Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tours: Ride the Stunning Loop

If you’re looking for a ride that combines raw adventure with authentic local life, a motorbike tour through Northern Vietnam, especially around Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa, Phu Yen, Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, is a best ride this areas are great to visit between September and April, when the weather is cool, clear, and perfect for long rides.

Northern Vietnam is one of those rare places where every turn of the road feels alive. The landscape shifts constantly, from misty mountains in Ha Giang to green valleys in Mai Chau, from quiet rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai to mountain passes that seem to touch the clouds. A motorbike tour here isn’t just about covering distance; it’s about seeing, feeling, and connecting with the real Vietnam in a way few travelers ever do.

Highlights of Northern Vietnam Motorcycle Tours via loop trail

Many riders ask us: “What is the best highlight places for motorcycle tours in Vietnam?” Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for, but in our experience, any northern ride offers a ride that most motorcyclists will really enjoy. The terrain, the scenery, and the culture here make it special, and we’ve guided countless riders who’ve fallen in love with this region.

The Northern Loop is made up of mountains, valleys, and winding trails that change every few kilometers. For riders who like a bit of challenge, these roads are exciting without being dangerous if you go at the right pace. Beyond the ride itself, the North is rich in Vietnamese culture and tradition. Small villages, local markets, and ancient customs are around every corner, giving you a chance to experience life the way locals live it.

While there are many routes to ride, we suggest most of our riders to choose four popular tours: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Hanoi to Thac Ba Lake, and Hanoi to Ba Be Lake, or northern Vietnam in full. These trips usually take 9–12 days, which is enough to see the highlights while still having time to enjoy the ride and the local culture.

• Check out northern Vietnam loop with Ha Giang as a sample itinerary

North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, 10 Days

One of our most suggested loop ride is the 10-day ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Many of our riders rank this as one of their favorite experiences, and it’s easy to see why.

Northern Vietnam’s mountains create some of the most stunning passes in the country. On this tour, you’ll ride through up to three of the most famous passes, Ma Pi Leng, O Quy Ho, Pha Din, Khau Pha, or Tram Ton, winding roads that give you incredible views at every turn. There’s nothing like feeling the mountain air, looking out over valleys, and watching the sky meet the peaks.

Along the way, you’ll see the terraced fields of Tu Le Valley and enjoy the calm beauty of Mu Cang Chai, moments that remind you of the simple joys of life. You’ll also get a chance to visit Bac Ha Market, a traditional highland market where locals gather, giving you a glimpse into northern Vietnam’s culture and daily life.

After several days of riding through mountains and off-road trails, the tour ends with a relaxing cruise in Ha Long Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Here, the dramatic limestone scenery and attentive services give you a chance to unwind and reflect on your journey.

North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour: Hanoi to Thac Ba Lake, 12 Days

Another fantastic suggestion is the 12-day tour from Hanoi to Thac Ba Lake. On this ride, you’ll take in the beauty of Thac Ba Lake and Ba Be Lake, the two largest lakes in northern Vietnam. Ba Be National Park is particularly special, with its well-preserved plants and wildlife, making it a perfect stop for riders who love nature.

This tour also covers many of the North’s most famous destinations, you’ll ride toward Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Mai Chau Valley, and Moc Chau Plateau. You’ll visit some of the most unique northern highland markets, including Bac Ha Market, Phien Meo Vac Market, and Dong Van Ancient Town Market. If luck is on your side, you might even catch the Khau Vai love market, a rare and interesting cultural experience.

For those seeking more challenge, this tour also includes off-road routes along the Vietnam-China border-belt. The trails here are tough, so it’s important to be prepared. Don’t forget your go-pro, a stop at the Ha Khau international border gate in Lao Cai is a perfect chance to capture memories of your adventure.

Northern Loop Vietnam Motorbike Tour: Hanoi to Ba Be, 15 Days

If you want a longer, more immersive ride, this 15-day ride along the northern trails of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ba Be offers an unforgettable experience in Northern Vietnam. While it shares some highlights with the Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Hanoi – Thac Ba Lake ride, the extra days give you the chance to explore Dien Bien and Son La, regions full of history, culture, and local life.

