( 13Rd - 31St Mar 2026 ) Ride The Wild North: An Epic 11-Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Adventure
Start your 11-day motorbike adventure in Hanoi and ride into the untouched soul of Northern Vietnam. Every mile pulls you deeper into landscapes shaped by towering cliffs, cloud-covered passes, and remote ethnic villages where time seems to slow.
You’ll feel the chill of the highland wind, hear stories shared around warm village fires, and witness cultural traditions preserved far from the influence of modern tourism.
Accompanied by experienced local guides, this journey blends adrenaline, discovery, and connection. It’s more than a scenic ride — it’s a chance to experience Vietnam as few ever will. For riders seeking freedom, authenticity, and moments that stay with you long after the journey ends, this 11-day adventure is unforgettable.
Itinerary
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We begin our journey from Hanoi and ride north toward the peaceful Hoa Binh lake system. This scenic route reveals emerald islets, forested hills, and limestone mountains rising dramatically from the water—an unforgettable start to your adventure.
As we continue deeper into the mountains, the ride becomes smoother with panoramic views of traditional villages and rolling valleys. By afternoon, we arrive in Mai Chau, where you can stroll the village, meet local families, or simply relax before dinner.
In the evening, enjoy an authentic Thai cultural performance before spending the night in traditional stilt-house accommodation.
Today’s ride blends natural scenery with cultural significance. Traveling along the Da River, we pass historic cave sites where ancient stone tools were once discovered.
A short local ferry crossing offers a charming pause, opening up sweeping views of rugged mountains and calm riverside landscapes.
After lunch in Bac Yen, we continue along the quiet riverbank until we reach Phu Yen—a peaceful town where we settle into a comfortable hotel for the night.
After breakfast, we depart Phu Yen and ride through tranquil countryside defined by rice fields, hillside villages, and winding mountain roads.
A delicious local lunch awaits before we continue toward our overnight destination. The remainder of the day is yours to rest, enjoy the view, and prepare for tomorrow’s stunning mountain ride.
Leaving Nghia Lo, we ride toward Sapa through the spectacular O Quy Ho Pass—one of Vietnam’s most famous high mountain passes. The journey delivers sweeping views of cloud-filled valleys, lush plantations, and towering peaks.
Upon arriving in Sapa, you can explore the town at your leisure. Don’t miss the iconic Sapa Stone Church, a vibrant meeting spot for ethnic minority communities.
Tonight’s accommodation is a cozy local homestay, perfect for experiencing Sapa’s refreshing mountain atmosphere.
Take the world-record cable car to Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina,” followed by a visit to Cat Cat Village—home to the Hmong people and known for its terraced hillsides, waterfalls, and traditional craft making.
A scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, visiting Hmong and Giay villages while walking among some of Vietnam’s most beautiful rice terraces.
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After breakfast, we explore Sapa’s lively local market before beginning a challenging ride to Ha Giang.
Today’s route features steep passes, sharp curves, and dramatic scenery—perfect for riders seeking adventure. If time permits, we may stop at Thanh Ha hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Overnight at a comfortable hotel.
We first obtain the required permit for traveling through Ha Giang’s restricted border regions.
The route to Dong Van showcases the rugged beauty of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, and the ancient town of Pho Bang. Along the way, we visit the Hmong King’s Palace—an architectural masterpiece blending French and Chinese influences.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Dong Van and check in to a local hotel.
Today is one of the highlights of the tour: riding across the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass.
From this cliffside road, gaze down at the jade-green Nho Que River winding through Vietnam’s deepest canyon—a view that defines Ha Giang’s reputation for raw beauty.
We continue toward Meo Vac and onward to Bao Lac, where we stay overnight in a hotel.
The morning begins with a visit to a Lo Lo ethnic village—one of northern Vietnam’s smallest and most culturally distinctive communities.
After exploring their stilt houses and vibrant traditional garments, we ride toward Ban Gioc through peaceful valleys and mountain scenery.
By afternoon, we reach our resort near the waterfall for a relaxing evening.
Sleep: Resort at Ban Gioc.
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We visit Ban Gioc Waterfall—the world’s fourth-largest waterfall on a national border—before walking to a high viewpoint for panoramic photos of the surrounding mountains.
Next, we explore Nguom Ngao Cave, a dramatic 2.7-km underground system filled with unique limestone formations and echoing water chambers.
We continue our scenic ride toward Ba Be Lake, surrounded by forests and limestone cliffs.
Our final day begins early as we ride from Ba Be back to Hanoi through lush countryside and mountain terrain.
We aim to reach Hanoi before rush hour, concluding an unforgettable 11-day Northern Vietnam motorbike adventure crafted by Frontier Travel Vietnam.
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Tour map
Supplementary information
Motorbike model
Honda CRF300L
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
We keep our groups small to ensure a personal, flexible, and unforgettable experience — where everyone becomes part of the Frontier family.
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