10-Day North Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tours: Chase The Wind

Overview

Imagine cruising an off-the-beaten-path, feeling the wind caressing your hair and sniffing in the refreshing mountain air. Isn’t it a dream come true for every thrill-seeker? That’s exactly what my friends and I experienced on North Vietnam off-road motorbike tours (and even more!). Ready to get the adrenaline pumping? Scroll down to explore what this region has to offer!

North Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tours: 10 Adventurous Days

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau Vietnam Off-road Motorbike Tours

We teamed up with the down-to-earth tour guide, Our guide, in Hanoi in the morning to head to our first destination – Mai Chau Valley. Leaving the city’s jam-packed highways behind, our crew chose a quiet motorcycle path, weaving through the lush scenery of Hanoi’s outskirts. As our motorbikes thrummed on the road, the sparkling river and the verdant rice fields unfolded on two sides like soothing footage. After conquering some dusty backroads, we finally arrived at Mai Chau around 5 pm – a pristine, peaceful valley nestled amidst grand mountains. Guide led us to a lovely, cozy homestay of Thai people, where we had a hearty dinner with some “ruou can.” Our energy was replenished, ready to brace the dirt roads tomorrow!

Day 2: Mai Chau – Moc Chau – Phu Yen Motorcycle Tour

Believe it or not, I woke up at 5:30 am without any annoying alarm ringing. It was the birds and cocks that kicked us out of the comfy bed. After a short stroll outside for the crisp mountain air, a delicious breakfast was ready for us at the homestay.  Kissing goodbye to Mai Chau, we rode towards Moc Chau at 9 am on winding, rugged roads that only brave souls dare travel. In front of us was only a tiny, rough path filled with jagged rocks, but the majestic and lush mountain scenery seemed to ease the strain a bit. We reached Phu Yen at 5:30 pm, just the perfect time to fill our rumbling stomachs with a fantastic dinner amidst this untouched, mountainous paradise.

Day 3: Phu Yen – Than Uyen Motorbike Trip

The third day of our motorcycle tour in North Vietnam was a long and arduous journey. Fueling up with a home-cooked breakfast, our crew revved up towards Than Uyen, aiming to reach the once-in-a-lifetime destination – Mu Cang Chai.  The road to those stunning terraced fields was anything but easy – rugged, bumpy, and steep mountain paths. That daunting 220 km motorcycle route led us to one of the most magnificent gems in Vietnam – Mu Cang Chai.  Gazing from the mountain top, the verdant terraced rice fields winded along the mountainside like Mother Nature’s intricate fingerprint, adorning the area with a graceful charm. While we indulged in surreal beauty, a local kid came and gave us lovely wildflower headbands. This heartwarming gesture, coupled with the breathtaking view, chased away any lingering trace of fatigue and negativity.

Day 4: Than Uyen – Sapa Motorcycle Trip

From the rural area of Than Uyen, we geared up and headed to the “roof of Indochina” – Fansipan, located at over 3100 m from the sea level on top of the Hoang Lien mountain. The higher we climbed up, the deeper we ventured into an ocean of thick fog, every step filled with mystery and anticipation. As our team made our way to the top, a breathtaking view of majestic mountains embraced by vibrant emerald green emerged from the misty veil. The next destination on Day 4 was O Quy Ho Pass – one of the most thrilling yet stunning passes in Vietnam and the dream of many adventure seekers. Chien helped us take a bunch of beautiful photos here, and our PG1 Adventure Tours continued toward Sapa – a lovely town enveloped in fog.  After a scrumptious lunch of local delicacies, we hopped on our motorbikes, meandered around this dreamy and romantic town, and visited peaceful villages of hill tribes nestled amidst bamboo groves. Before the sun dipped below the horizon, we returned to our hotel for a cozy night.

