Route Map: Riding Mai Chau to Phu Yen By Motorcycle

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    I left Mai Chau in the morning with the mist still hanging over the rice paddies, and by afternoon I rolled into Phu Yen—a quiet, unassuming town that feels like a natural stopover on the road to Ta Xua or Nghia Lo

    The town doesn’t try to impress with nightlife or tourist attractions, but it delivers what riders actually need: great adventure, off-road, warm food, a comfortable bed, and a slower pace. Compared to the biting cold of Ta Xua, Phu Yen feels mild and welcoming after a long day in the saddle.

    What makes the area special lies just outside town. The surrounding hills hide dirt trails that promise adventure for those on the right bike. Locals know which tracks are open each season, so I always ask around before heading off-road. Every ride feels different depending on the weather and time of year, and that unpredictability is exactly what makes this stretch of northern Vietnam worth exploring.

    Motorbike Route from Mai Chau to Phu Yen (With Map & Tips)


    The ride from Mai Chau to Phu Yen covers about 150 km, and on a motorbike it usually takes 3.5 to 4 hours if you stick to the highway and main roads. I rolled out early in the morning, and the first stretch felt smooth and easy, with wide tarmac and steady traffic. Still, the real fun comes when you leave the main drag. Small loops branch off into quieter country roads, adding both time and excitement to the journey. These detours lead through rice paddies, tea hills, and villages where kids wave as you pass by. If you want more than just a transfer ride, these loops make the trip unforgettable.

    Adventure shows up in small details on this route. At Van Yen, you reach the ferry crossing, which is always a highlight. I parked my bike, stretched my legs, and chatted with locals while waiting. The ferry ride only takes about 15 minutes, but depending on the time of day you might wait 20–30 minutes before boarding.

    The ticket price is cheap—usually around 20,000–30,000 VND (~USD 1) per bike—and the break feels refreshing after hours of riding. Once across, the road narrows and winds toward Phu Yen, giving you a mix of smooth sections and bumpy patches that keep you alert. It’s not the toughest ride in northern Vietnam, but it gives you just enough challenge and plenty of charm to feel like an adventure rather than just a commute.

    Route Map: Mai Chau to Phu Yen by Motorbike

    Mai Chau to Phu Yen Direct Motorbike Route

    The direct route from Mai Chau to Phu Yen runs about 150 km and usually takes 4 hours on a motorbike. The ride feels straightforward, but the ferry crossing at Van Yen almost always slows you down a little. I didn’t mind waiting—watching the riverboats, grabbing a quick coffee from a nearby stall, and chatting with locals turned it into part of the adventure. Once the ferry arrives, loading the bike is simple, and the short ride across the water feels like a welcome pause before tackling the last leg into Phu Yen.

    Route 1: Mai Chau to Phu Yen/ 150km


    Off-road: Mai Chau to Phu Yen (Detours, Scenic Routes)

    Riding the main road from Mai Chau to Phu Yen feels easy and smooth, even when traffic picks up. But if you only stick to the highway, you’ll miss the real charm of this journey. I always slow down and take at least one detour, because the side roads lead through tea hills, quiet villages, and countryside that feels untouched. These loops add time to the ride, but they turn an ordinary transfer into one of the most rewarding motorbike days in northern Vietnam.

    0ff-road 1

    This detour runs about 60 km and adds extra time to the ride from Mai Chau to Phu Yen, but every minute feels worth it. The road follows the old Highway #6 (6 Cũ), a stretch of smooth tarmac that winds through classic northern Vietnamese landscapes. I found myself stopping often for photos—rice paddies, mountain views, and quiet villages make it impossible to just ride through without pulling over.


    0ff-road 2

    This detour covers about 35 km and kicks off on a small provincial road that winds past lush tea hills. The path narrows into a lane that climbs gentle hills and cuts through remote villages where life moves at a slower pace. I enjoyed the quiet scenery and the chance to wave back at kids along the way before the road rejoined QL43, leading me straight toward the Van Yen Ferry.


    Off-road 3

    This detour follows a winding riverside road for about 40 km, adding roughly 25 km to the ride from Mai Chau to Phu Yen. I loved how the road twisted alongside the water, with mountain views on one side and the river flowing on the other. It stretched the journey, but the extra time felt like part of the adventure, and it quickly became one of the most memorable sections of the day.


    Off-road 4

    This short detour runs about 15 km and gives you a break from the busy main road. The small provincial road feels calmer and lets you ride at an easier pace without trucks and heavy traffic around. It doesn’t take long, but I always enjoy slipping onto this route for a more relaxed stretch before rejoining the highway toward Phu Yen.


    Where to Stay in Phu Yen

    Phu Yen is a small town, so accommodation options are limited but cozy. Most riders prefer staying at Khach San Hong Long because it sits near a handful of good restaurants, and the rooms stay clean and warm. It’s a simple choice, but it always feels welcoming after a long ride.

