Northern Vietnam Dirtbike Tour: 10 Days In Heaven!

Intro

Motorcyclists must tackle the region's narrow and winding roads to get a true sense of the Northern Vietnam dirtbike tour. Traveling from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake will allow you to take in the unadulterated splendor of places like Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, and the tranquil towns tucked away in the bamboo forests. 

After each break, take a few moments to pause and take in the sights and sounds of nature by taking a deep breath. 

The best way to learn about Vietnamese history and culture and experience the distinct life patterns in the country's northern region is to spend several days and nights there. Let’s follow us down the memory lane!

Northern Vietnam Dirtbike Tour In 10 Days

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau Motorcycle Tour

The Mai Chau Valley, some 150 kilometers west of Hanoi, is one of the most picturesque valleys in Northern Vietnam. We veered off the main route to take a minor road that wound through rivers and rice paddies. 

We were always energized as we spent some time exploring off-road routes and taking in the sights of the great outdoors. The first day of the tour wrapped up at around 5 p.m. 

In Mai Chau, a ‘real’ Montagnard village unfolded, and we took a stroll to discover the local life with a wealth of activity. 

After that, we recharged our batteries and spent the night at a Thai family's home before tomorrow's lengthy journey.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Moc Chau – Phu Yen Motorcycle Tour

A tranquil morning in Mai Chau found us enjoying a Thai breakfast before enjoying the area's stunning scenery and rejuvenating morning air. At 9 in the morning, we hit the rocky roads leading from Mai Chau to Moc Chau and interacted with many Thai people.

The Thai women are masterful weavers of plenty of traditional-style clothing to buy in the village center. 

We witnessed them weaving on looms under or inside their homes and bought multiple man-made knives, traditional-style clothing, and a crossbow.

Then, the arrival time in Phu Yen was estimated at 17:30. The Moc Chau-Phu Yen ride was not that long. Our team overnighted in such a quiet rural area after lunch.

Day 3: Phu Yen - Than Uyen Motorcycle Tour

After breakfast, we left Phu Yen and traveled 200 km to Than Uyen along a mountainous road that was quite treacherous. Any motorcyclist worth their leather would find the route to Than Uyen quite a test. 

And yet, our efforts paid off well. Mount Mu Cang Chai provided a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains and golden terraced plains. 

Getting there, we were blown away by the Northwest farmers' ability to create a spectacular visual feast, perfectly capturing the harmony of sky and earth in a picture-perfect tapestry. Thus, Mu Cang Chai is a must-go spot for Vietnam motorbike tours.

The dazzling views didn't take long to help us forget our tiredness. Today could be the most amazing motorbike tours in Vietnam.

Day 4: Than Uyen - Sapa Motorbike Tour

As the crew rode through Hong Lien, we saw Fansipan, "the roof of Indochina." From Fansipan’s peak, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the majesty of the mountains cloaked in fog throughout the year.

After conquering O Quy Ho Pass, we expected to get to Sapa around midday. 

Sa Pa is very near the Chinese border. Besides its elegant, craggy landscape, Sapa Town is recognized for its cultural richness. It's the top pick for newlyweds, in particular.

Our team enjoyed a leisurely lunch in Sapa before hopping on a bike to explore the town and take in the backdrops of the hill tribal settlements that dot the landscape, cloaked in the towering bamboo forests' shadow. 

We made the trip back to the hotel on two wheels before the sun went down and fog rolled in swiftly.

Day 5: Sapa - Xin Man Motorbike Tour

After a hearty breakfast, we headed out of Sapa town along a narrow trail that winded past a Dao village and eventually led to Lao Cai. 

This region's vast, golden terraces were a sight to behold, especially when you visit between June and September.

After refueling in Lao Cai, our group rode our motorbikes to Bac Ha, a rural district 1,000 meters above sea level. Lao Cai blew our minds with its cool weather, breeze, and far-out space.

There were a lot of zigzags and off-road roads on the road to Bac Ha, making it a thorny drive. Xin Man, a small town in the mountains of Ha Giang province, was where we spent the night and had dinner.

Day 6: Xin Man - Ha Giang Motorcycle Tour

That day, our route from Xin Man to Ha Giang was a short dirt road. Chances were we demonstrated our motorcycling prowess by navigating obstacles and terrains such as tiny streams and rough mountain roads awaiting us. 

Once we reached the flat road section, the rest of the trip to Ha Giang was a breeze. 

The golden rice-terraced fields, ranges of rugged mountains, and the paths winding through hills up and down all embraced many mysteries not yet fully discovered.

Our team all got to Ha Giang at around 4:30 in the afternoon. To refuel for the next day, we ate a hearty dinner at the hotel and rested.

Day 7: Ha Giang - Meo Vac Motorcycle Tour

Our journey to Ha Giang took us over the magnificent granite plateaus close to the Chinese border. As a visitor to Ha Giang, the top priority should be to climb Ma Pi Leng, one of Vietnam's most storied mountain passes. 

Spending time at Ma Pi Leng Pass, the natural splendor left us in awe. Countless visitors come to Ha Giang for the breathtaking landscapes and to learn about the customs of the various ethnic minority groups in the region. 

It was close to 4 pm when we got to Meo Vac. Here, we spent the rest of the time diving into the scenic town while snacking on local fare. We bet the rural delicacies would please all visitors owing to their one-of-the-kind taste. The Ha Giang Loop ride could be the best part for motorbiking in Vietnam.

Day 8: Meo Vac - Cao Bang Motorbike Tour

Cao Bang is a low plateau that has witnessed multiple historical imprints, including the resistance of the Vietnamese people against French colonialism and the residence of President Ho Chi Minh during the years of resistance war. 

This was a nice and energetic day, along with the excellent backdrops and great weather. 

Our team visited ethnic Dao villages inhabited by the Hand and Dao and local marketplaces and took in the stunning natural beauty of the Cao Bang region.

Most of today's motorbike trips from Meo Vac to High Bang were on paved roads. After passing a few magnificent mountain passes, we arrived in the High State bright and early.

Day 9: Cao Bang - Ba Be Motorcycle Tour

A pleasant day for tourists; the roads were flat and free of hazards, and the view was gorgeous and poetic, thanks to the presence of ancient woodlands. 

Ba Be Lake is Vietnam's largest freshwater lake and among the world's most exceptional lakes. 

About 200 million years ago, the limestone mountains that now rise from the lake's center were formed when tectonic plates collided. 

At around 4 p.m., we set foot to take in the beauty of the lake from atop the locals' boats, took tons of shots, and felt the fresh ambiance surrounding the lake.

Day 10: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi Motorbike Tour

On the last day of our motorbike tour, we traveled a distance that was likely to be substantial as we headed up to the capital. 

Upon our return to Hanoi, the off-road motorcycle crew went via the delta region of the Red River, which was mainly rural. We observed many fishing settlements, traditional handicraft communities, and fields of corn and rice. 

Albeit a bit exhausted from the day's riding adventures, it was still fantastic. As we got closer to the city, the more crowded it appeared. We all reached Hanoi before 5:00 a.m. 

Final Thoughts!

Stick to the tried-and-true paths, including all the essentials, or explore uncharted territories with the northern Vietnam dirtbike tour. It's incredible how quickly sites like Ha Giang have become far-reaching worldwide. 

Thanks to Google's mapping and professional services, travelers pinpoint multiple alternate routes during traveling and stay one step ahead of the spread of asphalt and concrete.

Still, the brave can find off-the-beaten-path locations without or with a guide. If you desire to challenge yourself, pick one that fits your skill level and willingness to endure discomfort.

Time for travel is coming! Enjoy bliss with your closest guys!

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