MOTORBIKE TOUR 15 DAYS FROM HANOI TO DA NANG VIA HA GIANG LOOP

Ba Be Lake

Leaving early for a long nice day ride to Ban Gioc waterfall, we will stop at the stunning mountain views and rice paddy fields and visit the Phuc Sen village where local people make their traditional knives or some tools for working on the farm.

Visit Ban Gioc waterfall, one of Vietnam's natural wonders. This enchanting waterfall unveils a breathtaking spectacle as pristine waters cascade from tier to tier, harmonizing with the lush landscapes. Take a hike to Truc Lam Phat Tich pagoda, this pagoda was the first to be constructed at the Northern border position in Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang. From this hillside pagoda and temple, you can enjoy great views of the Ban Gioc Waterfall and the entire karst valley.

Accommodation: Homestay Tay’s Village.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

After breakfast, we will visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a must-visit attraction when in the Ban Gioc area. The astonishing cave with stalactites of various shapes is the most famous limestone grotto in the northern mountains. You will be amazed by its beauty.

Keep going on the road lined with beautiful trees and scenic mountain views to join the small heading up to Bao Lac a little town in the mountainous region of northeastern Vietnam.

The area is the home of the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, women here still wear their traditional black dresses put on over their heads, with large sleeves made of bands of cloth in different colors, and a long, full black skirt, tight at the waist and at the knee.

Enjoy more riding through the mountains and stop to rest at some of the breathtaking mountains. Arrive at Bao Lac for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Dong Van village from the top of the mountain

Today, you will have one of the best Vietnam motorbike tours. The ride is mostly on small challenging mountain roads but incredibly beautiful on the land of colorful hill tribes. You will be on some of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam such as the Ma Pi Leng, ‘Heaven Gate’ pass. Here is also a good chance to learn and experience the colorful culture of local tribes. It is inspiring to see how they survive as they manage to live on the rocks. When you reach the town, you will have some extra time to wander the ancient streets lined with H’mong homes of clay bricks and tile roofs built centuries ago.

After that, we will ride to the Nho Que River to take an hour-long beautiful boat trip around the most spectacular river view. Riding another 30 km more on the stunning road to Dong Van around 4 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark

It is a great time if we come here at the weekend on Sunday morning when the ethnic people sell mostly cattle like goats, pigs, cows, and items of clothing, this market is not just for selling goods but is also important for maintaining the social relations of the ethnic people such as Mong, Dao, and Tay.

Riding on the most beautiful breathtaking mountain pass to Bac Sum pass. Check in the Heaven’s Gate Pass then we’ll arrive in Tam Sơn - Quan Ba, a town surrounded by jutting, forested hills. It is a great experience to discover the diversity of ethnic culture by visiting the H’Mong village which will be told by our experienced tour guide. Having lunch in the middle of the beautiful Yen Minh village.

Continuous along the mountain road and stop at Twin Mountain and Can Ty Mountain for great scenery. Visit Tham Ma Hill, which is a highlight of the Ha Giang Loop, it offers stunning views, thrilling rides, and a spectacular panorama of hills, it is a great idea spot for some cooling pictures. At the next stop, we will visit the Vuong’s King palace - The old King of H'mong people in Sa Phin village.

As we approach Dong Van, we’ll enter Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark. This area is famous for its unique geological formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Explore the fascinating rock formations and the distinct landscapes that make this area special. Arrive at Dong Van around 4 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

The valley on the way to Sapa

Sapa itself is a bustling town that sits high in the mountains, offering spectacular views of the surrounding region. The town is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, drawn by its cool climate and the chance to explore the nearby ethnic minority villages.

After breakfast, you will have a smooth motorbike ride on road number two for about 40 kilometers, and then you will take a turn to a small road to Pho Rang - the road is small and somewhere bumpy but the scenery is completely different from what you saw in days before. The scenery is a wonderful mixture of green mountains, rice fields, and graceful villages of the ethnic people. You will have lunch in Pho Rang and after that, you will have an easy Vietnam motorbike tour to Lao Cai on the winding road with a different view from what you’ve seen.

