Route Map: Mai Chau to Phu Yen by Motorbike
Updated 06/02/2025
Phu Yen is a quiet, sleepy town with not much going on, but it is well placed as a stop over on your way to either Ta Xua or Nghia Lo. There is not much to do there and only one or two decent hotels but you will find warmth and comfort and it is nowhere near as cold there as it is up in Ta Xua.
In the surrounding are there are a lot of dirt trails to be taken but they change seasonally and it is best to find out from a local which routes you are able to ride.
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Route Map: Mai Chau to Phu Yen by Motorbike
Mai Chau to Phu Yen is about 150km direct. It can be driven by motorbike in around 3.5 – 4hrs going on the highway and main roads. There are some little loops that you can take that will get you onto quieter roads as well as increase the time it takes and the enjoyment. Let us show you.
Mai Chau to Phu Yen - Direct Route
This route totals around 150km and will take around 4 hrs. It is highly likely that you will have to wait at the ferry but this is an interesting break.
Morning: Mai Chau to Van Yen Ferry/ 100km – 3 hrs
Afternoon: Van Yen Ferry to Phu Yen / 40km – 1.5 hrs
Mai Chau to Phu Yen (Detours)
Mai Chau to Phu Yen can be a very easy day down the main road, which is quite nice to drive on even if it is a little busy. However, we recommend that you slow down and take your time as well as one or two of the detours shown. You will then see a lot more and drive through some lovely countryside.
Detour 1
This route is 60km long and will add quite some time to your trip because it is scenic and you are likely to stop for photos. It takes you on the old highway 6, (6cu), and is a good tarmac road for the most part.
Detour 2
This route is about 35km and starts of on a small provincial road and takes you past some pretty tea hills. Then it turns to a smaller lane over some nice hills and through some remote villages before popping out on the QL43 which takes you down to Van Yen Ferry.
Detour 3
This route takes you along the riverside road and is about 40km long so it adds around 25km to your trip. It is a great winding little road and well worth the extra time.
Detour 4
This is a very short little route, about 15km, and it really is only to get off the main road which can be a bit busy. It is small provincial road and easy to find the way.
Where to stay in Phu Yen
In Phu Yen everyone likes to stay in:
Because it is near a few good restaurants and the rooms are clean and warm.
You may also like to stay in:
which are both near to petrol stations.
Where to next.
You have two real choices from here. They are to head towards Bac Yen or Nghia Lo.
The Phu Yen to Bac Yen route can be very simple and go straight down the highway. Then, you have the choice of either Son La or Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai as your continued route.
The Nghia Lo route will take you on main road and then set you up to go further along to Mu Cang Chai on the QL32.
What type of bike to choose
We would advise you to choose between a manual or a semi automatic bike. These are the best bikes for a long trip like this and also for when you get into the mountains of northern Vietnam. You have more control and they are less prone to overheating or break down.
Honda XR150
The XR150 is a great budget option that will perform well on the road and in the dirt on the small tracks of Ha Giang. The bike is lightweight, even if a little underpowered. There is plenty of room to fit a 40l bag on the rear, which should hold more than enough for a trip. The 12l tank and great fuel economy mean that this bike has a huge range of over 300km on a tank.
If you plan to ride two up, it might be a bit of a squeeze and you will have to pack very lightly or risk overloading the bike and making it quite rear weighted.
Honda CB500x
The CB500x is a great bike for the long haul drive up to Ha Giang. It is big enough and powerful enough to overtake trucks on the highway and carry two people with ease. Using a rear box and side panniers will give you plenty of room for gear. The 17l tank means you will have enough range for a day’s ride with ease.
The only concern would be taking some of the smaller tracks off road as our bikes have road tyres and the bike itself is quite big and heavy. However, there are plenty of small, interesting tracks that have concrete and are wide enough for the CB500x.
Honda CRF300
The CRF300 is a fantastic bike if you are planning to get offroad on the small trails that surround Phu Yen and Ta Xua. It will chew up the dirt and has more than enough power for most every route in the area. It is a true beast and well suited to this kind of exploration.
Mai Chau to Phu Yen by Motorbike
Driving Mai Chau to Phu Yen is quite easy and also not too far so it is a good idea to explore a little on the few detours that there are. This is very much Hmong terrritory and once you are off the main road you will find yourself transported back to more simpler times.
It is especially picturesque in the Spring when the fruit blossom is in bloom (peach, plum etc..) and this is also one of the best times to visit for dry clear weather.
