THE NORTHWEST FRONTIER

5 days on motorbikes and BMW F800 GS adventure bikes

Điện Biên – A Pa Chải – Kẻng Mỏ – U Ma Tu Khoòng – Sì Lở Lầu – Mồ Sì San – Dào San – Sapa

The BORDER PATROL ROUTE takes you to the most remote, wild lands of Northwest Vietnam—ethnic minority villages clinging to mountainsides amid endless peaks. Untouched by tourism and full of mystery, these regions await your exploration.

This motorbike adventure covers Điện Biên, Lai Châu, and Lào Cai. You can start in Điện Biên and finish in Sapa (or vice versa).

1. Điện Biên – A Pa Chải, 250km

Your bike and guide await at your Điện Biên hotel.

7:30 AM: Depart to explore the “Northwest Frontier” via stunning QL12 roads through Thai villages, then onto provincial road 131’s winding passes to Nà Sự—a picturesque White Thai village—for sightseeing and lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Vietnam’s westernmost point at A Pa Chải, stopping at Mường Nhé town market and a Hà Nhì village. At A Pa Chải, handle formalities and be escorted by a border guard to the unnumbered tripoint marker at the Vietnam–Laos–China junction to watch the sunset.

• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hà Nhì homestay

2. A Pa Chải – Ka Lăng – Thu Lũm, 170km

7:30 AM: Farewell A Pa Chải. Ride past Xá Lá Vàng villages—one of Vietnam’s rarest ethnic groups living in forest caves—and Hà Nhì villages at Mù Cả. Follow the Nậm Ma River through pristine rainforest.

At the mountains’ base, the Đà River appears like a stranded dragon. After lunch at Pắc Ma, register at the Kẻng Mỏ border post (marker 18 at the Đà River junction). Although not at marker 17 (river source), pause at the Kẻng Mỏ suspension bridge—where the Đà officially enters Vietnam—then ride on to Thu Lũm to discover more hidden villages.

• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: guesthouse

Thu Lũm – U Ma Tu Khoòng – Mường Tè, 150km

After breakfast, explore the terraces of Thu Lũm and U Ma Tu Khoòng and visit the high-altitude border crossing at 1,900 m. This remote route is an adventure in itself.

Spend the morning hunting clouds, admiring terraces, and visiting minority villages and the small trade market. If it’s market day, witness cross-border trading. After lunch and rest, return via Pắc Ma and follow the Đà River on a scenic road carved between cliffs and riverbanks.

In Mường Tè town, shop for rare forest products (lemongrass oil, mushrooms, ginseng).

• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hoàng Lâm Hotel***

4. Mường Tè – Dào San, 150km

Rise early for breakfast and departure! Today’s route takes you through epic terraces, migration legends, and border-guard stories—land reserved for the truly adventurous.

This border patrol road through Lai Châu’s cloud-shrouded mountains leads to the wild landscapes of Dào San.

• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: guesthouse

5. Dào San – Sì Lở Lầu – Pa Vầy Sử – Dào San, 100km (~4h)

These names alone evoke wild remoteness. We’ll keep today’s secrets for you to discover!

• Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: guesthouse

6. Dào San – Sapa, 120km

Descend via mountain trails around Lai Châu to Sapa—tour ends here. You may choose Sapa attractions or catch an afternoon shuttle back to Hanoi.

• Meals: breakfast

TOUR PRICES: unit x 1,000 VND/person; price varies by participation style (solo, two per bike, pillion), bike model (Win 135cc, Winner 150cc, 230–250cc Honda, BMW F800 GS), and group size.

Notes: Rates include 8% VAT. Age 12+: adult rate; children 5–11: 50% when sharing bike, full rate for separate bike & guide.

INCLUDES:

• All meals per itinerary
• Accommodation in hotels/guesthouses (2 per room; mixed genders triple share). Homestays have no private rooms.
• Bike rental by chosen model
• Fuel and bike fees throughout
• Support vehicle for groups ≥6 bikes
• Pillion option with local guide
• Professional ethnic minority guide
• Unlimited bottled water on support vehicle
• Breakfast spreads with premium coffee, juices, cereals, and hot options (porridge, noodles, crepes, etc.)
• Main meals: varied, unlimited, fresh, with dessert
• Border post registration & escort fees
• All entrance fees
• Travel insurance & VND 100 million accident coverage

EXCLUDES:

• Transport to/from Điện Biên or Sapa
• Motorcycle return transport (dependent on bike count & type; surcharged as arranged)
• Personal drinks beyond those provided
• Personal expenses, tips, and unlisted items
• Force majeure costs

BEST TIME TO GO?

• SPRING: flower season & Tet (Jan–Mar): 5–7 °C nights, 12–25 °C days, crystal clear, ideal for cloud hunting.
• SUMMER: water season & drifting clouds (Apr–Jun): up to 30 °C at altitude, short showers, emerald terraces at sunset.
• AUTUMN: blue skies & golden rice (Jul–Sep): cooler, occasional storms, perfect post-rain photography.
• WINTER: mountain festivals (Oct–Dec): 15–25 °C days, 12–18 °C nights, harvest celebrations & wildflower blooms.