EXPERIENCE VIETNAM ON A 21-DAY FROM DALAT TO HANOI MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE

Dug-out trip in the early morning in Lak Lake

We start early at 6 am with a peaceful dug-out canoe trip on Lak Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. As you glide across the calm waters in a handcrafted wooden canoe, you’ll see fishermen at work, water buffalo by the shore, and traditional M’nong villages with their stilt houses nestled along the lake.

Afterward, we walk around a local village to experience the authentic lifestyle of the M’nong people, known for their farming, fishing, weaving, and gong music traditions. Their bamboo-and-wood stilt houses reflect a way of life preserved for generations.

Leaving the lake behind, we continue our motorbike journey toward Dray Sap Waterfall, the most stunning in Dak Lak province. Here, you can relax, swim, and enjoy a picnic lunch with fresh local food or dine at a nearby restaurant. A short trek through the national park also leads us to another beautiful hidden waterfall.

In the afternoon, we ride through rustic village roads and rice fields, stopping at seasonal mushroom farms, incense-making workshops, and a cocoa plantation, before arriving in Buon Ma Thuot City, the vibrant capital of the Central Highlands.

Accommodation:  hotel. 

Visit the ethnic village on the mountain road

Our Vietnam Motorbike Tour continues as we leave the coffee capital, Buon Ma Thuot. In the morning, we explore the Dak Lak Cultural and Historical Museum (closed Mondays), a unique building inspired by traditional longhouses. Here, riders gain a deeper understanding of the Central Highlands’ history and culture, with exhibits on the Ede, Jarai, and M’nong ethnic groups, as well as displays about the resistance during the Vietnam War.

Back on the road, this motorbike adventure in Vietnam takes us through rice fields, village roads, and plantations. We stop at a pepper farm to taste the fresh, spicy flavor, then visit a rubber plantation, one of the largest tree industries in the Central Highlands. A short coffee break in a roadside hammock is the perfect way to experience the slow pace of rural Vietnam.

After lunch at a local restaurant along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, our Vietnam Motorbike Tour heads to Phu Cuong Waterfall, a breathtaking cascade set in lush nature. By late afternoon, we arrive in Chư Sê, ending another unforgettable day of riding.

Accommodation: Hotel

Start riding on the Ho Chi Minh Road

On the fourth day of our Vietnam Motorbike Tour, we continue riding along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail toward Pleiku. Our first stop is Sea Lake, known as “The Eyes of Pleiku,” a peaceful destination where locals come to enjoy the cool climate and stunning natural scenery. From here, we ride to the region’s oldest tea plantation, established during the French colonial era. Walking through the lush tea fields, you can learn about the cultivation process and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. Nearby, we also visit an ancient Buddhist temple with its impressive reclining Buddha statue.

Afterward, the motorbike trip in Vietnam continues to Kon Tum, a charming town by the Dakbla River. Famous for its unspoiled landscapes and diverse ethnic minority cultures such as the Bahnar, J’rai, and Sedang, Kon Tum is also home to unique architecture, including its historic wooden church. After lunch, we check in at the hotel, then spend the afternoon exploring Kon K’tu ethnic village, where traditional Rong houses tower above the riverbanks and local life remains authentic and deeply rooted in tradition.

Accommodation:  Hotel. 

The natural waterfall on the site of the mountain

Before leaving the land of the Bana people, our Vietnam Motorbike Tour takes you to the iconic Wooden Church of Kon Tum, built in 1913. Made entirely from local wood, this church is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, decorated with intricate carvings that reflect both Christian and indigenous traditions. More than just a place of worship, it serves as a cultural hub for the local community, hosting religious ceremonies, festivals, and gatherings.

From here, we ride about an hour to Ngoc Hoi Town, once one of the fiercest battlefields during the Vietnam War. At the war monument, you’ll see original VC tanks used in combat. Continuing along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Road, we visit Charlie Hill and the remains of Phoenix Airport, both strategic sites of heavy battles during the war. Standing here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the war’s profound impact on this region.