Along the way, you’ll meet people from the Thai, Muong, and Tay ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and daily routines. A visit to Son La former prison adds a powerful historical perspective, showing the struggles and resilience of Vietnam’s past. It’s a place that makes you pause and reflect, while also connecting you more deeply to the country you’re exploring.

Of course, the tour isn’t just about history. The landscapes here are breathtaking, from lush valleys to winding mountain roads. The routes are still challenging, offering the same excitement that riders love on our other Northern Loop tours. By the end of the 15 days, you’ll have memories, views, and experiences that are hard to find anywhere else — from the small villages and markets to the mountains and lakes, every day brings something new and remarkable.

Off-Road Vietnam Enduro Tour: Hanoi to Vu Linh, 8 Days

If you’re looking for a real off-road adventure, our 8-day Hanoi to Vu Linh enduro tour is made for you. Every day, you’ll ride challenging enduro trails through mountains, hills, and remote paths. This tour is not for everyone, if steep roads or off-road routes feel too risky, this may not be the right ride. But for thrill-seekers, tackling the hills of Cao Phong is a heart-pounding and unforgettable experience.

Along the way, you’ll explore Thac Ba Lake and Ba Be National Park, home to many rare plants and animals. You’ll also see the untouched beauty of villages in Bao Lac and Dong Cao along the Viet Trung border, places few visitors ever reach.

The tour includes incredible moments like riding through Cao Bang’s Global Geopark or camping on the Dong Cao Plateau and Thung Mountain, giving you a sense of freedom and excitement you won’t find on most tours. For anyone who loves off-road riding and adventure, this tour is truly one of the best Northern Vietnam motorbike experiences.

Best Motorbikes to ride the trails of North Vietnam Motorbike Tours

Not every bike is suited for Northern Vietnam motorbike tours. Over the years, we’ve found that the most reliable options for the Northern Loop are the Honda XR150L, Honda CRF250L, and CB500X, as a strong choice for those who prefer a lighter adventure bike.

Honda XR150L

The XR150L is ideal for both on-road and light off-road routes. Riders appreciate its flexibility, good acceleration, and low fuel consumption, about 55 km per liter, meaning a full tank can cover roughly 350 km at steady speeds. Its design is practical for long days on the road, though beginners should be careful as the front brake can feel very strong at times.

Honda XR190L

The XR190L is a slightly bigger and more powerful version of the XR150L, making it a solid choice for longer rides and varied terrain. It handles both paved roads and off-road trails comfortably, giving you more control on steeper climbs and rough paths. Riders like it for its reliable engine, smooth acceleration, and comfortable seating over long distances. Fuel efficiency is still good, and the bike’s lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver through narrow mountain passes or winding trails. It’s a great option for those who want a balance between power and practicality on the Northern Loop.

Honda CRF250L

Introduced in Vietnam in 2014, the CRF250L quickly became a favorite. It handles almost all road conditions, from paved roads to muddy or sandy trails in the Northwest. With studded tires and durable construction, it’s perfect for rugged terrain, jungles, and mountains. Its reliability and ease of handling make it a top choice for off-road adventures.

Honda CB500X

For riders who want a lighter adventure-class bike, the CB500X offers more power and comfort for longer distances while still being capable on rough roads. It’s a great option for those who want a smooth ride on both highways and challenging trails.

Best Time to Ride the Northern Loop

The Northern territories in Vietnam is best experienced between September and April, when the weather is cool (cold during January and early February), dry, and ideal for long motorbike rides. During this period, the mountains around Ha Giang, Vu Linh, and Mu Cang Chai are clear and the winding passes are safer to ride. Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang are at their most picturesque, with calm waters and misty valleys that make every stop worth pausing for.

