Vietnam Motorcycle Journey: From Serene Mai Chau To Rugged Mountain Trails

Duration: 7 days

Destination:

If you’re seeking to escape the crowds and bypass the chaos of city traffic, this journey is made for you. Your adventure begins with a private transfer straight from Noi Bai International Airport to the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau, where serene landscapes await. From there, you'll embark on a scenic motorcycle ride through the quiet backroads of Northern Vietnam - far from the tourist trail. The journey concludes with an overnight train ride back to Hanoi, giving you time to relax, reflect, and savor the unforgettable memories made along the way.

Departure point

Hanoi

From

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Itinerary

Day 1: NOI BAI AIRPORT – MAI CHAU (APPROX. 4 HOURS BY LIMOUSINE) (L/D)

Day 2: MAI CHAU – PHU YEN (190 KM/ APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 3: PHU YEN – NGHIA LO (130 KM/ APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 4: NGHIA LO – MU CANG CHAI (130KM/ APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 5: MU CANG CHAI - SAPA (160 KM/ APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Day 6: SAPA EXPLORATION AT LEISURE (B)

Day 7: SAPA - LAO CAI - HANOI (60KM) (B/L/D)

Day 1: NOI BAI AIRPORT – MAI CHAU (APPROX. 4 HOURS BY LIMOUSINE) (L/D)

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our limousine bus will be waiting to transfer you directly to Mai Chau - a tranquil valley village tucked between towering limestone mountains and lush rice paddies.

As you leave the city behind, the scenery transitions into serene countryside dotted with small villages, lakes, and dramatic karst formations. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of Dong Son Lake, surrounded by forested hills and small islands that create a picture-perfect landscape.

You’ll arrive in Mai Chau by early afternoon and settle into a traditional stilt house homestay in a Thai ethnic village. After lunch, take a leisurely walk or bicycle ride through the surrounding rice fields and local hamlets to get a feel for the culture and peaceful rhythm of rural life.

In the evening, enjoy a warm, home-cooked dinner, followed by a traditional Thai dance performance hosted by local villagers.

This charming village will be the starting point of your motorcycle adventure the following day.

Day 2: MAI CHAU – PHU YEN (190 KM/ APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

Your riding motorcycle adventure will begin today! After breakfast in home-stay, we say goodbye to the villagers and ride from Mai Chau to the direction of Moc Chau, where we have lunch. This highland town produces some of Vietnam’s best tea and is a good place to stock up. The surrounding area is also home to several ethnic minorities, including Green H’mong, Dzao, Thai and Muong.

After lunch, we turn to the less traveled Road 43 leading to the Da River, crossing the reservoir of Da river at Van Yen ferry, then ride on a beautiful winding secondary road until Phu Yen mountain town (a district of Son La Province in the Northwestern region of Vietnam), where we stay in a basic homestay.

Day 3: PHU YEN – NGHIA LO (130 KM/ APPROX. 6 HOURS) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we keep motorbiking across Lung Lo pass before heading up on Road 32 .

During the First Indochina War, the 15km-long Lung Lo Pass, used by the Vietnamese resistance force to transport weapons, goods and food during the Dien Bien Phu campaign of 1954, was heavily bombed by the French in order to sever the front lines from the rear.

Lung Lo Pass, situated in the northern province of Yen Bai, was also recognized as a national heritage by the ministry. The ride through this pass is challenging but very rewarding. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 4: NGHIA LO – MU CANG CHAI (130KM/ APPROX. 4 HOURS) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we’ll continue riding from Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai. This journey passes through stunning mountainous landscape, featuring fertile hilly areas covered with green tea plantations, the mountains get higher and higher. We will go over the Khau Pha pass (one of the four greatest passes in Northern Vietnam).

The ride is on some of the most scenic roads which offer a lot of stops for picturing. We’ll cross Tu Le – a beautiful valley located at the foot of the pass.

