Itinerary Overview
Experience an incredible motorcycle tour through Vietnam and Laos! Despite sharing a long border, these two countries have distinct characteristics. Vietnam is busy and densely populated, while Laos seems untouched by time for generations. Vietnam’s population is almost twenty times that of Laos, and both countries offer diverse natural beauty, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultures in their northern regions.
This expedition covers almost the entire length of Laos. We will journey along the Ho Chi Minh Trail sections to visit some of the historic sites and remaining traces of the American War that have been forgotten over time. There’s no better way to experience the magnificence of this captivating country than by riding a motorcycle across the different provinces, flatlands, and mountain ranges while exploring dirt roads, tracks, and trails. This adventurous journey offers a stunning view of Laos and Vietnam in splendor.
Tour Highlights
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Most brutal roads for motorcycling, mostly off-road trails, with some tarmac sections.
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Varied terrain, including mud trails and cross tree-trunk bridges
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Ride through War-Era History and Hidden Trails in Laos and Vietnam
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Visiting significant historical sites from the French war in Dien Bien Phu
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Rest day in Luang Prabang (UNESCO), once the royal capital of Laos.
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Charming Oudomxay in the highlands of Laos
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Learn about Lao’s rich history through the sleepy town of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Summary
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Day 0: Welcome to Vietnam
You should arrive in Hanoi at around 1 pm. We will bring you to the Laos Embassy right after we pick you up at the airport
At night, we will have a welcome dinner together. You will meet the crew that will accompany you on the trip.
Summary
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
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Day 1: Ha Noi - Mai Chau
The trip to the west starts with the bustle of the morning rush hour in the capital. Jam-packed mopeds force their way through the city, and we form a small part of this crowd. What is now a beautiful route used to be nothing more than a trail through the jungle used by the North Vietnamese to supply the South during the war?
You will stay overnight in a traditional wooden Thai home. It is not a luxurious experience, but it is a special one. In the evening, the village elder will pour copious amounts of rice wine. The Thai home is traditional and wooden, with basic amenities and shared sleeping arrangements.
Summary
Accommodation: Mrs Chung Homestay
Distance: 147 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
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Day 2: Mai Chau - Son La
We will hit the trails into mountainous regions inhabited by the Black Thai people, eventually leading us to the more excellent Son La plateau, known for its extensive sugar cane plantations. We will find peace and an authentic sense of staying in the countryside with a local family, not in a busy town.
Summary
Accommodation: Mrs Chung Homestay
Distance: 187 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 3: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
Our route takes us to the base of the lengthy and steep Pha Din Pass. At the summit, we are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before descending on a steep, paved path. Dien Bien Phu has developed from a small village into a big city in recent years. The city is known for the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which sparked action in the First Indochina War (1946 to 1954). The battle involved French and Vietnamese Communist forces fighting for control of a mountain outpost near Laos. The Viet Minh's victory effectively
Summary
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 152 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 4: Dien Bien Phu - Tay Trang Border - Muang Khua (Laos)
Today, we will ride to the border with Laos, where we must take our time for paperwork. After completing the necessary immigration procedures, we will enter Laos and start our journey down the river to Muang Mai and Muang Khua. Along the way, we will enjoy the stunning mountain views of northern Laos. Muang Khua is a small stopover town. Its river setting is surprisingly picturesque, and the small local market is worth visiting.
Summary
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 104 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 5: Muang Khua - Oudomxay
Today will be one of the most adventurous days. The route is only 100 kilometers but 90% unsurfaced. You will follow a mix of wide and small paths and unsteady bridges. The difficulty of this route is entirely dependent on rainfall. The rain may have changed the surface layer of clay into a smooth mirror.
Oudomsay is an accessible town but the largest in North Laos. It is situated at the Nam Ko River and encircled by dramatic mountain ranges of craggy limestone cliffs. There are several restaurants around to explore.
Summary
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 126 km
Meals: Breakfast - Dinner -
Day 6: Oudomxay - Luang Prabang
You will have various options for traveling to Luang Prabang, and the specific route will depend on the group's skills, the condition of the roads, and the weather. Typically, we start the morning by driving on winding dirt roads to the south. These roads are usually unpaved and sometimes in poor condition. As it's a remote area, it's important to bring snacks for a light lunch.
You'll be following rivers, navigating around stunning mountain ranges, and encountering a mix of dirt and paved roads, which makes for an exciting adventure. Finally, we'll arrive in Luang Prabang, where you can unwind at the delightful hotel.
Summary
Accommodation: Homestay Panorama Xín Mần
Distance: 208 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 7: Rest day in Luang Prabang
We spend the day in this beautiful city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town slows your pulse and awakens your imagination: This UNESCO-protected site, situated at the holy intersection of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), features 33 sparkling wats, monks dressed in saffron robes, weathered Indochinese palaces, and delightful fusion cuisine. There are many temples to see in the surroundings of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is also a perfect city to sit in a cafe on the banks of the river.
Summary
Accommodation: Yen Bien Luxury Hotel & Wedding
Distance: 0 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 8: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng
After experiencing rural Laos, riding on arguably the best road in Laos will be nice today, and we’ll hit it early. 230 km of twisted paved road later, we will arrive in Vang Vieng. If our arrival time is before 14:00, you can go tubing down the Mekong River. If you prefer, you can take a small loop around the west side of town on dirt roads along the karst ridgelines. Dinner tonight is a local meal in Vang Vieng.
Summary
Accommodation: Mông Lodge
Distance: 183 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner -
Day 9: Vang Vieng - Vientiane
On our last day of riding, we’ll hit a mix of primarily paved roads and some more minor roads along the way. The journey to Vientiane is 220 km. We’ll take a more leisurely route back and stop at an elephant camp for a drink. Back in the capital for our final night, we will bid a fond farewell to our ranger and tuck into an excellent final dinner tonight.
Today, transfer to the airport according to your outbound flight. You may have booked a few extra days in Vientiane to explore the city in more detail.
Summary
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 148 km
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Price
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Tour: Dirtbike Tours from Hanoi to Vientiane 9 days

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9 days
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NORTH LAOS
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Hanoi - Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu Tay - Trang Border - Muang Khua - Oudomxay - Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng - Vientiane
Tour Highlights
- Most brutal roads for motorcycling, mostly off-road trails, with some tarmac sections.
- Varied terrain, including mud trails and cross tree-trunk bridges
- Ride through War-Era History and Hidden Trails in Laos and Vietnam
- Visiting significant historical sites from the French war in Dien Bien Phu
- Rest day in Luang Prabang (UNESCO), once the royal capital of Laos.
- Charming Oudomxay in the highlands of Laos
- Learn about Lao’s rich history through the sleepy town of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Destination
- Hanoi Motorbike Tours
- Son La Motorbike Tours
- NORTH LAOS
Pickup from
Hanoi
Contact info