Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tours: 12 Days To Blow Up Your Mind

Introduction

As foreigners coming to Vietnam for the first time, we suddenly realize that most people here use motorbikes for many purposes. Perhaps that is also why motorcycle tours are quite popular. We took Northern Vietnam motorbike tours, and the trip was indeed worth every single moment of our youth. We can’t wait to tell you about these out-of-this-world experiences!

12-Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tours Wuth Majestic Landscapes 

Day 1: Hanoi To Mai Chau Motorbike Tour (180 km)

Our Vietnam motorcycle tours started in the Ha Noi capital. As we arrived early, we took some time to enjoy banh mi and coffee at a roadside eatery near Guom Lake.  

Not long after that, we gathered in a group of 10 and began our journey to the west of the Red River Delta. The road to Mai Chau is covered with green fields. We were blessed with the picturesque harvest scenes along both sides.

Our journey became challenging as we started climbing. However, we felt worthy as soon as we reached the top. No beautiful words could describe a majestic landscape of rice fields and hills. Breathe in the vibe, take in the sight, and save it to your mind!

When the sun went down, we arrived in a village where the Thai ethnic minority resides. Far from our imagination, the indigenous people enjoy peaceful and prosperous lives. We spent one night in a vertical stilt house with a roof made of palm leaves and bamboo slatted floors.

We had free time in the evening, and it was best to stroll around and feel how nature is changing around us. In the dark, everything seems to evolve.

Thai people live by farming and traditional weaving. Their brocade items are a good choice if you want to buy souvenirs.

Day 2: Mai Chau To Phu Yen Motorbike Tour (160 km)

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast with the locals before leaving. A Xai, a down-to-earth native there, gave us some buffalo meat as a farewell gift. After that, our trip continued towards Phu Yen town.

Midway through, we stopped at Moc Chau for lunch. Taking a deep breath was the first thing to do. The fresh air nourished both our lungs and souls. The tea plantations and orchards encroached on our vision with a shade of green.

Around 5 pm, we finally reached our destination. Our group had two free schedules: floating on Da river lake or hunting clouds on the top of the mountain. We picked the second one and had an unforgettable experience in the sea of fluffy cotton clouds.

Day 3: Phu Yen - Mu Cang Chai - Than Uyen Motorcycle Tour (210 km)

On the 3rd day, we took a long ride along Highway 37. Every kilometer was worth our effort due to the wonderful scenic spots we conquered. One of them is Lung Lo pass - a route to transport food and necessities for soldiers in wartime.

In the direction of turning onto Highway 32, we visited Mam Xoi hill and Mu Cang Chai terraced fields. Take it slow to capture the lush valley between the mountains and the clear blue sky. In the end, we stopped at Than Uyen town, Lai Chau province. Today is one of the most epic motorbike touring in Vietnam.

Day 4: Than Uyen To Sapa Motorbike Tour (110 km)

Heading to Sapa, we defined this route as a real adventure. We went through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and crossed O Quy Ho pass - one of the most difficult routes of the Vietnam motorcycle tour.

Our tour guide said it was 2000m above sea level. When we reached the top of the pass, the panoramic view of Fansipan mountain - the roof of Indochina unfolded in front of our eyes.

Leaving behind the border between Lao Cai and Lai Chau, we headed to Sapa town. Even though it was noon, the air was as cool as the early winter days in Europe. However, we feel more satisfied due to the absence of concrete jungles or skyscrapers. There, we had the precious chance to admire the unspoiled enchanting beauty of Mother Nature.

The deeper we rode into the villages of ethical tribals, the happier we were to realize that Sapa still retains the primitive traditional charm. Some of the attractions we visited included Cat Cat village, Muong Hoa valley, Ta Phin village, and the Love Market in the evening.

Day 5: Sapa To Bac Ha Motorcycle Tour (160 km)

We called that day the cultural dives in Bac Ha. This town is located east of Lao Cai province, about 100km from our accommodation.

We spent hours in Bac Ha market. People from many provinces and tourists gathered there and exuded a bustling and lively vibe. Locals with smiles as bright as their costumes offered a variety of items such as clothing, food, animals, agricultural tools, etc. If you want to join this special cultural custom, mark the schedule to go there on Sunday.

Day 6: Bac Ha To Ha Giang Motorcycle Tour (190 km)

We moved slowly by motorbike through Ma Pi Leng to plunge in the majestic landscape dotted with local homestays along the way.

As we got closer to Hoang Su Phi terraced fields, we caught some locals riding horses in the opposite direction, and they waved to us with beaming smiles. How are Vietnamese people always so friendly?

After about three hours from Xin Man town after lunch, we finally added a new spot on our tourist map: The North Pole of Vietnam - Ha Giang city.

Day 7: Ha Giang - Dong Van - Meo Vac Motorbike Tour (170 km)

We spent a full 7th day in Ha Giang with many interesting tourist attractions. It is not difficult to see that the terrain has changed with the towering rocky mountains. We visited Quan Ba twin mountain, Dong Van Geopark, and the Meo Vac district.

The road leaned close to one side of the cliff. And we took our vision further to capture endless green hills and winding jade-green Nho Que river. Our team also experienced an interesting cultural mix as many ethnic groups live together and share their distinct characteristics.

Day 8: Meo Vac To Quang Uyen Motorbike Tour (200 km)

We continued our journey along Highway 34 to Cao Bang. God bless us again, as this area has welcomed a great festival season. We stopped at a communal house and listened to the exciting stories of local friends.

After that, we rested in Quang Uyen town. What a surprise, our team enjoyed a mouth-watering dinner, especially the grilled dishes.

Day 9: Quang Uyen - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Cao Bang Motorcycle Tour (180 km)

We camped at the most beautiful place in Cao Bang - Ban Gioc waterfall. The clear and cool water boosted our energy after a long ride. Without hesitation, we jumped down and took a dip. After lunch, we walked around and took unique photos in front of the strong falls.

Day 10: Cao Bang To Ba Be Lake Motorcycle Tour (150 km)

The Vietnam motorbike tours continued to take us to Bac Kan in the northeast. We went to Ba Be National Park on the first day in this province.

This attraction spot is home to a rich ecosystem of flora, fauna, and geology. We rented a kayak to explore every nook and cranny on our own. The agency named it Ba Be lake, but in reality, it has much more than that. We couldn't stop admiring the picturesque rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and caves during our floating.

Day 11: Ba Be Lake To Thac Ba Lake Motorcycle Tour (160 km)

We had another great day at Thac Ba freshwater lake. Besides the wonderful natural scenery, the guides told a fascinating story about President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam during the resistance war against the French.

We also learned about the cultural practices of the Dao community. A masculine man named Su welcomed us to his home for a night of food and rest.

Day 12: Thac Ba Lake To Hanoi Motorbike Tour  (180 km)

On the last day of our trip, we kissed goodbye to Thac Ba and brought the best memories back to where we started.

Conclusion 

We have had a long journey with great experiences, knowledge, and above all, fun and excitement. Northern Vietnam motorbike tours filled our adventurous hearts despite a few sudden weather changes and challenging drives. Trust us and try it now for the best discoveries of your life.

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