BEST 12-DAY VIETNAM MOTORBIKE TOUR – HANOI LOOP ADVENTURE

Fishing on Ba Be Lake

Departing Vu Linh village, we set off on an unforgettable Northern Vietnam motorbike tour, riding through winding mountain roads, lush forests, and terraced fields while passing traditional ethnic villages. This motorbike adventure offers an authentic glimpse into rural life and the stunning landscapes of the North.

At Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake, enjoy a serene motorbike tour stop with a scenic boat trip surrounded by towering karst formations and tropical jungle. Explore nearby caves with intricate stalagmites and stalactites, hike to hidden waterfalls, and visit the Tay village of Bo Lu, where locals live in charming stilt houses and practice traditional fishing and farming.

The day ends with more riding through picturesque mountain roads to our homestay. This Northern Vietnam motorbike journey combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do for motorbike enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Homestay

Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam

Leaving early for a full day of riding, we embark on a scenic motorbike tour toward the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall. Along the way, we stop to admire stunning mountain vistas and lush rice paddies, and visit Phuc Sen village, where locals craft traditional knives and farming tools, offering a glimpse into authentic rural life.

At Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s natural wonders, witness pristine waters cascading tier by tier, perfectly framed by verdant landscapes. We’ll also hike to Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda, the first pagoda built near Vietnam’s northern border in Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang. From this hillside temple, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding karst valley, making it an unforgettable highlight of the day.

Accommodation: Homestay at Tay’s village.

Rest stop on the way

After breakfast, we’ll visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a must-see attraction in the Ban Gioc area. This astonishing limestone grotto, adorned with stalactites of all shapes, is the most famous cave in Northern Vietnam’s mountains and will leave you truly amazed.

The ride continues along scenic roads lined with lush trees and mountain vistas, leading to a small route that ascends toward Bao Lac, a quaint town in the northeastern highlands. This region is home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, where women still wear traditional black dresses over their heads, with wide colorful sleeves and long skirts fitted at the waist and knees.

Enjoy more motorbike riding through the mountains, stopping to rest and take in breathtaking viewpoints along the way. We arrive in Bao Lac in the evening, completing another unforgettable day on this Northern Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Breathtaking mountain view

Today promises one of the most unforgettable Vietnam motorbike tours as we conquer winding mountain roads carved into the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Giang. The ride is both challenging and rewarding, guiding us through the heart of northern Vietnam where colorful hill tribes have lived for centuries. Along the way, we’ll pass over some of the most iconic mountain passes such as Ma Pi Leng and the legendary “Heaven Gate,” each offering jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs and valleys. This is also a chance to truly connect with the authentic spirit of the highlands, witnessing how the local ethnic communities skillfully adapt their lives to the rocky terrains. Then we’ll stop at the Nho Que River for a one-hour scenic boat trip, drifting through one of the most spectacular river canyons in Vietnam. The views here are nothing short of magical, with sheer cliffs rising above turquoise waters. Upon arrival in town, you’ll have time to stroll through ancient H’mong streets lined with traditional clay-brick houses, a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Dong van global karst plateau geopark

If your adventure coincides with a Sunday morning, you’ll experience one of the most authentic highland markets of northern Vietnam. Here, ethnic groups such as the Mong, Dao, and Tay gather to trade cattle—goats, pigs, and cows—alongside colorful traditional clothing and handmade items. More than just a market, it’s a lively meeting point where locals maintain their social and cultural traditions.

Continuing your Vietnam motorbike tour, the ride takes you across the breathtaking Bac Sum Pass and up to the legendary Heaven’s Gate Pass. Soon, we arrive in Tam Sơn (Quan Ba), a charming town surrounded by limestone mountains. A visit to a nearby H’Mong village, guided by your experienced tour leader, offers a deep insight into the traditions of the highlands. Lunch awaits in the beautiful Yen Minh valley before the journey continues.

The afternoon brings more highlights as we stop at Twin Mountain, Can Ty Mountain, and the winding Tham Ma Hill—one of the best photography spots of the Ha Giang Loop. You’ll also explore the historic Vuong’s King Palace, the former residence of the H’Mong King. The day concludes as we ride into the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a stunning landscape of limestone formations and rich culture, before reaching Ha Giang around 4:00 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Mountain view on the way to Hoang Su Phi

Leaving Ha Giang, our journey continues along adventurous off-road trails and across high mountain peaks, where sweeping views of terraced rice fields unfold in the stunning valleys below. This ride offers some of the most rewarding scenery on your Vietnam motorbike tour.