In contrast, the rainy season from May to August brings heavy showers, slippery roads, and reduced visibility, which can make riding challenging and slow, but ideal for wet, dirt and off-roads. Temperatures in the winter months, especially in Ha Giang and Cao Bang, can drop to around 10–12°C, so riders should be prepared with warm layers for early mornings and high-altitude passes.

From personal experience guiding riders, traveling during the cooler, drier months makes the Northern Loop much more enjoyable, the roads are easier to navigate, the scenery is at its most vivid, and the small villages and markets feel alive without the interruption of rain or fog. Whether winding through the terraces of Mu Cang Chai or camping near Ba Be Lake, the right season ensures you can fully appreciate both the ride and the local culture along the way.

What’s Included in Our North Vietnam Motorcycle Tours

Our Northern Vietnam motorbike tours include a reliable bike of your choice, an experienced ride / guide, quality accommodations, full-board meals, and refreshing on stops.

When you join one of our Northern loop motorcycle trips, we aim to make your ride as smooth and memorable as possible. Each tour includes a well-maintained motorbike suitable for the route, whether it’s a Honda XR150L, CRF250L, or another adventure-ready bike. You’ll also have an experienced local guide who knows the roads, shortcuts, and scenic viewpoints — they handle the logistics, so you can focus on the ride.

Accommodations are part of the package, usually in comfortable 4 and 5 star hotels in bigger cities, boutique hotels, or lodges depending on the route, also home-stays in more remote areas. Meals are included on our rides, especially local breakfasts, lunch and dinners in villages along the way, giving you a taste of authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

From our experience, riders often value these inclusions more than anything else. The combination of a reliable bike, local guidance, and thoughtful support makes long mountain passes, off-road trails, and remote villages easier and more enjoyable. Essentially, we handle the hard parts, mechanics, planning, and navigation, so you can enjoy the freedom of the Loop trails we ride through.

How Many Days Does a Motorbike Tour in northern Vietnam will take?

A Ha Giang, Sapa, Cao Bang and Ban Gioc and generally the northern rotes, motorbike tour typically takes 7 – 12 days, with 5 days being ideal for a balanced experience of Ha Giang, sightseeing, and cultural stops.

From experience guiding riders, the typical Ha Giang ride lasts between 4 and 7 days, depending on how much of the Northern Loop rails you want to cover and your riding pace. A 4-day tour is enough to see the highlights like Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Ma Pi Leng Pass, while a 5–7 day tour allows you to explore more remote villages, off-road trails, and scenic detours around Quan Ba Valley and Yen Minh.

Riders who want to take photos, interact with locals, and fully enjoy each stop often prefer the longer itineraries. Shorter tours are possible for those pressed for time but require longer riding hours each day. Our advice from guiding hundreds of riders: plan for at least 5 days to truly appreciate Ha Giang without feeling rushed.

Custom route for Northern loop trail

Custom Northern Vietnam motorcycle adventures allow riders to choose routes, stops, and duration, covering cities and areas like Hanoi, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Ba Be Lake, Thac Ba Lake, Quan Ba, and Dong Cao Plateau, including scenic passes and bridges, offering a flexible and immersive riding experience.

For riders who want more than a set route, custom Northern motorcycle adventures offer complete flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can start in Hanoi and choose to ride through iconic mountain passes like Ma Pi Leng, O Quy Ho, or Khau Pha, or venture into lesser-known valleys and highlands such as Yen Minh, Quan Ba, and Lung Cu. Small villages, local markets, and hidden bridges along the way give you chances to stop, interact with locals, and take in the scenery that often goes unnoticed by standard tours.

With a custom ride, you decide how many days to spend in each place — maybe a night by Ba Be Lake, a stop at Thac Ba Lake, or exploring the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai. You can even take off-road detours along the Dong Cao Plateau or ride over quiet suspension bridges in remote communes.

From our experience leading riders, custom tours are perfect for those who want to combine adventure with cultural experiences. You can pause to watch farmers at work, photograph hidden waterfalls, or simply enjoy the quiet curves of a mountain road without feeling rushed. The freedom to design your route ensures that every ride is personal, memorable, and uniquely yours.