Detailed Motorcycle Touring Route Guide: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Bac Son – Huu Lien – Hanoi

Based on your request, I’ve added detailed route information for each segment with specific roads (national highways – NH, provincial roads – PR, expressways – EX), updated to 2025 from reliable travel sources. The total distance remains about 1,200-1,500km, so you can now “plot” it on Google Maps  for real-time tracking. This Northeast Vietnam route is mostly well-paved, but expect winding mountain passes, steep drops, and occasional river crossings—ride slow and safe!

>>> Read More : How to Get to Huu Lien Community Tourism Village and Dong Lam Steppe

1. Hanoi ==>> Ha Giang City (Approx. 300 km)

  • Suggested Route: Hanoi (via the West side) ==>> Vinh Phuc ==>> Phu Tho ==>> Tuyen Quang ==>> Ha Giang City.
  • Main Roads: QL2 (National Highway 2).
  • Travel Time: About 6 – 8 hours.
  • Overnight Stop: It’s recommended to leave early and spend the night in Ha Giang City or Quan Ba Heaven Gate to start conquering the Karst Plateau the next morning.

2. Ha Giang City ==>> Dong Van ==>> Lung Cu (Approx. 120 – 150 km)

This is the legendary route of Ha Giang, famous for its winding mountain passes.

Main Roads: QL4C (National Highway 4C).

Route: Ha Giang City ==>> Quan Ba Heaven Gate ==>> Yen Minh ==>> Tham Ma Slope ==>> Dong Van ==>> Lung Cu.

Must-See Attractions:

  • Quan Ba Heaven Gate & Fairy Bosom Mountains (Núi Đôi Cô Tiên): The first viewpoint on the Karst Plateau.
  • Yen Minh Pine Forest: A cool, poetic landscape amidst the rocky mountains.
  • Tham Ma Slope & Chin Khoanh Slope: Famous, challenging switchbacks that are perfect for photos.
  • Dong Van Old Quarter: A great spot to rest, explore ancient architecture, and enjoy local cuisine (recommended overnight stay).
  • H’mong King’s Palace (Dinh Thự Vua Mèo): A unique historical and architectural site.
  • Lung Cu Flagpole: The northernmost point of Vietnam, offering a panoramic view of the mountains.

>>> Read More : When to go Huu Lien, Huu Lung ? When is Huu Lung most beautiful ?

Leg 2: Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall (Approx. 250 – 300 km)

From Ha Giang (usually from Dong Van/Meo Vac), you will travel to Cao Bang.1. Dong Van/Meo Vac ==>> Cao Bang (Cao Bang City)

Most Scenic Route: Dong Van ==>> Ma Pi Leng Pass ==>> Meo Vac ==>> Bao Lac ==>> Bao Lam ==>> Cao Bang City.

Main Roads: QL4C ==>> QL34 (or QL4A).

Highlights:

Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes,” featuring the Nho Que River gorge—one of the deepest in Southeast Asia. A must-see!

Nho Que River: Highly recommended to take a boat trip (from Ta Lang or Tu San Gorge)

2. Cao Bang City ==>> Ban Gioc Waterfall (Approx. 90 km)

Overnight Stop: Recommended to stay near Ban Gioc Waterfall (Trung Khanh district) to visit the falls early.Main

Roads: QL4A ==>> DT206 (Provincial Road 206).

Must-See Attractions:

  • Ban Gioc Waterfall: The largest natural waterfall in Southeast Asia, located on the border between Vietnam and China.
  • Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda (Chùa Phật Tích): A temple with a beautiful location overlooking the waterfall and mountains.
  • Nguom Ngao Cave: A stunning limestone cave with unique stalactite formations
  • .Pac Bo Historical Site: Where President Ho Chi Minh began his revolutionary career in Vietnam.Lenin Stream and Coc Bo Cave: Sites of great historical significance.

>>> Read More : Discover Huu Lung, Lang Son – The Hidden Gem of Northern Vietnam

Leg 3: Cao Bang – Bac Son – Huu Lien (Approx. 180 – 220 km)

After exploring Cao Bang, you will head towards Lang Son province.

Main Roads: QL4A (or QL4B) ==>> QL1B ==>> DT243.Route: Cao Bang ==>> That Khe (Lang Son) ==>> Bac Son District ==>> Huu Lung District (Huu Lien).

Overnight Stop: Recommended to stay at Homestays/Resorts in Bac Son or Huu Lien.

Must-See Attractions:

  • Bac Son Valley (Lang Son):Famous for its unique rice fields, shaped like a basin and surrounded by limestone mountains.
  • Na Lay Peak: An ideal spot for a short hike to view the entire valley (best at sunrise or sunset).Huu Lien Tourist Area (Huu Lung, Lang Son):Dong Lam Steppe: A great place for camping, kayaking, or watching horses graze (depending on the water season).
  • Nong Dung Lake: A peaceful lake landscape surrounded by mountains.You can choose to stay at Bamboo Hill Resort  for a natural getaway.
Bamboo Hill Resort

Leg 4: Huu Lien – Hanoi (Approx. 120  km)

This is the final and relatively easy leg to conclude the journey.

  • Main Roads: DT243 ==>> QL1A (Old).
  • Route: Huu Lien ==>> DT243 ==>> QL1A (passing through Huu Lung) ==>> Bac Giang, Bac Ninh ==>> Hanoi.
  • Travel Time: About  hours.

>>> Read More : The most detailed 2 days 1 night Huu Lien Travel Guide

Additional Route Tips

  • Mapping Aids: Download offline Maps.me and mark NH/PR routes. 2025 Weather: Check Windy app for pass fog.
  • Safety: NH4C and NH34 are the toughest—carry spare fuel, avoid rain (June-August).
  • Updates: Roads may change due to repairs; check Facebook groups like “Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tours” before departure.

With these details, you’re set to roll with confidence! If you need a GPX file or route tweaks, just ask. Safe travels!

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