We’ll pause in Xin Man town for a hearty lunch before heading onward to the famous Bac Ha Market in Lao Cai province. Held every Sunday, this is the largest market in northwestern Vietnam, alive with the vibrant colors of traditional costumes worn by Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. More than just a trading hub, it’s a cultural celebration—an unmissable opportunity to experience the unique traditions and lively spirit of Vietnam’s hill tribes.

Accommodation: Hotel

Stunning road to Sapa

Leaving the charming town of Bac Ha, we continue our Vietnam motorbike tour along quiet country roads, weaving past fertile terraced fields painted in vibrant greens of corn and rice. Our destination is Ta Van Village, home to the Giay ethnic minority. Nestled in valleys and along streams at the foot of the mountains, the Giay people are known for rice cultivation as their main livelihood, along with crafting musical instruments and intricate silver engravings. Their rich cultural heritage includes fairy tales, poetry, proverbs, and riddles, offering a fascinating glimpse into life in the northern highlands.

After a scenic lunch in Pho Rang Town, we enjoy a leisurely ride to Lao Cai, where the winding roads reveal new perspectives of the stunning landscape. Before entering the town center, we make a short stop to view the China-Vietnam border, a unique photo opportunity. From Lao Cai, the journey continues upward on a breathtaking motorbike ride to Sapa, climbing to 1,600 meters above sea level. Along the way, panoramic vistas of terraced mountains unfold, making this stretch one of the most scenic and memorable rides in northern Vietnam. We arrive in Sapa around 4:00 pm, marking the end of another unforgettable day on our motorbike adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel

Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai

Continue our Vietnam motorbike tour through the heart of northern Vietnam’s mountains, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages. This route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and is a favorite among motorbike enthusiasts and nature lovers. The cool mountain air greets us as we ascend along terraced paddies. Shortly after leaving Sapa, we ride the iconic O Quy Ho Pass, over 2,000 meters above sea level, offering sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and deep valleys.

Along the way, we pass traditional villages like Than Uyen, where lush green rice terraces create ever-changing patterns and local culture is on full display. Arriving in Mu Cang Chai, we encounter some of Vietnam’s most picturesque terraces, recognized as a National Heritage Site. The rice paddies are especially stunning from May to June when vibrant green, and again in September–October when golden for harvest. It’s a perfect spot for photography and short hikes.

We also meet the H’mong and Thai ethnic groups, known for their traditional clothing, dialects, and farming methods. Visiting local markets and interacting with villagers offers a glimpse into their daily lives and cultural heritage. We arrive in Mu Cang Chai around 4:00 pm.

Accommodation:  Local homestay/ Hotel

Smooth and spectacular road

Today’s Vietnam motorbike tour takes us from Mu Cang Chai to Phu Yen, riding through some of the most scenic and unspoiled landscapes in northwest Vietnam. Mu Cang Chai is famous for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, particularly spectacular during harvest season. The winding roads reveal lush valleys, dramatic mountains, and traditional ethnic minority villages along the way.

As we journey toward Phu Yen, we traverse quiet mountain passes and rural roads, passing through untouched countryside. Phu Yen is a tranquil town, less visited by tourists, offering a peaceful escape with authentic local culture and natural beauty.

Along the route, we’ll stop at tea plantations perched on rolling hills. Here, you can explore the farms, learn about the traditional tea-making process, and savor a fresh cup of tea while enjoying the serene landscape. After this scenic ride through mountains and valleys, we arrive at our hotel in Phu Yen around 5:00 pm.

Accommodation:  Hotel.

Rice fields along the mountain road

On this day of your Vietnam motorbike tour, we journey toward the serene Mai Chau Valley, a landscape filled with rolling hills, lush rice fields, and traditional Thai stilt houses. Leaving Phu Yen Town, we ride along the picturesque Da River, navigating winding roads that weave between the sparkling river and majestic mountains. A short ferry crossing takes us across the river before the road climbs steadily to the Moc Chau Plateau, where we pause for lunch amid the plateau’s verdant scenery.

Afterward, we follow the quiet Hua Tat Mountain Road, a historic French-built route that winds through misty hills and rural villages, offering a glimpse of local life. Passing through Moc Chau, known for its tea plantations and dairy farms, the ride showcases northern Vietnam’s natural beauty and charm.

Arriving in Mai Chau by late afternoon, you can explore local markets, meet friendly villagers, or simply relax in the tranquil valley, making it a memorable highlight of your motorbike adventure.

Accommodation: Thai's village Homestay.