Before getting into the town center, you will have a short visit to the China and Vietnam border. After a short break in Lao Cai to see the China border, we will have a very beautiful motorbike ride up to Sapa. This motorbike ride is up and up to 1,600 meters above sea level. It offers a great view of mountains with terrace fields and it must be one of the best motorbike rides in North Vietnam. Finish our trip to Sapa at around 4: 00 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Rice terraces in Sapa

Leaving Sapa for Mu Cang Chai for the breathtaking journey again through the heart of northern Vietnam’s mountain landscapes, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages. This route offers some of the most scenic views in northern Vietnam, making it a favorite for motorbike-riding adventurers and nature lovers.

The climate is still cool and with beautiful terraced rice paddies the road soon ascends into the mountains. Shortly after leaving Sapa, we’ll encounter the O Quy Ho Pass, one of Vietnam’s most famous mountain passes. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and plunging valleys.

Riding toward Mu Cang Chai, the route takes us through traditional villages with sweeping views of terraced fields. A village like Than Uyen is rich in local culture, and its fields create mesmerizing patterns that change with the season.

Arriving in Mu Cang Chai, you’ll find some of the most picturesque terraced rice fields in Vietnam. Recognized as a National Heritage Site, these terraces are particularly stunning during the rice-growing seasons of May to June when fields are lush and green, and September to October are the harvest time when it turns golden. This area is ideal for photography and short hikes to capture the beauty of the landscape.

Throughout the journey, we’ll encounter people from the H'mong and Thai ethnic groups, known for their traditional clothing, distinct dialects, and unique farming methods. Visiting the local markets and interacting with the villagers offers a glimpse into their daily lives and cultural heritage. We arrive at Mu Cang Chai around 4 pm.

Accommodation: Local homestay/ Hotel

An authentic area along the way to Ta Xua

The motorbike ride from Mu Cang Chai to Ta Xua today is a thrilling journey that takes you through Vietnam's rugged northern landscape, known for its towering mountains, breathtaking rice terraces, and the iconic "dinosaur spine" ridge at Ta Xua.

After exploring the homeland of rice terraces, continuing our motorbike journey to Ngoc Chien, a small village nestled in a remote valley. Ngoc Chien is known for its natural hot springs, which are the perfect way to relax after a long day of riding. The village is also home to the Thai and H’Mong ethnic groups and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life. The ride today is one of the highlights of our trip, taking you through some of the most spectacular scenery the region has to offer. The road winds its way through the mountains, passing through the town of Tu Le, known for its terraced rice fields that cascade down the hillsides.

Having lunch in the small town and continuing our journey on the breathtaking views of valleys and distant mountain peaks. Be prepared for steep climbs and hairpin turns as the road snakes through the mountains. Each bend brings new perspectives of the region's natural beauty with the landscape shifting from terraced fields to misty mountains.

Arriving in Ta Xua, you’ll find one of Vietnam's most famous off-the-beaten-path attractions - the "dinosaur spine" ridge. This narrow ridge offers sweeping views of valleys on either side with mist often shrouding the landscape, creating a dreamlike sea of clouds below. The ridge is especially popular for sunrise or sunset when the light paints the mist and mountains in spectacular colors.

Accommodation: Homestay/ Local guest house.

Local people are selling cows on Sunday morning

Our motorbike journey today covers approximately 170 kilometers, this scenic route winds through mountain passes, peaceful valleys, and tea plantations. It offers us a unique look into Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and cultural diversity. We'll encounter again winding mountain passes with panoramic views, perfect for quick stops to capture the landscapes and soak in the scenery. Riding through these roads can be challenging yet rewarding, with endless views of lush forests and far-off peaks.

