Epic Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Adventure: Fire Up Your 10-day Plan!

Intro

North Vietnam, in addition to its great culture along with many vibrantly colored hill tribes and myriads of spots with superb sightseeing. With that in mind, the northwest is a "must-see" gateway for anyone visiting Vietnam, notably for motorcyclists. 

Exploring the North’s natural beauty is like enjoying a page-turner. Join an epic Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure in 10 days only at once. There is a good balance between off-road and on-road riding, and the route can be altered to suit riders of differing degrees of off-road expertise. Off we go!

Epic Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Adventure In 10 Days

Day 1: Ha Noi - Pu Luong Motorbike Tour

After a late departure from Hanoi, our Vietnam Motorbike Tour guide picked us up at the hotel at 8am. We collected our gear and departed to go through the day's plans. That was great from the get-go.

After the 30 km journey along the main route, we turned off onto the side roads and took some dirt roads on our way to lunch.

Our team set out northwesterly, traversing countless limestone mountainous karts until reaching a charming Thai village tucked away in the Pu Luong. There, we overnighted in a high-end structure elevated on wooden pillars.

Day 2: Pu Luong - Phu Yen Motorcycle Tour

Continuing our motorbike tour northwest Vietnam, once saying our goodbyes to the host in the village, we left for Moc Chau, a magnificent highland not far away. Needless to say, Moc Chau, with its magic of the plateau filled up with flowers of all kinds, stole our hearts in no time.

Moc Chau, in our mind, stands out with the tea plantation, white cabbage flower field, and forest gush of white plum flowers. We couldn’t put the Moc Chau morning dew’s beauty in only a few words.

We stopped for lunch before heading out on the N043, a quiet and winding national highway. It took us 40 kilometers on an awe-inspiring winding road by the Da river and a boat or eye-catching ferry to get to the hotel.

Day 3: Phu Yen - Dinosaur Spine - Muong La Motorbike Tour

We woke up at dawn to go on for a whole new day. The single track to the Dinosaur Spine may be prevalent in any itinerary of offroad Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure. All of us could feel the beat and get high for the all-day journey with the highest energy level. 

With our seasoned experiences and the tour guide’s direction, we overcame the challenges quickly. Indeed, the rest of the journey to our lovely Muong La homestay was a breeze. 

Reaching Muong La, we immersed ourselves in the heart-stirring landscapes and fresh ambiance. Nothing could let us downbeat!

Day 4: Muong La - Dien Bien Motorcycle Tour

The motorbike route continued upward, passing through several mountain regions of active Black Thai activity, eventually arriving at Dien Bien Phu, a go-to spot filled with legends about the tragic battle in Vietnam. 

Kids ride buffaloes to school and walk with their mothers to plant rice seeds, and farmers pull their buffaloes while the women tend to the children and the home pets. 

After that, our team was at the base of the long, treacherous Pha Din pass, from which we could take in breathtaking mountain range vistas. 

Finally, we all descended a sealed road that was pretty steep before arriving in Tuan Giao and going downtown to Dien Bien city’s heart, a very sizable metropolis. 

Day 5: Dien Bien - Sin Ho Motorbike Tour

We couldn’t overlook the visit to the splendid Thai and Hmong communities whose charming villages are nestled on the dark green rivers’ banks and the highlands’ steep slopes. 

Following an afternoon repast next to a bubbling forest stream, the route begins the ascent of the winding Sa Tong pass. We stopped at the peak to watch the sunset before getting to the homestay.

Interestingly, the backdrop popped up so romantically and dazzlingly. We bet all the favorable experiences can’t fade into our minds for years to come.

Day 6: Sin Ho - Sa Pa Motorcycle Tour

The far-out O Quy Ho pass was our motorcycle route to the top of the Fansipan mountain range. It’s truly the hidden germ of Vietnam, where heaven and earth meet. Seeing the sea of clouds drifting right above our heads was an out-of-this-world experience, as if we had knocked the door to heaven.

We enjoyed an epic ride on gorgeous back routes leading us through the hill tribes' rustic villages before beginning our ascent of this catchy pass. 

Before riding downhill to SaPa valley, our team took enough shots to capture the incredible moments, notably at the summit of the high O Quy Ho pass, roughly 2000m above sea level. Lastly, we spent the dinner and recharged the battery at a local's home in Sapa.

Day 7: Around Sapa Motorbike Tour

After six days into our motorbike tour, we arrived at Sapa, where we could take it easy and explore the town on foot or take a short ride to one of the adjacent villages inhabited by the Zay or Hmong community.

To get an even more awe-inspiring perspective of nature atop the tallest mountain in Indochina, our team could ride the classy cable cars to Mount Fansipan's peak. 

There, the alluring and seductive panorama was caught utterly in our eyes. We also felt the vibe of a relaxed ambiance with the breeze and pitter-patter sounds. It's great to have a deep breath of fresh air. 

Day 8: Sa Pa - Lam Thuong Valley Motorcycle Tour

We passed through the local hill tribes' tranquil villages and some palm forests on our way to Luc Yen, where our drop-dead villa was located.

This is a dazzling homestay representing the hill tribes of Vietnam. In addition, the hosts were so friendly, directing us devotedly. We had a get-together and a cozy feast with everyone like in a real family. Everyone talked chattily and exhilaratingly. 

Vietnamese people are hospitable, always leaving us with noticeable and adorable vibes. Many are kind-hearted, helping us whenever they can.

Day 9: Lam Thuong Valley - Thac Ba Lake Motorbike Tour

Following a hearty breakfast at our homestay, we all spent the morning touring the scenic Lam Thuong Valley and stopping by the Tay people's cottages, nestled within lush rice paddies. Tay people, like other Vietnamese minorities, are warm-hearted and amiable.

The next stop on our motorbike tour will be Vu Linh’s Dao settlement, situated on the shore of Viet Nam’s largest artificial lake - Thac Ba. The high point was the hour-long boat ride across the lake. Afterward, we all got lost in a massive send-off bash for everyone. 

Day 10: Vu Linh - Hanoi Motorcycle Tour

Our motorbike journey from Vu Linh to Ha Noi was on back roads, which ran alongside two rivers, and lunch was eaten en route. Still, returning the final 10 kilometers to the office was a bit of a hassle due to the congestion. Yet it didn't matter as everything sounded great for the whole trip.

After leaving gear behind and relaxing with the tour guide team over a nice beer, we returned to our cozy hotel. Our group ended the tour in Ha Noi and enjoyed dinner before returning to bustling life. 

Final Thoughts

The northwestern region of Vietnam has always been the most isolated and challenging to access. Granted, it has recently been a breathtaking tourist spot, drawing visitors from all walks of life. 

Some prefer an epic Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure around the region to take in the stunning scenery and challenge themselves on the steep mountain roads. 

For a good circle, you should set aside at least seven days. Tell us what you hope to see and do and craft an itinerary for yourself at once. Share this good read with your buddies and have your backpack on the go right now!

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