9-Day

Dien Bien Phu Motorcycle Tour

Historic Northwest

Hanoi - Pu Luong - Moc Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Sin Ho - Lai Chau - Sapa - Hanoi

Ride west from Hanoi through Pu Luong nature reserve and mountains of Moc Chau and Son La. Visit Dien Bien Phu, the most famous battleground of the French Indochina War, before heading north to the historic hill station of Sapa, with its cool climate and stunning stepped rice fields. Taking the VIP bus back to Hanoi from Sa Pa, means you spend the maximum amount of time in the mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Pu Luong

We get out of town as quickly as possible and then we take the smaller back roads and ATK roads to get to the beautiful Pu Luong valley. This is not a hard day but concentration is needed as you become acclimatised to the the bike and the traffic conditions.

Day 2: Pu Luong - Moc Chau

We have quite along way to go today but it doesn’t stop us taking the back roads out of Pu Luong and also the old French highway up to Moc Chau. It is noticeably cooler up on the Moc Chau Plateau and this is perfect for the plum, peach and strawberry crops that are grown up here. You will also see millions of bees in thousands of hives. This evening we rest in a small homestay a way out of town so as to be in the peace and quiet.

Day 3: Moc Chau - Son La

We choose our routes today and it all depends on how adventurous we are feeling. The easy option is to follow the main road to Son La and the more exciting one is to skirt the border with Laos and take the mountainous route ending up in Son La. The choice is yours.

Day 4: Son La - Dien Bien Phu

Once again we have the choice of taking the low road or the high road. The main road will take us up and over the beautiful Pha Din Pass but the alternative route will take us over lesser used roads through some pretty remote country and, hopefully, to Dien Bien Phu in time for tea.

Day 5: Exploration Day

This is a day where you get to hang out and wind down after some long riding days. You can visit the battlefields, Victory Museum, Hill A1 and the Commander’s Bunker to name but a few places. There are also tanks, bombs and guns dotted about the place that make for great selfies. Don’t forget to pick up some dried buffalo, which is very much a delicacy of these parts.

Day 6: Dien Bien Phu - Sin Ho

This is a very easy run up North to the small town of Sin Ho nestled in the hills of Lai Chau. We follow the river and then head up the escarpment to the town. A nice easy day meaning a late start isn’t a big problem and we can take it easy on the road stopping at every opportunity.

Day 7: Sin Ho - Lai Chau

Again, we do not have far to go today but no matter as we are in the heart of the hills and there is plenty to see along the road. We can take our time and stop for views and decide if we’d like to take detours on smaller roads to get to our destination.

Day 8: Lai Chau - Sapa

We climb the fabulous O Quy Ho Pass today on our way to the French hill station. We get off the main road for the first part of the trip to avoid the crowds and traffic but then have to join it again as there is only one way over. We have time to stop and gaze back down the pass and hopefully get a look at Fansipan, if the weather is clear.

Day 9: Sapa - Hanoi

We take the back route down to Lao Cai where we drop off our bikes and take our private VIP bus back to Hanoi. We can stop off on route for lunch and be back in plenty of time to get to our hotel and meet up for our farewell dinner.

Motorcycles

Honda XR 150

$140/day

Honda CRF 300

$180/day

Honda CB 500X

$180/day

BMW GS 1250

$280/day

Inclusions/Extras

Historic Northwest FAQ

What's the best bike for Historic Northwest?

If you’re keen to explore a lot of single tracks, the Honda CRF300 dual-sport is an excellent choice because it offers the agility and power needed for more rugged terrain.

On the other hand, if you’re focused on smooth highways and long stretches of road, the Honda CB500X touring bike offers the perfect amount of comfort and power for a more relaxed ride.

When is the best time to ride?

This Dien Bien Phu Motorcycle Tour (Historic Northwest) is best enjoyed outside the Summer ‘wet’ season, which typically runs from June to August.

The northwest benefits from warmer and drier air coming from Laos, meaning the temperature up there (despite the elevation) is usually really pleasant. September to May is ideal for riding, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies.

What are the highlights of this 9-day Vietnam motorcycle tour?

Historic Northwest stands out because it is far less travelled than other areas in northern Vietnam, offering a truly authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local people who are often genuinely curious about foreigners.

The region is also incredibly rich in geographical, cultural, and ethnic diversity, providing countless opportunities to learn about different traditions, customs, and landscapes. You’ll find many fascinating things to explore, and your guide will be there to share insights and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Why is the northwest historic?

It’s steeped in history, particularly from the French colonial era, with Dien Bien Phu being the site of the decisive battle that ended French colonial rule in Vietnam. The region is rich with historical landmarks, including the old French Highway 6, built during the colonial period, and the Son La Prison, which was used during French occupation.

Additionally, the Pha Din Pass is notable for its artillery installations and bunkers, remnants of the intense military activity during the war. Throughout the route, you’ll encounter signs of colonial occupation, underground resistance, and military hardware.

Do we have to take the bus or can we drive back?

While the standard Dien Bien Phu Motorcycle Tour includes a bus ride back to Hanoi, you’re welcome to add an extra day or two to the tour if you’d prefer to ride back.

This gives you more time to explore the beautiful rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and possibly visit Ta Xua and the famous Dinosaur’s Spine track. We can easily adapt any tour to fit your preferences, so you can enjoy the flexibility to extend your adventure and ride back at your own pace.

How remote is the area?

Historic Northwest takes you through one of the least populated regions of Vietnam. We venture off the beaten path, exploring deep into the countryside where you’ll encounter small villages primarily inhabited by ethnic groups, particularly the Black Hmong, offering a glimpse into their unique way of life.

While on a road tour, you’re never far from essential services, but if you opt for an off-road adventure, the terrain can be more isolated. For safety, we have emergency plans in place to ensure your well-being during more remote sections of the journey.

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

Jiri Skoumal 3 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 4 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 7 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 8 months ago