9 Day North-East Vietnam Guided Motorcycle Tour Beginning in Ha Noi

Overview

Northern Vietnam is a region with untamed and majestic nature, daunting routes, and distinctive cultural traits of ethnic minority communities. As a result, this is a popular destination for motorcycle riders. Enjoy the beauty of mountainous northwestern Vietnam with Motorcycle Adventures. This is a great mixture of on and off-road riding, and can be adjusted to make riding it easy or harder depending on the riders’ expectations. The eight great days on this Northern Vietnam motorbike tour are filled with breathtaking scenery, hearty cuisine, and winding roads ideal for two-wheeled riding.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Hanoi
• See the unreal beauty of nature in Sapa and Ha Giang
• Discover Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
• Phu Yen - Ta Xua - Mu Cang Chai - Ba Be National Park
• Ride through the highest pass in Vietnam, Tram Thon Pass
• Meet the colorful hill tribes and explore remote areas
• Enjoy local cuisine and narrow windy roads
• 8 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Hanoi - Phu Yen or Ta Xua (170 kilometers / 105 miles - 210 kilometers / 130 miles)

   The motorbike tour will start by leaving Hanoi on dirt roads to avoid the heavy traffic and then breaking out of the delta plains. You head out of Hanoi skirting along the Red River to Son Tay and then ride through the peaceful countryside to Phu Yen. The predominant topography in this area is the plateau, with undeveloped hills that are no less attractive. The tour guide mentioned that if you travel here in November, you will experience a poetic view when the mustard flowers blossom all over the plateau. You will rest here for one night before starting the trip the next day — great fun right

2. Day 2 - Phu Yen to Mu Cang Chai (210 kilometers / 130 miles)

   On the second day, you will depart from Phu Yen and cross the Lung Lo Pass, separating Son La and Yen Bai provinces. Lung Lo Pass was used by the Vietnamese resistance force to transport weapons, goods, and food during the Dien Bien Phu campaign of 1954. It was eventually heavily bombed by the French in an attempt to sever the front lines from the rear. Lung Lo Pass, situated in the northern province of Yen Bai, was also recognized as a national heritage site by the ministry. This legendary route presents a demanding challenge in addition to its spectacular splendor, dangerous curves, and twis

3. Day 3 - Mu Cang Chai to Sapa (210 kilometers / 130 miles)

   This day you will ride around 180 kilometers (112 miles) to Sapa. Then, you will cross the incredibly challenging and hazardous O Quy Ho Pass. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the spectacular majesty of Fansipan Mountain from the top of the pass, looking toward Lai Chau. Riding into Lao Cai Province at over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) gives views that stretch for miles before descending to the mountainous Sa Pa Valley. A must-see location on North Vietnam motorbike tours, this mountain town in the mist draws both domestic and international visitors to explore. Sa Pa is famous for its ru

4. Day 4 - Sapa to Bac Ha via Si Ma Cai - China border (230 kilometers / 143 miles)

   You will visit the Bac Ha Lao Cai district on the fourth day of the tour. Upon arrival in Bac Ha town, you will see magnificent natural scenery with terraced fields stretching across majestic mountains beside deep blue abysses. Ethnic groups such as the Mong, Tay, and Dao, wearing beautiful brocade clothes, smile and converse while leading horses carrying goods to the market. They sell various highland products including vegetables, fruits, honey, and even agricultural tools like plows, hoes, shovels, and knives. Yet, the most alluring items are jewelry and hand-woven brocade gowns made by the

5. Day 5 - Bac Ha to Ha Giang via Hoang Su Phi (220 kilometers / 137 miles)

   After breakfast, you will take a motorbike ride on the track to Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi along many small, scenic mountain backroads. Xin Man lies right on the border between Vietnam and China. It remains well-hidden, surrounded by wild mountains and forests. There’s a single road from Xin Man to Hoang Su Phi. Hoang Su Phi is among the most untouched areas of Ha Giang Province. The area was isolated from mainstream society until very recently. Passing through Hoang Su Phi, you will be charmed by the pristine beauty of the wild mountains and the authentic culture of local ethnic groups such as

6. Day 6 - Ha Giang to Dong Van (Hidden ride along Chinese border) (220 kilometers / 137 miles)

   You will ride on small, challenging mountain roads through incredibly beautiful lands of colorful mountain hill tribes. Stop at Quan Ba to admire the vast pine forests and winding slopes. Continue on a zigzag track until reaching the Vuong Family Residence, 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Dong Van. The Vuong Family, once considered the kings of the Hmong people in Dong Van, Ha Giang, built their residence in the scenic valley of Sa Phin with Chinese architecture. The entire house was constructed from wood and rock, with stones imported from China. The Vuong Family Residence is truly a masterpiece

7. Day 7 - Dong Van to Bao Lac via Khau Vai (180 kilometers / 112 miles)

   After breakfast, begin your motorbike adventure up the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — one of the most breathtaking mountain roads in Vietnam. The pass offers panoramic views of misty limestone peaks and the poetic Nho Que River winding gracefully through the valley below. Stretching between Dong Van and Meo Vac, near Vietnam’s northernmost point, Ma Pi Leng is often described as a masterpiece of natural beauty — a destination that leaves every traveler in awe. The landscape here is among the most stunning in Vietnam, and the relaxed pace makes it even more enjoyable. You’ll ride your motorbike th

8. Day 8 - Bao Lac to Ba Be (190 kilometers / 118 miles)

   Today is one of the best off-road motorbike tours in Vietnam. Just 20 kilometers (12 miles) after leaving Bao Lac, the route turns into a narrow, bumpy trail surrounded by spectacular terraced rice fields. Along the way, you’ll experience real adventure — crossing small rivers and shaky bamboo bridges that locals use daily. The ride continues with a stunning motorbike journey down to Bac Kan Province, where you’ll end the day with lunch in a peaceful Tay ethnic village near beautiful Ba Be Lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic local boat trip on the Na Hang Reservoir — part of the Na Hang Hyd

9. Day 9 - Ba Be National Park to Hanoi (260 kilometers / 162 miles)

   You will bid farewell to Ba Be Lake with stunning vistas of lakes, limestone peaks, deep evergreen forests, and quiet rivers. The nine-day motorcycle trip through North Vietnam ends as you ride back to Hanoi — one of the best travel decisions you could make. It will be a memorable experience to wind through treacherous passes with breathtaking views while enjoying delicious food and discovering the local culture. What are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road and start exploring!

Ride Details

Terrain

mix of on and off-road

Bike

Rental bike (Honda XR150cc or Honda XR190cc included or upgrade to CRF300L)

Mileage

1930 kilometers / 1199 miles

Daily rides

150 - 260 kilometers / 90 - 162 miles

Riding gear

included: helmet, saddle bags, gloves, rain ponchos

Meals

8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinner

Accommodation

During this tour, you will be staying at various accommodations provided by King Nguyen Travel.

Food

King Nguyen Travel will provide you with meals during the whole tour. Moreover, drinking water and soft drinks will be also included.

Getting There

This tour takes you through Northern Vietnam. In this motorcycle tour, you will ride on wonderful and spectacular routes such as Khau Pha pass and O Quy Ho Pass. Gaze with veneration at the fanciful terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai or Than Uyen. Prior to Ha Giang’s attractive destinations, you will also explore the different tourist attractions like Sapa and Bac Ha. You will also have the oppo