Well explained, great summary! The only thing I would say is that the "near North West" ie Hoa Binh up to Ta Xua has some amazing scenery, nice roads, and not as extreme or remote as other parts of the Northwest. Almost as good as Ha Giang, with fewer people - so definitely a good option for some, even solo travelers.
Agree, I should have talked about Ta Xua and Mu Cang Chai really. Also Pu Luong and Mai Chau could be considered North West. That loop might suit itself to a 4ish day Hanoi loop. Perhaps a trip and blog for another time!
What roads should i take from Son La to Sa Pa? I'm a average driver on a semi or manual scooter. I did the Mae Hong Son loop and drove a 90 km/h or 56mp/h scooter for 6 years. To define average. I've got 14 days in the north. if you've more tips it would be welcome.
I was surprised how cold it was when I rode around Ha Giang and the northeast. The weather in the north of Vietnam has no equivalent in Thailand. However this area is not just a beautiful part of Vietnam. I think it is a world class road tripping area - really exhilarating, particularly the back roads near the Chinese border linking the Ha Giang loop to the northeast which are very, very quiet too. I also think that it is not too difficult as long as you are sensible. I rode a semi automatic 110cc Honda and that was fine for this trip and very undemanding to ride. My trip to this area was one of my all time favourite holidays. Totally outstanding.
I just did 17 days in the northwest, quick update: - Police fines in Ha Giang are 2M-6M for incorrect licence; they know the different IDPs!! - Languages - locals are quite adept at using translation apps, even in remote villages. - SaPa - we didn't like it but road DT153 was awesome! Our drive back thru Mu Cang Chai and Moc Chau were very pleasant, despite thick fog in the passes. Our route was Hanoi - Ban Gioc Falls - followed the border to 17-curves in Bong Nam - Na Phong - Du Gia - Ba Be - DT153/Si Ma Cai - Sa Pa - Ninh Binh - Cat Ba - Hanoi. This was 2600 km in 17 days, riding 3-4 hrs/day. Given road challenges, this was a bit too much for pleasure, but highly memorable nonetheless. Thanks to Hanoi Tigit staff!
@@electronate The most troublesome part was the driving licence. Vietnam does not recognize licences from the USA, Canada, Oz, NZ, etc, even with an IDP. Shipping a bike is certainly possible, but renting is far cheaper and with no headaches. The XR150 we rode two-up was less than $20/day, and took us everywhere from highways to single-tracks. You can get CB500X for $40-50, and even bigger ADV and cruiser bikes if you wish. Good luck!
WOW! it's an awesome and valuable travelling video clip in the north of Vietnam, such is a meaningful time in life! Every country has its own beauty of the nature. Thank you for your great advices and travelling experiences on bike in Vietnam. Great work done.
Never met a biking rental and guiding service more honest funny and to the point as you Pal ❤️. If you moved your business plan to the rest of SEA you would soon 1 have a monopoly 2 be killed for it. I am coming into VN soon from KH on my own tiny VN bike bought here just for that purpose (I usually ride drz400 to crf1000) but I will definitely come visit one of your premises to meet your team and pay homage and probably buy a 150cc for my next trip as I hear we can't drive our VN bikes across the border anymore since 1/3 🤔🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
I'm just planning a seven-day trip to northern Vietnam. And your video was very helpful, thanks! If it doesn't make it difficult, throw off the link to the routes on the Google map
If you travel with me the structure and format is consistent. Drive all day, no stops, then pizza and beer at the end. What amuses me the most is how easily people give in to just getting a pizza. So much for experiencing the local cuisine!
Amazing video and explanation man. You were saying the weather is cold and misty December and January. I’ll be in Hanoi around February 12. Was planning on take the over night train to Lao caí staying a night in topas ecolodge and making my way back to Hanoi via ha Giang to meo vac, ban Gioc falls….so my question is does the weather lighten up a bit mid February?
Hi bud new subscriber loving your work,I'm heading for a 11 day ride up north with a mate ,experienced rider ,mad photographer, can you tell me the ideal rout please. I think I'll miss sapa after seeing one of your previous vids,thanks from 🇦🇺
There is no such thing as an ideal route :D I cover everything I know in this video. This was with an experienced tour guide to show me around. I believe it is about as good as you can get.