We have a full day to discover the beauty of this mountainous district. Mu cang chai – the hilly paddy growing districts, are designated as Vietnam’s national heritage site. It is home to Vietnam’s Hmong minority tribe, whose rural way of life & colorful ethnic costumes and amazing scene for photography.

Overnight in the homestay of Thai ethnic people.

Day 5: MU CANG CHAI - SAPA (160 KM/ APPROX. 5 HOURS) (B/L/D)

We start our journey from Mu Cang Chai, riding through Quy Ho Pass amidst breathtaking clouds and mountains. The scenic route showcases vast tea, corn, and rice plantations. Overcoming winding passes and stunning mountain ranges bring both excitement and a sense of accomplishment.

Sapa town, a popular highland tourist destination, is definitely worth a visit. One must-see spot is the Sapa Stone Church, an iconic structure built during the French colonial era. It serves as a spiritual landmark and offers a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos. Additionally, the church attracts diverse ethnic minority communities who gather daily for trade and cultural exchanges, highlighting the vibrant local culture.

Overnight at the homestay in Sapa.

Day 6: SAPA EXPLORATION AT LEISURE (B)

After breakfast, your day will be at your leisure. Sapa is situated in the northwestern region of the country, close to the Chinese border. It is surrounded by mountains that are part of the Hoang Lien Son range, with Fansipan being the highest peak in Indochina. It is a place of natural beauty, with cascading rice terraces, misty valleys, and majestic peaks. It is also a cultural hub, home to several ethnic minority groups with unique customs and traditions.

Those are two options that you can consider for your relaxing day:

Option 1: Visit Fansipan Peak and Cat Cat Village:

Fansipan Mountain is the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and one of the most popular destinations in Sapa, Vietnam. Known as the "Roof of Indochina," Fansipan Mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with its peak often shrouded in mist and clouds. You can reach the summit of Indochina (3,143 meters above sea level) by cable car. There is a train that brings you directly to the cable car station at the MGallery Hotel in Sa Pa. It is the easiest way to reach the summit. After the 6km length cable car (the most extended three-line cable car system in the world), you need to walk to the summit with more than 500 steps.

After visiting Fansipan Peak, you have lunch on your own and consider visiting Cat Cat Village in the afternoon. Cat Cat Village is home to the Hmong ethnic minority group, one of the largest ethnic groups in Sapa. This village is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rice terraces, cascading waterfalls, and verdant hillsides. Visitors can explore the village's narrow alleys, visit traditional H'mong homes, and learn about the process of making traditional H'mong clothes and crafts.

This traditional village is a good destination if you want to take beautiful photos and learn more about the local minorities of northern Vietnam without doing a long trek. However, it is now a touristic place and sometimes crowded.

Option 2: Visit Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages

Trekking down to Muong Hoa Valley leads you to Lao Chai village, home of the Hmong people. You will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the nearby valleys and peaks along the journey. Ta Van Village is home to the Giay ethnic minority group, known for their unique culture and traditions. One of the highlights of visiting Ta Van Village is exploring the stunning rice terraces that surround the village. The terraces are a marvel of human engineering, with each field carved into the steep mountainside by hand. This valley is the most beautiful valley around Sapa town. It takes the whole day to discover the villages around the river. The distance is nearly 30 km one way. Without rain, the road is not hard to trek.

Day 7: SAPA - LAO CAI - HANOI (60KM) (B/L/D)

On the final day of our adventure, we begin our ride back from Sapa to Lao Cai, taking in the scenic views of rolling hills and terraced fields one last time. Lao Cai, a vibrant border town, is known for its colorful markets and diverse ethnic communities. Upon arrival, we'll have some time to explore the local markets, where you'll encounter a rich array of textiles, fresh produce, and unique handmade crafts from the surrounding villages.

After a delicious farewell dinner in Lao Cai, we’ll board the overnight train back to Hanoi. Relax and unwind on the train as it takes you through the beautiful countryside of northern Vietnam. The rhythmic motion of the train offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.

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: Vietnam Motorcycle Journey: From Serene Mai Chau To Rugged Mountain Trails

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