Best Vietnam Motorbike Tour 9 Days: Offroad trails Northwest

Your Vietnam Motorbike Tour begins as our local guide meets you at your hotel in Hanoi for a detailed safety briefing and bike check before departure. We roll out along scenic dyke roads, skillfully avoiding Hanoi’s heavy traffic as we head toward the mountains.
Nicknamed the “hidden sister” of Sapa, Mai Chau offers similar misty valleys and ethnic village charms, yet sits conveniently closer to Hanoi. Our ride takes us through a tapestry of emerald rice paddies dotted with limestone karst formations, offering countless photo stops along the way.
After lunch in Hoa Binh Province, we conquer Thung Khe Pass, one of Northern Vietnam’s most picturesque mountain passes, with its white limestone cliffs and sweeping valley views. The descent takes us into the tranquil Mai Chau Valley, where the stilt houses of the Thai ethnic people line the valley floor.
Dinner will feature delicious traditional cuisine prepared by your host family. In the evening, you’re invited to join a local music performance, where you can share a dance with the villagers and taste their signature rice wine.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a Thai-style stilt house, falling asleep to the peaceful sounds of the countryside, ready for the off-road adventures ahead.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 140km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the soft light over Mai Chau Valley and enjoy a slow breakfast in your Thai stilt house. Take a short stroll around the village to witness daily life, where Thai women weave brocade on looms under wooden houses and buffalo graze quietly in the misty fields.
We bid farewell to Mai Chau and twist our way up toward Moc Chau, a highland plateau famous for its lush tea plantations and dairy farms that add vibrant green tones to the hillsides. Here, we stop for lunch to refuel before hitting more remote roads.
From Moc Chau, we continue on QL43 for about 10 km before heading north to the Van Yen ferry, where you and your bike will cross the serene Da River. This is where your offroad spirit starts to awaken as we venture deeper into winding roads, riding through rural backroads with limestone mountains on one side and river valleys on the other.
We merge onto QL37 and take it west toward Ta Xua Nature Reserve, one of the best cloud-hunting spots in Vietnam. At 2600 meters above sea level, standing atop Ta Xua Peak feels like riding above the clouds, where the ridgelines disappear into a sea of mist. Take time here to soak in the view and capture the dramatic moments of your journey.
Tonight, we settle into a local homestay near Ta Xua, falling asleep in the cool mountain air, ready for more hidden trails tomorrow.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 150km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a morning coffee above the clouds of Ta Xua, we gear up for a ride that will take you into the Heart of Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty.
We descend the winding roads, hugging the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, and head toward Tu Le, a peaceful valley surrounded by rice terraces and gentle streams. Every turn on this Northwest route is a postcard view—remote villages, green hillsides, and rivers glinting under the mountain light.
From Tu Le, we begin the ascent of the majestic Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes” and famously dubbed the “Horn of the Sky.” At nearly 1,500 meters above sea level, Khau Pha offers panoramic vistas over layered terraced rice fields, swirling clouds, and winding roads snaking through the valleys below.
As we approach Mu Cang Chai, the iconic terraced rice fields come into view. These UNESCO-recognized landscapes represent the engineering mastery and cultural heritage of the Hmong and Thai people, cascading down the slopes like green waves. Riding through these fields during the golden season is like entering a living painting.
We end the day with a warm local dinner and a homestay with a Thai family, immersing ourselves in their culture and hospitality. Drift to sleep in the cool mountain air, ready for another thrilling ride tomorrow.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 90km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we ride toward a pivotal chapter in Vietnam’s history—the legendary battlefield of Dien Bien Phu.
We set off from Mu Cang Chai, navigating winding mountain roads that reveal terraced rice fields, bustling Black Thai villages, and landscapes painted in emerald hues under the morning mist.
Crossing valleys and climbing steep hills, we reach Muong La, where the mighty Da River cuts through the valleys, reflecting the surrounding mountains. Here, we pause for lunch along the route, soaking in the views and the cool breeze before preparing for the next legendary segment of today’s journey.
The highlight is Pha Din Pass, standing at 1,648 meters above sea level. Winding roads, tight hairpin bends, and steep cliffs test your riding skills while rewarding you with sweeping mountain views. The pass, once heavily bombed during the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, whispers stories of the past as we climb and descend its legendary curves.
From Pha Din, we descend on a paved road to Tuan Giao, leaving behind the river valleys and rice terraces for rugged highland scenery. By late afternoon, we arrive in Dien Bien Phu, the historic site where Vietnamese forces claimed a defining victory over French colonial rule.
We settle into our accommodations and, if time permits, take a sunset ride to visit some historic relics around the old battle base, preparing for tomorrow’s deeper exploration of Dien Bien Phu’s historic sites.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, as today’s ride is one of the longest and most thrilling segments of your Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure.
We leave Dien Bien Phu, climbing the high Xa Tong Pass toward Muong Lay. The road here is smooth and scenic, following valleys lined with misty mountains. We pause in Muong Lay for lunch before gearing up for the wilder stretch ahead.
From here, the real adventure begins.
We wind our way toward Sin Ho, traversing roads that snake through lush green tea hills and remote ethnic villages, offering a window into daily highland life. The landscape transitions into the rugged beauty of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, a prelude to today’s crown jewel: O Quy Ho Pass.
At over 2,000 meters above sea level, O Quy Ho Pass—also known as the “Gate of Heaven”—is often shrouded in rolling white clouds. The ride here will test your skills with its tight hairpins, sudden inclines, and breathtaking drop-offs, but rewards you with sweeping views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and Fansipan Mountain towering in the background.