We then ride to the historic Indochina T-Junction, where the borders of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia meet, and stop for lunch. In the afternoon, the road winds through the magnificent Truong Son Mountain Range, with opportunities to relax and swim in a jungle stream along the way. By late afternoon, we arrive in Phuoc Son town, check into our hotel, and unwind after another adventurous day on this unforgettable Vietnam Motorbike Tour.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Enjoy the ride on the Ho Chi Minh Road

Today’s ride on our Vietnam Motorbike Tour takes us along the stunning Phuoc Son Pass, a smooth mountain road that winds through lush villages, rivers, and cascading waterfalls. In the morning, we’ll visit the remote Chu Ru ethnic village, then continue deeper into the jungle to discover a hidden waterfall where you can swim and relax in the unspoiled nature of the Central Highlands.

After enjoying the cool waters, we ride back on scenic mountain roads and stop at a local pineapple farm to taste fresh pineapple and coffee – a refreshing break before heading further east. The journey continues with cultural highlights, including the ancient Cham Temple, a sacred site of the Champa Kingdom, and the vibrant Cao Dai Temple. We’ll also stop by a local incense-making village before reaching Hoi An around 5:00 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel

Hai Van Pass, the spectacular pass in the central of Vietnam

This Vietnam Motorbike Tour takes you from Hoi An to Hue through the legendary Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Vietnam. Along the way, you’ll discover a mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural sites, and local life.

In the morning, we ride along the ocean road to visit Marble Mountain, where you can explore caves, pagodas, and stone sculptures crafted by local artisans. Continuing the journey, we pass My Khe Beach, once a military base during the French and American wars, now recognized as one of Vietnam’s most stunning coastlines.

The highlight of the day is the Hai Van Pass (“Sea of Clouds”), offering spectacular views of mountains, beaches, and the sea. After lunch, we stop at Dream Waterfall for a refreshing swim before heading north on Highway 1A to the Tam Giang Lagoon. Here, you’ll experience authentic village life, meet local fishermen, and enjoy the peaceful scenery before arriving in Hue.

Accommodation: Hotel

Tam Giang lagoon network

On this thrilling Vietnam motorbike tour from Hue to Khe Sanh, riders will enjoy one of the most scenic coastal and mountain routes in central Vietnam. The journey passes the Tam Giang Lagoon, Southeast Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, and the historic Hien Luong Bridge at the 17th parallel, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Vietnam War history.

We’ll explore the incredible Vinh Moc Tunnel, a hand-dug underground village, then ride through the lush Truong Son Mountains, taking in fresh air and dramatic jungle scenery. A stop at the Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery allows reflection on the sacrifices of North Vietnamese soldiers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The day concludes at the strategic Rock Pile, a former observation post, before reaching Khe Sanh. This unforgettable Vietnam motorbike tour combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and authentic cultural experiences, making it a must-do adventure for motorbike enthusiasts in Vietnam.

Accommodation: Hotel

The mountain view on Ho Chi Minh Road

Starting at 8:30 am, we pack our luggage and continue riding along the iconic Ho Chi Minh Road. Our first stop is the historic Khe Sanh Combat Base, a former U.S. Marine stronghold and site of one of the largest battles of the Vietnam War. The on-site museum showcases aircraft, tanks, and wartime photographs, bringing history vividly to life.

The ride then winds through lush old-growth jungle, past stunning waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. We’ll visit a Van Kieu ethnic village, observing how this remote community thrives in one of Vietnam’s most secluded areas.

After lunch in a local village, the journey continues along jungle trails and mountain ridges, offering marvelous valley views. Riding past rice paddies, farmland, and local farmers, you’ll learn about Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and the historic Western Ho Chi Minh Trail. We arrive in the charming Phong Nha town around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Hotel

The stalactite in Phong Nha cave

Today offers a relaxing and adventurous day with minimal riding, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Phong Nha National Park. Our morning begins with a visit to the iconic Dark Cave, a hidden gem stretching 5,558 meters long and 80 meters high, discovered during the anti-American resistance war and once used as a bomb shelter. Surrounded by dense forest, the cave entrance is accessed via a steep path, requiring headlamps to navigate its vast chambers and tunnels. Enjoy activities like kayaking through the caves, immersing in the natural mud bath, zipping along the zipline, and swimming in the Chay River, all set against the backdrop of stunning limestone mountains and lush greenery.

Activities here are thrilling yet refreshing: kayak through the cave, enjoy a natural mud bath, take a walk inside the cave, or feel the adrenaline on the zipline. The Chay River flowing from the mountains adds to the serene and scenic backdrop of limestone cliffs and lush greenery.