We are travelling to Ha Noi in early June and want to do the HG loop and / or Sapa ... but not sure if the rainny season weather may be too slippery and dangerous on motorbikes?
I am coming to vietnam Early Feb and was planning to be in the North to do the Ha Giang loop for some days. I would not consider myself an experienced motorcyclist but an experienced and prepared adventurer, bushcrafter, all weather prepared person, 100%. I was recommdended to take an overnight bus to Ha Giang and rent a semi-automatic scooter there and do the loop. Is this something you would consider ok for a not hugely experiences rider? Or should I try to tag along with someone elses loop or rent a guide to ride with me for a few days?
Hey Jon! If you are doing Ha Giang loop, and you want to duck out to the waterfall in the north east, is that one extra day drive or two (from where it deviates from Ba Be Lake to Meo Vac?)
Hi there thanks for the video I’m planning to go there soon in august; what is the situation of internet roaming in Vietnam ? Is the network well established everywhere ? Is it easy to buy an internet package at airport or city ?
Well explained, great summary! The only thing I would say is that the "near North West" ie Hoa Binh up to Ta Xua has some amazing scenery, nice roads, and not as extreme or remote as other parts of the Northwest. Almost as good as Ha Giang, with fewer people - so definitely a good option for some, even solo travelers.
Agree, I should have talked about Ta Xua and Mu Cang Chai really. Also Pu Luong and Mai Chau could be considered North West. That loop might suit itself to a 4ish day Hanoi loop. Perhaps a trip and blog for another time!
HIGHLY recommended to check out that route
What roads should i take from Son La to Sa Pa? I'm a average driver on a semi or manual scooter. I did the Mae Hong Son loop and drove a 90 km/h or 56mp/h scooter for 6 years. To define average. I've got 14 days in the north. if you've more tips it would be welcome.
Cold up north in winter. Colder than northern Thailand, and I get cold here on my bike in winter.
I was surprised how cold it was when I rode around Ha Giang and the northeast. The weather in the north of Vietnam has no equivalent in Thailand. However this area is not just a beautiful part of Vietnam. I think it is a world class road tripping area - really exhilarating, particularly the back roads near the Chinese border linking the Ha Giang loop to the northeast which are very, very quiet too. I also think that it is not too difficult as long as you are sensible. I rode a semi automatic 110cc Honda and that was fine for this trip and very undemanding to ride. My trip to this area was one of my all time favourite holidays. Totally outstanding.
Agreed on all you have said!
I just did 17 days in the northwest, quick update:
- Police fines in Ha Giang are 2M-6M for incorrect licence; they know the different IDPs!!
- Languages - locals are quite adept at using translation apps, even in remote villages.
- SaPa - we didn't like it but road DT153 was awesome! Our drive back thru Mu Cang Chai and Moc Chau were very pleasant, despite thick fog in the passes.
Our route was Hanoi - Ban Gioc Falls - followed the border to 17-curves in Bong Nam - Na Phong - Du Gia - Ba Be - DT153/Si Ma Cai - Sa Pa - Ninh Binh - Cat Ba - Hanoi.
This was 2600 km in 17 days, riding 3-4 hrs/day. Given road challenges, this was a bit too much for pleasure, but highly memorable nonetheless. Thanks to Hanoi Tigit staff!
Also, hotel staff said that these police fines are PER DAY ! Best to avoid the Ha Giang loop if from US, Can, Oz, NZ, etc.
Is the process of bringing your own bike troublesome?
@@electronate The most troublesome part was the driving licence. Vietnam does not recognize licences from the USA, Canada, Oz, NZ, etc, even with an IDP. Shipping a bike is certainly possible, but renting is far cheaper and with no headaches. The XR150 we rode two-up was less than $20/day, and took us everywhere from highways to single-tracks. You can get CB500X for $40-50, and even bigger ADV and cruiser bikes if you wish. Good luck!
@@guyetlaurence7142 Thank you for the tips!
