( 04–10 September 2026 ) Vietnam Unleashed – 7-Day Northwest Motorbike Journey Conquering Mountain Passes

Duration: 7 days

Destination:

This 7-day motorbike journey takes you from Hanoi into the wild and scenic Northwest of Vietnam — a region known for remote valleys, ethnic cultures and dramatic mountain roads. Along the way, you’ll experience local life up close, ride through quiet backroads, and explore historic sites such as the Dien Bien Phu battlefield.

A highlight of the trip is the chance to conquer two of the Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam (Tứ Đại Đỉnh Đèo) — the historic Pha Din Pass and the spectacular O Quy Ho Pass, the highest in the country. Each pass offers a unique riding experience, with panoramic views, misty peaks and unforgettable photo stops.

The journey ends at the peaceful waters of Thac Ba Lake, where the mountains give way to a quiet horizon — the perfect contrast before returning to Hanoi.

Departure point

Hanoi

From

$1.505

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Itinerary

Day 1: (04th Sept, 2026) HANOI – PHU YEN (150 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (L/D)

Day 2: (05th Sept, 2026) PHU YEN – SON LA (170 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 3: (06th Sept, 2026) SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU (160 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (L/D)

Day 4: (07th Sept, 2026) DIEN BIEN – LAI CHAU (120 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 5: (08th Sept, 2026) LAI CHAU – SAPA (110 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 6: (09th Sept, 2026) SAPA – THAC BA LAKE (230 KM / APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 7: (10th Sept, 2026) THAC BA – HANOI (180 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 1: (04th Sept, 2026) HANOI – PHU YEN (150 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (L/D)

We leave Hanoi and quickly escape the city traffic, following quieter roads that trace the Red River and cut through small villages. As we ride further northwest, the scenery opens up: rice paddies, gentle hills, and distant limestone peaks gradually replace the concrete skyline.

On the way, we make a few short stops for photos and local tea, watching everyday rural life unfold along the roadside. In the afternoon, we arrive in Phu Yen, a small mountain town surrounded by fields and low hills – a peaceful gateway into the Northwest.

We settle into a local stilt-house homestay, then take a short walk around the village before dinner. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal with the host family and relax in the calm mountain atmosphere. We spend the night in a basic but cozy Thai or Muong stilt house.

Day 2: (05th Sept, 2026) PHU YEN – SON LA (170 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the homestay, we say goodbye to our hosts and ride deeper into the highlands toward Son La. The road becomes more scenic as we pass through valleys, rivers and terraced fields, with frequent encounters with Thai, H’Mong and Dao communities.

We stop for lunch in a local roadside restaurant before continuing our way. This region lies in the wider area of Pha Din Pass, one of the Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam (Tứ Đại Đỉnh Đèo), which we will ride over tomorrow.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Son La City and check into our hotel. For those interested in history, there is time to visit Son La Prison, a former French colonial prison that now serves as a museum and reminder of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. Overnight in a hotel in Son La.

Day 3: (06th Sept, 2026) SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU (160 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (L/D)

This is our first major mountain riding day. After breakfast, we head toward Pha Din Pass, one of the most historic and spectacular routes in the country — also recognized as one of The Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam.

During the First Indochina War, Pha Din served as a vital supply route for Vietnamese forces during the 1954 Dien Bien Phu campaign. Because of its strategic importance, it was heavily bombed by the French. Today, instead of smoke and fire, the pass offers breathtaking views of deep valleys, small villages clinging to the slopes, and clouds floating gracefully across the peaks. Its name, “Pha Din,” comes from the Thai language and means “Heaven and Earth,” perfectly reflecting its dramatic landscape.

After descending from the pass, we continue riding to Dien Bien Phu, arriving in the afternoon. Time permitting, we’ll visit several important historical sites — such as A1 Hill, the Command Bunker of General De Castries, and optionally, the Dien Bien Phu Museum.
We spend the night at a hotel in Dien Bien Phu.

Day 4: (07th Sept, 2026) DIEN BIEN – LAI CHAU (120 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we leave Dien Bien and head further into one of the most remote parts of Northwest Vietnam. The road to Lai Chau winds through mountains, river valleys, and scattered ethnic minority villages, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and short breaks.

