Sa Pa - Hoang Su Phi
Distance: 260 kms
The early run out of Sapa to Lao Cai is a pleasant descent. A very busy stretch though running visitors to various transport options including the overnight train to Hanoi. Patience is required as the bus drivers have none.
You may get a photo at the China Border as your first stop.
For the next few hours we keep a view of China on our left much of the time. The mountains are sensational as is the riding.
(A) is a waterfall well placed for a break just before one of very few villages we pass through for the day. Nothing much in the way of attractions at all really but for me the whole ride is one ongoing attraction.
(B, C & D) keep you from straying. Some harsh country up here. You’re not too far from China in this section.
(E) A great coffee or food stop with this view. The food and people very good.
(F) A basic but clean and well managed hotel I’ve used a few times if you want to pull up short.
Coc Pai is a wonderful little riverside village in a deep valley. The road into it is steep in places so a bit of care in that area. I had my only bike issue touring in Vietnam here in 2020 so learned a bit about the place with my extended time there.
The road quality takes a dive after Coc Pai as does our average speed. Plenty of off rides in this area if time allows but don’t worry the map is on the hardtop as much as possible.
I rode through here in the wet a few years and where the road had been cut out of the mountains literally 100’s of small waterfalls were created. As spectacular as that was I prefer it in the dry.
Full route maps, accommodation and food information (excluded from the above itinerary) will come with all our touring rental bikes.
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