Vietnam Offroad Motorbike Tours: 19 Days On Dirt Roads

Introduce

Vietnam off-road motorbike tours are designed for adventure enthusiasts who love unique experiences. The trip took us - first-time visitors to Vietnam - from one surprise to another. We decided to spend our entire vacation in the remote mountains and the Chinese border in the North. The wild nature and friendly Vietnamese people brought us unforgettable experiences.

Vietnam Off-Road Tour: 19 Days on Dirt Roads 

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau motorbike tour

We started our Vietnam ATV tour as the sun was high in the sky to avoid the heavy traffic. Away from the bustling city centre, the buildings disappeared and gave way to clear views on both sides. 

The scene turned into a romantic movie set in the countryside. It had been a long time since we had freed our minds from the deadlines and immersed ourselves in the idyllic valley of the tribes.

Day 2: Motorbike trip from Mai Chau to Son La

From Mai Chau, we drove on degraded roads. The rough terrain did not deter our excitement as the ethnic people showed their warmth, waving from their houses scattered on the hillsides.

We stopped in Xa Linh for about two hours to visit a Hmong tribe. They treated us to a simple but delicious lunch and an interesting performance with traditional instruments.

The joy continued to fill our hearts when we met another Black Thai people on the way up to Moc Chau plateau. They worked hard under the scorching sun on the tea plantations but welcomed us with interesting stories about their customs.

Day 3: Son La - Dien Bien Phu motorbike route

We spent the morning at the provincial museum and the old prison near our hostel. War stories followed us as we crossed the Pha Din Pass. Our guide told us many great legends about the 1954 Dien Bien Phu battle. You would not believe that this thriving town was once a bloody battlefield. 

We stopped at the Dien Bien Phu Museum, which holds the most detailed records. It was a great timeline to reconnect with all the historical events we had gathered during the long journey.

We walked to the war ruins behind the museum, where old tanks and fortifications still stand. This experience was the end of a historical document that touched our hearts.

Day 4: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau Road

Another great day on the dirt roads of rural Vietnam. Instead of the crowded tourist route, we drove slowly through fields and rivers. 

Leaving behind worries and painful pasts, we loved every little movement of the surrounding landscape and local life. Although there was no thrill or over-exaggeration, the peace took over our souls and left precious healings.

Day 5: Lai Chau - Muong Te motorbike tour

It was an escape up the Da River. We headed upstream to the town of Muong Te, where many ethnic minority groups congregate. The poor road conditions posed real challenges to our concentration and riding skills.

On the bright side, our efforts paid off as we reached remote villages fed by rivers with the most stunning scenery. The majestic mountains and calm streams created a captivating watercolor painting, while the blend of ethnic cultures opened up a new awareness and inspired our current work.

Day 6: Lai Chau Motorbike Tour to Tam Duong

We continued to remote areas to meet more hill tribes such as the Khmu, Mang, Dao and Red Hmong. Fortunately, our horseback riding trip to Sin Ho was approved by the local government. The beautiful mountain scenery with vast tea plantations in Tam Duong captured our hearts.

The world of the local people is separate from the rapid development of the rest, because they have lived under the mountains for centuries and continue to spread the ancient culture from generation to generation. Away from the conveniences of modern society, we first realize the essential value of life.

Day 7: Tam Duong - Sapa by motorbike

We felt different vibes in each locality we passed through. Following the main trade route in the Northwest, we gradually climbed uphill to Sa Pa. We increased the throttle to conquer the bumpy roads or escape the mud.

Once again, we were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the locals. A couple of men helped push our car out of a pothole caused by the sudden downpour. We didn’t say anything because we couldn’t understand each other, but sometimes no words mean a lot, right?

Day 8: Sapa By Motorbike

We fell in love with Sapa at first sight. Though the French colonial regime influenced architecture, we discovered the one-of-a-kind features of this dreamland. 

The central area was a honeypot of tourists since the Sapa market attracted much domestic and foreign media attention. The locals gathered very early and carried a lot of goods in baskets, and we were hyped up by the bustling atmosphere of trading activities. We found a few hand-made brocade scarves at very affordable prices.

The European cities' differences became more obvious when we rode to the suburbs. We stopped in a valley and walked around with some Tay people to experience their life, which was a great opportunity to engage in unique activities such as logging, plowing, or herding buffaloes.

Day 9: Sapa - Lao Cai Motorcycle Trip

We made our way to another spectacular mountain region - Bat Xat. It was an impoverished area but rich in long-standing cultural values. We also encountered some new tribes like the Phu La and Giay. To be honest, we could not tell them apart unless our guide unclogged some secrets in their clothes.

We moved slowly on the degraded roads and came across the old villages, where most localities did not have access to residential power systems. Surprisingly, people seemed content and grateful for what they owned; their simple joy put us to shame. We didn’t realize that bliss comes from the smallest thing around us for so long!

Day 10: Lao Cai Motorbike Path To Bac Ha

It was another special day of Vietnam offroad motorcycle tours! We woke up early to get to the weekend market in Muong Khuong, reminiscent of the Sapa market but with fewer tourists. 

The ethnic minorities did not bring many souvenirs like Sapa market, but they sold mainly fresh food, pets, farm tools, and other necessary household items. Of course, the bustling atmosphere that dispelled our sleepiness remained unchanged.

When the bright sunlight embraced the road, we headed to Bac Ha. Though our team arrived earlier than scheduled, there was no time for rest. The next destination was the residence of King Hmong and Ban Pho. At sunset, we sat in front of a courtyard with a wide view of the mountains and enjoyed a strong glass of bold corn wine.

Day 11: Bac Ha - Ha Giang Motorbike Tour

Our adventure spirit was awakened when the winding roads came, especially the Hoang Su Phi route. We focused 100% on the vision ahead since we had to cross a zigzag pass looking down to the abyss. 

After a short break at the peak, the way down posed another difficult challenge due to the steep slope. Luckily, it was easier than the previous route. Ethnic locals on the way home became our companions, which doubled our excitement during theadventure ride.

Day 12: Ha Giang - Dong Van motorbike route

We left Ha Giang city and headed towards the Arctic. Our hearts were pounding for the rugged mountains and centuries-old villages. The adventure was thrilling and exciting with twists and turns, and the narrow roads winding through the hills made us shiver.

What kept us in Sa Phin was the Hmong royal house. While walking around this attraction, crowds of ethnic girls in colorful dresses lit up a corner of the sky, making us turn to look.

Some of the maids gave us a yellow flower wreath and we took a picture together. Indeed, the beauty of Vietnam comes not only from the majestic landscape stretching from North to South but also from the hospitable and lovely people.

Day 13: Dong Van - Meo Vac motorbike trip

“A grey world” was the first thought that came to our minds as we spent our first morning in Dong Van. We realized our small presence in the vastness of nature on the road between towering limestone mountains. 

Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you plan to do this trail; we emptied our water bottles to combat the heat. The large rocks and pavement absorb the harsh sunlight and radiate heat to passersby. 

We stayed in Dong Van for a long time to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Lo Lo and Pu Peo groups. It is easy to distinguish these two ethnic groups based on their different traditional costumes. 

Returning to Ha Giang, we turned away through Yen Minh, and the vast pine forests saved us from a tropical summer day.

Day 14: Motorbike route Ha Giang - Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake

We started walking among the undulating limestone mountains. The rocky path took us through rich hill tribes and untouched lands. Compared to the previous days, we felt a stronger and more intense attraction from the surrounding landscape. 

However, green leaves and flowers soften the barren atmosphere of the towering mountains, showing the strong vitality of living creatures.

As we approached Ba Be National Park , Mother Nature’s ingenious creation took our breath away. This land is blessed with some of the most amazing landscapes in the universe.

Day 15: Ba Be Lake by motorbike

Leaving the “horses” on the shore, we boarded small boats and sailed down the Nang River. The old captain took us around the vast lake, explaining every corner with interesting mythological stories. We still cannot forget the mix of beautiful landscapes, from clear blue water, towering limestone mountains to mysterious islands - all creating a breathtaking landscape. 

The bus stopped at another bank, opening a path to Dau Dang waterfall. We followed small streams to the magical upper stream, where the clear water slid over giant stacked rocks and then fell into a large canyon.

Day 16: Ba Be - Cao Bang motorbike tour

We started our slow motorbike ride to Cao Bang . The painful past was cut off from our minds to make way for the breathtaking natural landscape. The beautiful terraced fields under the clear blue sky left a strong visual impression. It was the first time in our lives we witnessed the unique scene of rice sowing and watering.

With only 3 days left to go in our Vietnam motorbike trip, we decided to stop and spend the rest of the day immersing ourselves in the peaceful life in Cao Bang. 

From our homestay, it was just a short walk to a crystal clear lake where the host often went fishing. While my friends hopped on their bikes to explore every corner of the town, I chose to let my mind wander on the lake, which was so calm and peaceful that it seemed to be sleeping.

Day 17: Cao Bang - Pac Bo Cave - Lang Son Motorbike Tour

We could not contain our excitement before visiting the famous historical site - Pac Bo cave. There are many interesting stories about President Ho Chi Minh and his great patriotism. 

Our wonderful adventure continued through the lush green hills before arriving in Lang Son. Our tour guide told us about the devastation of the war in this town. Surprisingly, it has become a bustling commercial center in the Northeast.

Day 18: Lang Son - Ha Long Bay by motorbike (Overnight on luxury cruise)

We had a healthy breakfast at the central market. Knowing that we were first-time tourists, the vendor even offered us a free snack. It was great! Then we went to Tam Thanh cave, which opened up a magical world of strange stalactites.

After that, we did not hesitate any more and drove quickly to our most desired destination - Ha Long Bay . Luckily, we arrived at the beach before dark. We sat on the white sand for more than two hours to watch the sunset and the daily activities of the local people.

Day 19: Ha Long - Hanoi (Shuttle bus back to Hanoi)

We rested our legs and motorbikes in the morning by taking a boat trip out to Ha Long Bay. Floating on the water for about 5 hours is a unique experience to explore more than 3,000 limestone islands. 

We also dropped anchor to explore secluded beaches and caves hidden behind large boulders. After a delicious lunch of fresh seafood, we bid farewell to our Vietnam off-road motorbike tour and returned to the capital.

Conclusion

Our Vietnam motorbike trip ended with unique memories and experiences. Would we go back? The answer was always YES. Although we spent almost a month in Vietnam, the friendly people and wild landscapes motivated us to stay longer. 

If you want to know more about this beautiful country, follow our blog for the latest information about motorbike tours in Vietnam !

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