I’m planning to rid Hanoi to Sapa early October. I don’t really plan the specifics of my route but I’m just wondering about the general direction I should take. I’ve got around 10 riding days to do this.
Should I go east into the higher mountains (blue route) or north into the more varied landscapes where the Ha Giang loop is? (Red route)
*the lines I drew are very general and are not my definitive route.
by Cool_Ranchu
2 Comments
Granted it was 20 years ago, but I rode “clockwise” from HaNoi to Dien Bien to Muong Lai and around to Sapa.
There are hills but SO worth it. The descent from Sapa down to Lao Cai was amazing. Happy to answer any questions with decades old stale info 😀
It was hilly over to Moc Chau and Son La. But then not bad. The roads were dirt then, I’m confident the roads are better now. From Dien Bien up to Muong Lai isn’t bad (elevation) and it is a long grind up to Sapa but gradual.
It wasn’t the same from Sapa to Lao Cai! It is a much shorter and much steeper stretch. Coming up to Sapa from Lao Cai would be a thigh burner.
Your western route looks challenging to me. Are you self supported or do you have someone with you to port your stuff? What kind of bike are you considering?