UNFORGETTABLE VIETNAM MOTORBIKE TRIP 15- DAY HA NOI TO DA NANG

Ba Be National Lake

Leaving early in the morning, we set off on a spectacular ride toward Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most famous natural wonders of Vietnam. The journey itself is a highlight, as the road winds past majestic mountain ranges, endless rice paddies, and tranquil valleys. Along the way, we stop at Phuc Sen Village, where Nung ethnic people have been handcrafting traditional knives and farming tools for generations — a fascinating glimpse into authentic rural life.

Arriving at Ban Gioc Waterfall, you’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty of cascading water flowing down tier after tier, creating a breathtaking scene against the backdrop of karst mountains and lush greenery. It’s the perfect place to relax, take photos, or simply admire one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive waterfalls.

We continue with a short hike up to Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda, the first Buddhist temple built near Vietnam’s northern border. From this peaceful hillside sanctuary, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over Ban Gioc Waterfall and the surrounding karst valley — a panorama that will stay with you long after the ride.

This day combines adventure, culture, and nature at its best, making it an unforgettable part of your Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Homestay Tay’s Village.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

After breakfast, our journey continues with a visit to Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the most spectacular limestone grottoes in Northern Vietnam. Walking inside, you’ll be amazed by its vast chambers filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites of every shape and size — a natural masterpiece carved over millions of years.

Back on the motorbike, we ride along a quiet road lined with lush trees and stunning mountain scenery before heading toward Bao Lac, a small town tucked deep in the remote highlands of Northeast Vietnam. This area is home to the fascinating Black Lo Lo ethnic group, where women still proudly wear their traditional attire — flowing black dresses with colorful sleeves and intricately woven skirts. It’s a rare opportunity to witness one of Vietnam’s most unique cultures that has remained unchanged for centuries.

The ride itself is a joy, with winding mountain roads and panoramic views at every turn. We’ll stop to rest at scenic spots, soak in the fresh air, and capture the breathtaking beauty of the rugged landscape. By late afternoon, we arrive in Bao Lac, where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the next leg of your unforgettable Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Dong Van village from the top of the mountain

Today promises to be one of the most unforgettable days of your Vietnam Motorbike Tour. The ride takes you along small, winding mountain roads that are both challenging and breathtaking, cutting through the land of vibrant hill tribes. This is where you’ll conquer some of the most iconic mountain passes in Vietnam, including the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, often called the “Heaven’s Gate.” From here, the views of towering limestone cliffs and deep valleys are simply jaw-dropping.

Along the way, you’ll encounter ethnic minority villages, where people have learned to survive and thrive on rocky slopes for centuries. It’s an inspiring glimpse into their resilience and colorful traditions. Upon reaching Dong Van town, you’ll have time to wander the ancient quarter, with its narrow streets lined by centuries-old H’mong houses made of clay bricks and tiled roofs.

The adventure continues with a tranquil boat trip on the emerald waters of the Nho Que River, considered one of the most spectacular river landscapes in Southeast Asia. Cruising through steep canyon walls is an experience that feels almost surreal. Afterward, we ride another scenic stretch of 30 km, following winding roads that lead us deeper into the stunning highlands before arriving in Dong Van for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

If you arrive here on a Sunday morning, you’re in for a special treat. The weekly ethnic market comes alive with vibrant energy, as the Mong, Dao, and Tay people gather not only to trade goods but also to strengthen their social bonds. It’s fascinating to see locals selling cattle like goats, pigs, and cows alongside colorful traditional clothing — a truly authentic cultural experience.

From there, we ride along breathtaking mountain roads toward Bac Sum Pass and check in at the iconic Heaven’s Gate Pass before reaching Tam Sơn – Quan Ba, a charming town embraced by forested hills. Our experienced guide will take you to a nearby H’Mong village, where you’ll learn about their unique way of life and traditions. Lunch awaits in the picturesque Yen Minh Valley.

The road continues past scenic stops like the Twin Mountains and Can Ty Mountain, followed by the stunning curves of Tham Ma Hill — a highlight of the Ha Giang Loop, perfect for photos and panoramic views. Another highlight of the day is visiting the historic Vuong’s Palace, the former residence of the H’Mong King in Sa Phin village, which offers a glimpse into the region’s past.

As we ride deeper into the mountains, we enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark famed for its dramatic limestone formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The scenery here is extraordinary — a rugged, otherworldly landscape that makes this day one of the most memorable parts of your Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Hotel.

