Vietnam is a paradise for motorbike enthusiasts, where every route unfolds a vivid picture of nature and local culture. With just a 3 days itinerary, you can still enjoy a short yet fulfilling journey, especially suitable for those with limited time but who still want to fully embrace the spirit of adventure. Below are the best motorbike routes for a 3 days motorcycle trip in Vietnam.
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1. Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ta Xua - Hanoi
This 3 days journey starts from the peaceful haven of Mai Chau and takes you through the majestic landscapes of Ta Xua. You’ll witness the stunning beauty of the Ta Xua mountains, explore its rich cultural heritage, and discover its diverse ecosystems.
Along the way, from Mai Chau’s “Dinosaur Backbone” to Ta Xua, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life and traditions of the Thai and H’mong people, creating unforgettable memories throughout the trip.
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Mai Chau appears peaceful with its green rice fields and stilt houses
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (~170km)
- Departure from Hanoi by limousine bus at 5:30 AM
- Arrival in Ha Giang around 12:30 PM
- Lunch in Ha Giang
- Start motorbike trip to Quan Ba
- Enjoy winding mountain roads and spectacular landscapes
- Explore Dao and H’mong villages
- Overnight stay in a Dao homestay
Day 2: Mai Chau - Ta Xua (~200km)
- Ride along northern border areas near China
- Experience winding mountain passes and remote villages
- Ascend Ma Pi Leng Pass for panoramic views of Nho Que River
- Explore Dong Van plateau and local hill tribes (Dao, Giay, H’mong)
- Overnight stay in Dong Van
Day 3: Ta Xua - Hanoi (~180km)
- Scenic ride through Yen Minh and Quan Ba regions
- Visit Vuong Palace (former H’mong King residence)
- Explore Pho Bang village with traditional multi-storey clay houses
- Lunch in Quan Ba
- Optional stop at Tay village waterfall for swimming and relaxation
- Return to Ha Giang and night bus back to Hanoi.
>>> See the full details of the 3 days motorbike expedition through Mai Chau and Ta Xua here.
2. Ha Giang Loop (Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Nam Dan Village - Dong Van - Ha Giang)
The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most famous motorbike routes in Vietnam, attracting many adventure riders and travelers who love motorbike experiences. This route is perfect for a 3 days motorcycle trip in Vietnam, allowing you to explore key highlights such as Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng Pass and Dong Van Plateau without feeling rushed.
Bamboo rafting among towering cliffs – unforgettable Ha Giang Loop magic
Over 3 days, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain roads, visit ethnic minority villages and experience the pristine natural scenery. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your reference.
Day 1: Ha Giang - Quan Ba (~40 km)
- Depart early from Hanoi by limousine bus to Ha Giang.
- Arrive in Ha Giang, a northern border province near China.
- Start motorbike trip to Quan Ba – famous for Heaven’s Gate, Dao, H’mong villages and spectacular mountain scenery.
- Overnight at a Dao homestay
Day 2: Nam Dan Village - Dong Van (~130 km)
- Ride along northern border areas with China, enjoying the wild and stunning landscapes.
- Pass Ma Pi Leng mountain pass for panoramic views of Nho Que River.
- Continue to Dong Van plateau, exploring remote areas with hill tribes such as Dao, Giay, and H’mong.
- Overnight: Local homestay in Dong Van.
Day 3: Dong Van - Ha Giang (~145 km)
- Visit Yen Minh and Quan Ba regions with beautiful natural landscapes.
- Explore Vuong Palace and Pho Bang, showcasing historical and traditional architecture.
- Lunch in Quan Ba, then ride back to Ha Giang.
- If time permits, visit a Tay village and relax at the waterfall before taking the sleeper bus back to Hanoi.
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The image shows the Nho Que River winding through limestone cliffs in Ha Giang
The sharp, steep mountain ridges rising in layered formations in Ha Giang.
>>> Explore the 3 days 2 nights Ha Giang tour here
Additionally, at Frontier Travel Vietnam, we provide longer Ha Giang motorbike adventures (from 7 days and up) departing from Hanoi. You can explore more Ha Giang itineraries from Frontier Travel Vietnam here.
3. Hanoi - Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Hanoi
The Hanoi – Mai Chau – Moc Chau route is one of the most beautiful motorbike route in Northern Vietnam. Over this 3 days trip, riders can explore Mai Chau Valley, lush tea hills, traditional stilt houses and the unique culture of ethnic minority villages.
Below is a recommended itinerary for your reference
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (~140 km)
- Depart early from Hanoi by motorbike.
- Ride through winding mountain roads and rice terraces.
- Explore Mai Chau Valley and the villages of Lac and Pom Coong.
- Experience traditional stilt houses and local Thai culture.
- Overnight: Homestay in Mai Chau.
Day 2: Mai Chau – Moc Chau (~100 km)
- Ride along mountain roads, enjoying lush landscapes and waterfalls.
- Visit Moc Chau tea plantations and strawberry farms.
- Explore Da Bac Lake or Thac Dai waterfall (depending on route).
- Interact with ethnic minorities (H’mong, Muong) and learn about local culture.
- Overnight: Stay in Moc Chau town or local homestay.
Day 3: Moc Chau – Hanoi (~200 km)
- Ride back to Hanoi, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Points of interest:
- Optional visit to Son La town or local markets for souvenirs.
- Lunch at a roadside restaurant or cafe.
- Return to Hanoi by late afternoon or evening, completing the trip.