After lunch, we continue to the spectacular Paradise Cave, the world’s second-longest wet limestone cave. Trek through approximately 3 km of pristine old-growth rainforest, with the option to ride an electric car, exploring every fascinating corner of this natural wonder. As the day winds down, we’ll ride a few kilometers through the vibrant green landscapes of the national park, pausing at sunset to capture memorable photos over the serene scenery. This day blends adventure, nature, and breathtaking scenery, making it a highlight of your northern Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Hotel

Suspension Brigde in Katu village

Today marks the longest ride of our Vietnam motorbike tour, covering approximately 280 km to reach Tan Ky. Despite the distance, the journey is incredibly scenic, winding through Vietnam’s peaceful countryside, lush jungles, and traditional villages, offering many opportunities to connect with local culture and history along the way.

We depart early in the morning to enjoy the cool mountain air as we ride through dense jungle roads. Along the way, we’ll pass hill tribe villages, stopping at a Thai Village to explore daily life, observe traditional customs, and stroll through the village streets. The route continues along smooth, winding mountain roads, with several stops for coffee and relaxation, allowing you to fully savor the beauty of northern Vietnam. The day concludes at our hotel in Tan Ky, leaving you with lasting memories of an unforgettable motorbike adventure.

Accommodation: Tan Ky

Thai'village are  living in the deep valley

Another long day awaits, covering approximately 260 km to reach Mai Chau, a journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a true taste of rural Vietnam.

We will depart Tan Ky early in the morning and ride along scenic roads that meander through bamboo groves beside the Ma River. This route offers breathtaking views of lush valleys, rolling hills, and the natural beauty of northern Vietnam—perfect for an immersive Vietnam motorbike tour experience.

Lunch will be in Cam Thuy town, after which we continue toward Mai Chau. Along the way, we will pass the historic KM 0 of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the legendary starting point used during the Vietnam War for transporting food supplies and weapons to soldiers in the South. Riding along smooth country roads, we will arrive in Mai Chau in the late afternoon, a charming valley renowned for its stilt houses, terraced fields, and welcoming local communities. Here, we will spend the night, enjoying the tranquil ambiance and reflecting on a day full of adventure and history.

Accommodation: Hotel

On the top of Ta Xua mountain

As the sun rises over Mai Chau, we kick off today’s Vietnam motorbike tour toward Ta Xua, a hidden gem known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and mesmerizing cloud formations. This ride contrasts the serene valley of Mai Chau with the rugged, mist-covered mountains of northern Vietnam.

Our route winds through remote villages and lush terraced fields, passing Moc Chau, a region famous for its tea plantations and dairy farms. The rolling mist adds a magical touch, making every turn a picture-perfect moment for motorbike enthusiasts.

Arriving in Ta Xua, we reach a tranquil mountain town with panoramic views all to ourselves. After checking in, adventurous riders can trek to the Dinosaur Spine, a narrow ridge offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, ideal for witnessing the “ocean of clouds” phenomenon. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, ready to relax and enjoy dinner, reflecting on another unforgettable day of our northern Vietnam motorbike adventure.

Accommodation: Homestay/ Local guest house

Rice terraces in Mu Can Chai

After breakfast, we leave Ta Xua and ride through the stunning northern highlands on this Vietnam motorbike tour. The route takes us past Tu Le, famous for its golden terraced rice fields, and on to Mu Cang Chai, a UNESCO site with breathtaking green and gold landscapes.

We end the day in Ngoc Chien, a peaceful village with natural hot springs and a chance to experience the rich culture of the Thai and H’Mong ethnic groups. Scenic, cultural, and unforgettable—this ride captures the very best of northern Vietnam.

Accommodation: Local homestay/ Hotel

The village of  H'mong ethnic people in Sapa

Today’s Vietnam motorbike tour takes us from Mu Cang Chai deeper into the northern mountain ranges, where cooler air and dramatic landscapes await. The route combines paved roads and rugged mountain tracks, offering an exhilarating ride through terraced fields and remote villages. Along the way, we’ll stop to meet local people and learn about their daily life and traditions.

Arriving in Sapa, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking with towering peaks and deep valleys. We’ll explore villages of the Black H’Mong and Dao people, famous for their intricate embroidery and traditional handicrafts, before returning to Sapa to check in at our homestay. With a variety of dining options, from local Vietnamese cuisine to international fare, Sapa is the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure.

