Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour 5 Days: Ban Gioc – Ba Be Wild Frontier Ride

After breakfast, we start our ride east toward Lang Son, the gateway to Vietnam’s Northeast frontier. We leave Hanoi after rush hour, taking peaceful roads through the Red River Delta.
As the city fades, we ride past rice fields and small villages, with limestone mountains gradually rising in the distance. Approaching Lang Son City, we stop for coffee before exploring the local market, historic relics, and the Huu Nghi Border Gate with China, a bustling hub of regional trade.
After lunch, we continue the ride, heading up the winding road to Mau Son Mountain. At 1,500 meters above sea level, the peak offers sweeping views of forested mountains and remote villages near the Chinese border. The colonial-era hill station is the perfect spot to relax and capture photos of the sunset over the mountains.
As the day ends, we descend back to Lang Son City, where we stay overnight at a comfortable hotel, resting up for tomorrow’s ride deeper into the Northeast.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3 - 4 stars Hotel
Distance: 180km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll take a quick stroll through Dong Kinh Market, a lively hub reflecting Lang Son’s role as Vietnam’s gateway to China. Here, you can find everything from textiles to gadgets at local prices, offering a glimpse into the vibrant trade culture of the region.
Leaving the city behind, we ride toward Quang Uyen, passing through Dong Khe and That Khe. The route is a mix of bumpy backroads and winding rural paths, rewarding us with authentic countryside scenes far from the tourist trails.
After lunch in a small village of the Nung ethnic minority, we continue our ride to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls and a natural border shared with China. The sound of the cascading water will welcome us as we settle into a cozy riverside hotel, promising a peaceful night’s sleep with the waterfall as our backdrop.

Summary:
Accommodation: Best Homestay in Area
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll take a boat ride to get up close to the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s largest natural waterfalls. The thunder of the falls and the rising mist create a powerful yet calming scene that leaves a lasting impression.
Leaving Ban Gioc behind, we continue our motorbike adventure, following winding rural roads and crossing shallow streams, adding a touch of off-road excitement to the day’s ride.
The highlight of today’s journey is conquering Me Pia Pass, famous for its 14 sharp hairpin turns that snake up the mountainside like a winding ribbon. Although the pass stretches only 2.5 kilometers, its steep gradient and tight curves offer a thrilling challenge for riders, rewarding them with stunning mountain views.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Bao Lac, a peaceful town nestled in the highlands. Here, you can unwind and refresh with a traditional dinner, preparing for another day of riding through the hidden corners of Northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Accommodation: Ecolodge
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we continue our motorbike journey through the quiet backroads and remote hill tribe villages, heading toward Ba Be. The ride offers a blend of winding mountain roads and gentle off-road tracks, with the scenery shifting from rugged limestone peaks to valleys lined with rice terraces. Feel free to stop for photos whenever you wish, capturing the landscapes and the rhythm of local life along the way.
Around midday, we stop in Tinh Tuc for lunch and a short break before riding the last stretch to Ba Be Lake. Upon arrival, we trade our bikes for a boat to explore the lake, which Ba surrounds Be National Park, home to rich biodiversity and Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater karst lake.
For those who wish, taking a swim in the calm waters of Ba Be is the perfect way to relax after a rewarding day of riding. As the sun sets, we arrive at a Tay ethnic village by the lake, where you can unwind, share stories from the road, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem in Northern Vietnam.

Summary:
Accommodation: Best Homestay in Area
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the peaceful views of Ba Be, with misty karst formations and lush green hills reflecting on the lake’s calm surface. Enjoy a slow breakfast in the village, soaking in the fresh morning air before we gear up for the ride back to Hanoi.
Today will be a long but rewarding ride, taking you from the tranquil corners of Ba Be through winding mountain roads and quiet countryside. We stop in Thai Nguyen for lunch, where you can rest and savor a final taste of Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
In the afternoon, we continue the last stretch back to Hanoi, arriving before the evening rush hour. As you ride into the city, take a moment to reflect on the journey, the mountains you crossed, the villages you visited, and the friendships built on the road.
Thank you for riding with Indochina Adventure. We hope this Vietnam Motorbike Tour has brought you memories to last a lifetime, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure in Vietnam.

Summary:
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch