Vietnam Motorbike Tour Fully Explore The North 12 Days

You will meet our local guide at your hotel in Hanoi, after which we will drive along scenic dyke roads towards Mai Chau to avoid heavy traffic. Often called The "hidden sister" of SaPa, Mai Chau has similar qualities but is so much closer to Hanoi. Our guide will take you on another ride to get deeper into other remote villages to learn more about their culture, traditions as well as lifestyles of the people, passing endless paddy fields punctuated by limestone karst scenery.
After lunch in Hoa Binh Province, we conquer Thung Khe, one of North Vietnam's most stunning mountain passes, before descending to the mountain valley village of Mai Chau. Your dinner will be served with traditional cuisine. You are welcomed to a traditional music performance where you can dance and taste special liquors (rice wine) with the locals. You will spend the night in a Thai-style stilt house.

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

Today’s ride will leave you enough time to get a chilling start. A brief stroll around the village will reveal the unique sight of local life as you will see women weaving on looms under or inside the houses. As we bid farewell to Mai Chau, our journey takes us toward Moc Chau, where we have lunch. This Highland town produces some of Vietnam’s best tea and also a pioneering dairy industry that started in the late 1970s with Australian assistance.
From Moc Chau, you take the QL43 for about 10km and then head north to the Van Yen ferry, where you cross the Da River. You’ll then continue northwards until you hit the QL37 and take it westwards to Ta Xua Nature Reserve. Standing at Ta Xua Peak, which is located at a height of 2600m above sea level, is like walking on a cloud. It’s time to be relieved from the ride's intensity and shoot some unforgettable pictures. This whole drive is quiet and winding, from the hills down to the river. It is a lovely ride and one of the highlights of the motorbike Ta Xua tour.

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

Next up on today's agenda is riding to the Heart of Natural Beauty. The iconic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai Vietnam rice field represent one of the fantastic works done by the ancient engineering skills of ethnic minority groups inhabiting the area for a long period. These rice plantations are nestled on the Hoang Lien Son mountain slopes, which form part of the eastern Himalayan chain.
The winding roads to Tu Le navigating through the mountains of the Northwest offers picturesque views at every turn. From there, we ascend to the majestic Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam's four legendary passes, famously dubbed the "horn of the sky." From Khau Pha, you'll witness the cascading fields and terraced landscapes stretching from the mountaintop down to the creek along the road to Mu Cang Chai town. Its sweetness and aroma entice you to rediscover Mu Cang Chai through the lens of a motorbike. Engage with a Thai family through a local supper and cozy accommodations for the night.

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

Today's ride is the tour's highlight, as we are riding to one of the highest and longest passes in Northern Vietnam. This morning, we'll motorbike straight toward the main Fansipan Mountain range via Than Uyen town of Lai Chau. For those seeking an extra thrill, there's a challenging back route that includes several river crossings. The impressive mountain range will be our backdrop as we tackle the thrilling ascent from Binh Lu to Vietnam's highest road pass, O Quy Ho Pass. At over 2,000m, the panoramic views from this pass stretch over the main range for miles. We'll then descend to the foggy Sa Pa valley, which is close to the border with China. The French considered Sapa to be the summer capital of Northern Vietnam in the early decades of the 20th century.
You can enjoy your free time in Sapa after dinner. Take your time to discover this romantic and lovely town before we gear up for another fascinating riding day tomorrow with the Indochina Adventure team.

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

Your fifth day begins with the epic ascent of Fansipan exploration, the rooftop of Indochina. Head to the cable car station, hop on that cable car, and let it soar you to the mountainous heights. The cable car ride to Fansipan Peak takes about 20 minutes. From there, witness the entire town shrouded in mist.
Post-lunch, the day ​​is yours. We suggest you go around the Cat Cat village to learn more about the local Hmong culture or ride 18km north of Sapa to visit isolated villages in heaven. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

