One-Day Loops in Northern Vietnam for Motorbiking

Looking for one-day motorbike loop in Northern Vietnam? This stunning region offers some of the most thrilling riding experiences in Indochina. Towering mountains, lofty passes, and scenic routes make northern Vietnam a dream destination for motorbike riders. For many, this part of the country becomes the highlight of their Vietnam road trip. The landscapes are breathtaking, the roads challenge every level of rider, and the region’s rich history and culture add depth to every journey.

Hello everyone, im Hamid, the owner of Vietnamese Motorbike Tours and here, i’ve gathered all my top northern Vietnam motorbike guides into one ultimate collection of 13 Northern Routes. You can ride each loop as a standalone adventure or connect them into a continuous North Vietnam motorbike tours that covers the best of area.

One-Day Loops in Northern Vietnam: Introduction and Essential Tips

Northern Vietnam offers some of the most exciting one-day motorbike loops in Southeast Asia. With winding mountain passes, rice-terraced valleys, and authentic hill-tribe villages, this region is a paradise for riders who crave both adventure and culture. Whether you’re exploring misty mountain roads or cruising through scenic river valleys, each route promises breathtaking views and a true sense of discovery.

This part of the country particularly stands out for its diversity of landscapes and well-connected routes, making it ideal for short, one-day motorbike trips. Depending on where is your starting point, whether Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, mu Cang Chai, or even toward center and cities like Nghe An, Thanh Hoa and more. each area offers with the high mountain passes, remote ethnic villages, and peaceful countryside offer endless opportunities for memorable rides without the need for long-distance travel. Riders can easily design flexible itineraries, linking shorter loops into longer multi-day journeys that showcase the very best of the north.

About the Northern Motorbike Loops

I’ve organized the 13 routes geographically, starting south of Hanoi and moving from west to east across the northern provinces. The color-coded map shows shaded areas representing the regions covered by each route and includes direct links to their detailed guides.

Although these routes cover thousands of kilometers, they still represent only a fraction of northern Vietnam’s countless incredible roads and offbeat tracks. The best time to ride in Northern Vietnam is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is clear, cool, and perfect for motorbiking.

1. Mường Lống Loop (north-central)
2. Limestone Loop (north-central)
3. Trans-Northern Belt Road (pan-northern)
4. Harvest Route (northwest)
5. Extreme Northwest Loop (northwest)
6. Sin Ho Loop (northwest)
7. Y Ty Loop (northwest)
8. Borders & Back-Roads Loop (northwest)
9. Tuyen Quang Magic ‘8’ Loop (central north)
10. Ha Giang Loop (extreme north)
11. The High-Roads Routes (northeast)
12. The Northeast Loops (northeast)
13. Binh Lieu Loop (northeast)

1. Muong Long Loop

• Starting Point: Vinh
• Key Stops: Kim Liên, Thanh Chương, Con Cuông, Mường Xén, Mường Lống, Qùy Châu, Qùy Hợp
• Total Distance: 630 km
• Estimated Duration: 4-7 days
• Loop Highlights: As you travel through Nghệ An, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes, including: Verdant Agricultural Valleys, Limestone Karsts, Brooding Mountains, Glistening Rivers, Vast Rice Fields, Beautiful Waterfalls, Tea Hills
• Road Conditions: The route features mostly good paved roads, but be prepared for occasional rough patches. There are also opportunities for scenic detours along the way.
• Best Time to Ride: The ideal months to embark on this journey are from April to July, when the weather is most favorable.

Riding the Looparound Vinh City, Nghệ An, the territory is located in north-central Vietnam, Nghệ An is the surprisingly country’s largest province and remains one of the least explored by tourists and riders. While many riders tend to overlook this region, Nghệ An offers some of the most remarkable motorbiking experiences in Vietnam, making it a must-visit destination for road enthusiasts.

One of the standout routes in this province is the Mường Lống Loop, which promises stunning scenery and thrilling adventure. This least ridden motorbike journey stretches from the eastern coast to the mountainous border with Laos in the west, eventually forming a picturesque mini-loop near Mường Lống. This remote village, nestled in the far northwest of Nghệ An, features some of the most breathtaking roads and landscapes in all of Vietnam.

ROUTE MAP: The Mường Lống Loop

2. Hanoi – Lao border Loop

• Starting Point: Hanoi
• Key Destinations: Mai Châu, Pù Luông, Lao Border
• Total Distance: 700-800 km
• Estimated Duration: 1-3 days
• Scenic Highlights: This journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes, featuring limestone Karsts, Bamboo Forests, Charming Villages, Vast Rice Fields, local Home-stays
• Road Conditions: The route is primarily made up of good, paved roads and lanes, though you might encounter some rough sections. Expect fairly light traffic, making it a pleasant ride.
• Best Time to Ride: The ideal time to embark on this adventure is between March and October, when the weather is most favorable for exploring.

Discover the Hanoi-Loa border Loop, this is a Scenic Motorbike Adventure from Hanoi, suitable for so many expats looking to do visa runs from Hanoi to the Na Meo border check-point.

Located just a few hours southwest of Hanoi, the Loop offers an incredible motorbiking experience featuring some of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. This route primarily winds through Thanh Hóa, a province renowned for its dramatic limestone pinnacles, serene rivers, and lush rice paddies.

As you ride along the quiet roads, you’ll encounter steep valleys adorned with bamboo forests and navigate mountain passes that lead to remote crossings into Laos.

While many travelers flock to the more touristy Ninh Bình & Tam Coc, Thanh Hóa remains a hidden gem that is just beginning to gain recognition. One of the highlights of this region is the hidden Pù Luông, a Nature Reserve, known for its pristine beauty and tranquil environment.

ROUTE MAP: The Hanoi – Lao Border Loop

3. Loop from Halong to Điện Biên via QL279

• Starting Point: Hạ Long
• Distance: 937 km
• Duration: 3-6 days
• Provinces Covered: Bắc Giang, Lạng Sơn, Bắc Kạn, Tuyên Quang, Hà Giang, Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Sơn La, Điện Biên
• Loop’s highlights: This journey showcases a variety of beautiful landscapes, including majestic mountains, Limestone karsts, Lush jungles, Serene rivers, Scenic valleys, Traditional villages, Terraced rice fields, Tranquil lakes & Stunning waterfalls
• Road Conditions: The route primarily features good, paved roads, though you may encounter some narrow sections and ongoing roadworks. Traffic is generally light, making for a pleasant ride.
• Best Time to Ride: For the best experience, plan your trip between March and October when the weather is ideal for exploring.

Stretching 937 kilometers across Vietnam’s widest and most mountainous region, National Route 279 (QL279) is the third longest road in Vietnam. Also known as Đường Vành Đai Phía Bắc (Trans-Northern Belt Road), this loop travels through 10 northern provinces, showcasing some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain.

Following an arc along the northern border with China, QL279 loop holds deep historical significance. The route’s name commemorates the Sino-Vietnamese border war of February 1979 with 2 symbolizing February, 79 representing the year 1979, and QL meaning quốc lộ or national route.

Take this scenic yet mountainous road all the way from Halong city to the city of Dien Bien Phu.

ROUTE MAP: The Trans-Northern Belt Loop