We will arrive in Mai Chau Valley in the late afternoon, Mai Chau is known for its peaceful valley, lush green rice fields, and traditional Thai stilt houses. This charming town is a popular retreat for travelers looking to experience rural Vietnamese life. You can unwind in the valley, and explore local markets. The beauty of Mai Chau’s landscape, combined with the hospitality of the local people, makes it a perfect end to your ride. Continue riding along the way, we’ll pass through Moc Chau, a region famous for its tea plantations and dairy farms in the north of Vietnam. This area is often shrouded in mist, adding an ethereal quality to the ride. Keep riding toward Mai Chau at 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel/ Homestay

Relax and visit the local village on the way

The journey from Mai Chau to Tan Ky is a unique motorbike adventure that combines Vietnam's natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical depth. The mix of scenic landscapes and the historical significance of the Ho Chi Minh Trail make this ride an unforgettable experience for any motorbike enthusiast.

Begin our journey in the tranquil Mai Chau Valley, known for its green rice paddies and charming stilt houses of the Thai ethnic people, it’s worth taking a last look at the valley from the surrounding hills before you hit the road and hit the Ho Chi Minh Trail. As we ride south from Mai Chau, we start to join the sections of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, a legendary network of paths used during the Vietnam War.

Today, this route is mostly paved and offers smooth riding while still retaining some of its historical significance. Along the way, you’ll see rice paddies, buffaloes grazing, and villagers working in the fields, giving you a glimpse into the quiet life of rural Vietnam. We will ride through villages inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Muong and Thai people, and stop at local markets and explore small hamlets to experience the diversity and traditions of these communities. The friendly locals often welcome travelers with curiosity and warmth, making the experience more enriching. We will reach Tan Ky - a small town with historical significance as one of the northern starting points of the original Ho Chi Minh Trail. This town was crucial as a logistical base during the war, and remnants of this history are still present. Today, Tan Ky is a quiet town surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for a rest after a long ride. We stay overnight in Tan Ky.

Accommodation: Hotel

A beautiful mountain road

Starting an unforgettable journey on the Ho Chi Minh Road where you will have a deep understanding of the Vietnam War and the history of the trail which is used for moving troops and supplies from the north to the south through our tour guides. Covering around 280 kilometers, this route takes us through dense jungles, quiet villages, and past dramatic limestone mountains, culminating in the stunning Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The road from Tan Ky to Phong Nha follows sections of the Ho Chi Minh trail, which parallels parts of the historic trail. Known for its excellent road quality and smooth riding, unspoiled landscapes, and light traffic. On this road, you’ll experience the lush green forests and rolling hills that make this section of the trail especially beautiful. Take a cup of coffee on the top of the mountain and ride toward Phong Nha.

Accommodation: Hotel

Exploring the caves in Phong Nha

Today we will have a whole day to explore the caves, enjoy nature, and see the beautiful sunset at the rice field in Phong Nha National Park without riding a lot of kilometers.

With a day free to explore Phong Nha National Park, we will have a few hours in the dark cave for some activities. Dark Cave is a branch of the Phong Nha cave system with 5,558m long and 80m high, the entry of the cave is 30m high and 10m wide with heavy forest around the cave mouth. Dark Cave was discovered in the years of anti-America resistance war by local people and used as a bomb shelter, it is a must-visit place when we come to Phong Nha. Unlike other caves that are artificially lit, this cave is mostly dark, the Dark Cave entrance is hidden beneath lush foliage. Thus, it is only accessible via a steep, rocky path that meanders through the forest.

To see the way, we need to use headlamps or torches while exploring Dark Cave. You can see the vast chambers and tunnels illuminated only by the faint glow of their headlamps. The cave is also located on the site of the river called Chay River, which originates from deep inside the mountains. The area is surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains and verdant forests, providing a refreshing and tranquil ambiance. Most activities that you are going to do today are kayaking going through the caves then immersing yourself in the mud bath and taking a walk to explore the cave. Zipline is also on our part our a trip which you can join a bit adventurous and take time to swim at the beautiful river.

After all these morning activities we will take lunch on the way to another caves. In the afternoon we will take another trip to the magnificent Paradise limestone cave, the second-longest wet limestone cave in the world, and then trek through this amazing old-growth rainforest, you can choose to take an electric car or walk around 3 km to the cave and explore it.

