+10 Places To Ride In Northern Vietnam – Sightseeing On Two-Wheels

Introduction

Northern Vietnam is home to almost all of the country’s epic riding, with jungles, mountains, and hills dotted with small villages. It’s where you can ride your motorbike for hours, wind past dirt tracks and gorgeous metropolia or small towns.  We’ve picked out +10 places to ride in Northern Vietnam, so you don’t have to do much research before you go. Besides jaw-dropping sceneries plus lifelong culture, these places below undoubtedly become hotspots for motorcyclists.  If you like what you read, book a motorbike trip before they all fill up!

+10 Places To Ride In North Vietnam

1. Ha Noi Countryside Motorbike Tour

Ha Noi with a distinct soul and lifelong culture reflects that perfectly. This dynamic capital has incredible and far-out backdrops like no other. No wonder Hanoi is one of the best places to ride in Northern Vietnam. In Ha Noi, bikes are most used by dwellers in every nook and cranny — from streets to alleys. Many residents here don’t have cars at home but motorbikes and bikes instead.  There are many places to explore on two wheels in Ha Noi, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and 36 Ancient towns, to name a few. Any tourist will experience life as a local in the city’s hectic streets.  Getting there, you have chances to wander the streets, drink peculiar egg coffee, ride your motorcycle, and enjoy Hanoi delicacies. 

2. Lan Ha Bay / Cat Ba Island Motorbike Tour

There are many places to ride in Northern Vietnam, including Cat Ba Island. If you aspire to make a getaway from the bustling cities, look no further than Lan Ha Bay on Cat Ba Island.  The bay is located 120km east of Hanoi, on the north side of Cat Ba Island, with immaculate beaches. Perfect for those who want a getaway in a day or two.  Trust us when we say this place is worth exploring. There are plenty of things to do here, from swimming and kayaking to snorkeling! 

3. Ha Giang Motorbike Tour

Ha Giang is not only an excellent place to ride but also an undiscovered gem. Here are the reasons you need to note on your motorbike bucket list. Located over 300km north of Hanoi, Ha Giang has become the furthest north province in Vietnam. It embraces the dramatic sceneries, notably the mountainous region bordering China.  Besides the breathtaking views, the ethnic culture is a must-have reason for Ha Giang’s attraction. Also, the locals here are so hospitable. It may take you around 4-7 days of riding to discover Ha Giang entirely due to its area of a whopping 7929 (km2). Ha Giang is always the best places to ride when you think about Vietnam Motorbike Tours. View more Ha Giang Motorbike Tours 2022-2023

4. Cao Bang Motorbike Tour

Located at the very northern tip of Vietnam, 300km north of Hanoi, Cao Bang is a destination best explored by riders. You can take in the sights and make the most of countless off-road trails perfect for exploring.  Due to China’s proximity, many roads have been upgraded to handle traffic congestion, making it ideal for road warriors everywhere.  The terrain here is diverse, and you can brush up your skill sets. Whether dirt tracks surrounded by lush rainforest, off-road riding or challenging rocky climbs are good for mastering your technique. 

5. Mai Chau Motorbike Tour

If you still find where to ride motorbike in Vietnam, give Mai Chau a try. The highlands are home to the most diverse Vietnamese cultures. Also, this area has myriads of hidden gems waiting for outdoors enthusiasts.  Mai Chau sits in the northwestern part of Ha Giang province and is roughly 150km west of Hanoi. The area is famous for its silk production from the yellow-dotted blue caterpillar called “Mai Chau.” Most of the people living here are Dao minorities who have been weaving silk cocoons for generations. 

6. Mu Cang Chai Motorbike Tour

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district in the northern province of Yen Bai. The area has drop-dead landscapes, with green hills and rivers, making it an ideal destination for goers who are shy away from the hectic city. Mu Cang Chai has become one of the most popular spots for riders. Many stretches of road are flawless for riding through small towns and winding roads.  The best seasons to ride to Mu Cang Chai are September and mid-October. The rice starts to ripen, allowing you to immerse yourself in the golden yellow terraced fields sparkling in the sun.  You will be into the tranquil life of locals here. The bold culture of locals there never lets you feel low.

7. Ba Vi Motorbike Tour

When most people think of riding in Viet Nam, images of the Northwest and Central Highlands come to mind. They offer some of the country’s best off-road trails in Ba Vi National Park, about 75km from Hanoi. Ba Vi National park is full of mountain-top pagodas, swimming spots, and sprawling hills. The fresh air and hectic streets can make your biking experience more fantastic.  Beyond that, don’t miss out on visiting the ancient French ruins, hiking through the jungle, holding a picnic, and swimming in the crystal-clear pools beneath the waterfall. 

8. Sapa Motorbike Tour

Sapa, located 300km northeast of Hanoi, is one of the most charming places for riders to ride in Vietnam.  With more than 400 km of lush green forests, stunning beaches, and picturesque highlands highlighted with waterfalls, Sappers from around the world love to travel here.  The best places to hang out with fellas are the highest mountain in Vietnam – Fansipan and the beer gardens in Hoa Vang district. Other motorcyclists can also enjoy riding time on the scenic route from Moc Chau to Sapa.  Sapa never disappoints you with multiple delicacies and peculiar cuisine. There are also a slew of homestays and hotels to serve tourists all year round. 

9. Xuan Son National Park Motorbike Tour

Xuan Son National park deserves the country’s most remote and pristine national parks. This national park can be accessed by road. It’s an uphill journey that’ll take about 2 hours to get there if you ride without stopping for photo breaks along the way.  Xuan Son is where various ethnic minority people live together. Notably, a large number of visitors adore visiting Dao and Muong people.  The Ban Lap and Ban Coi villages are covered with limestone mountains. Hills upon hills streaking with tea hedges, a gorgeous sight to admire!

10. Pu Luong Motorbike Tour

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is renowned as central Vietnam’s last patches of primary rainforest. Located 150km west of Hanoi, Pu Luong takes 5 hours to get there from the capital.  Arriving there, you will be rewarded with the spectacular panoramic views of a vast green valley glorified with blue lakes, rice terraces, and dreamy villages. Some wild orchids and pitcher plants also thrive in this pristine environment. View more Ho Chi Minh Trail Motorbike Tours 2022-2023 White Thai people in Pu Luong also draw many visitors annually due to their beauty, peculiar customs, and culture.

11. Moc Chau, Son La Motorbike Tour

It’s time to leave all the city noise behind and head out into the charming verdant hills of a nature reserve. Moc Chau is the place for you if you’re a biker with a craving for wide-open spaces and challenging terrain. The dense forests and mountains there harbor and tuck away Viet Nam’s best off-road riding trails.  The vast tea hills, beautiful Thai girls, yellow terraced fields on misty afternoons, and plum blossoms can captivate you in seconds. Also, Moc Chau is also called “a paradise of flowers”. Multiple flower species there will draw up a poetic view. 

Our Final Words

There you have it: +10 places to ride in Northern Vietnam. No wonder riding your bike in North Vietnam is a terrific way to explore the country’s culture and people.  There are several good things about riding. It’s a lot cheaper than traveling by car and offers you chances to interact with the dwellers, and better understand their way of life. By taking a long-distance ride, you can appreciate the landscapes in ways you simply can’t when you drive by.  To explore other Vietnam motorbike tours, follow our blog and stay tuned for the thes destinations! What riders have said about Vietnam Motorcycle Tours on Tripadvisor!