Day 5: Sapa – Xin Man Motorbike Trip

Leaving behind the ethereal mist of Sapa, we followed a scenic motorcycle route, weaving through the Dao village and reaching Lao Cai city. We were lucky enough to admire the gorgeous golden rice-terraced fields simmered in the sun with our naked eyes. Visit Lao Cai from June to September if you also want to witness such a masterpiece of nature. Recharging our energy with a hearty lunch, our motorcycle trip continued toward Bac Ha – a hidden gem nestled in a rural area 100 m above sea level. Conquering off-road tracks and zig-zag passes, we arrived at Xin Man before the night wore on. That night, a pleasant chill filled the air. We gathered together, sipping hot tea and sharing anecdotes about the day’s adventures. Just a peaceful, cozy night that we all craved after the bustle of the city!

Day 6: Xin Man – Ha Giang Vietnam Motorbike Tours

The motorcycle tour from Xin Man to Ha Giang put our riding mettle to the test. Dirt tracks littered with jagged rocks, winding rugged mountain passes, and risky streams with tons of obstacles forced us to navigate with precision and unwavering focus. Thankfully, the other half of the route was quite a respite with even paths and some paved roads in between.  Thanks to that less demanding leg, we managed to reach Ha Giang at 4:30 pm. It was just on point for a leisurely walk around, wholeheartedly admiring the breathtaking sunset until the last sliver of light faded into deep indigo. Coming back to the hotel, we had a lively dinner and hit the sack early to replenish our energy.

Day 7: Ha Giang – Meo Vac Motorcycle Trip

This was a scenic motorcycle journey from Ha Giang to Meo Vac. From Ha Giang, we snaked along the Chinese border, where we marveled at the magnificent rocky plateaus. Thrill crackled in the air as we rounded a tight bend on the zig-zag mountain path, and there it was—the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass.  Looking from the top of the pass, we saw majestic, verdant mountains rising to heaven, their jagged silhouettes adorned with fluffy cotton candy clouds. The jade river weaved through the mountains’ feet like a charming ribbon. That breathtaking scene would etch in our memories for good. Bidding farewell to that beauty, we reached Meo Vac at 4 pm, where we had a fun night out savoring the lip-smacking street food.

Day 8: Meo Vac – Cao Bang Motorcycle Tour

Taking a break from the off-road adventure and wild nature, we dedicated our 8th day on the North Vietnam motorbike tour to honor the historical values. So, our crew rode on well-maintained roads from Meo Vac to Cao Bang.  This province has witnessed many glorious milestones in Vietnamese history – home to many hideouts of Ho Chi Minh President and Vietnamese people during the war against French colonialism, like Pac Bo Cave. Along the way, we also stopped by some remote villages of the Dao ethnic minority to get a taste of their daily lives, from wandering through the local market to marveling at the peaceful and beautiful scenery. To wrap up this leisurely day, we chose to check in at the hotel early and spend the night relaxing.

Day 9: Cao Bang – Ba Be Off-road Motorbike Trip

As our motorcycle tour neared its conclusion, we opted for easy, beautiful roads to take in the incredible scenery along the way. At around 4 pm, we set foot in Ba Be – the largest natural lake in Vietnam.  Nestled in the heart of the emerald lake are lush limestone mountains with their otherworldly charm, luring visitors to explore what they offer.  The lake was crystal-clear and tranquil, caressing our souls with its gentle, rhythmic waves. We couldn’t help but hop on a boat to get closer to its captivating grandeur. It was like an escape from reality! 

Day 10: Ba Be – Hanoi Motorbike Tour

The last day of our motorcycle trip was a 250 km long journey, so we got up early to start the exhilarating ride. On the way back, The guide took us through peaceful rural villages along the Red River. The road kept surprising us with its charm as the scenery unfolded from vibrant rice and corn fields and lively fishing villages to traditional handicraft villages. As the rumble of city life replaced the tranquil whispers of nature, it was also time for us to wrap up our incredible off-road motorcycle tour in Northern Vietnam. With what we experienced on the road, we will surely come back for other adrenaline-filled Vietnam motorbike tours.

Wrapping Up

The enjoyable experience of the North Vietnam off-road motorbike tours has stolen a piece of our hearts. The scenery, the atmosphere, the people, and the food, everything just hit the spot.  Want to conquer these thrilling roads? Plan your motorcycle trip to this beautiful country now! And don’t forget to follow our blog for more interesting motorbike tours! What riders have said about PG1 Adventure Tours on Tripadvisor!