Leave behind the bustle of town and ride into the untamed beauty of Vietnam’s northern highlands on this immersive, one-day ETHOS exclusive. Designed for those who seek more than just scenery, this journey offers a deep dive into landscape, culture and connection, a day of contrasts and discovery.

The loop begins in Sapa, where a short safety briefing at the ETHOS Community Centre sets the tone for a day of adventure. From there, we climb towards the legendary O Quý Ho Pass. Often cloaked in mist, this is the highest road in Vietnam and a gateway to something deeper. On the other side, the land opens out into the wide valleys of Lai Châu Province, where the pace slows, the air changes and the scenery shifts.

As we descend into a new province, the cultural landscape transforms too. Hmong villages and rice terraces give way to Lao and Thai communities nestled among expansive green tea hills. The riding route weaves through a patchwork of forested ridgelines, terraced fields and winding plantation tracks; each curve revealing a new view, a new rhythm.

This isn’t a tick-box tourist tour. It’s a carefully crafted, off-the-beaten-path experience where the road is both literal and metaphorical. Expect a thrilling combination of well-maintained mountain roads and lesser-known dirt paths. Confidence on two wheels is essential, especially for those choosing to self-drive, but pillion options with experienced local guides are available too.

Midway through the day, we are welcomed into a traditional Thai family home for a long, slow lunch. The food is fresh and full of meaning: a celebration of local ingredients and shared stories. This is a moment to rest and reflect, to sit together, ask questions and connect.

As the sun begins its descent, we trace our way back across the pass and home to Sapa. But something always stays with you: the scent of tea on the wind, the hum of your motor echoing through vast valleys, and the quiet power of places that few others reach.

For those craving more than a view, this is the real north: raw, rewarding and unforgettable.