North Vietnam Motorcycle Tours: 11-Day Adventure On 2 Wheels

Introduction

From the peaceful, lush rice fields waving in the wind to awe-inspiring towering mountains and deep valleys, the north of Vietnam has something for everyone. Each mile into this grand mountainous area is filled with anticipation and thrill. Want to admire its magnificent, wild beauty? Our North Vietnam motorcycle tours will lead you through an emotional roller coaster in 11 days!

North Vietnam Motorcycle Tours: 11 Thrilling Days

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau Motorbike Tour

An, our tour guide, met us at our hotel quite early. We fueled our stomachs with hot, flavorful bowls of Pho and set off at 9 am. Our motorbikes weaved through the jam-packed traffic,  and the high-pitched horns and engine sounds faded into thin air behind us.

Traversing through some rough roads and winding hills, we stopped for lunch and continued crossing tranquil, charming rural landscapes. On the way, some local children stared at us curiously and then shyly ran away when we waved hello. Their cuteness and innocence really warmed the day.

At around 5 pm, the picturesque valley of Mai Chau finally emerged in front of us like a dreamy meadow in some fairy tales. We found solace when sniffing the earthy aroma from the terraced rice fields and admiring the majesty of lush mountains from afar, dotted with houses of some ethnic tribes. That night, we had a restful sleep at a homestay like never before.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Phu Yen Motorbike Trip

Waking up in the crisp air of Mai Chau, we knew another spectacular day unfolded. We bade farewell to this poetic valley just to unveil other splendid landscapes that can wow everyone. 

The villages of ethnic groups with stilt houses were shrouded in a rustic veil untouched by time and the modern world. We slowed down to indulge in the simple life and unspoiled nature where anxiety and strain found no place.

Conquering some narrow, steep passes, we arrived at Moc Chau Plateau, where our hearty lunch was ready to serve. Then, our motorcycles headed northwest and crossed the Da River to reach Phu Yen at 4:30 pm. The sun still hung high, so we took a stroll along the crystal-clear river. The gentle breeze washed over us, chasing away any lingering fatigue before we returned to the homestay for a warm dinner.

Day 3: Phu Yen – Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen Motorbike Route

Here came the most memorable day trip in our North Vietnam motorbike tours, as we would have a chance to visit the picturesque Mu Cang Chai. Filled with excitement and anticipation, we couldn’t sleep in but woke up early. After a satisfying breakfast, our group hit the road, following a mountainous route. 

The charming Mu Cang Chai emerged in front of us. The lively, verdant terraced rice fields danced under the soft glow of sunlight. We couldn’t help but marvel at that spectacular scene. Stepping into Mu Cang Chai, we were warmly welcomed by the hospitable Black Hmong people. They invited us to their stilt houses and treated us to their local specialties as well as traditional dances. 

Their simple yet content life taught us how to find happiness and solace in little things. Leaving Mu Cang Chai, we headed to Than Uyen city and had a relaxing night to reminisce about our joyful riding day.

Day 4: Than Uyen – Sapa Motorcycle Tour

Than Uyen really knew how to soothe our souls with its crisp morning air and a warm breakfast full of local foods. But the dreamy town of Sapa was awaiting ahead, so we set off early to unveil other hidden gems. 

Our motorbikes navigated sharp turns and weaved through lush green tea farms carpeting the hillsides while we took in the majesty of the towering mountains. Soon enough, the grandeur of O Quy Ho Pass unfolded, its dangerous allure urging us forward. From there, we gazed upon the imposing Fansipan mount – the roof of the Indochine.

As the blazing sun hung overhead and bathed the beautiful scenery with its bright sunlight, we arrived in Sapa, where the pleasant weather offered a cool respite. After lunch, our team spent the rest of the day meandering around the charming town to soak in its ethereal, natural beauty.

Day 5: Sapa – Bac Ha Motorcycle Trip

We woke up when the fog still lingered its hug over the town, heading to Bac Ha with full tummies. The 5th day of our PG-1 adventure tours was aimed at reconnecting with the wild and untouched nature. 

We traversed dirt roads through verdant terraced rice fields and peaceful villages shrouded in a misty veil. Their rustic charm and unique traditions, preserved for generations, were evident everywhere. How the ethnic tribes lived taught us to be respectful and grateful for Mother Nature. 

We reached Bac Ha at 4 pm and enjoyed a restful night in a hotel, getting recharged for the adventurous motorbike tour to Ha Giang tomorrow.

