dishes to keep the flavors fresh in our memories. At 1:00 PM: The bus will take us to another wartime site, the so-called Hospital Cave. This cave served as a refuge for injured soldiers, protecting them from the enemy and attacks. The man-made cave features various rooms with beds, weapon storage, and a ward. It promises to be an exciting experience. Between 1:30 PM and 1:45 PM, we’ll visit another cave system, part of the national park. This extensive cave system contains various stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. It’s definitely worth exploring. The last stop will be Cat Ba National Park, where we’ll hike to another mountain, the Ngu Lam Peak, for great views and fresh air. The hike is short, about 1-1.5 hours, but worth the trip. Between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM, we’ll return to our bus and head back to Ben Beo Harbor, from where we’ll take the speedboat and trusty electric vehicle back to our accommodation.

The activities on Cat Ba Island are 250 EUR per person, which must be paid in addition to the tour price but is optional. If you prefer not to participate, please let us know.

Goodbye, Vietnam

The time has come to say farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam. During our stay, we’ve gathered countless experiences and memories, from vibrant cities to serene delta vistas. As we board our flight, we’ll forever cherish the memories of local culture, flavors, and friendships. Thank you for joining us on this thrilling journey. Farewell, Vietnam, and we hope to see you again soon!