The valley on the way to Sapa

Sapa is one of the most famous travel destinations in North Vietnam — a lively mountain town perched 1,600 meters above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking rice terraces and misty peaks. Known for its cool climate, vibrant markets, and colorful ethnic minority villages, Sapa is a must-see highlight on any Vietnam motorbike tour.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a smooth ride along Road No. 2 for about 40 kilometers before turning onto a smaller mountain road toward Pho Rang. The road may be narrow and bumpy at times, but the scenery will reward you — a charming mix of lush green mountains, endless rice fields, and remote villages of the Tay, Dao, and H’Mong people. Lunch will be served in Pho Rang before continuing our ride.

In the afternoon, we’ll cruise along winding backroads to Lao Cai, where you’ll have the chance to stop at the Vietnam–China border. It’s an exciting moment to witness the gateway between two countries before we start the climb up to Sapa.

The final stretch of today’s ride is truly unforgettable — winding mountain roads that rise up to 1,600 meters, with panoramic views of terraced rice fields cascading down the slopes. This ride is often described as one of the most beautiful motorbike routes in all of North Vietnam. We’ll arrive in Sapa around 4:00 pm, giving you time to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this bustling highland town.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Rice terraces in Sapa

Leaving Sapa, we ride through the heart of northern Vietnam’s mountains toward Mu Cang Chai, famous for its stunning rice terraces. Soon after, we conquer the legendary O Quy Ho Pass at over 2,000m, offering breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range and deep valleys — a perfect spot for photos.

The road then winds through traditional villages like Than Uyen, home to the H’Mong and Thai people, where vibrant culture and terraced fields create spectacular scenery.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Mu Cang Chai, a National Heritage Site. Depending on the season, the terraces glow lush green (May–June) or golden yellow (September–October). This is a photographer’s dream and a highlight of any Vietnam motorbike tour. Arrive to our homestya about 4pm.

Accommodation: Local homestay/ Hotel

An authentic area along the way to Ta Xua

Leaving Mu Cang Chai, we continue our thrilling motorbike ride through Vietnam’s rugged northern mountains. The road takes us past Tu Le, a peaceful town surrounded by endless rice terraces, before reaching Ngoc Chien, a remote valley village well-known for its natural hot springs. This is the perfect spot to relax and meet the Thai and H’Mong people, who still preserve their traditional culture and farming lifestyle.

The ride today is full of adventure, with steep climbs, winding passes, and panoramic views of valleys and misty peaks. Every turn offers a new perspective, from green rice terraces cascading down the hillsides to dramatic limestone mountains rising above the clouds. After lunch along the way, we keep riding deeper into the highlands where the scenery becomes even more spectacular.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Ta Xua, one of Vietnam’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations. The highlight here is the legendary “dinosaur spine” ridge, a narrow trail offering jaw-dropping views of the valleys below. Often wrapped in a magical sea of clouds, Ta Xua is especially breathtaking at sunrise or sunset, making it one of the most unforgettable stops of your Vietnam motorbike adventure.

Accommodation: Homestay/ Local guest house.

Local people are selling cows on Sunday morning

Today’s Vietnam motorbike tour covers around 170 kilometers, taking us through a mix of winding mountain passes, peaceful valleys, and vast tea plantations. The ride is both challenging and rewarding, with panoramic views of lush forests, misty peaks, and remote villages along the way. There will be plenty of stops to capture the scenery and soak in the atmosphere.

We ride pass through Moc Chau, a highland plateau famous for its endless tea hills, dairy farms, and cool climate. Often covered in mist, Moc Chau adds a dreamy and relaxing vibe to the journey.

By late afternoon, we arrive in the stunning Mai Chau Valley, a peaceful retreat surrounded by green rice fields and traditional Thai stilt houses. This charming town is a favorite stop for many riders on their Vietnam motorbike tour, offering the perfect mix of natural beauty and authentic cultural experiences. You can relax in the valley, explore local markets, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Thai ethnic people before settling in for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel/ Homestay

Relax and visit the local village on the way

Leaving behind the peaceful beauty of Mai Chau Valley, today’s Vietnam motorbike tour takes us deeper into Vietnam’s history and culture as we ride toward Tan Ky. The road leads us onto the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, once an important wartime supply route, now a scenic motorbike paradise.