4. Ho Chi Minh City - Madagui - Cat Tien National Park - Ho Chi Minh City
Just a few hours of riding from Ho Chi Minh City, you will find yourself entering a completely different world on the route to Madagui and Cat Tien National Park. There is no smog, no noise, only lush forests, cool streams, and a truly wild atmosphere that every motorbike traveler craves.
Below is a suggested itinerary to help you explore this journey with ease.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Madagui (~150 km)
- Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike.
- Ride through the scenic highlands of Lam Dong and Dong Nai provinces.
- Stop at local coffee shops or viewpoints for refreshments.
- Overnight: Stay in Madagui.
Day 2: Madagui – Cat Tien National Park (~60 km)
- Ride a short distance to Cat Tien National Park.
- Trek in the forest and explore the park’s biodiversity.
- Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (if open).
- Optional boat trip along the Dong Nai River.
- Overnight: Stay near Cat Tien National Park.
Day 3: Cat Tien National Park – Ho Chi Minh City (~150 km)
- Ride back to Ho Chi Minh City via scenic mountain and countryside roads.
- Stop at local villages to experience ethnic culture.
- Quick visit to waterfalls or viewpoints along the route.
- Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon or evening.
Note: This is only a suggested itinerary from Frontier Travel Vietnam. We don’t operate tours on this route, so you may search for other providers if you wish to book a guided trip.
5. Ho Chi Minh - Mui Ne - Fairy Stream - Ho Chi Minh
For those who love blue seas, golden sunshine and breezy coastal roads, this route is an ideal choice for a 3 days motorcycle trip in Vietnam. After just a few hours of riding, you’ll be immersed in endless blue ocean views, vast sand dunes of Mui Ne, and a visit to the unique Fairy Stream with its striking red and orange sands.
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The Mui Ne route glows under the sun as it curves along the shimmering blue sea
Below is a suggested itinerary to help you fully enjoy the raw yet vibrant beauty of Vietnam’s South Central Coast.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh – Mui Ne (~200 km)
- Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike.
- Thay Thim Mansion – explore the temple and learn about local culture.
- Red and White Sand Dunes – experience sand sliding and photography.
- Mui Ne fishing village – see daily life of local fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Overnight: Stay in Mui Ne.
Day 2: Mui Ne – Fairy Stream
- Short ride from Mui Ne to Fairy Stream.
- Walk along the Fairy Stream, enjoy the unique red sand canyon and small waterfalls.
- Relax at the beach or explore nearby markets.
- Optional activities: kite surfing, seafood tasting.
- Overnight: Stay in Mui Ne.
Day 3: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh (~200 km)
- Ride back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping for breaks and refreshments along the coastal highway.
- Optional stop at Phan Thiet for lunch or souvenir shopping.
- Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon or evening.
Note: This is only a suggested itinerary from Frontier Travel Vietnam. We don’t operate tours on this route, so you may search for other providers if you wish to book a guided trip.
6. Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Coc – Ho Tram – Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Coc – Ho Tram – Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal choice among motorbike routes in Vietnam, offering a perfect combination of riding and relaxation.
Not too far and not too tiring, just a few hours on the road is enough to leave behind the fast-paced city life and enjoy blue seas, white sand and the peaceful atmosphere typical of the Ba Ria Vung Tau coastline.
Below is a suggested 3 days itinerary to help you fully enjoy the journey:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Coc (~130 km)
- Depart early from Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike.
- Ride along scenic highways through Dong Nai and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces.
- Stop at roadside cafes or viewpoints to enjoy the scenery.
- Overnight: Stay in Ho Coc near the beach.
Day 2: Ho Coc – Ho Tram (~40 km)
- Short ride along the coast to Ho Tram.
- Relax at Ho Tram Beach or Ho Coc Beach.
- Optional visit to local resorts, fishing villages, or small natural attractions.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and sunset views.
- Overnight: Stay in Ho Tram.
Day 3: Ho Tram – Ho Chi Minh City (~130 km)
- Ride back to Ho Chi Minh City along scenic coastal or countryside roads.
- Stop at small villages or local markets for souvenirs.
- Quick break at viewpoints or coffee stops along the route.
- Arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon or evening.
Note: This is only a suggested itinerary from Frontier Travel Vietnam. We don’t operate tours on this route, so you may search for other providers if you wish to book a guided trip.
Whether you are drawn to majestic mountain passes, peaceful countryside, wild green forests or sun-soaked beaches, all of the routes above are perfect choices for a 3 days motorcycle trip in Vietnam. Each journey promises stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences and the true spirit of freedom on two wheels.
If you are looking for motorbike tours in Northern Vietnam or epic routes stretching from North to South, contact Frontier Travel Vietnam for detailed consultation, a well-designed and safe itinerary and a reliable companion for your unforgettable journey.
FAQs
1. Who are 3 days 2 nights motorbike tours in Vietnam suitable for?They’re ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the thrill of conquering Vietnam’s scenic motorbike routes.
2. Which motorbike routes in Vietnam are suitable for beginners?Routes like Hanoi – Ba Vi – Hoa Binh or Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Coc – Ho Tram
3. What should I pack for a 3-day motorbike trip in Vietnam?Essentials include helmet, riding jacket, gloves, rain gear, sunscreen and basic personal items.
4. Are these routes safe for solo riders?Yes, but solo riders should always ride carefully, stay on marked routes
5. When is the best season to ride these motorbike routes in Vietnam?The dry season (October to April) is ideal to avoid slippery roads and enjoy clear views of mountains and coastlines.
