Ride through pristine jungle past remnants of the Vietnam War down the Vietnamese section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Phong Nha national park, ride the Hai Van Pass (made famous by the BBC’s Top Gear), visit Vietnam’s ancient capital Hue and end your adventure in the beach city of Danang.
Flights and visas excluded:
Fly In Fly Out Vietnam Tour
Fly in Hanoi HAN
Fly out Danang DAD
Note: Full payment for all tours departing from Hanoi is required at least 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Hanoi to Thac Ba Lake (Approx. 150 km – 5 hours)
Our journey kicks off as we roll out of Hanoi, leaving behind the lively chaos of the capital via a scenic dyke road near the Nhat Tan Bridge. The urban sprawl quickly fades, replaced by open countryside dotted with emerald rice fields, grazing buffalo, and the quiet rhythm of village life.
As we venture deeper into the rural heartland, we stop to enjoy a local lunch before continuing through picturesque hills lined with tea plantations. These lush terraces are cultivated by Vietnam’s ethnic H’mong and Dzao communities, adding both cultural richness and visual beauty to the day’s ride.
The route offers a balanced introduction to Northern Vietnam’s terrain with mostly smooth asphalt interspersed with easy off-road trails—perfect for warming up to the riding ahead. By late afternoon, we reach Vu Linh, a peaceful lakeside village nestled on the edge of Thac Ba Lake, known for its glassy waters and serene surroundings.
We’ll be welcomed by our local hosts and settle into a traditional homestay. Dinner is a delicious home-cooked meal served family-style, with an optional shot of potent local rice wine—definitely not for the faint-hearted! With the lake glistening nearby and stories shared around the table, we cap off an unforgettable first day.
Day 2 – Thac Ba to Ha Giang (Approx. 150 km – 5 hours)
With the morning light shimmering on Thac Ba Lake, we enjoy a traditional breakfast before continuing our northern ride. Our first destination is the town of Luc Yen, well known for its bustling gemstone trade. Colourful market stalls display locally sourced rubies and sapphires, giving us a unique look into one of Vietnam’s lesser-known industries.
From here, the ride begins to reveal its true charm. We weave through fertile valleys, passing rows of tea plantations and stretches of forest. The road offers a medley of gentle bends and scenic viewpoints—ideal for both riding and soaking in the natural surroundings. Life in the highlands passes quietly as we cruise by small hamlets, where children wave from doorways and farmers work the land with quiet determination.
As the afternoon sun dips lower, we roll into Ha Giang, a province famed for its spectacular mountain terrain. Our stay tonight is perched on a hill just outside the city, offering sweeping views across green-covered ridges. We unwind with a classic Vietnamese barbecue under the stars, recounting the day’s ride and anticipating the dramatic roads that lie ahead.
Day 3 – Ha Giang to Dong Van (Approx. 150 km – 5 hours)
After a peaceful night near Ha Giang’s hills, we set off for one of the most visually striking rides of the entire journey. The day begins with a short cruise through Ha Giang City before the landscape quickly shifts into dramatic limestone formations and sharp, soaring peaks.
We soon tackle our first ascent—the winding Bac Sum Pass. This road snakes its way through towering ridges and panoramic viewpoints, making it a must-stop for photos and short breaks. The scenery becomes more surreal as we head towards the Fairy Mountains, known for their whimsical, dome-like shapes that give the area a magical feel.
The route continues through the enchanting Sung La Valley, famed for its layered farmlands and bursts of seasonal colour. During the cooler months, the valley comes alive with blooming buckwheat flowers in vibrant shades of pink and lilac. After stopping for lunch in the quiet town of Yen Minh, we pay a visit to the historic Hmong King’s Palace, a beautifully preserved structure that tells the story of local royalty and ethnic heritage.
By late afternoon, we arrive in the mountain town of Dong Van. Our accommodation offers a cosy and scenic place to unwind, and if the skies are clear, the hotel’s pool is a great place to relax and soak in the view. It’s a rewarding end to a day packed with riding, culture, and unforgettable natural beauty.
Day 4 – Dong Van to Bao Lac (Approx. 100 km – 4 hours)
Today we journey along one of Vietnam’s most iconic and scenic routes—aptly named Happiness Road. Departing from Dong Van, we follow this awe-inspiring highway as it weaves through towering limestone mountains and breathtaking ridgelines. The star of the day is the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, where jagged cliffs drop dramatically into the valley carved by the emerald-green Nho Que River far below. We take our time to savour this unforgettable vista, and for those keen on a side adventure, a detour to Tu San Canyon, the deepest gorge in Southeast Asia—adds a bit more adrenaline to the day.
As we descend from the peaks, the environment changes noticeably. The sharp karst landscape gives way to softer, rolling hills and fertile valleys. Riding alongside the Gam River, the road gently curves through picture-perfect rice terraces, bamboo groves, and quiet farming hamlets. It’s not just the landscape that shifts along the way, we pass through communities of H’mong, Tay, Dzao, and Kinh people, each offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s incredible ethnic diversity, from traditional stilt houses to colourful woven garments.
By late afternoon, we reach the peaceful riverside town of Bao Lac. Known for its lively local markets and multicultural charm, it’s the perfect place to rest up. We check into our hotel, share stories from the day’s ride, and soak in the slower pace of this mountain town.
Day 5 – Bao Lac to Ban Gioc (Approx. 170 km – 6 hours)
Today’s journey promises a true adventure as we follow the famed Border Road that traces the frontier between Vietnam and China. Recently upgraded, the route features smooth asphalt combined with tight hairpin bends, sweeping ridgelines, and dramatic elevation changes—perfect for thrill-seeking riders who appreciate both comfort and challenge.