Crossing the pass, the clouds clear, unveiling Sapa, nestled in the misty embrace of the mountains. Once a French hill station, Sapa retains its cool climate, European architecture, and vibrant highland markets.
Arriving in Sapa by late afternoon, we check into our hotel, take a hot shower, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner. The evening is yours to wander the town’s charming streets, find a cozy café, or simply soak in the crisp mountain air, preparing for another day of highland exploration tomorrow.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a well-deserved pause from the saddle to soak in Sapa’s highland charm at your own pace.
Start your morning with a bucket-list ascent of Fansipan, the “Rooftop of Indochina.” Head to the cable car station, where a 20-minute ride will lift you above rolling valleys and cloud-draped peaks to the 3,147-meter summit. From the top, witness Sapa’s terraced rice fields and mist-shrouded town sprawled beneath a sea of clouds—an unforgettable sight.
After descending, enjoy lunch in Sapa’s cozy center, where you can taste local specialties like salmon hotpot or grilled stream fish.
The afternoon is yours to explore:
✅ Wander down to Cat Cat Village to observe the daily life, weaving traditions, and water-powered rice mills of the Black Hmong people.
✅ Or, if you’re eager for more riding, take an optional 18 km ride north of Sapa to Ta Phin or Lao Chai for breathtaking highland scenery and a quieter glimpse into ethnic minority life.
As the sun sets, return to Sapa for a hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Stroll the town’s misty streets, browse the night market for handicrafts, or sip herbal tea in a mountain café, letting the cool highland air revive your spirit for tomorrow’s onward ride.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 0km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we ride east from the clouds of Sapa to the vibrant market town of Bac Ha, a journey that packs in borderland drama, ethnic minority life, and thrilling mountain roads.
After breakfast, we descend on Road 4D toward Lao Cai, hugging mountain ridges and rolling valleys until the cool mist of Sapa gives way to the warmer air of the borderlands. We stop briefly at the largest border gate with China, where life bustles with trucks, traders, and travelers. Enjoy a coffee by the Nam Thi River, watching the muddy waters that separate Vietnam from China and observing the cross-border flow of life.
Crossing the Red River, we head northeast, staying on Road 4D before veering onto the remote TL153—a hidden gem for motorbike riders. This 70 km stretch may take the entire day, as we navigate steep climbs, twisting switchbacks, and small tracks that carve through remote minority villages.
We pass by Hmong, Tay, and Nung communities, catching glimpses of traditional stilt houses, water buffaloes grazing near terraced rice fields, and children waving as we ride by. Military outposts dot the route, a reminder of the region’s strategic border location.
If the weather is clear, the views are breathtaking, with layers of mountains unfolding under wide, open skies as you ride deeper into the Northeast.
By late afternoon, we roll into Bac Ha, known for its bustling Sunday market and colorful highland atmosphere. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, followed by a restful night at a cozy family-run guesthouse, recharging you for the next stage of your Northern Vietnam motorbike journey.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 100km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bidding farewell to the vivid highland colors of Bac Ha, we saddle up and descend from the mountains onto Road 70, letting the crisp morning air and rolling hills fuel the day’s adventure. Soon, we turn onto the quieter Road 152 toward Luc Yen, where narrow, winding roads lead us through small villages and rice paddies glistening under the sun.
As we ride deeper into the heart of Yen Bai province, the landscape gradually shifts from limestone peaks to gentle hills adorned with palm trees and banana groves, signaling that Vu Linh and Thac Ba Lake are near.
By around 4:00 PM, we roll into Ngoi Tu – Vu Linh village, home to the welcoming Dao ethnic community by Thac Ba Lake, Vietnam’s largest man-made lake. Here, time seems to slow down as we board a boat, gliding over emerald waters dotted with thousands of small islets while watching the Dao people paddle wooden boats between floating fishing nets.
As the sun paints the lake with warm hues, we return to shore for a flavorful dinner with our Dao hosts, who are known for their warm hospitality, heavy pours of “happy water” (local rice wine), and nightly traditional dance gatherings. Be prepared for an evening of laughter, exotic dishes, and cultural exchange around the fire.
At the end of the celebration, retreat to your cozy bungalow, complete with a warm blanket and thick mattress to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep after a long day of riding.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 150km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your final morning on this epic motorbike journey dawns gently in Ngoi Tu village, where the calls of roosters, ducks waddling under stilt houses, and children’s laughter outside your window remind you of the simplicity and peace of rural Vietnam.
Take your time to savor a homemade breakfast with your Dao hosts while sipping hot green tea and breathing in the cool, misty air rising from Thac Ba Lake. The stillness, the smiles of your hosts, and the quiet lapping of the lake’s waters will leave a deep imprint before you return to the city’s rhythm.
We bid farewell to Vu Linh and begin our final ride back to Hanoi. Today’s ride is not rushed; we take small zig-zag roads winding through palm forests and wooden stilt houses, descending slowly from the lush hills toward the plains of the Red River Delta.
As we get closer to Hanoi, the landscape transforms back into the energetic hum of urban life, with rice paddies giving way to bustling markets and colorful roadside stalls. We time our arrival carefully to beat the rush hour, ensuring a safe, smooth ride back into the city.
By late afternoon, we roll back into Hanoi, concluding a journey filled with mud-splattered trails, cloud-filled passes, welcoming homestays, and endless laughter under starry skies.
We’ll drop the bikes at the garage, raise a cold beer with the Indochina Adventure team, and toast the end of an unforgettable adventure, knowing that Vietnam’s mountains and roads will always be here waiting for your next ride.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 180km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch