Ha Giang & Cao Bang: A Real Review of the 6-Day Motorbike Tour With A Rider

If you’re even considering seeing Northeast Vietnam, that amazing region filled with staggering mountain views, I tell you, you have got to read on. Very recently, I wrapped up a six-day motorbike escapade winding through the dramatic landscapes of Ha Giang and Cao Bang, and very honestly, it completely blew my expectations. Going with a rider? Such a smart move, in my opinion. It definitely gave me a totally absorbing adventure. Now, I am pretty happy to be able to lay out the highs, the lows, and really, like, all the bits in between. I hope you enjoy!

What to anticipate from your northeast Vietnam Tour

Basically, these tours generally are shaped around the celebrated Ha Giang Loop but also push into Cao Bang to check out additional natural spectacles. Normally, you’ll find that itineraries frequently throw in spots like Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake. The goal is for you to experience some gorgeous scenery and, too, to connect with the local culture that’s there, without having to worry that much about getting lost or, I guess, overwhelmed.

A good tour, I suppose, brings to the table:

A skilled driver.
Decent accommodations, too, you know.
Food
All required permissions so you won’t have to think about any logistical headaches, that’s the idea.

Yet, the thing is that all tours are created different. The tour company you decide on and really the amount you would like to spend impacts really everything, the degree of personalization you get, the level of ease, and even exactly what kind of stories you take back with you.

Why Chose the ‘With A Rider’ Method?

Okay, so here is like the deal: though I think I’m relatively comfortable on a motorcycle, I really felt like having a local rider was a brilliant call. Very arguably, the roads up in Ha Giang and Cao Bang, well, they’re actually not playing around. They get fairly twisting, are at times steep, and can, arguably, be sort of unpredictable due to weather or, well, you know, that occasional water buffalo casually standing in the street. Getting someone at the helm who understands such situations isn’t only more secure but very often leads to a, really, you know, far more pleasant trip.

With a rider? This makes sure you can fully soak in what you’re viewing rather than hyper-focusing that much on dodging potholes or, you know, narrowly missing a goat.
Local riders frequently have, too, unique information and a better handle on lesser-known, amazing sites. Also? Getting insider food picks.
Very often, these trips end up being an interesting bridge connecting you with residents in remote villages, really enhancing how genuine your interactions are.

Features of this very particular ‘Ha Giang Cao Bang 6 Days Motorbike Tour’

Alright, so my ‘Ha Giang Cao Bang 6 Days Motorbike Tour with Rider’? Very often, they all offer what one might call a mixture of experiences, yet a number of factors kind of singled this particular one out.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Ha Giang City to Yen Minh

First off, we kicked things off in Ha Giang city and, you know, rode over to Yen Minh. Very quickly the vibe shifts away from that urban scenery into these sprawling limestone mountains. I guess highlights included getting to see the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, where, honestly, I got what one may call panorama views which are stunning. I think that the homestay that first night? Truly authentic. Also the food, very locally sourced, pretty amazing, honestly.

Day 2: Yen Minh to Dong Van

Basically, this day included getting over one seriously notable spot, the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. We paid a visit to the Hmong King’s Palace. Such complex background! Afterwards, we went up to the Lung Cu Flag Tower – and the perspectives there? Super breathtaking, yet pretty darn windy, too. Lodging in Dong Van was very good; quite a charming small hotel.

Day 3: Dong Van to Meo Vac

As a matter of fact, perhaps my day I liked most. We basically negotiated the Ma Pi Leng Pass. “Scenic” frankly really doesn’t do that vista any justice. The cliffs just loom above that turquoise river down below. Afterwards? We visited the remote ethnic village; that was so genuine, it’s almost humbling. You understand? The night in Meo Vac was quite simple; I stayed in a basic guesthouse. Don’t anticipate tons of extras, however, really everything clean.

