Best Ha Giang to Ninh Binh motorbike route for adventure riders

The Ha Giang to Ninh Binh motorbike route is one of the most popular cross-Vietnam journeys among adventure riders. Along this route, travelers can truly feel the transition of their journey—from majestic rocky mountains to vast lowland fields. With nothing more than a motorbike and a passion for exploration, riders will pass winding mountain passes, peaceful highland towns, and eventually reach the famous Trang An–Tam Coc area. In this article, Valor Ha Giang Loop will suggest the most beautiful, safe, and experience-rich Ha Giang to Ninh Binh motorbike route to help you enjoy a truly unforgettable trip.

How far is the motorbike distance from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh?

The motorbike journey from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh is one of the routes that takes travelers from the majestic rocky plateau to the poetic landscapes of Trang An. Depending on your time and riding style, there are two main routes you can choose from.

The fastest route – approximately 380 km

This is the most popular route for those who want a faster and easier journey. From Ha Giang, ride along National Highway 2 for about 160 km to Son Duong town (Tuyen Quang). Then continue on National Highway 2C for approximately 90 km to Hop Chau (Bac Kan). From there, turn onto Vo Van Kiet Road and travel about 130 km to the Thang Long Bridge area in Hanoi. Continue along the Vo Van Kiet – Pham Van Dong – Vo Chi Cong axis and National Highway 10 for another 100 km to reach Ninh Binh City. This route is quite convenient thanks to good road conditions, plenty of rest stops, and well-developed services. However, traffic can be heavy when passing through Hanoi, so it’s best to avoid rush hours.

Map of the fastest route from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh (380 km)

The route through the Northwest – approximately 408 km

If you’re looking for a more experience-rich journey, the route through the Northwestern provinces is an ideal choice. From Ha Giang, continue along National Highway 2 and then join the Ho Chi Minh Road for about 240 km to reach Dau Duong town (Son La). From there, the journey continues via Provincial Road 317, National Highway 6, National Highway 12B, and Provincial Road 477 for another 168 km to reach Ninh Binh. This route is best suited for adventure riders who love natural scenery, as it takes you through peaceful mountain roads with many beautiful yet challenging mountain passes. Riders should have solid riding skills and are advised to check weather conditions before setting off.

The Northwestern Ha Giang – Ninh Binh route with majestic scenery

Why should adventure riders experience the motorbike route from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh?

The Ha Giang – Ninh Binh route is an ideal choice for those who want to combine adventure riding with exploring beautiful landscapes. Traveling by motorbike allows you the freedom to stop at famous destinations in Ninh Binh such as Trang An, Hang Mua, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, or Cuc Phuong National Park. In the opposite direction, Ha Giang will overwhelm you with the stunning beauty of Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Nho Que River, the Dong Van rocky plateau, and Bac Son Valley. Each spot offers its own unique emotions, making the journey rich and fulfilling.

If you travel by bus, you’ll be seated for 8 hours straight and might miss the scenic beauty along the way. But on a motorbike, you can stop anytime to enjoy the view, take photos, or rest. Riding through mountain passes, descending into valleys, and then entering the limestone plains of Ninh Binh gives you the most immersive experience in nature.

Experience the Ha Giang – Ninh Binh adventure with diverse landscapes

The best time to explore the Ha Giang – Ninh Binh route

The Ha Giang – Ninh Binh route stretches from rugged high mountains to limestone plains, so weather greatly affects your experience. Each season offers its own unique beauty, from the vibrant flowers of Ha Giang’s highlands to the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital in Ninh Binh.

• January – March: Pleasant spring and many festivals: This period features cool, dry weather, making it ideal for long-distance motorbike rides. Additionally, early in the year, Ha Giang and Ninh Binh host numerous traditional festivals, offering a great opportunity to experience the unique culture of the highlands and the plains.
• November – December: The most beautiful season in Ha Giang: At the end of the year, Ha Giang enters the blooming season of buckwheat flowers and the golden rice harvest, creating picturesque scenery along the roads. The weather is cool and dry, perfect for both riding and photography. This is also one of the peak seasons particularly loved by adventure riders.

The best season to explore the Ha Giang – Ninh Binh motorbike route

Explore the highlights along the Ha Giang – Ninh Binh motorbike journey

The motorbike route from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh is one of the most rewarding journeys in Northern Vietnam. This route takes you across rocky plateaus, over challenging mountain passes, through peaceful green valleys, and ends in the heritage-rich land of Ninh Binh. Each stop along the way offers its own story, beauty, and a fresh experience for those who love to explore.

Ha Giang – Dong Van: The Beginning of the Journey

Starting from the center of Ha Giang city, the route takes you through majestic terraced fields, buckwheat flower plains, and peaceful mountain villages. Upon reaching Dong Van, you will encounter Dong Van Ancient Town—a prominent historical site featuring traditional mud-walled houses, yin-yang tiled roofs, and the vibrant red of hanging lanterns.

