The Best 10+ Place To Ride in North Vietnam

North Vietnam has attracted many visitors with its spectacular natural beauty and diverse culture. Yet, because of the countless attracting destination to visit, visitors might feel tricky to decide on the itinerary. Acquiring this necessity, we would like to give you the top 10+ places to ride in North Vietnam. Now let’s get started!

The Best 10+ Place To Ride in North Vietnam

1. Hanoi

The first place to visit when you arrive in North Vietnam should be Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. You will get completely immersed in the Vietnamese charm and culture.  Along with the long-lived empire of the city, you can see the traces of wars through the cuisine or architecture that hides the heroic and inspiring stories about the Vietnamese people. There are countless places and activities for a Hanoi trip you can do. Start the day with the flag-raising ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then enjoy the Vietnamese signature breakfast like the bun, pho, etc. Now you have time to visit Hanoi Old Quarter, the ancient temples and towers, or wander the street and enjoy the food and the peaceful moment. 

2. Ha Long Bay

If you are a fan of beaches and water sports, you need to head for a Ha Long Bay tour. Ha Long means descending dragon, which implies the limestone islands that rise from the ocean. Moreover, the water also appears a turquoise color, the skin color of the Vietnamese symbolic dragon.  Besides the famous water parks with numerous exciting sports, many visitors are interested in the amazing cruise tours to enjoy the spectacular views while sunbathing on the deck. These tours also provide fascinating activities like kayaking, coral diving, cooking classes, etc.

3. Ha Giang

The northernmost province in Vietnam – Ha Giang – would amaze you with its magnificent mountain ranges and peaceful remote scenery. This mysterious region is such a display of stunning topography, limestone cliffs, and twisting rivers. Riding to Ha Giang, you have a chance to study ethnic variety and engage in outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, or the lively market day. The route to Ha Giang is also considered among the most challenging North Vietnam motorbike routes because of the round mountainous track.

4. Mai Chau

Mai Chau, a region with a beautiful paddle field, stunning mountains, and a thriving culture, is located in the center of the Ha Binh Province. If you want to see the numerous cultures that have settled in Northern Vietnam legitimately, Mai Chau is a must-go destination. The place is home to seven different ethnic groups, including Hmong, Muong, Zao, Hoa, White Thai, Viet, and Tay, so that you can experience diverse cultures and customs.  Only around 150 kilometers from Hanoi, which takes 4-5 to ride, you can easily reach Mai Chau from Hanoi and enjoy a secluded cultural experience. 

5. Sapa

Arriving in North Vietnam, one of the places you should never miss is Sapa, where the tallest mountain peak of Indochina – Fan Si Pan – locates. Besides having the roof of Indochina, Sapa is famous for its cool temperature, high altitude, and fresh air.  The village also has a stunning view of the Muong Hoa Valley and its breathtaking terraced rice fields. Many hill tribes like Hmong, Dao, Giay and Xa Pho have colonized the land for a long history, making the place a multi-culture community.

6. Ba Vi

The easiest place to get in the north of Vietnam is the Ba Vi district, which is only 80 kilometers and under two hours riding from Hanoi. Ba Vi provides guests a quick retreat from the city thanks to its three mountain peaks and broad hills. The spot also features several spots for water sports and swimming activities, trails, and the peaceful pagoda on a mountain top. You can spend 1-2 days on the weekend traveling around Ba Vi and enjoying the fresh air.

7. Cat Ba Island

The magnificent mountainous island of Cat Ba lies 120 kilometers east of Hanoi, taking around 3-4 hours to travel by motorbike. The island’s biodiversity comprises limestone forests, mangrove grass, seagrass, tunnels, swamp woods, beaches, and lagoons. Moreover, more than half of the island is protected by a national park established to preserve the charming but elusive Cat Ba Langur. So a motorbike trip around Cat Ba island would be a great idea to experience every inch of the island’s natural beauty.

8. Xuan Son National Park

The unspoiled Xuan Son national park lies 130 kilometers east of Hanoi. With a 4-hour ride, you can get out of the hustle and bustle of the city to immerse yourself in the remote and peaceful atmosphere of the park.  The settlements of Ban Coi and Ban Lap villages are at the very heart of the park, in a valley surrounded by imposing limestone mountains.  You will also have a chance to witness the stunning sight of rolling tea plantations, an uncommon sight in Vietnam. 

9. Ninh Binh

It will be a complete mess if you do not make a stop in Ninh Binh, which is regarded as Ha Long Bay on land, on your motorbike tour routes in North Vietnam. It is the place of history and the home of the old capital of Vietnam – Hoa Lu. Moreover, one of the most famous spots in Ninh Binh, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Pu Luong

A less-known destination called Pu Luong is about 150 kilometers and 5–6 hours riding from Hanoi. The place is a relatively unexplored location and is not frequently mentioned when it comes to where to ride in north Vietnam. Yet, you should not miss this site because it is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. The mountainous views here are so dramatic and majestic, giving off a sense of a truly remote and natural environment. You can also enjoy the low valley bottoms, populated with little towns, descend steeply from the jungle-covered slopes. Being an unexplored area, you will find no commercial activity in Pu Luong. So it is a great chance to immerse yourself in the local life.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the best 10+ Place To Ride in North Vietnam, here is the time you make up a trip plan of your own.  Each destination is breathtaking in different ways, so the decision is up to your taste, time, and budget. However, it would be best if you could make a stop at all the sites because the North Vietnam cultures are all diverse and amazing! What riders have said about Vietnam Motorbike Tours on Tripadvisor!