Day 6: Bac Ha – Ha Giang Motorcycle Route

No trip to northern Vietnam is complete without visiting Ha Giang – the northernmost point of the country. There, majestic towering mountains pierced the sky, while lush rolling hills adorned with lively terraced rice fields. Crystal-clear streams snaked through deep valleys, creating a spectacular tapestry of nature. 

With its breathtaking beauty came a trade-off, though. As we moved further, more challenging paths emerged with dirt, muddy roads, and rocky trails. Even experienced riders like us didn’t dare to loosen our focus on the road for a mere moment. 

As the sun cast a long shadow on the road, we arrived at the hotel. It was a welcome sight after a challenging but rewarding day of riding through Ha Giang’s stunning landscapes.

Day 7: Ha Giang – Dong Van Motorbike Tour

The rural district of Dong Van was just a 150 km ride to the north from our hotel. It was a charming valley where awe-inspiring stone plateaus lured thousands of visitors each year. 

We were impressed by their magnificent beauty and the resilience of the locals. Houses nestled within rocky mountains and verdant valleys offered a glimpse into the vibrant, colorful lives of the ethnic minorities.

We stopped along the way to capture the stunning scenery, let our minds wander, and join local activities to explore their cultures. Our team arrived in Dong Van at around 5 pm when the sun played hide-and-seek behind the mountain range. After a leisurely walk around to take in the serene beauty, we returned to our hotel to refill our energy.

Day 8: Dong Van – Bao Lac Motorbike Trip

Early in the morning, we strolled around the peaceful Dong Van to admire its daylight charm while sipping a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee. The French-styled architecture in the French colonial area transported us back in time, immersing us in its vintage vibe.

At around 10 am, we hopped on our motorbikes for the next destination – Bao Lac. The motorcycle route cut through many striking landmarks, from vivid rice fields to rocky plateaus. But what impressed us most was the Ma Pi Leng Pass, which challenged us with its demanding roads. It was like riding on a tightrope as we wound through the steep, zig-zag curves, one side with the jagged cliff and the other with a deep abyss. 

After conquering the challenging route, we enjoyed a motorbike trip around the Dong Van Global Geopark and continued riding toward Bao Lac for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Bao Lac – Ba Be Motorbike Route

After 8 days of winding through Vietnam’s mountainous region, we decided to follow along the Gam River, winding through some serene, rural villages. The further we traversed, the more friendly smiles we received from local people. A bunch of wide-eyed kids also gave us some water to quench our thirst on the road.

Enough for those scenic roads! An, our tour guide led us through a steep path that was littered with rocks and potholes. Our fatigue was well rewarded when we could witness peaceful villages embraced by lively terrace fields and crystal-clear streams. 

Our team arrived in Ba Be at 3 pm. After checking in at a homestay of a Tay family, we were eager to hop on a boat trip to discover Ba Be Lake – the most extensive natural lake in Vietnam. That night, the host family treated us to a cozy, hearty dinner with traditional drinks.

Day 10: Ba Be – Thac Ba Lake Motorcycle Tour

Leaving behind the serene Ba Be, our motorbike tour continued toward Thac Ba Lake, renowned for its emerald water and stunning limestone “islets.” We were intrigued, knowing that it was a man-made marvel.

This day was not only filled with beautiful landscapes but also historical sites like ATK Dinh Hoa, where President Ho Chi Minh met the Communist Party of Vietnam in a pivotal 1930 meeting.

After equipping ourselves with some knowledge of history, we headed to Thac Ba Lake. We stayed in a cozy, lovely homestay by the shore to fully enjoy the lake’s beauty. Admiring the gentle breeze and the magnificent scenery from the shore wasn’t enough, so we decided to take a boat trip to get closer to the jade water and striking limestone.

Day 11: Thac Ba Lake – Hanoi Motorcycle Trip

On the last day of our Vietnam motorbike tours, we returned to Hanoi on an easy route. After a nutritious breakfast at the homestay, we departed at 8 am. 

The 180km ride was mostly on-road, so tiredness couldn’t occupy us. Sometimes, we slowed down a bit to take in the natural landscapes that unfolded along the way.

We arrived in Hanoi before peak hours, so it was a breeze to move through the streets. Our team had the very last lunch together, shared some anecdotes, and kissed goodbye to our adventurous motorcycle tour.

Conclusion

Eleven days on two wheels have led us to the most breathtaking and wildest natural scenery in northern Vietnam. Our North Vietnam motorcycle tours are filled with unforgettable memories and amazing experiences. We’re sure to come back someday to explore other parts of this country. What about you? Share this post with your buddies, and plan for your motorbike trip now!

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