Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam Mountain Adventure

This spectacular self-drive motorcycle adventure takes you deep into the remote mountains of Northern Vietnam, connecting winding mountain roads, dramatic passes, terraced rice fields and traditional highland villages. From the green valleys of Moc Chau and the sea of clouds at Ta Xua, through Tu Le, Sapa and Hoang Su Phi, the route continues into the rugged karst landscapes of Dong Van and Meo Vac, before reaching the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall. With around 1,900 km of unforgettable mountain roads, this is a journey designed for riders seeking freedom, adventure and an authentic experience of Vietnam beyond the usual tourist routes.

Duration12 Days / 11 Nights
Distance~1,900 km
DifficultyModerate
From$1,800 / rider
Plan your ride

Available tour dates

Pick a departure below — message us to reserve your seat.

12 Oct 2026 → 23 Oct 2026Guaranteed
Fixed departure
9 Nov 2026 → 20 Nov 2026Few seats left
Fixed departure
Mar – MaySpring season
Seasonal departures
Watch

See it in motion

The Route

12 days, one continuous line

Follow the journey the way you’ll ride it — every pass, village and overnight in order.

Northern Vietnam Mountain Adventure route map
Ha Noi → Moc Chau
01

Ha Noi → Moc Chau

200 km · 5 hrs
  • Da Trang Pass
  • Hoa Binh Lake
Distance200 km
Riding5 hrs · Paved roads – Slightly rough
Local cultureUnique cultural experiences with Northern Vietnam’s mountain communities — Muong, Thai and more.
OvernightHomestay Phuong Dong
Moc Chau → Ta Xua
02

Moc Chau → Ta Xua

150 km · 5 hours
  • Moc Chau Tea Mountain
  • Van Yen Ferry
  • Da River
Distance150 km
Riding5 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightTao Homestay Ta Xua
Ta Xua → Tu Le
03

Ta Xua → Tu Le

200 km · 6 hours
  • Ta Xua's Cloud Paradise
  • Xim Vang Terraced Fields
  • Ta Xua's "Dinosaur Spine" Ridge
  • Tram Tau Hot Springs.
Distance200 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightQuân Pỏm Homestay
Tu Le → Sapa
04

Tu Le → Sapa

200 km · 6 hours
  • Lim Mong Rice Valley
  • Khau Pha Pass
  • O Quy Ho Pass
  • Sapa Glass Bridge
Distance200 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightTa Phin Homestay
Sapa → Sapa
05

Sapa → Sapa

30 km · 1 hour
Distance30 km
Riding1 hour · Rest day

Discover the spectacular mountain landscapes of Sapa and Y Tý — ride through winding mountain passes, endless rice terraces and remote ethnic villages. Enjoy the views from Ô Quy Hồ Pass, explore traditional highland life, and chase the magical sea of clouds in Y Tý. A true self-drive motorcycle adventure in Northern Vietnam.

Sa Pa → Hoang Su Phi
06

Sa Pa → Hoang Su Phi

220 km · 7 hours
  • Bac Ha
  • Suoi Thau Grassland (Xin Man) and Hoang Su Phi Terraced Fields
Distance220 km
Riding7 hours · Rough roads – Slightly rough
OvernightBan Phung, Nam Hong
Hoang Su Phi → Yen Minh
07

Hoang Su Phi → Yen Minh

200 km · 6 hours
  • Ha Giang City
  • Dong Van Karst Plateau
  • limestone peaks
  • deep valleys
  • remote highland villages.
Distance200 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightYen Minh Homestay
Yen Minh → Meo Vac
08

Yen Minh → Meo Vac

180 km · 6 hours
  • Lung Cu
  • Dong Van
  • Ma Pi Leng Pass Meo Vac
  • Nho Que River View.
Distance180 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightMeo Vac Valley

Ride through the breathtaking Dong Van Stone Plateau, where dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys and the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass create some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery. Discover the unique cultures, traditional villages and colorful markets of the H’Mong and other ethnic communities — a powerful journey through both the wild landscapes and rich heritage of Northern Vietnam.

Meo Vac → Khuoi Ky Village
09

Meo Vac → Khuoi Ky Village

200 km · 6 hours
  • The route winds through breathtaking mountain roads
  • Lush green valleys and crystal-clear streams
  • Peaceful beauty of Vietnam's remote northern frontier
  • Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Distance200 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightKhuoi Ky Homestay
Khuoi Ky → Ban Gioc Waterfall
10

Khuoi Ky → Ban Gioc Waterfall

20 km · 1 hour
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall
  • Nguom Ngao Cave
  • Khuoi Ky Stone Village
  • Angel Eye Mountain
Distance20 km
Riding1 hour · Rest day
Ban Gioc Waterfall → Bac Son
11

Ban Gioc Waterfall → Bac Son

220 km · 6 hours
Distance220 km
Riding6 hours · Paved roads – Slightly rough
OvernightBac Son Hotel
Bac Son → Ha Noi
12

Bac Son → Ha Noi

150 km · 4 hours
Distance150 km
Riding4 hours · Paved roads
The ride

Motorcycles for this tour

Honda CB500X

Honda CB500X

471cc · 6-speed

Comfortable mid-weight adventure bike for longer road days.

BMW R1250 GS

BMW R1250 GS

1254

Comfortable heavy-weight adventure bike for longer road days.

Honda Translap 750/ Yamaha Tenere 700

Honda Translap 750/ Yamaha Tenere 700

Comfortable Medium-weight adventure bike for longer road days.

Good to Know

Before you ride

What is included in the tour price?

All meals, quality accommodation, fuel, a lead guide and a support mechanic are included.

Do I need an international driving permit?

OVERRIDE: For this premium tour we can arrange the IDP for you on request.

Can I ride with a passenger?

Yes, on selected tours and motorcycles. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable motorcycle and accommodation.

Are the tours suitable for beginners?

Some routes are suitable for less experienced riders, while others involve steep mountain roads, gravel, mud and challenging terrain. We will recommend the right tour for your skill level.

Do I need to bring my own riding gear?

Not necessarily. Helmets and essential riding equipment can be provided. However, bringing your own well-fitted riding gear will always give you greater comfort and confidence throughout the journey. If you have your preferred helmet, riding jacket, gloves or boots, we recommend bringing them along.

How do we stay in contact while riding?

We use Cardo Connect communication systems to keep the tour guide and all riders connected throughout the journey. This allows us to maintain clear, continuous communication while riding, provide real-time directions, share important road and traffic information, and quickly communicate with each other whenever needed. You will never feel like you are riding alone — our team stays connected with you throughout the entire route.

Ride Northern Vietnam Mountain Adventure

12 days on the finest roads in Vietnam. Message us and we’ll tailor the dates, bikes and pace to your group.