5-Day
North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour
5-Day Due North
Hanoi - Thac Ba - Ha Giang - Dong Van - Ba Be - Hanoi
This 5-day North Vietnam motorcycle tour takes you deep up country, with stunning landscapes, remote villages, and rich cultural experiences. From the hustle of Hanoi to the peaceful shores of Thac Ba Lake and through the mountainous beauty of Ha Giang, you’ll ride past scenic tea plantations, ancient monuments, and traditional ethnic communities. It’s the perfect short escape for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Vietnam by motorcycle.
- Hanoi
- 950 km
- 5 days, 4 nights
- pillion riders welcome
- Thac Ba Lake; Ba Be Lake; Victory Monument; Dong Van Karst Plateau; Bac Sum Pass; Ma Pi Leng Gorge; Ha Giang; H’mong King's Palace
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi - Thac Ba
- 160 km
- 5 hours
- homestay
- tea fields; Victory Monument; Thac Ba Lake
Head along the Red River, riding the quieter northern shore towards Thac Ba Dam Lake. We’ll stop to visit the Victory Monument in Doan Hung before riding through the lush tea fields. The day ends at a homestay by the lake, where, if time permits, we can take a relaxing boat trip.
Day 2: Thac Ba - Ha Giang
- 160 km
- 5 hours
- resort
- Luc Yen Gem Market; bamboo bridge; off-road villages; Ha Giang
After breakfast, we hit the lake road, following the shoreline towards the Luc Yen Gem Market. We’ll stick to smaller roads and take some off-road routes where we can. Crossing a bamboo bridge over the river, we’ll ride a short stretch on the highway before heading off-road again through small villages and tea fields. Finally, we descend from the hills into Ha Giang, ready for the next leg of our adventure.
Day 3: Ha Giang - Dong Van
- 150 km
- 5 hours
- hotel
- Dong Van Karst Plateau; Hmong villages; winding cliff roads
Today, we ride to the northernmost point of our journey, passing through the stunning Dong Van Karst Plateau. The scenery is jaw-dropping as we navigate smaller, winding roads along sheer cliff faces. Along the way, we’ll encounter local Hmong people and their villages before reaching the district capital of Dong Van.
Day 4: Dong Van - Ba Be
- 200 km
- 7 hours
- hotel
- M Pi Leng Gorge; Happiness Road; Ba Be Lake
Today, we have the option to take either the road or off-road route as we head towards Ba Be Lake. We’ll ride the iconic Happiness Road, passing the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Gorge and through rugged, beautiful countryside. After crossing high mountain passes, we’ll arrive at Ba Be Lake, where you can enjoy a boat ride, take a swim, and relax before resting at our lakeside homestay for the night.
Day 5: Ba Be - Hanoi
- 210 km
- 6 hours
- rice wine distillery; backroads
On our final day, we take the smaller back roads back to Hanoi, winding through peaceful villages and quieter routes. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local family who produces rice wine, where you’ll get a chance to see their operation firsthand before riding back to the capital.
Motorcycles
Inclusions/Extras
- Motorcycle Hire
- Fuel
- Professional Guide
- Food + Drink
- Accommodation
- Tickets and Permits
-
Support Vehicle
(free for groups of 7+) - Damage Waiver
- Private Accommodation
5-Day Due North FAQ
What's the best bike for this 5-day North Vietnam motorcycle tour?
The Honda XR150 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to tackle off-road sections and dirt tracks with ease. Its lightweight frame and dependable handling make it perfect for navigating Ha Giang’s rugged terrain.
If you prefer sticking to tarmac and concrete roads, the Honda CB500X is a better option. It offers more comfort and stability for long highway stretches, ensuring a smoother and more relaxed ride.
When is the best time to ride?
The best time to ride is late September to early October. During this period, the landscape transforms with valleys shifting from lush green to vibrant golden hues. It’s warm in the day and cool at night, which is ideal for both riding and relaxing.
What are the highlights of this 5-day North Vietnam motorcycle tour?
Highlights include following the Red and Lo Rivers, visiting the Victory Monument, and crossing the bamboo bridge at Thac Ba Lake. In Ha Giang, you’ll ride the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, see Tu San Gorge, and explore the Happiness Road. The trip ends with a peaceful boat ride on Ba Be Lake.
What kind of luggage should I bring?
Bring lightweight, durable luggage that can handle different weather conditions and rough roads. A small to medium-sized waterproof duffel bag or backpack is ideal for keeping your essentials secure and dry.
Make sure to bring a good mix of clothing for varying temperatures, as well as any personal items you may need on the road. Your guide will assist with carrying larger bags if necessary.
What are the roads like?
The roads on the Due North Tour vary based on your preferences and weather conditions. You might encounter smooth tarmac, newly built roads, gravel, mud, and steep inclines. Your guide will brief you on what to expect for each day’s ride.
Do I need a Vietnamese license to ride legally?
No, you don’t need a local Vietnamese license to ride the 5-day Ha Giang Loop. However, you must be legal to drive in Vietnam, which typically means holding a valid license from your home country and a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP).
Book Now
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!
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!
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.
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.
I highly recommend renting from this company! Reasonable prices, no hidden costs. Friendly staff, well serviced engines, ready to go!
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.
We also needed to use the assistance line for repairs and translation, and the service was really quick and efficient.
Great place, lovely staff, got a nice bike and a good deal
Great Loop
from $1680
- Hanoi
- 1850 km
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Ban Gioc waterfall; 14 level pass; Dong Van Geopark; Ha Giang; Sapa; O Quy Ho pass; Mu Cang Chai rice terracing; Ta Xua mountain
Eastern Tearaway
from $1680
- Hanoi
- 1295 km
- 12 days, 11 nights
- Ban Gioc waterfall; 14 level pass; Dong Van Geopark; H'Mong King's Palace; Sapa
Run to the Sun
from $1120
- Hanoi - Danang
- 1210 km
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve; Phong Nha Nature Reserve; HCM Trail; Hue; Hai Van Pass; Danang
Cloud Hunter
from $1260
- Hanoi
- 1050 km
- 9 days, 8 nights
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve; Ta Xua mountain; Mai Chau valley; Mu Cang Chai rice terracing; O Quy Ho pass; Sapa
Black River Loop
from $420
- Hanoi
- 310 km
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Hoa Binh Lake; Black River lakeside road; Go Lao Waterfall; ferry crossing