We want to come and do that 4 day ride you mentioned. We will be there end of July
It is a good one
You're videos are clutch with helping with my itinerary. I appreciate you guys.
WOW! it's an awesome and valuable travelling video clip in the north of Vietnam, such is a meaningful time in life! Every country has its own beauty of the nature. Thank you for your great advices and travelling experiences on bike in Vietnam. Great work done.
Thank you
Found you via Ride with Gabi
good channel
Never met a biking rental and guiding service more honest funny and to the point as you Pal ❤️. If you moved your business plan to the rest of SEA you would soon 1 have a monopoly 2 be killed for it. I am coming into VN soon from KH on my own tiny VN bike bought here just for that purpose (I usually ride drz400 to crf1000) but I will definitely come visit one of your premises to meet your team and pay homage and probably buy a 150cc for my next trip as I hear we can't drive our VN bikes across the border anymore since 1/3 🤔🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Very insightful! Thank you. Noted a few things for my 2 weeks trip in december.
I'm just planning a seven-day trip to northern Vietnam. And your video was very helpful, thanks! If it doesn't make it difficult, throw off the link to the routes on the Google map
I’ve got to do this next year. Looks great.
Thank you so much for the great presentation.
Thanks for that, some very useful information 👍🏼
Exactly what I was looking for. Off there in 2 weeks :-) Thanks.
Enjoy!
And don’t forget to rent your motorbike from Tigit - awesome company!
Must plan out beer and pizza at all locations if you want to ride with Team Tigit
If you travel with me the structure and format is consistent. Drive all day, no stops, then pizza and beer at the end. What amuses me the most is how easily people give in to just getting a pizza. So much for experiencing the local cuisine!
Amazing video and explanation man. You were saying the weather is cold and misty December and January. I’ll be in Hanoi around February 12. Was planning on take the over night train to Lao caí staying a night in topas ecolodge and making my way back to Hanoi via ha Giang to meo vac, ban Gioc falls….so my question is does the weather lighten up a bit mid February?
yes it does, but the weather is always random in the North.
Hi bud new subscriber loving your work,I'm heading for a 11 day ride up north with a mate ,experienced rider ,mad photographer, can you tell me the ideal rout please. I think I'll miss sapa after seeing one of your previous vids,thanks from 🇦🇺
There is no such thing as an ideal route :D I cover everything I know in this video. This was with an experienced tour guide to show me around. I believe it is about as good as you can get.
Amazing video 🙏 Do you think a auto scooter is fine to ride from Hanoi to sapa or Hanoi to ha giang?
It is fine, but I prefer the semi-automatic
Awesome
It is
We are travelling to Ha Noi in early June and want to do the HG loop and / or Sapa ... but not sure if the rainny season weather may be too slippery and dangerous on motorbikes?
Which road and location it is in videos 8:53?
I am coming to vietnam Early Feb and was planning to be in the North to do the Ha Giang loop for some days. I would not consider myself an experienced motorcyclist but an experienced and prepared adventurer, bushcrafter, all weather prepared person, 100%.
I was recommdended to take an overnight bus to Ha Giang and rent a semi-automatic scooter there and do the loop. Is this something you would consider ok for a not hugely experiences rider? Or should I try to tag along with someone elses loop or rent a guide to ride with me for a few days?
There are so many tour companies in Ha Giang now. Check out QT motorbikes.
But ye go for it, many people do it.
Sir can i have T post of OUR HONDA XR150L
Hey Jon! If you are doing Ha Giang loop, and you want to duck out to the waterfall in the north east, is that one extra day drive or two (from where it deviates from Ba Be Lake to Meo Vac?)
I would say 2 extra days
Hi there thanks for the video I’m planning to go there soon in august; what is the situation of internet roaming in Vietnam ? Is the network well established everywhere ? Is it easy to buy an internet package at airport or city ?
loads of internet, cheap and easy
www.tigitmotorbikes.com/how-to-navigate-vietnam-by-motorbike/
Hallo my friend. Sw motech crash bars are ok for crashes? (Not at off road) or they bend?
They protect froms scratches in plastics front?
I am not a fan of SW-Motech. We have bought their products and been disappointed in the quality.
that chick again ??? bravo
:)