    You can also stay at Khach San Hai Anh or Khach San Linh Huong. Both hotels are conveniently located near petrol stations, making them practical stops before you continue your motorbike journey deeper into northern Vietnam.

    Where to go from Pho Yen?

    From Phu Yen, you have two main options: head towards Bac Yen or ride on to Nghia Lo. The route to Bac Yen is straightforward, taking you directly down the highway. From there, you can continue towards Son La, or make your way further north through Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai for more scenic mountain rides.

    If you choose the Nghia Lo route, the main road sets you up perfectly to follow the QL32 deeper into the northern mountains and towards the famous rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai.

    What Type of Bike to Choose

    For long-distance motorbike touring in northern Vietnam, a manual or semi-automatic bike works best. These bikes give you more control on steep climbs, handle rough terrain better, and are less likely to overheat during extended rides. Here are three solid options:

    Honda XR150

    The Honda XR150 is a lightweight, budget-friendly choice. It handles both highways and dirt trails around Ha Giang with ease. The 12L fuel tank and excellent economy give it a range of over 300 km per fill. There’s enough space for a 40L bag on the rear rack, making it a practical option for solo riders. The only downside is that it feels underpowered when carrying two people, and packing too much can throw off the balance.

    Honda CB500X

    If you want more power, the Honda CB500X shines on long-haul rides. It’s strong enough to overtake trucks, carries two riders comfortably, and offers plenty of luggage space with panniers and a rear box. Its 17L fuel tank gives you more than a day’s range. The only drawback is its size—it’s heavy and not ideal for narrow dirt tracks, especially with standard road tires. Still, it’s a comfortable touring bike for riders focused on covering distance.

    Honda CRF300

    The Honda CRF300 is perfect for adventure riders who want to leave the highway and explore the dirt trails around Phu Yen and Ta Xua. It’s powerful, agile, and built for off-road riding, making it one of the best options for exploring remote mountain tracks. If your plan is to mix scenic road riding with serious off-road fun, the CRF300 won’t let you down.

    Honda CRF190L

    The Chinese joint venture Honda Sundiro CRF190L takes design inspiration from the legendary Honda Africa Twin, bringing an adventure-bike look to an everyday commuter. Lightweight, reliable, and affordable, the CRF190L offers a taste of off-road styling w

    Mai Chau to Phu Yen By motorcycle

    The direct ride from Mai Chau to Phu Yen covers about 150 km and takes around 4 hours. If you want more than just a straightforward highway ride, explore a few scenic detours along the way. These routes add variety, quieter roads, and some of the best countryside views in northern Vietnam.

    In the center of Phu Yen, you’ll find a few decent hotels that offer comfort after a long day’s ride. Just outside town, several new resorts have popped up near natural hot springs, giving you the perfect chance to soak and unwind after hours on the motorbike.</p>

    Right in the center of Phu Yen,

    you’ll find a few small restaurants that serve both dinner and breakfast. The menus focus on classic Vietnamese dishes—simple, tasty, andperfect for refueling after a day on the road.

    From Phu Yen, you can ride west toward Nghia Lo and continue on to Mu Cang Chai for some of Vietnam’s most famous rice terraces. Another option is the scenic route through Ta Xua, where the legendary Dinosaur Spine ridge rewards you with jaw-dropping mountain views. If you plan to return to Hanoi, you can loop back through Mai Chau for a slower, more relaxed ride—or head straight back on the direct route.

    The best time to ride in northern Vietnam runs from October to April, when the weather stays cool and the skies clear. Phu Yen, however, remains accessible year-round. Unlike some northern regions, it rarely faces heavy flooding or dangerous landslides. If you don’t mind the summer heat, riding here in the greener months can also be rewarding, with vibrant landscapes and fewer travelers on the road.

    Yes, several scenic detours connect Mai Chau and Phu Yen. You can ride old Highway 6 for sweeping mountain views. Another option is to follow quiet provincial roads that pass tea hills and small villages. For more adventure, take the riverside routes. They add distance but reward you with winding roads and stunning countryside.

    Bottom line: Mai Chat to Phu Yen motorbike ride

    Riding from Mai Chau to Phu Yen feels easy and not too long, but the real magic lies in the

    detours. The backroads run through Hmong territory, where life slows down and traditions stay strong. I often stop in villages, welcomed by curious smiles and glimpses of daily life away from modern Vietnam.

    Spring makes the ride unforgettable. Peach and plum blossoms cover the hillsides, and the cool, dry weather feels perfect for motorbiking. The countryside comes alive, and every curve in the road tempts you to stop for a photo.

    About the Author

    Hamid is a passionate rider and travel writer who has explored Vietnam’s backroads for years. He shares firsthand experiences, practical tips, and scenic routes to help fellow motorbike travelers make the most of their journeys.

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