12-Day Northern Vietnam Motorcycle Adventure Tour

Set out on a 12-day motorcycle adventure from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay through northern Vietnam’s mountain roads, ethnic villages, markets, and national parks.

The journey follows the famous Ha Giang Loop, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be National Park, and the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay (the star of all Vietnam’s attractions).

Along the way are local homestays, traditional food, and remote landscapes across the north.

12-Day Motorcycle Adventure Through Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi – Vu Linh (180 km / 112 miles)

Start the morning in Hanoi with coffee before leaving the city and riding west along the Red River. The road opens into countryside and lakeside scenery before reaching Thac Ba Lake. By afternoon, arrive in Vu Linh village, home to the Dzao people.

Day 2: Vu Linh – Sapa (200 km / 124 miles)

Leave Vu Linh in the morning and continue through terraced rice fields and ethnic villages. Ride into the cool mountain air of Sapa and explore the local market. Optional visit to Cat Cat Village for waterfalls and traditional crafts before staying overnight in town.

Day 3: Sapa – Bac Ha – Xin Man (130 km / 81 miles)

Ride toward Bac Ha market, known for Flower H’mong communities in traditional dress. The route passes valleys, waterfalls, and forest roads before arriving in Xin Man, a remote town in the northern highlands.

Day 4: Xin Man – Ha Giang (150 km / 93 miles)

Today ride is taking us toward the Hoang Su Phi, stop for lunch among mountain rice terraces. The route continues across rugged jungle roads through the Tay Con Linh range before reaching Ha Giang town in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Ha Giang – Dong Van (150 km / 93 miles)

Today’s ride taking us toward the rocky valleys to reach the Dong Van. Stop in Quang Ba for mountain views and continue through Yen Minh before visiting Pho Bang village and the Vuong Palace.

Day 6: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac (120 km / 75 miles)

Cross Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most famous mountain roads in Vietnam, overlooking the Nho Que River gorge and continue through Meo Vac before arriving in Bao Lac, a mountain town known for its ethnic communities and local market.

Day 7: Bao Lac – Ba Be (130 km / 81 miles)

The route continues through rough backroads and river crossings before reaching Ba Be Lake. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake with a visit to a cave and spend the evening at a Tay homestay with a traditional dinner.

Day 8: Ba Be – Ban Gioc (200 km / 124 miles)

Today’s ride is among the most interesting, we ride toward the east to get closer to the border roads with China. First we stop at Cao Bang for some off-road before continuing to Ban Gioc, a cascaded waterfall sat right at the border. Overnight stay at a resort close to the jungles and waterfall.

Day 9: Ban Gioc – Bac Son valley (180 km / 112 miles)

Ride south through rolling hills and rice valleys toward Bac Son. Along the way, stop to meet local people and enjoy the mountain scenery before arriving in Bac Son Valley for the night.

Day 10: Bac Son – Ha Long Bay (200 km / 124 miles)

Continue toward the coast before reaching to the Halong city. Arrive in the later afternoon, if time permits, we take a telecahin for a wide view over the city.

Day 11: Ha Long Bay

Enjoy a leisure breakfast before heading toward the port to check in to the cruise in Halong. Spend the day kayaking through limestone karsts, visiting caves, and swimming in the bay (Following the cruise plan) and spend an overnight onboard in your private cabin.

Day 12: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Enjoy a final brunch onboard before returning to Hanoi by road. Arrive back in the capital and complete the 12-day northern Vietnam motorcycle journey.