The landscapes here feel wild and untouched, with far fewer tourists than in more famous regions. Along the way, we may meet Thai, H’Mong, Dao and Lao people working in their fields or walking along the roadside.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Lai Chau, a quiet town surrounded by mountains. This area sets us up perfectly for tomorrow’s ride over O Quy Ho Pass, another of the legendary Four Great Mountain Passes. Overnight in a hotel or local guesthouse in Lai Chau.

Day 5: (08th Sept, 2026) LAI CHAU – SAPA (110 KM / APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Today is one of the highlights of the tour. After breakfast, we ride from Lai Chau toward O Quy Ho Pass, considered the highest and most dramatic of the Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam (Tứ Đại Đỉnh Đèo).

As we climb, the road becomes more winding and the views more impressive: steep mountain slopes, deep valleys, tea plantations, and layers of clouds drifting at eye level. On clear days, the pass offers panoramic views that are truly unforgettable and among the best in Vietnam for motorbike riders.

We then descend toward Sapa, one of the most famous highland towns in the country. In the afternoon, we check into our homestay and have time to explore the town, visit the Sapa Stone Church, and walk through the market where different ethnic minority groups gather daily to trade and socialize. Overnight at a homestay in Sapa.

Day 6: (09th Sept, 2026) SAPA – THAC BA LAKE (230 KM / APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we ride down from Sapa to Lao Cai City, following a scenic road with views of the valley below. We stop for a coffee on the bank of the Nam Thi River, which forms the border between Vietnam and China, and enjoy the view across to the Chinese side.

From Lao Cai, we ride along Road 70 and then turn onto smaller roads toward Luc Yen, passing through palm forests and quiet countryside. By early afternoon, we reach Vu Linh Village on the shore of Thac Ba Lake, the largest man-made lake in Vietnam.

Thac Ba Lake covers over 23,000 hectares and is dotted with more than 1,300 islands and hills. Its clear blue water reflects ancient forests, and the area is home to several caves such as Hum, Cau Cuoi and Bach Xa.

After lunch, we take a boat ride on the lake, stop at an island for swimming, and observe the unique local lifestyle: the way villagers paddle their boats, the animals living around the water, and the peaceful pace of life of the Dao ethnic people in this region. Overnight in a Dao stilt-house homestay by the lake.

Day 7: (10th Sept, 2026) THAC BA – HANOI (180 KM / APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts and ride southeast on Highway 2 before branching off toward the quiet town of Phu Tho. We follow the dyke along the Red River, almost to the point where it meets the Black River, and then continue through the fertile delta plains, the main agricultural heartland of northern Vietnam.

Crossing the Black River by a bridge, we pass through Son Tay and then return to Hanoi on the highway. We aim to reach the city before rush hour, as traffic starts to get busier in the late afternoon. The tour ends in Hanoi, with the memories of riding through remote mountains, historic battlefields, ethnic villages and two of the most iconic mountain passes in all of Vietnam.

Tour map

Supplementary information

This section provides supplementary information to help you better understand the service. It includes specifics on what is included, what is not included, and other relevant notes or conditions that may apply.

Motorbike model

Honda CRF300L

The Honda CRF300L offers 27 bhp of power with a low weight of around 153 kg, making it agile and easy to handle on mixed terrain. Its 34.8‑inch seat height and strong reliability rating (4.7/5) make it a trusted choice for riders seeking both adventure and dependability.

Motorcycle information	Description
Owners’ reliablility rating	: (4.7/5)
Power	: 27 bhp
Seat height	: (34.B in / 885mm)
Weight	: Low (337 lbs / 153kg)

Kawasaki KLX 250

The Kawasaki KLX 250 is a versatile, lightweight dual-sport motorcycle designed for both off-road trails and city riding. With its fuel-injected 249cc engine, long-travel suspension, and agile handling, it’s perfect for adventure riders seeking performance and reliability.

Motorcycle information	Description
Owners’ reliablility rating	: (4.7/5)
Power	: 24.7 bhp
Seat height	: 885 mm
Weight	: Low (337 lbs / 146 kg)

Yamaha Tenere 700

The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a highly capable adventure motorcycle, built to excel on all types of terrain while offering long-distance comfort. Combining strong power, agile handling, and proven reliability, it’s ideal for riders who want a thrilling yet dependable machine for challenging off-road routes and scenic journeys alike.

