Riding in North Vietnam is an extraordinary experience. On carefully selected country roads, you can discover the stunning beauty of the land and immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of the mountain tribes. Especially in the far north at the border with China, where many old tracks have been paved and new roads built, entirely new opportunities have arisen. On our current route, you will enjoy the most beautiful riding pleasure Vietnam has to offer. On our Vietnam motorcycle tour, you now have two motorcycles to choose from: the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or the Honda CB 500 X. These options make the riding experience in Vietnam even more enjoyable and diverse. Our adventure begins in the vibrant capital, Hanoi.
After a day packed with sightseeing of all the must-see attractions, we waste no time and jump on our motorcycles, heading straight for the high north. On this tour, you will marvel at the expansive rice terraces near Sapa, which are among the most famous and beautiful in all of Asia. The journey continues along the legendary Ha Giang Loop, one of the most spectacular motorcycle routes in the world, offering breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Another highlight of the trip is the impressive Ban Gioc waterfall, one of Vietnam’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls, located right at the border with China. In Bac Ha, you will have the opportunity to meet the mountain tribes and learn about their traditional way of life and culture. The iconic rock landscapes and rice terraces that characterize the entire north will accompany you throughout the tour, offering spectacular views on winding, panoramic mountain roads with little traffic. This tour provides the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. It is a must for every motorcycle enthusiast. Experience Vietnam on two wheels and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Hotels, Meals, Motorcycle, Tour Guide, Service Car and more
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Overnight stays in selected mid-range hotels and boutique homestays, occasionally in guesthouses in remote areas. 4* hotel in Hanoi.
12 days / 11 nights / 10 riding days
Pick-up service from the airport and transfer to the hotel. Tour guide and participants get to know each other during dinner with Vietnamese specialties in the heart of the metropolis Hanoi. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic old town, with narrow streets lined with vendors selling a variety of goods, groceries and local dishes.
Pick up at the hotel lobby and transfer by private vehicle to the meeting point (outside the city) where the motorbikes will be waiting for us. After a brief introduction to our Royal Enfield Himalayan, local driving habits, safety and today’s itinerary, our unforgettable journey into the North of Vietnam begins. We leave Hanoi and its rather crowded suburbs this morning for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, our destination for the day. After a short time we reach a peaceful country road. The first mountainous landscapes await us and offer interesting panoramas of terraced rice fields, stilt houses and bamboo water wheels. Our last kilometers lead us through a wide valley to Pu Luong, a village where we spend the night.
Distance covered: approx. 180 km
Today we cross the nature reserve through the green valleys of Mai Chau to reach National Road 6 that leads to the Moc Chau Plateau. On the way we pass Tat Nang Waterfall. The landscape of the Moc Chau plateau is unique, sometimes reminiscent of the landscape of northern Europe, with its small stone walls and fruit trees. There are also patches of large rocks that give the area a moon-like. Small detour to the villages a few kilometers before the end of our stage to discover tea plantations and the daily activities of the local people.
Distance covered: approx. 160 km
We continue our journey north through villages, tea plantation and corn fields on a winding road. We climb a pass and then ride down to the Da River, which forms a lake. Continue along the lake to Phu Yen, over hills and mountains, some passes offer amazing views of valleys full of tea plantations, orange groves and endless paddy fields. In Ba Khe we take the road towards Mu Cang Chaï, a region famous for its cascading rice terraces. Because of its beauty, the area is known as the “Photographers’ Route”.
We cross passes at over 1500m altitude. The panorama is simply beautiful. There will be countless opportunities for unforgettable photos. At the end of the day we reach a small village, where we will spend the night.
Distance covered: approx. 220 km
Today we continue north to the town of Sapa, from where we can admire Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina (3147m). The valleys and villages are populated by the Hmong and Thai ethnic minorities, the largest in the region. We ride across several passes belonging to the mountains of the Hoang Lien chain. It is an opportunity to meet the Blue Hmong, the Black Hmong but also the Lao, Lu, Dzay and other Dao people in these small mountain villages.
We cross Vietnam’s highest pass, Tram Ton, which rises to 1900 meters above sea level And descend to Sapa town. On the way we stop at the Silver Waterfall, which is impressive with its 100 meters high. Depending on the weather conditions, we can take the Fansipan cable car to reach the top of the mountain (optional). We arrive in Sapa where we have enough time to discover the place on our own.
Distance covered: approx. 170 km
Early departure from Sapa. This morning we drive through the wide valley of Muong Hoa towards Bac Ha. Along the river crossing the valley, we ride through Hmong, Zay and Red Dao ethnic villages. It’s an opportunity to see beautiful rice paddies that provide wonderful photo opportunities. Upon arrival if we still have time, we will trek through the villages of the Hmong flowers, one of the most important ethnic minorities in the region. During dinner we delve a little deeper into the local culture and are guests in a traditional stilt house with a Tay family. In the early afternoon we have the opportunity to visit one of the most authentic markets in the region. The Bac Ha market is an important event for various ethnic minorities living in the region.