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

We'll descend downhill to Lao Cai town on a nice route and take a quick look at China's largest border gate. Then, we'll ride along a narrow, smooth, twisting route along the Chinese border into Bac Ha, known as one of the strongholds of the Hmong people.
After lunch in Bac Ha, we're ready to get our hands (and sometimes our whole body) dirty. We leave Bac Ha to the northeast before connecting with the DT178. The combination of sharp bends and rugged paths on DT178 is a true test of your riding skills at an extreme level, with some wild scenery along the way, including the opportunity to ride up to the summit of Kiou Leou Ti. It's a moment so captivating that we lose track of time.
We will continue our trip to Ha Giang via Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi on a narrow, winding road characterized by layered terraced rice fields and deep valleys, which cover the hills like an impressive work of art painted by skillful human hands. Each mile is a battle against deep, wet mud, slippery rocks, and constant stop-and-wait sessions. The mountains of Vietnam make us earn every single kilometer today, testing our endurance and determination.
Arrive in Ha Giang in the late afternoon. Clean up all the mud and bust into a big cuisine.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 230km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You'd better charge the batteries on your phone fully because you're likely to wear it out taking so many photos while riding on the legendary Ha Giang loop. The Ha Giang loop has earned a reputation for itself internationally, and for a valid reason. It offers some of the most magnificent scenery on earth and is definitely the highlight of the tour.
After getting the necessary permits from Ha Giang's Immigration Police, we're qualified to ride on small, challenging mountain roads (but incredibly beautiful) on the land of the far away land "The bird flying twice to be broken its wings." Alternating between the main road and short tarmacked sections, the loop exposes us to villages nestled in the foothills where local ethnic groups live their traditional lives.
We then head up the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Sitting approximately 1500 meters above sea level with the poetic Nho Que River winding off in the distance, it's not exaggerated to say Ma Pi Leng is the King of Passes. Although the pass is relatively short at about 20 kilometers, it punches far above its weight. At the foot of the pass lies a Hmong Village called Meo Vac, where we stayed overnight in a homestay.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 130km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we start our excursion again. Today, we will ride to see the largest natural lake in Viet Nam. The road from Meo Vac to Ba Be Lake is another spotlight, making this Northern Vietnam motorcycle trip more memorable. Especially, we have to cross a few rivers instead of riding on some bamboo bridges. Take the unpredictable condition road DT217 to reach Khau Vai, then cross a bamboo raft ferry over the Nho Que River and continue on the other side down to Bao Lac.
This trail will sweat any riders due to the muddy road conditions around the rivers. At some points along DT217, you may find yourself dismounting your bike and carrying it across flooded streams. However, it's worth the hard work. As we drift down the water, we soak in the splendor of the landscapes, creating memories that last for life.
After that, our journey will continue. Throughout the route, we travel meandering through ancient villages that have endured the test of time. We stop for lunch at Bao Lac and ride straight to Ba Be Lake. It will be a long day of riding but also exciting and joyful when we can swim amidst the peaceful nature in Ba Be Lake on a boat tour.
Overnight in the homestay of a Tay family.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 190km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the stunning views of karst formations all around you, covered with patches of wild vegetation and rich wildlife. Enjoy the remaining moments of your journey before departing to Ban Gioc via Nguyen Binh, where you will be surprised by the infinite lush green color of bamboo forests and the mountains gently meeting the rice terraces' valleys. Stop for filming or taking photos whenever possible. The motorbike ride to the waterfall offers a great mountain view. The road is not so steep, but it is quiet and different from the roads we rode on before.
After lunch in Cao Bang, the road takes you to your accommodation next to the waterfall, where you can rest before enjoying a traditional dinner. If time permits, we board a boat trip to admire the grandeur pass in a closer way. As one of Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfalls, the sheer majesty of Ban Gioc Waterfall leaves anybody in awe when they first lay eyes on it.


Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 210km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we board a boat trip to admire the grandeur pass in a closer way. As one of Southeast Asia's largest natural waterfalls, the sheer majesty of Ban Gioc Waterfall leaves anybody in awe when they first lay eyes on it. The roar of the falls and the mist that rises from the crashing waters evoke a sense of bewilderment that is both exciting and humbling. Leaving that backdrop behind, we embark on an exhilarating off-road motorbike tour, crossing some streams and promising a day filled with adventure.
We’ll then say goodbye to Ban Gioc and ride straight to Quang Uyen via Dong Khe and That Khe. The road to our destination is pretty bumpy and dusty, but it promises a reward at the end.
After lunch in the territory of the Nung An people, we continue riding to Lang Son, the trade gateway between China and Vietnam.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Lang Son City

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 177km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It's an early start today, as it's an easy ride on motorbikes back on the new Highway 4B before turning onto Road 18 and heading to Ha Long City. Traffic will be busier because you are going to one of the New 7 Wonders. But before that, the coastal ride will be great before arriving at the port city.
Arrive at the Halong Bay pier, check-in registration, and board our boat for a stunning cruise amongst limestone islands formed over 500 million years ago while enjoying lunch on board.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 170km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1: Return to Halong City. After checking into the hotel, we will spend the rest of the day on a city tour to experience this beautiful city's rapid growth.
2: It's time to party as we step into a world of luxury on a lavish boat cruise to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Long Bay. A trip to Vietnam wouldn't be complete without a stay on a Junk boat in Halong Bay, sailing the emerald waters and enjoying evening drinks on deck. It's a perfect opportunity to make friends with fellow travelers and enjoy a memorable boat sleeping night. The package includes lunches, dinners, kayaking, and cave visits, ensuring a truly indulgent experience.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 170km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Early birds may like to catch the dawn over the bay before enjoying a small breakfast onboard. Take in the last views of Halong Bay before returning to the harbor mid-morning.

1: It's then time to drive back to Hanoi. The roads are a mixture of challenging tracks and different interests. Arrive in Hanoi before rush hour and end the enjoyable Vietnam motorbike tours safely!
2: A luxurious limousine is ready for your journey back to Hanoi as soon as you arrive back on land. Your vehicle will be transported by truck, ensuring you can finish your tour safely and hassle-free.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 160km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch