15-Day Vietnam Motorbike Tours To Explore Natural Hidden Gems

Introduction

Intro

Does the daily grind weigh you down? It’s time to ditch the stress and escape the hustle and bustle with an offroad adventure into the wild. Our 15-day Vietnam motorbike tours will take you on an exhilarating journey through pristine areas, allowing you to rejoice in nature’s embrace. Get the ball rolling!

15-Day Vietnam Motorbike Tours: Reconnect With Nature

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau Motorbike Tour

With this offroad motorcycle tour, we chose Honda motorbikes from 125cc to 150cc to conquer rugged roads. Our itinerary for Day 1 was from Hanoi, Xuan Mai to Luong Son, Hoa Binh, and then Muong Khen before reaching Mai Chau. This route was the shortest and fastest way to reach Mai Chau.  After breakfast, we left Hanoi for our destination. We made a few stops along the way to rest, savor coffee, enjoy boiling corn, and buy souvenirs. We reached Mai Chau in the late afternoon, then headed to our homestay, unpacked our bags, and prepared for dinner.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Phu Yen Motorbike Trip

After saying goodbye to the host, we continued our northern Vietnam motorcycle tour to Moc Chau, a cool and verdant plateau. There, we relished lunch, indulging in local specialties bursting with flavor. After lunch, we descended from 1,000 meters above sea level, winding our way down to the foot of the mountain. At the Da River, we took a ferry to cross to the other side of the mountain, the cool breeze ruffling our hair. Before getting closer to the town of Phu Yen, we enjoyed a magnificent ride along the riverbank. The road, nestled between the expansive river and towering mountain, offered a tranquil pleasure as we rode leisurely in the soft afternoon breeze. This serene journey became one of the most peaceful and cherished moments of our 15-day motorbike tour to North Vietnam.

Day 3: Phu Yen to Son La Motorbike Route

Our morning began with a motorbike journey through twisty mountain passes, weaving through quaint villages inhabited by the Tay, Thai, and Muong ethnic groups. They cultivated sugarcane, corn, and green tea on the terraced slopes. After a pleasant and leisurely ride, we stopped for lunch and then proceeded along the smooth road to Son La province. Along the way, we stopped at vibrant local markets to immerse ourselves in the local traditions and culture. We reached the city at 4 pm, took a brief rest, and then strolled to the notorious Son La former prison. Here, famous Vietnamese political prisoners were detained during French colonialism. Exploring the prison offered us a deep understanding of the Vietnam War against French colonial domination.

Day 4: Son La to Muong Lay Motorcycle Tour

Our fourth day took us on a breathtaking ride through majestic mountains and lush forests. One of the standout moments was the incredible journey to the legendary Pha Din Pass, also known as the Heaven and Earth Pass in the local language.  This pass is one of the four highest in northwestern Vietnam. The route to the pass is renowned for its hairpin bends and winding roads that snake through the rugged, rocky terrain. It was an adventurous and eye-opening motorbike trip that allowed us to fully appreciate the grandeur of nature, the majestic beauty of the mountains, and the endless sea of clouds. As the night wore on, we stayed in a hotel in Muong Lay.

Day 5: Muong Lay to Sin Ho and Lai Chau Motorcycle Trip

Leaving the charming town of Muong Lay behind, we rode along the Da River, taking in the stunning view between the imposing limestone mountains and the crystal-clear waters. We then ascended to Sin Ho town, perched at 1,500 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, we had a panoramic view of the town—a vast vegetation carpet adorned with red roofs of tiny houses. The local villages of the Lu, Thai, and Dao ethnic minorities were must-visit destinations. If we timed it right, we could witness the vibrant markets on the local hills (you should definitely try it!). After enjoying lunch in Sin Ho, we descended towards Lai Chau—a short yet picturesque journey.

Day 6: Lai Chau to Sapa Motorcycle Route

We began our Sapa motorbike tour around 9:00 am to allow the morning mist to clear and reveal a brighter sky. On this sixth day of our 15-day adventure, we tackled the O Quy Ho pass, the second of the top four passes in Vietnam. Our journey took us from Lai Chau to Sapa, where we arrived by lunchtime.  In the afternoon, we had the option to either explore Sapa on foot or embark on a short motorcycle ride through the picturesque Muong Hoa valley, capturing the stunning rice terraced fields or visiting more villages of the H’Mong and Dao ethnic people. Finding accommodation in Sapa was straightforward. Instead of a luxurious hotel, we chose a cozy homestay with local ethnic families in Ta Van village.

Day 7: Sapa to Xin Man Motorbike Tour

Leaving Sapa, we descended towards Lao Cai. We had two route options: a smooth, scenic ride with beautiful views of terraced rice fields or a challenging journey on bumpy roads winding through H’Mong and Dzao ethnic villages. Regardless of the chosen path, the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges were breathtaking, as Sapa is perched at 1,600 meters above sea level.  We paused at the border gate with China for a break, sipping hot coffee while taking in the bustling atmosphere. From there, we continued our ride to Xin Man, a tranquil town where we found respite in a cozy and peaceful guesthouse.

Day 8: Xin Man to Ha Giang Motorbike Trip

The 8th day of our PG1 adventure tours was full of challenges. We tackled some of the most demanding routes, perfect for adventurous travelers. We journeyed from Xin Man to Hoang Su Phi, renowned for its stunning rice-terraced fields in Ha Giang province. From there, our offroad team ventured onto the Tay Con Linh trail. Known as the roof of northeastern Vietnam, Tay Con Linh presented a formidable challenge with its narrow, rugged, and bumpy roads.  This route captivated adventure enthusiasts, offering a thrilling experience. We navigated the winding roads embraced by expansive rice fields, felt the breeze brushing against our faces, and bathed in the sun’s final golden rays—moments that became treasured memories. Afterward, we had a smooth 30 km motorcycle ride to Ha Giang, arriving at our hotel at around 5:00 pm.

Day 9: Ha Giang to Dong Van Motorbike Route

The captivating rock plateaus of Ha Giang are sure to enchant any motorcyclist. We found ourselves making several stops along the way, irresistibly drawn to capture the stunning landscapes through our cameras.  Our journey included visits to local villages inhabited by the H’Mong and Lo Lo people, where we immersed ourselves in their unique lifestyles and traditions. After a day full of awe-inspiring views and cultural exploration, we concluded our tour and arrived at our guesthouse in Dong Van by 5:00 pm.

Day 10: Dong Van to Bao Lac Motorcycle Tour

After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the guesthouse, we took a leisurely stroll around town, exploring vibrant markets (available only on weekends) and admiring well-preserved ancient houses dating back around 200 years. We set off for Dong Van at 9:30 am, embarking on a ride through the renowned rock plateau of Dong Van Global Geopark. Our route included a breathtaking passage through Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the longest and most picturesque passes in northern Vietnam. In the afternoon, we descended along the scenic Nho Que and Gam rivers, their beauty unfolding before us. We concluded the day at a hotel by the riverbank in Bao Lac town, arriving at 4:30 pm.

Day 11: Bao Lac to Quang Uyen Motorcycle Trip

The journey from Bao Lac to Quang Uyen is a demanding expedition, offering a series of tough trails that are immensely satisfying for enthusiastic bikers. On the eleventh day, we ventured from Cao Bang province, navigating through a series of charming small towns as we approached the border with China.  Our travels led us to Quang Uyen, a peaceful town nestled among serene rural villages inhabited by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. To fully immerse ourselves in the local culture, we opted for a homestay in this tranquil setting.

Day 12: Quang Uyen to Ban Gioc Waterfall and Cao Bang Motorcycle Route

Leaving Quang Uyen, we headed north towards the border between Vietnam and China, where we spent time marveling at the stunning Ban Gioc waterfall. After enjoying lunch near this breathtaking natural wonder, we embarked on some offroad adventures in the surrounding area. We captured photos of the spectacular landscapes and took a refreshing dip in the natural freshwater pool at the base of the waterfall. Reluctantly parting from Ban Gioc, we set out on a scenic motorbike ride back to Cao Bang City. The route offered serene mountain views with gentle, quiet roads that were neither too steep nor crowded. We concluded the day trip with a relaxing evening at a hotel in Cao Bang, soaking in the tranquility of the night.

Day 13: Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake Motorbike Tour

Our 13th day was a true pleasure as we spent most of the time exploring Ba Be Lake, the mystical Puong Cave, Grand Island, and Tien Pond. The route from Cao Bang to Ba Be was a short 150km journey, weaving through serene and scenic roads with only a few bumpy trails in between. We stayed at a nearby homestay, which provided a cozy retreat. As the day drew to a close, we relaxed by watching the last golden rays of sunlight dance across the lake’s surface. Taking a dip in the crystal-clear water was a wonderfully refreshing experience, leaving us revitalized and content. All the fatigue and worries seemed to be washed away with the water.

Day 14: Ba Be to Thac Ba Lake Motorbike Trip

We started our day by sharing breakfast with our local Tay host, engaging in a fascinating conversation about the land and the legends surrounding Ba Be Lake. With our curiosity piqued, we set off on a motorbike ride through winding back roads, arriving at the tranquil village of the Dzao people by 3 pm. Our afternoon continued with a boat ride on Thac Ba Lake, the largest artificial lake in Vietnam.  The lake, with its nearly 3,000 islands of various shapes and sizes, sparkled with emerald, crystal-clear water and offered a breathtakingly poetic landscape. Often dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on land” of Vietnam’s mountainous region, Thac Ba Lake was undoubtedly a highlight of our northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure. We concluded the day at 5:00 pm, retiring to a homestay in the Dzao village for a peaceful night, reflecting on the day’s remarkable experiences.

Day 15: Thac Ba to Hanoi Motorbike Route

On the last day of our Vietnam motorcycle tours, we opted for gentle and scenic routes to ensure a pleasant and effortless ride back to the city. As we prepared to say goodbye, it was bittersweet to part ways with the offroad team who had shared this incredible journey with us over the past 15 days.  The bonds we formed, the stunning places we explored, and the vibrant stories of the people we met were unforgettable highlights of our adventure. These cherished memories, filled with remarkable experiences and newfound friendships, will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Conclusion

We wrapped up our 15-day Vietnam motorbike tours with both contentment and regret. The breathtaking view unveiled at each stop made every challenge worthwhile. Want to experience this thrilling motorcycle tour? Reach out to us for more information! What riders have said about PG-1 Adventure Tours on Tripadvisor!