Dong Van Ancient Town seen from above

Ma Pi Leng – Nho Que River – Meo Vac – Khau Vai

Leaving Dong Van, the journey takes you to one of the most beautiful roads in Vietnam: Ma Pi Leng Pass. From the top of the pass, you can admire the Tu San Gorge—the deepest gorge in Southeast Asia—alongside the emerald-green Nho Que River winding below. Experiencing a kayak or boat ride on the Nho Que offers a completely new and emotional perspective. Continuing to Meo Vac, you can visit the Khau Vai Love Market, famous for its stories of unfulfilled love and the annual cultural gathering of the local highland communities.

Ma Pi Leng Pass overlooking the emerald-green Nho Que River

Bao Lac – Cao Bang

From Meo Vac, the journey continues to Bao Lac and then Cao Bang—a land famous for its iconic destinations in Northeast Vietnam. Along the way, you will pass Me Pia Pass with its 15 unique hairpin bends, opening up views of the majestic mountains in the Cao Bang Global Geopark. This route isn’t very long but offers a powerful experience thanks to its terrain and pristine natural beauty.

Karst mountain landscapes in Cao Bang along the motorbike route

Cao Bang – Quang Uyen

The highlight of this section is Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia. The cascading water flows into a turquoise lake, creating a spectacular scene, especially during autumn in September–October. Nearby is Nguom Ngao Cave, a natural wonder featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites in magical shapes, making it an ideal spot to explore in summer when the cave’s interior is cool and refreshing.

Nguom Ngao Cave with beautiful stalactites in Cao Bang

Quang Uyen – Dong Khe – That Khe – Bac Son

Leaving Quang Uyen, the journey continues toward Dong Khe and That Khe—lands rich in historical significance. Upon reaching Bac Son, you can admire the Bac Son Valley, where rice fields, limestone mountains, and local villages create a stunning landscape. This is an ideal stop to rest, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Northeast’s mountains and forests.

Bac Son terraced fields during the golden rice season

Bac Son – Ha Long

Continuing along Road 179, you’ll pass gentle mountain passes and characteristic forest landscapes. Dong Cao is a popular stop for adventure riders, ideal for a lunch break or camping if time allows.

Dong Cao Grass Hills – a popular stop for adventure riders

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Beyond the majestic beauty of Ban Gioc, the Trung Khanh area also boasts picturesque landscapes such as the Phong Nam Valley and vast cornfields surrounding peaceful villages. This is one of the most scenic and worthwhile stops along the motorbike route. Particularly during the flood season in September–October, Ban Gioc Waterfall becomes powerful and full of life, creating an unforgettable scene for adventure riders and photographers alike.

Ban Gioc Waterfall at its most beautiful during the flood season

Thang Hen Lake in Cao Bang

Located about 30 km from the center of Cao Bang, Thang Hen Lake features emerald-green waters year-round, surrounded by winding limestone mountains. What makes it unique is that Thang Hen consists of a system of more than 30 small lakes connected by underground streams, creating a rare and distinctive landscape.

Thang Hen Lake with emerald-green waters in Cao Bang

Da Trang Pass (Hoa Binh)

On the way from Bac Son to Ha Long, or heading inland toward Ninh Binh, many adventure riders often choose the route passing through Da Trang Pass, one of Hoa Binh’s most famous passes. The pass is covered with white rocks resembling snow, creating a landscape completely different from the previous stretches of the journey.

Da Trang Pass covered with characteristic white rocks in Hoa Binh

Trang An- Ninh Binh 

A UNESCO-recognized World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, renowned for its unique river-cave system, winding rivers through valleys, and towering limestone mountains. Riding a boat through the caves, you can experience the pristine beauty and the sacred tranquility of the ancient capital region. This is a signature experience that no visitor to Ninh Binh should miss.

Boats on the Trang An River winding through limestone mountains

Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Known as the ‘Halong Bay on land,’ Tam Coc – Bich Dong showcases the serene beauty of vast rice fields, rolling limestone mountains, and ancient houses along the gentle Ngo Dong River. Taking a boat through the three water caves or photographing from the top of Hang Mua offers stunning views of a rustic yet enchanting Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc’s golden rice fields seen from the top of Hang Mua

Important notes when exploring destinations in Ninh Binh

When joining a tour from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh to explore famous destinations such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, or Cuc Phuong National Park, there are some important tips to ensure a smooth and safe trip. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for climbing stairs and trekking. If you join boat tours, avoid bulky clothing, carefully protect your phone and camera, and choose early time slots to avoid crowds. For Cuc Phuong, bring insect repellent and drinking water, as trekking in the forest may take longer than expected.

Suggested attire and safety tips for traveling in Ninh Binh

The motorbike journey from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh is not just a cross-Vietnam trip, but a voyage exploring the magical transformation of landscapes—from the majestic rocky plateau to the picturesque rivers and mountains of the ancient capital. With suggestions on the most beautiful routes, the best time to travel, notable stops, and important tips, Valor Ha Giang Loop hopes your journey will be more complete, safer, and full of enriching experiences.