North Vietnam Motorbike Tour from Hanoi to Ba Be – 15 days

15/DaysHanoi → Mai Chau → Son La → Muong Lay → Lai Chau → Sapa → Xin Man → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Cao Bang → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Ba Be

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam and you want extraordinary experiences, stay here and find out more about the following itinerary. The fact that no one can deny is the North of Vietnam has numerous excellent attractions. However, exploring this land without a proper plan can turn your excitement into disappointment. Why don’t you join our 15-day motorbike tour exploring the North of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ba Be? This once-in-a-lifetime journey is undoubtedly going to be something you will remember forever. Let’s see in detail to find out why we are so sure.

  • Tour Grade : Medium
  • Total Distance : 2450KM
  • Hours of Riding per day : 3-5 hours
  • Support :
  • Mixed onroad and off-road
Only From : 2235
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Itinerary

DAY 1: HANOI TO MAI CHAU

We can have our trip commenced right after a short briefing and safety instructions. The fastest way from Hanoi to Mai Chau is to take the route via Xuan Mai, Luong Son, Hoa Binh, and Muong Khen in succession. The tranquil landscapes of the countryside on the way will help reduce fatigue. Of course, we can stop somewhere to rest or snap a picture with stunning backgrounds. In the late afternoon, we are supposed to reach Mai Chau in Hoa Binh province. In this valley, not only can you see the grandeur sceneries of caves and mountains, but you have a great chance to witness the distinctive cultures in the villages of Muong and Thai people. We will stay overnight in a homestay here.

Summary:

  • Distance: 160 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Homestay

Hanoi to Mai Chau

DAY 2: MAI CHAU TO PHU YEN

Let’s wake up early and breathe the fresh air in Mai Chau before bidding a farewell. Today’s destination is Phu Yen, but we will drop by Moc Chau first. Having lunch in Moc Chau Plateau while contemplating the endless tea fields is an experience we’d better not ignore. After that, we will keep riding down until we see Da River and cross it by ferry.

The way to Phu Yen won’t be something too difficult for us. We will follow the river bank to approach the mountainous district. With an altitude of over 1000 meters, Phu Yen is the upland with irresistible spectacles such as Suoi Chieu Lake, Noong Cop woods, Muong Tac terraced field, etc. We will enjoy tonight in this locality.

Summary:

  • Distance: 150 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Mai Chau to Phu Yen

DAY 3: PHU YEN TO SON LA

There is no doubt that Phu Yen is alluring, yet we still have to say goodbye and move on. The third day of the trip is for exploring attractions around Son La city. The route offers us a precious chance to weave through modest villages of Muong, Tay, and Thai people. Passing by their vast sugarcane and cornfields, you can witness laborious farmers working with joy. Our crew will also go through several local kermises, and once again, you will find out more about Vietnamese ethnic minorities. We expect to show up at Son La city at around 4 PM. Then we will have time to visit an impressive attraction – Son La Prison. French Colonialism built this construction in 1908, and it has an incomparable historical value. Visiting such a site makes our trip more meaningful.

Summary:

  • Distance: 180 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Phu Yen to Son La

DAY 4: SON LA TO MUONG LAY

Let’s say goodbye to Son La and continue our journey. The fourth day will full of extraordinary experiences. Waiting for us is not just normal twisted road through mountains and jungles, but Pha Din Pass – one of the four greatest passes in the North. This 32-kilometer pass is 1000 meters above sea level. So basically, we will be moving with an abyss aside. Plenty of sharp curves make this striking pass even more challenging to subdue. We will have to exert ourselves to drive with full attention, although the remarkable landscapes are overwhelming.

After overcoming Pha Din’s tough challenge, we will approach Muong Lay, where we will stay for tonight. Muong Lay town possesses absolute tranquility amidst the grandeur of nature. Besides the imposing green mountains, the lovely stilt houses and the graceful Thai women here can make you want to stay in perpetuity.

Summary:

  • Distance: 190 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Son La to Muong Lay

DAY 5: MUONG LAY – SIN HO – LAI CHAU

Once again, we will let Da River lead us to a new land – Sin Ho district. If you derive pleasure from photography, this is the best time for you to show off your talent. Sin Ho is considered the rooftop of Lai Chau as it is 1500 meters above sea level. This is also why this is an ideal place to “hunt” clouds. You can admire an immense sea of floating clouds at some spots like Ta Ngao or O Da.

If we arrive at Sin Ho at the weekend, we can visit the kermises where different ethnic groups (H’ mong, Phu La, Lu, Dzao, etc.) come to trade almost everything. Their colorful clothes will capture your attention immediately. It will be a pity if you don’t try several delicacies here. We will have lunch in Sin Ho and continue to go to Lai Chau.

