11 Day Motorbike Holiday Across North Vietnam

One of the most popular and highly recommended motorcycle tours in northern Vietnam, this 11 day motorbike Holiday from Hanoi covers an extraordinary range of landscapes, cultures, and legendary riding routes across the region’s finest destinations.

The journey rolls from Hanoi through Mai Chau and Phu Yen, climbs into the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Than Uyen, and reaches the misty highlands of Sapa and the colorful markets of Bac Ha.

From there, the route pushes into the rugged limestone world of Ha Giang and Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, winds through remote valleys to Bao Lac, and traces the wilderness through Ba Be Lake and Thac Ba Lake before looping back to Hanoi.

The itinerary blends on-road cruising with off-road adventure, making it suitable for different riding skill levels and fully customizable based on your experience and preference. Magnificent rice terraces, towering mountain passes, two of Vietnam’s largest natural lakes, and deep cultural encounters with northern ethnic communities make this one of the most complete motorcycle journeys in Southeast Asia. To understand the region better, check out our North Vietnam motorbike circuit

Tour Highlights:

• Ride an epic 11-day loop from Hanoi through northern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations and legendary mountain passes
• Explore world-class highlights including Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, Ha Giang Loop, Dong Van Geopark, and Sapa
• Discover two of Vietnam’s largest natural lakes: the tranquil Ba Be Lake and the scenic Thac Ba Lake
• A flexible itinerary combining on-road cruising and off-road adventure, suitable for all riding skill levels
• Connect with northern ethnic communities across Bac Ha, Mai Chau, Bao Lac, and beyond for authentic cultural experiences

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (Approx. 165 km)

Departing Hanoi’s western suburbs at 9:00 a.m., the route heads southwest, trading city highways for quiet rural backroads within the first hour. The ride opens up into lush green countryside, small villages, and warm encounters with locals along the way.

By 5:00 p.m. we arrive in the beautiful Mai Chau Valley for an overnight stay in a traditional Thai family homestay.

Day 2: Phu Yen (Approx. 150 km)

After breakfast with our Thai hosts, the ride continues toward Phu Yen through scenic stops and ethnic minority villages along the way. A highlight is the vast Moc Chau Plateau, renowned for its sweeping tea plantations, before the afternoon route follows the stunning Da River through dramatic highland scenery.

We arrive in the quiet town of Phu Yen around 5:00 p.m. and check into our hotel.

Day 3: Than Uyen via Mu Chang Chai (Approx. 210 km)

Today’s route ranks among the finest motorcycle roads in northern Vietnam. The ride from Phu Yen to Than Uyen passes through the world-famous Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields, with frequent stops for photos and genuine encounters with friendly locals along the way.

We arrive in Than Uyen around 5:00 p.m. and check into our hotel.

Highlights: Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, highland photography stops, local village encounters, Than Uyen town

Day 4: Sapa (Approx. 110 km)

A shorter but spectacular riding day crosses the legendary O Quy Ho Pass, one of the longest and most scenic mountain passes in northern Vietnam at around 2,000 meters above sea level. The route delivers sweeping views of towering mountain peaks, vast tea plantations, and the iconic Fansipan summit at 3,142m, the highest point in Vietnam.

We arrive in Sapa in the afternoon with time to explore the town on foot or simply relax before dinner.

Highlights: O Quy Ho Pass, Fansipan summit views, highland tea plantations, Sapa town exploration

Day 5: Bac Ha (Approx. 160 km)

After breakfast, the ride crosses to the other side of the Hoang Lien Mountain Range, following smooth roads along the Chinese border through rustic villages and stunning terraced rice fields. The scenery rivals anything seen so far, with dramatic mountain backdrops at every turn.

We arrive in the charming highland town of Bac Ha around 4:00 p.m. and check into our hotel.