Day 4: Meo Vac to Bao Lac

As a matter of fact, after three days in Ha Giang, this day we relocated to Cao Bang province. This particular bit is less seen, it turns out, but is actually so incredibly amazing. The roads, slightly rougher and that remote? However, so so much worth it. We ended up visiting some really picturesque valleys before sleeping in a calm Bao Lac homestay.

Day 5: Bao Lac to Cao Bang City & Ban Gioc Waterfall

We basically drove down to Ban Gioc Waterfall, the famous waterfall divided between Vietnam and China, after a fast tour of Cao Bang City. Spending some time only absorbing the raw splendor? Wow! And yes, of course there were selfie opportunities! Sleeping in Cao Bang that night? Easy. You could also get western dishes to balance all the local flavors you’ve been enjoying, okay?

Day 6: Cao Bang City to Hanoi

Basically, our morning began in Cao Bang, then it took off for Hanoi. The driver? He dropped me at my accommodation, thankfully; very long commute by car; I kind of napped some more in that afternoon.

Lodging Quality

Mostly it’s all about homestays and then the odd smaller hotel; remember? Clean, yeah? Mostly. I got air con occasionally, and really, internet access was sort of spotty, however this seriously increased my capacity just to unplug and only enjoy where I was and what was going on all around me. That particular thing is worth keeping at the front of mind.

Food And Drink

Prepare yourself? Mountains of rice, bowls and bowls of noodle soups, and honestly? Oodles of local greens and meats. So. Delicious. That is that your diet is almost fully, like, locally sourced. Should you wind up, too, liking beer, it turns out local beers are almost usually there and extremely inexpensive. Basically tell the tour company ahead should you happen to have nutritional constraints. These people, in my experience, take pains to handle such requirements.

The Guide

Very likely, they made that trip truly excellent. So knowledgeable on such areas and customs in this location, however at the same time so kind. Very helpful interpretation in all ethnic communities, and that level of openness was so meaningful.

Good bits? What Stood Out

Getting into back roads in Cao Bang province? A big yes! Much fewer tourists? And the surroundings? Incredible!
Lunches, that are spontaneous with such native homes on the way? Priceless genuine experiences.
Truly knowing the English the drivers show makes such interactions extremely genuine.

Challenges? Aspects You Ought To Take Into Account

A small quantity of journeying happened on very choppy streets, be conscious when it comes to getting the health set to it.
Internet reliability’s hit-or-miss. Get any essential information prepared down load well beforehand, too, alert members of the family regarding you disappearing temporarily!
Travel spans every day, that’s quite active. However for most? You only want an adventure of seeing.

Things You’d Wish You’d Understood Sooner

Absolutely transport some earplugs. You Will Discover cockerels are pretty into actually waking quite previously inside such country spots, if I’m truthful.
Take wet shoes also waterproof stuff to suit your telephones And really equipment. Precipitation seems unpredictably.
Studying handful common Vietnamese key phrases does basically improve the regards from your village locals!

Has This Motorbike Ride Correct For Yourself?

This sort tour suits anyone seeking not simply landscapes though any serious native interface effectively removed of most significant problem doing travels exclusively, okay? Would you actually mind at occasions minimal creature amenities to have the option to acquire substantially bona-fide reports, that is truly extremely worthwhile. Do comprehend the fact that there will be very active several days to suit the time and effort when witnessing various beautiful backdrops, yes really well worthwhile?

I mean this ‘Ha Giang Cao Bang 6 Days Motorbike Tour featuring your own Rider’ isn’t simply tour – some form involved inside insight. Highly suggesting should these sorts adventurous sort, this actually seeks extremely not very ordinary adventure with exclusive outlook effectively? We absolutely returned dwelling having countless breathtaking photographs besides special stories seriously showing life during North Vietnam!

Did my evaluation of any Ha Giang- Cao Bang trip having cyclist motivate a person prepare anyone really trip with any type in close long run okay or will most likely an individual however hold any concerns extremely that will help using one, I seriously hope to consider those below?