Accommodation: Local homestay/ Hotel

Ride up to the Karst Plateau Geopark

After breakfast, we’ll kick off the day riding through the scenic mountain loops, making a short stop at the China-Vietnam border near Lao Cai for a glimpse of this historic frontier. From here, our Vietnam motorbike tour takes us on a thrilling descent from 1,500 meters down to Ha Giang, passing through valleys and terraced fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The winding roads and changing elevations make this ride one of the most memorable in northern Vietnam.

Next, we’ll leave the main highway and take a smaller, more rugged route toward Pho Rang. Though the road is a bit bumpy, the scenery is extraordinary: rolling green mountains, lush rice terraces, and villages of local ethnic communities that seem untouched by time. We’ll pause for lunch in Pho Rang, then continue our journey along twisting, picturesque roads to Ha Giang, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and unique atmosphere of this northern region.

Accommodation: Hotel.

The beauty of the mountains in Ha Giang loop

We’ll ride along one of the most breathtaking routes in northern Vietnam, climbing the scenic Bac Sum Pass before reaching the famous Heaven’s Gate Pass. From here, we continue to Tam Sơn – Quan Ba, a charming town nestled among forested hills. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the rich cultural diversity of the region by visiting a local H’Mong village, where our experienced guide will share fascinating insights into their traditions. We’ll stop for lunch in the picturesque Yen Minh village, surrounded by rolling hills and terraced fields.

In the afternoon, the ride continues along winding mountain roads, with stops at Twin Mountain and Can Ty Mountain to capture the stunning scenery. We’ll also visit Tham Ma Hill, a highlight of the Ha Giang Loop, and the historic Vuong King’s Palace in Sa Phin, offering a glimpse into the heritage of the H’Mong people.

The afternoon ride then takes us through the dramatic Dong Van Karst Plateau, passing more spectacular mountain passes before arriving in Ha Giang Town at 5:00 pm, completing another unforgettable day on this northern Vietnam motorbike tour.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Taking a boat trip in the Nho Que River

After breakfast, we depart from Dong Van town to explore the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the four most iconic passes along the Truong Son Range. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking vistas, this pass offers a panoramic view that will leave you in awe. At the peak, we’ll pause to take photos and soak in the sweeping landscapes of rugged mountains and winding rivers.

Continuing our ride, we traverse a maze of conical limestone peaks and deep, twisting valleys, fully immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the Ha Giang Loop. We’ll stop in Meo Vac for lunch before leisurely riding along the Gam River, surrounded by lush green mountains, all the way to Bao Lac. Overnight accommodation will be in Bao Lac town.

Accommodation:  Hotel

Riding on the small trail 

Enjoy another day of thrilling Vietnam motorbike tour riding through the mountains, with stops to rest at breathtaking viewpoints. Along the way, we will visit the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, where women still wear their traditional black attire, featuring large, colorful sleeves and long, full skirts that are fitted at the waist and knee—a living glimpse into local culture.

Continuing along roads lined with lush trees and stunning mountain scenery, we’ll make our way toward Cao Bang town, a quaint settlement nestled in northeastern Vietnam’s mountainous region. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at a homestay in a Tay village and then take a short ride to explore Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the most spectacular limestone grottoes in northern Vietnam. The cave’s striking stalactites of various shapes will leave you in awe. After the visit, return to the homestay to relax and enjoy a traditional dinner, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the mountains.

Accommodation: Homestay/Hotel.

Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang

Leaving early for a full day ride, we’ll visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s natural wonders. Marvel at the cascading waters set against lush landscapes, then hike up to Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda, the first pagoda built at the northern border in Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding karst valley.

Continuing our Vietnam motorbike tour, we’ll ride through stunning mountain scenery and rice paddies, stopping at Phuc Sen village to see locals crafting traditional knives and farm tools. The journey continues toward Ba Be village, home of the Tay ethnic group, where we check in at a homestay. If time allows, enjoy a one-hour boat ride on Ba Be Lake, one of Vietnam’s largest natural lakes. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and primary forests, the lake is fed by three rivers—Nang, Ta Han, and Nam Cung—and lies within Ba Be National Park, a true treasure of biodiversity and natural beauty.

Accommodation: Homestay/Hotel.