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(3–9 May, 2026) 7-Day Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Adventure: Ha Giang Loop & Hidden Mountain Trails
Ignite Your Wanderlust on a 7-Day Northeast Vietnam Motorcycle Expedition
Set off from the outskirts of Hanoi and ride toward the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake, where every turn reveals dramatic scenery, remote valleys, and vibrant ethnic cultures. Traverse iconic mountain passes, navigate exciting off-road sections, and unwind in the warmth of authentic local homestays.
Along the way, experience the mirror-like waters of Thac Ba Lake, the timeless charm of Dong Van’s ancient quarter, and the awe-inspiring grandeur of Ban Gioc Waterfall. This journey blends adrenaline-filled riding with deep cultural encounters—crafting an adventure you’ll never forget.
Itinerary
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Your adventure kicks off on the outskirts of Hanoi, where we gear up, receive a full tour briefing, and enjoy breakfast before hitting the open road. Following the winding curves along the Red River, the quiet countryside quickly replaces the city bustle—perfect terrain to ease into the rhythm of riding in Northern Vietnam.
Our first highlight is Thac Ba Lake, an expansive freshwater gem that introduces the region’s natural beauty. From here, rugged backroads guide us to Vu Linh, a peaceful lakeside village home to the Dzao ethnic community.
Welcomed with warm hospitality, we settle into a traditional homestay, gaining an authentic introduction to local culture and daily life. It’s the perfect beginning to a journey filled with unforgettable scenery, meaningful encounters, and thrilling roads.
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After breakfast, we wave goodbye to Vu Linh and continue riding through a tapestry of serene mountain views, gentle streams, and small ethnic villages. Northern Vietnam unfolds in quiet beauty as we cruise through winding valley roads.
A memorable highlight awaits: the “monkey bridge” crossing—an exciting and unique experience for riders seeking a touch of adrenaline. Throughout the day, we make scenic stops to appreciate hidden corners of the countryside.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Ha Giang, the gateway to Vietnam’s most iconic mountain landscapes. Tonight’s stay at a Hmong homestay offers rich cultural immersion, hearty local meals, and time to unwind beneath a sky full of stars.
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The day begins with a ride into the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark renowned for its dramatic limestone formations.
Our biggest highlight today is the legendary Tham Ma Pass, where each switchback reveals stunning mountain vistas that showcase the raw beauty of Northern Vietnam. Smooth mountain curves, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking viewpoints make this one of the most iconic riding days of the tour.
In the late afternoon, we roll into Dong Van, a historic town rich with ancient architecture and cultural heritage. After settling into our hotel, there’s time to explore its atmospheric old quarter before resting up for the adventures ahead.
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Today delivers some of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire tour.
We ride across the Ma Pi Leng Pass, often called the “King of Passes,” where towering cliffs overlook the emerald Nho Que River below. This stretch is simply unforgettable—steep mountains, winding roads, and expansive viewpoints in every direction.
For those seeking extra thrill, we take a rugged single-track trail running along the river—a challenging but incredibly rewarding ride surrounded by untouched wilderness.
After lunch in Meo Vac, we embark on a peaceful bamboo raft journey along the Nho Que River, a serene contrast to the adrenaline of the morning.
By sunset, we arrive in Bao Lac, ready to relax in a comfortable local hotel.
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Today’s ride brings you to some of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic wonders.
The highlight is the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls, located on the Vietnam–China border. Its thunderous cascades and lush surrounding forests create an awe-inspiring natural masterpiece.
We also visit Nui Thung Mountain (Gog Eye Mountain), famous for its circular sky window and panoramic views. The ride to this destination is as exciting as the site itself, with rolling hills and dramatic rock formations lining the way.
Tonight, we rest at the scenic Sai Gon Ban Gioc Resort, just minutes away from the waterfall.
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Following a peaceful morning near the waterfall, we head to Nguom Ngao Cave, a spectacular limestone cavern filled with otherworldly stalactites and shimmering underground chambers.
The journey continues toward Ba Be Lake, one of Vietnam’s most pristine freshwater lakes surrounded by dense jungle and limestone mountains. Upon arrival, we enjoy a boat trip across the calm emerald waters, visiting hidden corners and tranquil inlets.
As evening falls, a local ethnic community performs a traditional dance show—an intimate and memorable cultural experience. We spend the night in a cozy lakeside homestay, embraced by Ba Be’s peaceful ambiance.
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On the final day, we say goodbye to Ba Be’s serene landscapes and begin our ride back to Hanoi. The route takes us through rolling hills, rural villages, and quiet backroads—a final reminder of Northern Vietnam’s incredible beauty.
By mid-afternoon, we re-enter the lively streets of Hanoi, completing our epic 7-day journey. Though the ride ends here, the memories of towering mountain passes, ethnic culture, pristine lakes, and thrilling roads remain long after returning home.
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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