After finishing our cave trips, we will ride a few kilometers through the Phong Nha National Park and enjoy the green nature in this marvelous park. On the way back our guide will stop at the time of sunset to relax and take some pictures here then we will ride back to our hotel. 

Accommodation: Hotel

Road to Khe Sanh

The motorbike tour today from Phong Nha to Khe Sanh brings us a thrilling route that follows part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Vietnam’s remote and scenic central region. This route provides an immersive experience through natural landscapes, historic sites, and local villages.

The route takes us through an old-growth jungle, with stunning waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. We will visit Van Kieu’s ethnic village to observe how these people survive in one of the most remote places in Vietnam. Stop for lunch in a local town or roadside eatery along the route, where you can enjoy a simple but hearty Vietnamese meal.  continue to ride through Bong Lai Valley, a beautiful rural area dotted with farms and local homes. This is a peaceful area perfect for stopping to appreciate the scenery and take a few photos.

The journey will take us along the banks of the Son River, through rice paddies, farmland, and past local farmers. Along the way, you will learn about the background history of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a historic network of supply routes that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Stretching (approximately 1,600 kilometers, it connected North Vietnam to South Vietnam, facilitating the movement of troops, weapons, and supplies for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. Enjoy the winding roads, karst landscapes, and thick jungle as you move deeper into the countryside. As we continue toward Khe Sanh, we’ll pass several ethnic minority villages, such as those inhabited by the Van Kieu people. This portion of the trail offers sweeping views of mountains, forests, and rivers, making it ideal for photos. After that, we ride through one of the longest and most stunning passes on the Truong Son range, the quietness, peace, and amazing views across the famous Dakrong bridge on the Ho Chi Minh Trail before heading to Khe Sanh town. Over here our guide will tell you about the history of Ta Con military airport ( Khe Sanh Cmbat Base), where you can see the old helicopters or aircraft. After that, we will ride to Khe Sanh town for the second night to relax and enjoy the local karaoke at night together with our passionate guides. Ride toward Khe Sanh around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel

The Ta Con Combat Base

Today is the longest day but the ride is beautiful with mountain roads, coastline, and full of historical places. The first visit on the day is Rock Pile which was critical during the Vietnam War as a strategic observation post, it was inaccessible by foot so the U.S. military relied on helicopters to deliver troops, supplies, and equipment to the top. From here, U.S. Marines and Army personnel used radio and artillery to monitor and attack NVA supply lines and troop movements along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Take the smooth road straight to Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery which is the largest war cemetery in Vietnam, located in Quang Tri Province. It serves as a resting place and memorial for the thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers who died along the Truong Son Road (also known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail) during the Vietnam War.  This cemetery is a significant site for both historical and emotional reflection, commemorating the sacrifices made during the war.

Keep going on the beautiful way we will ride to the Hien Luong Bridge - a 17th parallel, it was bisected by the border between South Vietnam and North Vietnam during the Vietnam War from 1954 to 1975, It is not just history only but also it is a nice scenery area which you can take photos while walking on the bridge with our guide and we will tell you more about the history of this area.

The next stop, we will spend an hour to visit Vinh Moc Tunnel, a historically significant site located near the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in Quang Tri Province. This tunnel was built by the North Vietnamese to shelter villagers from intense bombing by American forces during the Vietnam War. The complex system of tunnels, dug by hand, served as an underground village with living quarters, a clinic, kitchens, and even a school, allowing people to survive underground for years.

Finish the Vinh Moc tunnel, going down the mountain range to the most beautiful coastline along Cua Tung Beach and Tam Giang Lagoon. Tam Giang is a well-known network of lagoons, notably claiming the title of Southeast Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, covering about 52 square kilometers. Positioned approximately 30 kilometers away from Hue's city center, this charming Vietnamese lagoon is increasingly favored by visitors for its pristine, peaceful, and romantic ambiance. Arrive in Hue around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel