Ready to escape the ordinary? The Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike ride is one of Vietnam’s most exciting experiences, an exhilarating glimpse of Hanoi to the high misty mountains of Sapa through mountain passes, endless rice paddy fields, and secret hill tribe villages. Whether you’re an overlander, a biker or an all-around adventurer, this guide will teach you how to kick ass on this epic motorbike journey. Thinking of the best way how to get to Sapa from Hanoi while admiring the stunning landscapes of the North? Let’s ride!
Get set for a killer road trip, the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike route stretches along 320 to 420 kilometers, contingent on where exactly you decide to ride. Whether you are riding through the mountain valley of Phu Yen, admiring the golden rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, or driving through stunning mountain passes in the direction of Lao Cai, every kilometre is an adventure you will never forget!
Normally, it takes 7 – 10 hours to full ride from Hanoi to Sapa Motorcycle route may vary according to your departure & arrival places, as well as the speed you ride, the weather, and how many stops and breaks you make while riding. And this is not a race, it’s a motorbike journey in which every pause offers a glimpse into another of Northern Vietnam’s countless charming corners, from mom-and-pop roadside shops turning out spring rolls to misty scenes that will have you pulling over just to gaze.
But, wait, timing is everything. If traveling in the rainy season (usually July to August), anticipate slippery roads and single-digit visibility at high altitudes such as O Quy Ho pass. When is the right time to do the epic journey? Spring and fall, when the sky is blue, rice grows green, and the road beckons!
For most people, this is the fastest way for Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike: around 320 km and takes (much) less than 7-8 hours.
Great if you are in a hurry and still wish to experience the “motorbike trip” vibe. And for anyone wondering how to get to Sapa from Hanoi quickly, this is it.
Would-be thrill-seekers and experienced riders! This 420 km journey is an action-packed highlight reel of some of Vietnam’s most stunning sights.
Motogo is a professional motorcycle rental company in Vietnam with a business license. All their bikes are 100% new, serviced well, and excellent for long-distance trips such as the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike ride.
Best for: Good quality, decent bikes, and a real motorbike tour through mountain valleys.
Motogo (Sours: MOTOGO)
Ḥeadquartered since 1998, Flamingo Travel is the place to seek out powerful bikes for charging through the uneven trails of Mu Cang Chai, O Quy Ho Pass, as well as Sapa’s backroads.
Best for: Experienced drivers wanting a durable Sapa motorbike for a full-day tour or a highland loop.
Flamingo Travel (Sours: FlamingoTravel)
Phung Motorbike is a favorite among locals for its hassle-free experience, reasonable rates, and convenient proximity to the Old Quarter. These are a great option for impromptu riders kickin’ it off from Day 1 Hanoi.
Best for: Budget-oriented travellers, first-timers on the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike route.
Phung Motorbike (Sours: PhungMotorbike)
Overseen by a foreign-Vietnamese couple, Rent A Bike caters to travelers who want to take an extended motorbike voyage through the country. Expats and travel bloggers are raving about their customer service.
Best for: Overseas riders or digital nomads who plan to discover more how to get to Sapa from Hanoi.
Rent A Bike Hanoi (Sours: vinwonders)
Need convenience? Hiep Motorbike will deliver to your hotel, the airport, or any place in Hanoi. Their staff is fluent in English, and they’ll whip you through the rental process in no time.
Best for: Flexible travel and backup support between Lao Cai and Hanoi.
Hiep Motorbike (Sours: tripadvisor)
Begin with a culturally significant detour to Den Hung, a sacred destination devoted to the kings who founded Vietnam. After dipping through pine groves, this is a good spot to stretch your legs, refill your water bottles, and snag a light banh mi or spring rolls before continuing along the mountain valley routes.
This delightful little town is a hidden spot on the picturesque QL32. Located in the green of rice fields, the town of Nghia Lo is surrounded by Thai ethnic villages and is a perfect halfway stop for riders on their way to Mu Cang Chai.
Sitting at the foot of the pass before the climb to O Quy Ho Pass, Thu Uyen is where you will want to recharge both you and your bike. Paintings of rice terraces and distant peaks provided the backdrop for the last stretch into Sapa.
