Motocamping Loop

"When a person travels, they discover who they really are, what they can achieve, and so much more. The moment a person’s senses are brought alive, an adventure starts to be a success. The travel bug bites hard, but the motorcycle travel bites deep." 
ROAD TRIP DETAILS:
  • Total Distance: 600km approx. (route may alter based on the weather)
  • Duration: This five day loop is only availble as a self drive experience.  For more information about the legality of driving in Vietnam please click here.
  • Route​: a mountainous loop north west of Sapa via Bat Xat, Tam Duong, Sin Ho.
  • Road Conditions: paved back-roads, some extended offroad sections, light traffic
  • Travel Style: Cultural immersion and active adventure
  • Scenery: Mountain passes, green tea plantations, rivers, rice terraces, minority villages, remote mountain lakes.
​Background:
This five day loop is for experienced riders only.  There are two days with a mix of challenging terrain.  Offroad riding experience is essential and previous riding experience in Vietnam is highly recommended. 

Accomadation is either camping (one or two nights) or in local tribal homes, making this ride ideal for those wanting a uniquely immersive and experiential travel experience with lots of culture.

The ride begins in Sapa and take place across two northern provinces; Lao Cai and Lai Chau. Lai Chau Province is located in the Northwest region of Vietnam, bordering China to the north and west. It covers an area of approximately 9,059 square kilometres and has a population of around half a million. The province is known for its mountainous terrain, with the Hoang Lien Son range running through the centre of the province. It is also home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Thai, and Dao.

The climate in Lai Chau is characterised by a tropical monsoon climate with hot summers and cool winters.

From beautiful upland valleys to tea plantations and rice terraces, this loop has it all. We ride along mountain passes and through vast plains and ancient forests. This five day loop is a great way of discovering some of Vietnam's greatest secrets. Creating a scenic loop, starting and ending in Sapa, this road trip is a great way to explore the northern highlands. Either bathed in a warm, sharp highland light, shimmering over the ripe rice terraces like a halo, or covered in a cold, haunting fog, so thick it induces feelings of claustrophobia, the Motocamping Loop is a rewarding way to explore Vietnam.

Weather is always difficult to predict in this region, but spring (March - May) and autumn (September - October) are probably the best months for warmth, light, and colour. June to August see the rice terraces at their most beautiful. These months are also typicall warmer and wetter. 

Culture and Landscape:
There are a total of 20 different ethnic groups residing in the province, with the majority being the Thai, Hmong, and Dao ethnic groups.

The Thai ethnic group accounts for approximately 44% of the population in Lai Chau province and is concentrated in the districts of Muong Te, Phong Tho, and Sin Ho. The H'Mong ethnic group makes up around 26% of the population and is found mainly in the districts of Tam Duong and Than Uyen. The Dao ethnic group constitutes about 13% of the population and is concentrated in the districts of Muong Te and Phong Tho.

Other ethnic groups residing in Lai Chau province include the Lao, Ha Nhi and La Hu, among others. The province's ethnic diversity is reflected in its vibrant cultural traditions, which include unique festivals, music, and dance performances.

The province's stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage make it one of the most incredible parts of the whole country. This five day loop includes the incredible opportunity meet the Lao, Hmong, Dao and Thai ethnic groups.  

About this route:
If you’re lucky and the weather is good, then the scenery on the loop is fabulous. The grandeur and scale of the mountains and valleys of the north is unmatched anywhere in Vietnam. The rice terraces are higher, steeper, more dramatic, and less busy than other areas of Vietnam. 
Tour Prices: ​​