Northwest Vietnam Sapa Loop

[belgarathc]

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Hi,

I took this ride to Northwest Vietnam a while ago. Here are some photos.

Route: Hanoi -> Mai Chau -> Dien Bien Phu -> Sapa -> Hanoi
Distance: ~1000km
Reference: Lonely Planet Vietnam, minskclubvietnam.com
Bike: Sports Minsky from Cuong at US$6 per day
Comments: Excellent scenery, fun winding roads into the mountains.
Full Report: Northwest Vietnam Sapa Loop trip


Map of North Vietnam and route taken


Roads to Mai Chau


Friendly locals posing for a photo. Mai Chau town is in the background.


Lac village (White Thai minority)


Roads to Dien Bien Phu, troublesome ride


Enjoying the view..


Oops, hit a rock and fell. Gear pedal got stucked but a helpful villager later helped me knock it back to a working position


Riding through the villages


Friendly village kids


Beautiful scenery en route to Sapa


Fancy a stay in the clouds?

[dirthonk]

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great photos belagarthc, looks amazing up there.
what time of year were you there? im considering a trip there myself but not sure whether or not to hold out for a better month.

looking at the map you put up, does anyone know if it is possible to go from ha giang to cao bang direct?
cheers

[belgarathc]

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Hi honda honky,

I was there in June 2006. Besides some drizzles, the weather was fine. I am not sure if there is direct road access from Ha Giang to Cao Bang.

I saw your other thread about renting a scooter. If it's possible to rent a Honda scrambler in Hanoi, I think it would be a better choice.

[PICO-PICO]

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Hello belagarthc,

did you see any sidecars? I´love to do Vietnam but I can´t ride a 2 wheeler ( bad leg)

Pico

[Mark Rossi]

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sounds like a great ride, i envy you
i travelled to Sapa by train/bus 2 years ago and was astounded by the beauty of the place and surrounding area, you must have some more photo's you can show us of the local views and people, if i beg?

[belgarathc]

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pico,

When I was there, Cuong did have a motorbike with a sidecar. But I do not think it's for hire.



I have seen foreigners driving a 4WD. Why not give it a consideration?

Happy Feet,
Unfortunately, I do not have that many photos of Sapa. I was there for only 1 night. Why not post yours over here?

[shing]

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doing the loop in dec! how was the weather?

how long did you take for the loop?

any advise?

[yempaul]

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doing the loop in dec! how was the weather?

how long did you take for the loop?

any advise?

Was in Sapa last December .. temperature dropped to 5 degrees C at night ...

[SilverhawkUSA]

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There is more info and photos available here, in the continuing saga............

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...mp-Back-Part-1
http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...ck-Part-2-Sapa

[Ricohoc]

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There is more info and photos available here, in the continuing saga............

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...mp-Back-Part-1
http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-mot...ck-Part-2-Sapa

Great report and pics, guys! Loved them!