Motorcycle information	Description
Owners’ reliablility rating	: (4.7/5)
Power	: 72 hp
Seat height	: 34.4 in (875mm)
Weight	: 204 kg (452lb) wet/curb

Honda Transalp 750

The Honda XL750 Transalp is a versatile mid-weight adventure motorcycle, engineered to balance long-distance touring comfort with agile performance on diverse terrain. Featuring smooth power delivery, advanced rider aids, and Honda’s renowned reliability, it’s the perfect choice for riders seeking a dependable machine for both highway stretches and off-road exploration.

Motorcycle information	Description
Owners’ reliability rating	(4.6/5)
Power	90.5 hp
Seat height	33.5 in (850 mm)
Weight	208 kg (458 lb) wet/curb

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We've got answers! Find common queries about our adventure programs.

Test Despite of the fact that Vietnamese government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US Dollars still acts as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with Vietnam Dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in USD, though you can pay in dong if you’d rather - just check what exchange rate they’re using.

For everyday expenses, we recommend you carry a mix of US Dollars cash and Vietnam Dong. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s best to use Vietnam Dong. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that there is no need to worry about change.

The short answer is, there's never a bad time to visit Vietnam! Not all seasons are created equal though and there are pros and cons to each.

March - April is typically the best season in terms of weather to visit Vietnam. Expect sun, mild temperatures and limited rain! This also means busy season, so make sure to book in advance if you plan to visit during these months.

May - August is the hotter times of the year in Vietnam and also the rainier season. Don't be too scared of the rain though! It typically only lasts an hour or two per day, if that. This rarely disrupts travel or our tours and you get to enjoy warmer weather.

September - November are a secret gem of a time to visit Vietnam. The temperature becomes more moderate than the summer, rain stops, and the conditions are perfect for trekking or motorcycle trips. This is also when Full Moon Celebrations happen in Vietnam, so it's a particularly festive season to experience Vietnamese culture.

December - February are the coldest months in Vietnam. During these months you may prefer to visit the southern parts of Vietnam which are warmer, and we have many tours that operate there!

Absolutely! If you and your friends are looking for a private, one-of-a-kind adventure, we’ll design a trip just for your group. Share your travel ideas with us through our Tailor Made Tour form or message us on WhatsApp (+84 962913811), and together we’ll create an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests, pace, and style.

Yes, solo travelers are more than welcome to join our scheduled group tours. We operate group departures every month. Simply contact us to check the upcoming dates, and we’ll be happy to arrange for you to join a suitable group.

No, there are no hidden costs/fees. The price we agree on is the price you pay.

There are certain things that are not included in some trips, like alcohol, souvenirs, etc. All of our trip pages show very clear "Trip Inclusions" and "Trip Exclusions" so you know exactly what you're paying for and what is optional.

Tipping is always optional, but very appreciated. If your guides worked hard for you and your experience was great, feel free to show them!

At Frontier Travel, we don’t just offer tours — we deliver once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

✅ Local Expertise & Passion

With over a decade of experience leading international riders, we know Vietnam like the back of our hands. Our local guides take you beyond the tourist trails to places only true adventurers get to see.

✅ Custom Adventures, Real Connections
Every journey is handcrafted to match your style — whether it’s off-road thrills, cultural immersion, or both. Along the way, you’ll connect deeply with local people, landscapes, and stories.

✅ Top-Quality Service & Safety
From well-maintained motorbikes and gear to 24/7 support, we prioritize your safety and comfort at every turn. Our support crew, guides, and mechanics have your back from start to finish.

✅ Authentic, Responsible Travel
We believe in giving back. By riding with us, you help support ethnic minority communities through our handmade craft shop in Hanoi — "With Love from the Mountains."

✅ Small Groups. Big Memories.
We keep our groups small to ensure a personal, flexible, and unforgettable experience — where everyone becomes part of the Frontier family.

Book a tour: ( 04–10 September 2026 ) Vietnam Unleashed – 7-Day Northwest Motorbike Journey Conquering Mountain Passes

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