It can be considered an ethnic gathering: Hmong Flower, Dao Blacks, Phu La, Tay, Nung, are on site and selling! The market creates the social connection between all these minorities around a hot soup or a glass of rice liquor. We will find fabrics, local handicrafts, tobacco, utensils, and animals of all kinds.
Distance covered: approx. 180 km
We ride deeper into the mountains of Vietnam and on the way to Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi. We take this “trail” which is both a shortcut and a unique opportunity to admire the mountain range that forms the natural Sino-Vietnamese border. China is only a few kilometers away from here. After another 30 kilometers on a quiet mountain road, we reach National Highway number 2 near the Lo River. The traffic gets a little heavier, also because the road is used by some trucks. Fortunately, this is only the case for a few kilometers, because in the afternoon we reach Nam Dam, where our lodge in the middle of nature awaits us.
Distance covered: approx. 200 km
In the morning we pass through Ha Giang, the provincial capital, and then take a mountain road to Lung Tam village. Handicraft weaving is an important activity for local women there. Organized in cooperatives, supported by NGOs, it not only allows the transmission of a cultural heritage, but also fully enters the philosophy of sustainable development. Support for these types of projects is vital. We ride on to Dong Van City, which has always been an important trading center. Depending on the weather and driving ability, we will make a detour via a small concrete road to the edge of the Nho River.
The Ma Pi Leng Pass, which is reached through an exceptional karst mountain landscape, offers us, among other things, a breathtaking view of the valley with magnificent mountain landscapes. One of the most beautiful stages of the journey awaits us! When we reach Quan Ba District, we will be amazed by successive deep valleys and breathtaking landscapes. From here we take a small concrete road through some rice and corn fields towards a small village. We can observe the residents going about their daily chores in an exceptional natural setting. It is also traditionally one of the poorest regions in the entire country, and efforts are being made to help minorities diversify their incomes.
Today is the start of the legendary Ha Giang Loop into one of the most beautiful areas of Southeast Asia!
Distance covered: approx. 210 km
Today’s fantastic route takes us to the north-easternmost tip of Vietnam directly to the Chinese border. The fantastic route leads over several passes and through landscapes that could not be more iconic for Vietnam. Rice fields, Bundt cake mountains, small valleys and mountain passes with hairpin bends alternate throughout the day and make every biker’s heart beat faster. At the end of the day, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam awaits us, and an idyllic guest house.
The waterfall, with boats navigating the lake, marks the border with China, from where the waterfall can also be seen. A perfect day that couldn’t end better.
Distance covered: approx. 200 km
Early departure for our first leg south to Ba Be Lake. Arriving in the town of Bao Lac, we stop at the village of Coc Xa, a small village of the Lolo Noir minority. They became famous through the French rugby player Frédéric Michalak. He spent two weeks sharing local people’s daily life, which was recorded for a TV show.
A walk gives us the opportunity to get in touch with the daily life of this small community. Later we arrive at Ba Be National Park and its sister lake, surrounded by gigantic karst peaks covered by dense jungle. The Tay, Dao and other H’mong live here from fishing and rice cultivation. We spend the night and dinner together in a stilt guest house of a Tay family from the village of Pac Ngoi.
Distance covered: approx. 200 km
With the motor boat we discover the Ba Be lake. It is the largest natural water reserve in northern Vietnam. The light here is unique and photo enthusiasts will be delighted. After that we ride towards «Return to Civilization», 230 km with impressive landscapes, tea plantations around Thai Nguyen and rice fields along the way. After a well-deserved break at the hotel in Hanoi, we meet again for a farewell dinner.
Distance covered: approx. 230 km
Departure day: Individual departure and transfer to the airport or individual extension, for example on one of the many beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
Overnight stays in selected mid-range hotels and boutique homestays, occasionally in guesthouses in remote areas. 4-star hotel in Hanoi.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
All road tolls and entrance fees
Rental motorcycle of your choice
Fuel/oil as well as all spare and wear parts
Experienced English-speaking motorcycle tour leader on their own motorcycle
Local assistant tour guide on their own motorcycle
Support vehicle for luggage transport and pillion passengers
Motorcycle mechanic
Drinking water in the support vehicle
Included: Partial coverage insurance with a deductible (rider covers the first EUR 500 / US$ 540 in damages, all additional costs are covered by us)
Fully insured: Includes liability insurance
Optional upgrade: Full coverage insurance for only EUR 100 / US$ 110 for the entire tour. This covers all vehicle damage without any deductible.
Airport transfers
International flights to/from Hanoi
Optional tips for guides and mechanics, souvenirs, shopping
Travel insurance and health insurance for the trip
Tour Guides
EU nationals and Asian nationals can travel to Vietnam visa-free. Nationals from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria and others require a visa – please check if you are unsure. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. For visa-free entry, a printed return ticket should be carried and presented upon entry. Travelers should check at the time of entry whether they have received an entry stamp with the validity date. Otherwise, a fine may apply upon departure.
The e-visa can be applied for here: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
Type C sockets are commonly used in Vietnam. However, there are also Type A and G sockets (with two and three flat pins) that are not compatible with many European electrical plugs. Therefore, a power adapter is recommended for travelers as a precaution.
Road Captain & Managing Director