A standout moment comes at the Me Pia Pass, a remarkable mountain climb consisting of 14 tight, zigzagging switchbacks carved into the limestone cliffs. This short but unforgettable stretch offers postcard-perfect views across the rugged terrain, and we’ll make time to pause for photos and take it all in.
Our route then leads us into the heart of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark, a UNESCO-listed region filled with otherworldly karst formations and deep, green valleys. After a scenic lunch stop, we make our way to the striking “God’s Eye Mountain,” an awe-inspiring limestone peak pierced by a massive round hole, a natural marvel that seems almost unreal.
The next stop is the atmospheric Nguom Ngao Cave, where softly echoing streams wind through vast underground chambers, creating an experience that’s both tranquil and mysterious. From there, it’s a short ride to our final destination of the day: the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall. Cascading across 300 metres of rock and rising 30 metres high, it’s one of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights—yet still blissfully uncrowded.
We wrap up the day at a comfortable local homestay, enjoying a warm meal and some well-earned relaxation after one of the most visually stunning rides of the trip.
Day 6 – Ban Gioc to Bac Son (Approx. 180 km – 6 hours)
We start the day with a quiet moment by the lesser-known section of Ban Gioc Waterfall—serene and uncrowded, it’s a perfect way to say goodbye to this unforgettable natural setting. After breakfast, we hit the road once more, tracing the path of historic Highway 4 as we head southwest through remote and history-rich terrain.
Along the way, we pass through Dong Khe and That Khe. The are two towns that witnessed pivotal battles during the First Indochina War. It was here in 1950 that the Viet Minh defeated French colonial forces, marking a turning point in Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The winding mountain roads, flanked by thick forests and rugged slopes, offer a reflective backdrop to this important piece of history.
As the day progresses, the landscape begins to soften. We descend into the enchanting Bac Son Valley, where the sharp peaks of the north give way to rolling green hills and peaceful rice paddies. The valley’s wide open vistas and scattered villages make for a tranquil contrast to the dramatic routes we’ve ridden so far. As the sun dips lower, golden light stretches across the farmlands, creating some of the most picturesque scenery of the trip.
Before we reach tonight’s accommodation, we make a quick stop at a wartime cave that once served as a hidden munitions cache during decades of conflict. This off-the-map site provides a fascinating window into Vietnam’s underground resistance efforts.
We arrive at a welcoming homestay in Bac Son, where a freshly prepared local dinner and warm smiles await. It’s the perfect place to rest, reflect, and prepare for the final chapter of our northern journey.
Day 7 – Bac Son to Hanoi (Approx. 150 km – 5 hours)
Our final riding day begins with an early cruise through the misty embrace of Bac Son Valley. The gentle morning light bathes the layered hills and patchwork fields in a soft glow—offering one last look at the serene countryside we’ve grown to love. As we roll southward, the landscape subtly shifts. Along the way, we pass locals working the land. Some are harvesting pomelos, custard apples, and other tropical fruits, while others tend to pine trees to collect resin in the higher elevations.
Sticking to peaceful backroads, we enjoy a relaxed pace before eventually merging onto the main route that leads back to Hanoi. Just before the city comes into view, we take a short side trip to visit a nearby military airstrip. If fortune favours us, we might catch sight of Soviet-era fighter jets—an unexpected contrast to the rural charm of the surrounding area.
As we approach Hanoi, we carefully time our return to avoid the evening traffic chaos. Re-entering the city feels like stepping back into another world, buzzing with activity. After returning the bikes and freshening up, we gather for a well-earned farewell dinner. It’s a time to celebrate the highs, laugh about the detours, and relive the memories of an incredible journey through Northern Vietnam that none of us will soon forget.
Price
| *Swipe Left For Pricing | Per Rider | Pillion / Passenger | Single Room / Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki v-strom, Honda cb 500x | $2,300 / ฿75,400 | $700 / ฿23,000 | $350 / ฿11,500 |
| BMW GS F 700 low / 750 / 800 / 850 / 900 / KTM 790 R | $2,734 / ฿89,600 | $700 / ฿23,000 | $350 / ฿11,500 |
| BMW R 1200 / 1250 GS | $3,161 / ฿103,600 | $700 / ฿23,000 | $350 / ฿11,500 |
* Subject to exchange rates
Note:
- If you’re traveling alone and request a shared room, this rate depends on another solo traveler choosing the same option. In the event no roommate is available, a single occupancy fee will be added.
- Please see our Terms & Conditions
Included
- Motorcycle
- Gas
- Breakfast (Not on the starting day)
- Lunch (Excluded on Rest day)
- Dinner (Excluded on Rest day)
- Teas, Coffee soft drinks served with meal only
- Carefully selected Hotel 3/4 Stars
- All Riding gear (Helmets Bluetooth, Gloves, Jackets, Pants)
- Third party liability insurance for motorcycles
- Tour Guide, TAT licensed
- Chase vehicle with spare Motorcycle
- 2 Free T-shirt (Big Bike Touring Co and Route 66 Bikers Cafe)
- Airport Services Pickup/Return for Groups 4 or more
- All entrance fees to Historic Sites and National Parks
- TAT insurance
Excluded
- All services not mentioned as included
- Any Hotel Additional Services
- Motorcycle Health Insurance @ $3/day
- CDW (collision damage waiver) insurance
- Security deposit on motorcycles
- Snacks during coffe stops
- Alcohol
- Airfare
- Visa
- Any tips for the guides and support truck drivers (suggested $50 to $100)