O Quy Ho Pass (Sours: vnanet)
Very handy for the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike ride, where it is a golden rule to keep your tank above half, particularly in the more remote sections!
Phone signal can be lost quickly when you reach the highlands of Mu Cang Chai, Phu Yen, or those lonely mountain passes near Lao Cai. Download offline maps with Google Maps or Maps.me.
Your phone is your lifeline to find your way, make calls, translate things, even to take the misty mountain air home with you. Carry a power bank (10,000 mAh or higher) and check to see if your SIM is 4G-capable through carriers like Viettel or MobiFone.
I’ve heard of the odd accident on the Sapa motorbike trail, but they’re very rare, although I’d imagine a nasty accident does occur on those sharp turns around the foggy regions of the trail.
Download these before you head out, particularly if you want to embark on a solo motorbike expedition to less densely populated areas like Than Uyen or Mu Cang Chai.
From the engine revs of the Day 1 Hanoi start to the fog-laden peaks of Lao Cai, the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike tour isn’t just a journey, it is an epic tale flowing through the heart of Vietnam’s northern soul. Now that you’re prepared with your routes, rentals, rest stops, and expert tips, all that’s left is to hit your throttle and ride out into the wild. Still wondering how to get to Sapa from Hanoi most exciting way? You already know the answer. Hit the road, Sapa awaits!
Absolutely! The Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike is among Vietnam’s most beautiful and wild drives. The riders will be given options to take a fast, direct route or a winding, hilly trail through Mu Cang Chai, Phu Yen, and famous mountain passes. And it’s ideal for visitors who want freedom, fresh air, and beautiful panoramic views across northern Vietnam.
Yes, but with caution. Sapa also has winding roads, foggy weather, and steep slopes, especially at O Quy Ho Pass. Provided you know how to ride, wear protective armor, check your brakes, and drive while the sun is shining, it‘s safe and extremely rewarding. Preparation is the key, especially if you plan on continuing your sapa motorbiking journey into the surrounding villages or hill tribe regions.
Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by motorbike is also possible if riders are reasonably experienced and organized. The ride is long (7-10 hours), and the landscape ranges from highways to mountain valleys. Limit travel to daylight hours, download offline maps, and take regular breaks in rest spots such as Nghia Lo and Than Uyen. If you weren’t sure how to get to Sapa from Hanoi, this scenic challenge is worth experiencing safely.
The most comfortable way is the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and a short car ride to Sapa. This is one for those who like to sleep well and easily. Yet for anyone after an adventure, views, and the experience of it all, the Hanoi to Sapa Motorbike ride is still the most thrilling and fulfilling way to approach the challenge.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Impress Travel offers daily tours to attractive destinations in the capital of Hanoi as well as package tours to explore the most popular destinations in North Vietnam, such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, or adventure tours to explore the Northeast & Northwest regions such as Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Mu Cang Chai. Our products focus on providing travel services for private tours, small groups, family groups, and couples who need to make special requests for the trip. For the trip to Hanoi & North Vietnam, your submission to Impress Travel & Destination Management Company (DMC), which will bring the greatest value to your trip.
To explore Hanoi Capital's hidden charm for the first day, visit the most iconic attractions such as historical President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Ancient Temple of Literature, tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi elderly quarter. Then, the upcoming of Hanoi – Halong Tour, we will have an amazing 2 day and 1 night stay on an outstanding cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. We will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city. Then, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. The unforgettable time is on Halong bay cruise that bring you to explore the seven natural wonder of the world.
To bring travelers to discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi’s hidden charm .The stunning beauty of North Vietnam come up with Sapa’s discovery were attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay
To discover the most iconic of treasures in the Northern part of Vietnam. Travelers get ahead with the discovery of Hanoi. Then, to explore stunning beauty of Sapa where we are attracted by imposing sceneries such as rows of mountains, hills, lush valleys, rice terraces, waterfalls, and ethnic minority community. Afterward, visitors following up to Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh (Tam Coc).
