14 Days Off-road Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour (Full North Loop Ride)
Built for adventure seekers ready to ride deep into northern Vietnam, this 14 days off-road motorcycle tour from Hanoi covers an extraordinary sweep of the region’s most dramatic landscapes and legendary routes.
The journey rolls out of Hanoi toward Moc Chau and Son La, continues into the historic plains of Dien Bien Phu, then climbs through the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai before reaching the misty heights of Sapa and the colorful highland markets of Bac Ha. From there, the route pushes into the rugged limestone world of Ha Giang, winds through remote valleys to the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake, and traces the wild northeastern frontier through Cao Bang and the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall before heading east to Lang Son, then enjoy a day too along the Halong before looping back to Hanoi.
Towering rocky mountains, deep forested valleys, ethnic village trails, and riders-only backroads make this one of the most rewarding off-road motorcycle adventures in Southeast Asia. Check out north Vietnam motorbike tour
Tour Highlights:
- Ride through the most dramatic off-road landscapes in northern Vietnam across 14 epic days
- Explore legendary destinations including Ha Giang, Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Mu Cang Chai
- Experience vibrant highland cultures, colorful folk festivals, and traditional ethnic village life
- Meet welcoming local communities across Sapa, Bac Ha, Cao Bang, and beyond
- Enjoy the Halong Bay day cruise
- An unforgettable off-road motorcycle adventure built for riders who want more than just the road
Day 1: Hanoi to Moc Chau (Approx. 190 km)
The tour launches from Hanoi via National Highway 6, following scenic single tracks through Xuan Mai, Luong Son, and Hoa Binh toward Moc Chau. The day’s highlight is a challenging off-road route toward Bai Chao, crossing eight streams and navigating a high, winding pass of mud and large rocks.
After lunch, the ride continues through dry stream beds and orange and sugarcane trails near Cao Phong, before a backroad route winds alongside rivers and lakes to Ba Khan Lake, offering stunning natural scenery.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Moc Chau, a cool mountain valley cradled by majestic peaks, with rustic local cuisine and poetic landscapes waiting to close out a strong first day on the road.
Day 2: Son La (Approx. 120 km)
The morning kicks off with a visit to Moc Chau Dairy Factory before hitting the road through winding mountain passes and charming villages of the Thai, Tay, and Muong ethnic communities, surrounded by terraced fields of corn, sugarcane, and green tea.
After lunch, smooth roads lead toward Son La Province, with recommended stops at colorful local markets showcasing the region’s rich highland traditions. We arrive in Son La City around 4:00 p.m. for a short rest before an evening walk to the historic Son La Prison, a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s resistance during French colonial rule.
Day 3: Dien Bien Phu (Approx. 150 km)
Leaving Son La, the route follows a medium-difficulty track along the historic Pha Din Pass, where indigenous villages and ethnic communities paint a picture of simple, traditional highland life. A highlight along the way is Tham Village, one of the most scenic in the district, reached by riding through a dramatic 2 km mountain tunnel.
The afternoon turns historical with a visit to the French battlefield remnants of Dien Bien Province, followed by Tham Pua Cave at the foot of Pu Hong Cay Limestone. Standing around 100 meters high, the cave holds ancient vestiges believed to trace back to early Vietnamese civilization. Nearby, hidden among dense bushes just 100 meters from Nam Hua Stream, lies the secluded Tham Temple, virtually impossible to find without a local guide.
We settle in Dien Bien for a well-deserved rest after a day rich in adventure and history.
Day 4: Mu Cang Chai (Approx. 220 km)
The ride from Dien Bien to Mu Cang Chai ranks among the most scenic stretches of the entire tour. The route delivers sweeping views of Mu Cang Chai’s legendary terraced rice fields, considered some of the most spectacular in Vietnam, with each season offering its own distinct beauty.
Arrival brings a chance to connect with the Black Hmong community, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local highland life firsthand. We check into a homestay to rest and recharge for the day ahead.
