South West of Hanoi Loop Route

South West of Hanoi Loop Route 

A popular alternative motorbike route starting and finishing in Hanoi, north of Vietnam. Ha Giang, Sapa and Cao Bang have been very popular recently and as such have all become much more busy as well as having much more police activity and checkpoints. . 

At just over 650km it is one of our shorter routes and can be completed in full with just 5 days, although 7 days would be much more enjoyable. This would allow all the stops and an extra night in Ninh Binh. 

With the boat tours at Ninh Binh, the nature reserve at Pu Luong, the teafields and waterfalls at Moc Chau and the mountains of Ta Xua, you get a huge range of views and sights in this short trip. 

Day by Day Route

A * represents a recommended extra night. 

Day 1 – Hanoi to Ninh Binh *

Day 2 – Ninh Binh to Pu Luong

Day 3 – Pu Luong to Moc Chau

(Optional night in Mai Chau)

Day 4 – Moc Chau to Ta Xua

Day 5 – Ta Xua to Hanoi

5 riding days

2 optional extra nights / spots

Highlights

Some of the spots on here have multiple highlights and sights so we are just selecting the best from each stop. 

Ninh Binh

The main highlight in Ninh Binh has to be the boat tours from Trang An. Limestone cliffs hug the edges of the river as your small boat passes through caves, ricefields and near to temples. Best done in the morning this means having an extra day in Ninh Binh as it lasts a couple of hours. This allows the afternoon to see the other sites in Ninh Binh such as the temples, Mua cave and ricefields. 

Pu Luong

Pu Luong has many highlights including the mountain pass, waterfall, cave and ricefields. One of the highlights which is easy to overlook or miss is the bamboo waterwheels. Located on the river, quite centre to where the homestays are located it is easy to reach by motorbike and offers something different to see.

Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a small town in a relaxing rice field valley surrounded by mountains. The peaceful nature of the area as well as the homestays right in the rice fields are the main draw of this area. With restaurants, shops and homestays all amongst them it offers a great way to relax. 

Moc Chau

With the world’s largest glass bridge, stunning waterfalls and cherry blossoms there is much to be said about Moc Chau. But we will mention the tea fields are the one that stands out the most. Either located in the town itself or with larger and more picturesque teafields to the north of the town there are options about where you want to stay and which you want to see depending on the time you have. 

Ta Xua

Up in the mountains you can get unbelievable views from Ta Xua. With many of the homestays located along the ridges of the mountains you get views down into the valleys on a clear day. Early in the morning you can get views above the clouds as they settle in the valley below. The highlight is the Dinosaur Spine, a thin ridge extending out above the valley offering a great view and special photo opportunity. 

Summary 

If you are short on time or want an alternative and less touristy option to Ha Giang, Sapa or Cao Bang then this loop is perfect. With no buses from Hanoi to start the loop, no police checkpoints on the way and no crowds of tours spoiling the views, let this loop offer you something different to the Ha Giang Loop.  

North Vietnam Routes