14-Day

North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour

14-Day Due North

Hanoi - Bac Son - Quang Uyen - Ban Gioc - Bao Lac - Dong Van - Ha Giang - Bac Ha - Sapa - Mu Cang Chai - Phu Yen - Mai Chau - Hanoi

This 14-day North Vietnam motorcycle tour combines thrilling routes with stunning landscapes and rich cultural encounters. Starting in Hanoi, you’ll journey through picturesque valleys, remote ethnic villages, and majestic mountain passes, including the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Fansipan, and Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Bac Son

Ride east on the main road, which can be busy at first, but soon opens up to quieter provincial routes. We’re on the way to the Lang Son border crossing with China, so there’s a chance to stop for tea and snacks, plus a visit to a military airbase to check out the jets. After a roadside lunch, we head onto smaller roads, with a few dirt detours thrown in for fun. We finish the day in a small ethnic village known for its roof tile production, where we’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal from the local family.

Day 2: Bac Son - Quang Uyen

Hit quiet local roads, making more detours and enjoying longer stretches of open riding. Our first stop is a disused ammunition storage cave, a unique historical site. We then ride along the border with China before heading up to Quang Uyen, where we’ll check into our ‘luxury’ hotel for the next two nights—perfect for getting laundry done and leaving your bags behind. Dinner will be at the best restaurant in town, followed by a few beers with the locals on plastic stools.

Day 3: Quang Uyen - Ban Gioc - Quang Uyen

Today is a loop day, so travel light as we explore the back roads to Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China border. We start with breakfast at a local noodle shop before heading out through Vinh Quy’s scenic hills and small villages. As we approach the border, we’ll experience the security measures in place, and then we’ll take a boat ride around the stunning falls. Afterward, we’ll visit Tiger Cave and possibly hike up to the Truc Lam Pagoda for a panoramic view of the waterfall. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before we head back, passing through the scenic Ngoc Con area. If time allows, we’ll stop by Phuc Sen Knife Village to watch the artisans at work before returning to our hotel.

Day 4: Quang Uyen - Bao Lac

Today we head west, with our first stop at God’s Eye Mountain. If it’s the dry season, we can even take a ride through the dry lake bed. We then continue into the hills near the China border, passing military outposts and taking in the stunning karst landscapes. After lunch in a small border town, we ride over the Na Tenh and Khau Coc Tra passes, both offering excellent photo opportunities. We’ll then descend into Bao Lac, a small market town where we can explore the vibrant local market and interact with the colourful ethnic people.

Day 5: Bao Lac - Dong Van

Today is a more relaxed day, perfect for enjoying a slower pace. We begin with a late breakfast and then leave Bao Lac, taking the smooth, winding road towards Bao Lam. Along the way, we’ll stop for a coffee and pass through small ethnic villages where we can stop and offer gifts like pens, books, or toys. Our next stop is Km0 on the Happiness Road, which starts in Meo Vac town. The rest of the day takes us through the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass. If time allows, we can stop for a short boat ride or head straight to the hotel for a swim.

Day 6: Exploration Day

Today is an exploration day, where you can choose your own pace. If you’d like a break from the bike, feel free to relax by the pool or take a stroll around town. For those still craving adventure, you can hop back on the bike to explore the stunning views, or head up to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, where you’ll enjoy incredible panoramas of China. If time permits, you can also visit Dong Van Market or ride along part of the famous Happiness Road.

Day 7: Dong Van - Ha Giang

We head to Ha Giang today, taking the scenic route via Happiness Road (QL4C). Along the way, we stop to explore several fascinating sights. First, we visit the H’mong King’s Palace, a significant historical landmark. We then ride through the Bac Sum Pass and stop for a photo at the stunning Fairy Mountains. Our journey continues through the Geopark Plateau and into Ha Giang City, where we stay in a peaceful resort nestled in the hills.

Day 8: Ha Giang - Bac Ha

Once out of Ha Giang we take the highway along the ridgeline to Hoang Su Phi and then move onto the more wild road through beautiful rice terraces. Lunch is in a small family homestay in the hills and then we move on to Lao Cai province and the famous market town of Bac Ha. If we are lucky the market will be in full swing when we wake up the next morning.

Day 9: Bac Ha - Sapa

We head towards Sapa, known as the “town of clouds,” perched at an altitude of around 1,700m. This hill station offers cool temperatures, lush greenery, and stunning views of cascading terraced rice fields, valleys, and emerald mountains. If the weather is clear, it’s worth taking the cable car up to Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina, standing at 3,143m. From the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of mountain ranges and possibly a sea of clouds below.

Day 10: Exploration Day

Today is yours to explore at your own pace. You can hike up to Dragon’s Jaw Viewpoint for spectacular views, shop for local souvenirs at the Sapa market, or take a trek through the lush valley surroundings.

Day 11: Sapa - Mu Cang Chai

After a relaxing rest day, we begin our journey south, heading towards Than Uyen and the stunning rice terraces and tea fields of Mu Cang Chai. We ride the towering O Quy Ho Pass before we continuing through the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in the direction of Hanoi.

Day 12: Mu Cang Chai - Phu Yen

We continue our journey south, heading towards Phu Yen Town. On the way, we may be lucky enough to spot paragliders in Tu Le before stopping off in the little town of Nghia Lo for lunch. The route takes us through many ethnic minority villages, including some belonging to the Thai, Tay, Man, and Hmong, as we cross over the beautiful and remote Ta Xua Mountain. A stop at the Dinosaur’s Spine offers a cool photo opportunity, and then we continue down the mountain to Phu Yen, where we stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 13: Phu Yen - Mai Chau

Today, we retrace our steps for the first few kilometers before heading down the valley to the ferry crossing the Black River. We then ascend the Moc Chau Plateau and take a scenic detour off the main road before continuing along the old French-built Highway 6, which was once used to transport troops to the Dien Bien Phu outpost. We join the new highway and pass the Tong Day junction to reach Mai Chau village, where we stay overnight in a boutique hotel. Dinner will be followed by a performance of traditional music and dance by the local troupe.