Summary:

  • Distance: 160 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

MUONG LAY – SIN HO – LAI CHAU

DAY 6: LAI CHAU TO SAPA

We will leave for Sapa at 9 AM when the fog is gone. Today we will have to confront another one among the four greatest passes – O Quy Ho. This nerve-racking pass is up to 50 kilometers long, and it is also the highest pass in Vietnam with a height of 2000 meters. If nothing changes, then we will come to Sapa right for lunchtime. Then we have a full afternoon to explore Sapa – one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Indochina Peninsula.

Sapa is where many ethnic groups reside – H’mong, Dzao, Dzay, Tay, etc. Therefore, the diversity of traditions and customs in the town is not hard to realize. Although Sapa has dozens of attractions, we can hardly visit them all. We will ride to Muong Hoa valley to see the majestic terraced fields and ancient stones engraved with strange symbols. Ta Van village is where we spend the night on this sixth day.

Summary:

  • Distance: 130 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel or Homestay

Lai Chau to Sapa

DAY 7: SAPA TO XIN MAN

Today we will move from Sapa to Xin Man. There are two options available. We can either take a smooth road or a tortuous one through mountainous villages. Whatever you choose, we still have incredible landscapes to behold. Sipping a cup of coffee at the Vietnam – China borderline sounds like a good idea, right? In spite of poverty, Xin Man wins tourists’ hearts with its serene atmosphere and a great view. You will have a relaxing night in this peaceful town.

Summary:

  • Distance: 180 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Homestay

SAPA TO XIN MAN

DAY 8: XIN MAN TO HA GIANG

Going from Xin Man to Ha Giang, we admire the most beautiful spots in the trip. First, we will drop by Hoang Su Phi and observe the most impressive terraced fields ever. Next, our team has to conquer rugged dirt tracks across Tay Con Linh. This is the rooftop of the Northeast, and it is undoubtedly not an easy challenge to overcome. But as soon as we take the dare of Tay Con Linh, your sense of adventure will be kindled. The last 30 kilometers to Ha Giang will be easier as we will be moving on wide roads. We will check in our hotel in Ha Giang at about 5 PM.

Summary:

  • Distance: 170 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

XIN MAN TO HA GIANG

DAY 9: HA GIANG TO DONG VAN

We are about to visit Dong Van – a place with high values to archaeology and geology. On the way, we will come by the villages, where Lo Lo and H’ mong people live. Well, you can see that this is more than just a sightseeing tour. After this trip, you will have learned a lot about ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Don’t forget to take some pictures while we approach Dong Van. By 5 PM, we may have come to Dong Van already. You can freely wander around this area, but remember to save your energy for tomorrow.

Summary:

  • Distance: 150 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

HA GIANG TO DONG VAN

DAY 10: DONG VAN TO BAO LAC

Not to waste a single precious moment, we will wake up early and take a closer look at the ancient building in the town. These constructions are believed to exist for the last 200 years. At 9:30 AM, we will hit the road and come to Dong Van Karst Plateau. With its enchantments and scientific values, this area is recognized as a global geological park.

For adventurous travelers, today is going to be memorable as we will conquer Ma Pi Leng pass. According to many tourists, this is the most dangerous and beautiful pass in the North. The terrific slope and series of sharp turns are a real dare for even experienced riders. Scenic Gam and HA GIANG TO DONG VAN will lead us to Bao Lac town (Cao Bang) around 4:30 PM.

Summary:

  • Distance: 140 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Nho Que river

DAY 11: BAO LAC TO QUANG UYEN

After having a tight sleep in Bao Lac, we will leave for Quang Uyen. Accompanying our crew are still exciting backroads and majestic landscapes of forests. Going through Cao bang province, we can reach the Vietnam – China border before finding Quang Uyen town. This is another tranquil locality with exotic cultures of Nung and Tay people. It will be better if we can join some local kermises or festivals. Surrounded by towering mountains, Quang Uyen is really alluring. We will rest in a homestay here.

Summary:

  • Distance: 170 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

BAO LAC TO QUANG UYEN

DAY 12: QUANG UYEN – BAN GIOC WATERFALL – CAO BANG

To reach Ban Gioc Waterfall – our first destination for today – we have to go further to the North. Cao Bang is a province with countless notable attractions such as Nguom Ngao Cave, Thang Hen Lake, etc. But Ban Gioc Waterfall still stands out as it is considered the most majestic waterfall in Vietnam. No word can adequately describe the beauty of the landscape here. We can assure you this is an excellent place that should visit once in your lifetime. After enjoying the cool water under the fall, we are now ready to move on to Cao Bang city.

Summary:

  • Distance: 180 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

BAN GIOC WATERFALL

DAY 13: CAO BANG TO BA BE LAKE

We hope that you have realized that our journey is getting more and more exciting. Today’s destination is Ba Be Lake – one of the twenty most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world ranked by UNESCO. The only way to have the best experiences in this site is to take a boat trip. Also, we will visit some other attractions with equal allure – Puong Cave and the Fairy Pond. Once we swim in this grand lake, our minds are rid of anxiety, and our hearts are filled with pure happiness.

Summary:

  • Distance: 150 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Homestay

CAO BANG TO BA BE LAKE

DAY 14: BA BE TO THAC BA LAKE

In the morning, it’s advisable to have a hearty breakfast with our hosts (a Tay family) to hear the fascinating legends about Ba Be. And then we will mount on our motorbikes and have the trip continued. Our destination is Thac Ba Lake in Yen Bai province. To get there, we need to drive on small bumpy trails. It will be better if we can reach the Dzao’s village near Thac Ba Lake by 3 PM.

With more than 1300 islets of different sizes, Thac Ba Lake is dubbed as the “upland Halong Bay.” People also know about it as one of the three largest artificial lakes in Vietnam. The majesty of the lake fits perfectly with the grandeur of the adjoining scenes. In order to optimize your experiences, a boat trip is the right choice. At 5 PM, we will come to a Dzao homestay and rest there for tonight.

Summary:

  • Distance: 160 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Homestay

BA BE TO THAC BA LAKE

DAY 15: THAC BA LAKE TO HANOI

This is already the last day of our trip. We choose the smooth routes to go back to Hanoi before rush hours. Getting stuck in crazy traffic is not the way we want to end this fantastic journey. Our 15-day motorbike tour exploring the North of Vietnam will undoubtedly end up with good memories that we will likely keep for the rest of our lives.

Summary:

  • Distance: 180 km
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

THAC BA LAKE TO HANOI

Vietnam motorbike tours prices for a guided tour from Hanoi to Ba Be   

*Full package, no hidden cost surprises

GUIDED TOUR

(20% OFF-ROAD)

HONDA XR150L

HONDA CRF250L

SUZUKI DRZ400

One person 199 USD/day/person 219 USD/day/person 239 USD/day/person
Two people 179 USD/day/person 199 USD/day/person 219 USD/day/person
Three people 159 USD/day/person 179 USD/day/person 199 USD/day/person
From four people 149 USD/day/person 169 USD/day/person 189 USD/day/person

 

GUIDED TOUR

(25-70% OFF-ROAD)

HONDA XR150L

HONDA CRF250L

SUZUKI DRZ400

One person 209 USD/day/person 229 USD/day/person 249 USD/day/person
Two people 189 USD/day/person 209 USD/day/person 229 USD/day/person
Three people 169 USD/day/person 189 USD/day/person 209 USD/day/person
From four people 159 USD/day/person 179 USD/day/person 199 USD/day/person

The tour includes

  • Well-experienced tour guides who can speak English fluently and understand customers’ needs.
  • Professional mechanics for emergency cases.
  • A photographer & video recorder for a group of more than 5
  • Recent & Well-Maintained Japanese Bikes
  • Safe & Exceptional Routes
  • Good Accommodation: Eat and sleep in the best locations. Standard hotel or homestay based on double, twins or triple shared room.
  • All meals on tour: Enjoy local Vietnamese food and drink in every region you visit.
  • Gasoline
  • Boat trips on Lakes or Rivers
  • All entrance tickets/ Permits to remote areas
  • Helmets/Gloves and Bright reflecting Jackets
  • Hotel pick up
  • Dirt on your SHOES and FACE or more
  • Videos of the tour (send 1 week after the tour)

The tour excludes:

  • Riding Long Pants (we recommend a pair of jeans)
  • Personal insurance (this at your own risk)
  • Coverage for any damages to gear or the motorcycle
  • Air ticket
  • Visa fee (approximately 25 USD/person, depending on nationality)
  • Travel insurance of any kind
  • Tip, drinks, personal expense and other expenses not described in the itinerary
  • Single Supplement for Single Occupancy

Notes:

  • We provide vehicle support and driver with an extra price of 150 USD/day/ truck upon your REQUEST!
  • A single stay will cost 20 USD extra/ day
  • If tours do not depart/ end in Hanoi then surcharge for bike shipping to/ back to Hanoi is 120 USD/ bike.
  • VAT Excluded from the price, if you want VAT included, 10% of the total price will be added.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

  • To secure your bookings we require a minimal of 30% deposit. Full payment will be made by cash or credit on the first day of the tour.
  • The rider is responsible for any bank charges (surcharge 3,5% if you pay by credit card )
  • If you cancel the tour before the departure date, you will lose 100% of the deposit.
  • If you cancel the tour after the departure date, you will lose 100% of the total cost/ fee of the tour for any reason.
  • A deposit of US$ 100 – 1,000 or more is required for each motorcycle for use in the guided or self-guided motorcycle tours. In case of a self-caused accident, your own participation is up to US$ 2,000 or more.

“We promise to deliver the best balance for every single DOLLAR”