The ride is smooth yet full of charm — rice paddies stretch into the distance, water buffalo graze lazily, and ethnic villages of the Muong and Thai people line the way. We’ll stop to explore local markets and small hamlets, where the warm hospitality of the villagers offers an authentic glimpse into rural life.

Arriving in Tan Ky, you’ll find yourself in a town of historical importance, known as one of the northern gateways of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Once a key logistic base during the war, today Tan Ky is a quiet town surrounded by peaceful countryside — the perfect place to relax and reflect after a long day’s ride. We’ll stay overnight here, preparing for the next stage of our adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel

A beautiful mountain road

Today’s Vietnam motorbike tour takes you on one of the most remarkable sections of the Ho Chi Minh Road, a route steeped in history and breathtaking scenery. Stretching about 280 kilometers, this ride not only offers smooth roads and light traffic but also a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War, as our guides share stories about how the trail was once used to move troops and supplies from north to south.

The journey winds through dense jungles, quiet villages, and dramatic limestone mountains, with every turn revealing untouched landscapes. Stops along the way allow us to sip coffee on a mountain pass, soak in the fresh air, and enjoy sweeping views of the lush countryside.

Our ride ends at Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its spectacular caves and pristine nature. This is the perfect reward after a day of incredible riding, blending history, culture, and natural beauty.

Accommodation: Hotel

Exploring the caves in Phong Nha

Today’s Vietnam motorbike tour gives you a well-deserved break from long rides, as we spend the whole day discovering the natural wonders of Phong Nha National Park.

Our morning adventure begins at the famous Dark Cave, once used as a bomb shelter during the war. Equipped with headlamps, we’ll kayak across the Chay River, zipline into the cave, explore its mysterious chambers, and even enjoy a fun mud bath. The surrounding limestone mountains and lush jungle make this experience both thrilling and refreshing.

After lunch, we continue to the magnificent Paradise Cave – the world’s second-longest limestone cave. You’ll walk (or take an electric cart) through pristine rainforest before stepping into a breathtaking underground world filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites.

In the late afternoon, we ride a short distance through the park to soak in its green beauty. As the day ends, we’ll pause at a peaceful rice field to capture the magical Phong Nha sunset, before heading back to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Road to Khe Sanh

Depart early in the morning for a long day ride, this route takes us on an exciting ride along the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, crossing through dense jungles, mountain passes, and peaceful valleys. Covering one of the most beautiful stretches of the trail, the journey blends natural beauty with cultural encounters and wartime history.

Continous on our motorbike adventure, we will ride past lush forests, waterfalls, and remote villages, stopping at a Van Kieu ethnic minority village to see their traditional lifestyle in this isolated region. Lunch will be at a simple local eatery, before continuing through the scenic Bong Lai Valley, where rice paddies, farmland, and the calm Son River create perfect photo stops.

As we ride deeper into the Truong Son mountain range, the road winds through thick jungles and offers panoramic views across rivers and karst landscapes. In the afternoon, we cross the iconic Dakrong Bridge, an important point on the wartime trail, before reaching Khe Sanh. Here, we’ll visit the historic Khe Sanh Combat Base (Ta Con airfield), where old tanks and helicopters remain as reminders of the Vietnam War.

The day ride ends in Khe Sanh town, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and share stories with your friendly guides after a long but rewarding ride.

Accommodation: Hotel

The Ta Con Combat Base

Today will be the longest ride and bysiest day of our Vietnam motorbike journey, but also one of the most rewarding, as we combine winding mountain roads, stunning coastline, and important historical landmarks.

Our first stop is the Rock Pile, a former U.S. base used as a lookout during the war, then continue to Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery, the largest war cemetery in Vietnam, where thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their lives on the Truong Son Road now rest.

The ride then takes us to the historic Hien Luong Bridge at the 17th Parallel, the former dividing line between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. Walking across the bridge with your guide, you’ll hear moving stories of separation and reunification, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of this riverside location.

Next, we spend time exploring the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an incredible underground network built to protect entire villages from heavy U.S. bombing. The tunnels housed living quarters, kitchens, a school, and even a maternity ward, making it a “village beneath the earth.” This is one of the most powerful and eye-opening historical experiences of the journey.

Afterward, we ride down to the coast, enjoying the peaceful beauty of Cua Tung Beach and the vast Tam Giang Lagoon before reaching Hue.

Accommodation: Hotel