Day 14: Mai Chau - Hanoi

We have smooth road all the way back to Hanoi, but we can still take part of the old highway 6 along the shores of Hoa Binh Lake and stop for a quick visit to Go Lao Waterfall. We also take smaller back roads to get us to Hoa Binh where quickly visit the Uncle Ho statue that overlooks the Hoa Binh Dam and then we have a good lunch in a local restaurant. Then, it is back to Hanoi on the highway stopping off at the Military Museum on the way.

Motorcycles

Honda XR 150

$140/day

Honda CRF 300

$180/day

Honda CB 500X

$180/day

BMW GS 1250

$280/day

Inclusions/Extras

14-Day Due North FAQ

What's the best bike for this 14-day North Vietnam motorcycle tour?

The best bike for this 10-Day North Vietnam motorcycle tour depends on your riding style. If you’re looking to have some fun off-road, the Honda CRF300 or Honda XR150 are great choices for tackling rough terrain. If you prefer road riding and comfort over long distances, the Honda CB500X is the ideal option.

When is the best time to ride?

Around October is the best time to ride this loop. The weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for a motorcycle tour, and the scenery is at its most beautiful during this time of year.

What are the highlights of this 14-day Vietnam motorcycle tour?

The highlights of this 14-day Vietnam motorcycle tour include a diverse mix of landscapes and cultures. You’ll visit a secret munitions dump, the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, and the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Gorge. Explore the beautiful Sapa and Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces, and the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, all while riding through some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking scenery.

Is English Widely spoken on the route?

No, English is not widely spoken along the route. While you may find some English at hotel receptions and with a few locals, most people will have limited English. It can be fun to learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese or have a translation app handy to help with communication, but your guide will always be on hand to translate.

Can I get laundry done anywhere?

Yes, there are a few places along the route where you can get laundry done overnight. These spots have dryers, so they can even manage laundry during the colder months. However, options may be limited, so it’s best to plan ahead when possible.

Are there ATMs readily available?

Yes, ATMs are widely available at most banks, so getting cash is generally not a problem. Our guides also carry enough cash to handle any situations where an ATM might not be accessible.

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Riders:

4 motorcycle riders

Pillion:

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Shared accommodation provided as standard. Upgrade to private for $40/day per person.

Jiri Skoumal 4 weeks ago

A group of friends completed the 12-Day North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour and it was nothing short of incredible. From start to finish, this was an adventure of a lifetime, all thanks to the professionalism and dedication of Danny, our guide and the owner of the company. His attention to detail, incredible personality and deep local knowledge made the journey seamless and truly immersive.

The route, known as the Great Loop Tour, took us through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North Vietnam. Every day brought a new highlight, from winding mountain passes to serene villages, giving us a real taste of Vietnamese culture and natural beauty. Danny made sure the journey was both exciting and safe; he provided us with well-maintained Honda CB 500X bikes, which were a dream to ride. Reliable and comfortable, these bikes handled everything the terrain threw at us with ease.

One of the things that stood out to me was the quality of the accommodations and meals. We stayed in clean, comfortable lodgings that gave us a chance to rest well every night, and the food was absolutely delicious, showcasing the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Danny clearly puts a lot of effort into choosing quality stops that reflect local culture and hospitality, ensuring that we were always well cared for.

The level of care Danny showed for his group was outstanding. His professionalism and expertise kept us feeling safe and looked after, whether it was a minor bike adjustment, guiding us through tricky terrains, or sharing insights into the local culture and history.
The major complaint here is that there was nothing to complain about. I would really believe Danny even organized the weather for our tour as we had no rain in 12 days ;)
If you’re looking for an authentic, exhilarating experience through North Vietnam with a trustworthy and passionate guide, I can’t recommend this tour enough!

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Bob McGarry 5 months ago

I have rented from Rentabike Vietnam every year for the past 8 years. Why? They have very well maintained, reliable bikes and super friendly staff. I highly recommend them.

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Dominic Lostitch 7 months ago

I would recommend Rentabike Vietnam to anyone visiting/living in Hà Nội. Over the course of the 2 years that I used their services, I rented a Janus, Vision, Airblade, and a Honda Winner (I only changed bikes so much because I was a complete beginner when I moved here and I wanted to upgrade slowly so that I could be confident on a manual). In that time, I had no mechanical issues with any of the bikes that were provided. The main mechanic is one of the best and most efficient I have come across in the country, the staff are friendly, welcoming, and speak great English. Furthermore, the owner Danny is a top guy that speaks incredible Vietnamese and knows the country and his bikes inside out. It is with a heavy heart that I have moved on from renting here, but it is only because I have just purchased a Honda Winner. I hope to return here in the future to rent an adventure bike like the CB500 or XR if I am going on a long journey (which I also used for one day and had no issues with). For me, no other rental place in Hà Nội compares to here. 5 stars, it has been an absolute pleasure and I can’t speak highly enough of this business.

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Suna posta 8 months ago

I highly recommend renting from this company! Reasonable prices, no hidden costs. Friendly staff, well serviced engines, ready to go!

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Karl TV 8 months ago

I want to thank the owner Dany for all the advices and recommendations he gave us during our motorcycle rentals. He told us which places to visit and routes to take for scenic views.
We also needed to use the assistance line for repairs and translation, and the service was really quick and efficient.

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Itachi Uchiha 9 months ago