Northern Loop Vietnam – Everything you need to know before the discovery

Discovering the Northern loop Vietnam by motorbike is one of the most exciting experiences in the world. As one of the most beautiful parts of the S-shaped land, Northern Loop Vietnam has its own feature and comes with diverse terrains that attract adventurers to come for authentic nature and tribal lifestyle without any touch of modern life. If you want to take an adventure tour to appease your passion for discovering, let’s jump on the back of a motorbike and get to Northern Loop Vietnam.

Heading the north, you will get a chance to venture through an amazing region of forested mountains, karst limestone cliffs, lovely valleys, eye-catching rice terraced fields, and especially the zigzag mountain passes. Coming to some remote lands here, it’s sure that you will feel as if you were the first person discovering the land due to its wild beauty. The scenery is really captivating and remarkable that never fails to wow you.  

What you need before riding around Northern Loop Vietnam

Visa

It’s quite easy to get a Vietnam visa on arrival at the airport and there are also many companies providing visa services. They will help you arrange an approval letter on your visa. The process is done online, so you do not need to get to a Vietnamese Consulate in person.

The process usually takes from 3 to 5 working days, so you should submit your visa request at least 5 days before your departure. Note that only the international airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City accept E-Visas. Therefore, get your visa in an old-fashioned way if you schedule to arrive by a land border. That means you will have to present at a Vietnamese Consulate for executing the procedure.

Do not leave the following things home or your trip will be destroyed: 2 photographs in passport size, cash for the stamping fee, visa on approval letter for arrival, original passport which is valid for at least another 6 months.

Best time to visit

When it comes to Northern Loop Vietnam, people often think of Northwest Vietnam. This region of the nation is renowned among riders and backpackers for its raw nature, the visions of golden rice terraced fields and idyllic streams, and especially the great mountain passes.

So, what is the best time to visit the land? The answer is right below.

Actually, in each season, the northern highlands of Vietnam have their own beauty. However, spring and autumn are when the region becomes the most beautiful and resplendent.

According to backpackers, the first and second lunar months of the year is when the land is full of blooms and traditional festivals. It’s time for travelers to deeply experience hill tribal vibe, enjoy local foods, and learn something news like tribal dancing or singing.

And when autumn comes, all the hills are tapestried with emerald rice fields and the heat starts going down. Heading north at that time, you will see the jaw-dropping scene of paddy-field patchworks, which is a dream backdrop for any photographers.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Northern Loop Vietnam from Hanoi. You should take a bus or coach as a safe choice. But you’re an adventurer, right? So, put your foot on the pedal and get on the way. What to do if you can’t bring your two-wheeled vehicle to this country. No worries, find an operator of motorbike rental services.

Because the northern land still remains untouched from tourism development, it’s hard for foreigners to find the way. They might bypass the breathtaking spots without a local expert. That’s such a big omission, right?

Therefore, don’t consider too much and waste your time, just come to an agency who can offer both motorbike rental services and northern Vietnam motorbike tours.

The best motorbikes to explore Vietnam in Bm Travel. You can see it here: Our dirt bikes Vietnam motorbike tours club

The loop is all about the route

 

The top four great passes in Vietnam must be listed out here. It is the series of twisting ribbon-roads winding around the evergreen mountains that are like a powerful magnet to draw travelers to come. Craggy and precarious are the two words we often use to describe O Quy Ho (Lai Chau – Lao Cai), Pha Din (Dien Bien), Khau Pha (Yen Bai), and Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang). Anyway, these big challenges can leave both admirations and awe to bikers who love venturing out.

Yet, those passes are romantic at times. Once standing on the top of those, you will get a stunning view of the vast area below that is worth all your efforts.

 

 

Must-see tips for you

Where to stay

Carrying a hammock or a tent if you want to get off-the-beaten paths. But in case you choose to stay at guesthouses, hotels, and homestays, it is not necessary to bring these things. With just 3 US dollars, you can stay in a basic room with a bed in a guesthouse. Meanwhile a room at a luxury hotel in Cao Bang or Sapa charges 50 US dollars. On average, with around 10 to 15 US dollars, you can get a nice room with free WiFi, en-route bathroom, and hot water.

Weather

For the period from December to January, it gets very cold with dense fog, and wet mist. In particular, the mountains in Sapa might be covered by snow. Hence, do not leave these things home: warm clothes and jackets, flexible outfits, face masks, scarfs, biker gloves, and socks.

The rain season often lasts from July to August while monsoon occurs between November and March, and from April to October is the season of hot and wet.

Motorbike Maintenance

In the North, it’s easy to find mechanics if you are riding a Honda Wave or Honda Win. However, the main type of bikes selected by the locals are often Honda Wins, whose parts are always available.

Remember to check your brakes every morning, then tighten and grease your chain. Changing oil every 500 kilometers is highly recommended. Make sure the bike you’re sitting on in top condition if you decide to take extra mountainous roads.

How to have a safe ride

It is noted that there are just a few well-equipped hospitals in North Vietnam. Be very careful and alert to avoid from involving in an accident or being injured because it takes so long to head back to Hanoi for a cure.

Slow down when facing a bend or moving in layers of fog. Turn on your blinkers to sign to the riders behind. Keep in mind that along the way, not all places are suitable for you to stop to take photos or savor the moment. It’s very dangerous.

Things to note

Traveling on your own is not always a good thing, especially when you reach out to a dangerous place without knowing the local language, which will lead to the fact that you cannot ask for directions. The best way is to take a tour guided by an expert. Even though, a decent map and GPS are still important things that you can’t put aside.

Where to take a Vietnam motorbike tour

BM Travel Adventure – Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club is a top-notch provider of motorbike rental services and motorcycle trips. The Hanoi-based company is the place where you can get a top-quality off-road motorbike or enduro and sensational off-road tours. With over 10 years of experience in the field, surely, it won’t let you down. We offer you many choices about motorcycles you may be interested in: Top 10 off-road motorcycles in Vietnam most fit for harsh terrains.

The above is the travel guide of Northern Loop Vietnam. Hopefully, it’s helpful for your coming trip. Let’s enjoy the most awesome trip in your lifetime.