Day 5: Sapa (Approx. 120 km)
A more relaxed morning ride winds through stunning tea fields and colorful hill tribe villages before tackling the dramatic O Quy Ho Pass, crossing the mighty Hoang Lien Son mountain range, home to Fansipan Peak at 3,142 meters, the highest point in Vietnam.
We arrive in Sapa around noon for lunch and time to explore this iconic mountain town nestled in the northwest. The afternoon offers two options: rest and recharge at the hotel, or take on a demanding off-road single track at 2,000 meters elevation, navigating muddy, rocky terrain often wrapped in cloud and fog for a true adrenaline hit.
Day 6: Sapa Free Day
Spend the day 6 to relax and free at your own. Trek the local ethnic villages, relax at your hotel with a massage, or, take a cable car to the highest point in the region, the fansipan.
Day 7: Bac Ha (Aprox. 130 km)
A scenic three-hour ride takes us from Sapa to Bac Ha, with a photo stop near the China border viewpoint around 34 km from Lao Cai offering a striking backdrop. After a relaxed lunch, the final 70 km winds through breathtaking highland countryside into Bac Ha town.
We check in and rest ahead of the next stage of the journey.
Day 8: Ha Giang (Approx. 170 km)
An 8-hour ride winds from Bac Ha through scenic rural landscapes toward Xin Man, crossing majestic mountain ranges before joining the main road into Ha Giang City. A full day in the saddle rewarded by dramatic views at every turn.
Highlights: Xin Man backroads, mountain crossings, Ha Giang City arrival
Day 9: Ba Be (Approx. 180 km)
Leaving Yen Minh, the route descends along the Gam River through rustic villages where locals welcome riders at every turn. After an hour on open roads, the trail steepens into rocky terrain winding through verdant terraced fields and peaceful villages framed by crystal-clear streams, one of the most rewarding stretches of the entire tour.
By 5:00 p.m. we arrive at Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake. After settling into a Tay ethnic homestay, a relaxing boat trip on the lake closes out the day in perfect style.
Day 10: Cao Bang (Approx. 140 km)
The morning begins with breakfast at the homestay before a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake. Named “Ba Be” meaning “three lakes,” this legendary waterway is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plants and animals listed in the Vietnam Red Book.
Half a day on the water includes sailing through serene scenery and a trek to the impressive Dau Dang Waterfall, before returning to Pac Ngoi Village for lunch. The afternoon ride crosses lush mountains and winding roads into Cao Bang City by late afternoon.
Highlights: Ba Be Lake boat trip, Dau Dang Waterfall, Vietnam Red Book wildlife, Pac Ngoi Village, Cao Bang arrival
Day 11: Ban Gioc (Approx. 170 km)
Off-road and backroad trails lead from Cao Bang to Quang Uyen, one of Vietnam’s most remote and untouched regions, before arriving at the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Vietnam-China border. Take time to swim in natural pools. Later check in at our resort near the border with China.
Highlights: Quang Uyen backroads, Ban Gioc Waterfall, natural swimming pools, Vietnam-China border scenery
Day 12: Lang Son (Approx. 160 km)
A more relaxed day of riding through quiet mountain terrain with sweeping views. A highlight stop at Bac Son Valley, known as the “green paradise of the north,” offers panoramic views of rivers winding through lush rice terraces from the valley summit.
The route continues across several mountain passes into Lang Son, with descending elevations revealing changing landscapes, villages, and cultures along the way. We arrive in Lang Son City around 4:30 p.m., with an optional ride to vibrant local markets near the Vietnam-China border gate for those keen to explore.
Day 13: Halong Bay (Approx. 240 km)
Get ready for the exciting mountain road ride, we take the wining twisting roads to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s star attraction. En-route we cross one of the longest caves, ride through the cave, to which, was used to deploy the weaponry during the war.
Arrive later in the late afternoon, check in and relax.
Day 14: Hanoi (Approx. 140km)
Enjoy the breakfast at your hotel, later with board a day cruise to sail along the emerald bay, enjoy the lunch abroad the boat, then sail back, disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Arrive around 6pm.