Northwest Vietnam reveals a unique beauty in every season. In September or October, vast golden terraced rice fields stretch across the mountains, while orchid trees in full bloom create a stunning spectacle in March. The 9-day Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tour from Hanoi to Thac Ba offers an incredible opportunity to explore a wide variety of destinations.
The itinerary covers Mai Chau, Phu Yen, Son La, Dien Bien, Sin Ho, Sapa, Luc Yen, and Vu Linh, with each region offering its own distinct experiences and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll not only enjoy sightseeing but also conquer challenging off-road routes, making this journey both thrilling and unforgettable.
- Departure: From 01 person
- Theme: Nature/Soft Adventure, Traditional culture
- Suitable: Travel with friends, Active traveler, Solo traveler
ITINERARY – TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the authentic daily life of the Black Thai people
- Conquer iconic mountain passes such as Sa Tong, Tram Ton, Thung Khe, and explore the Fansipan mountain range
- Savor a variety of delicious local specialties
- Be captivated by breathtaking natural landscapes
- Immerse yourself in a serene and unique atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities
Depart from your Hanoi hotel at 9:30 AM, where our guide will brief you on essential road safety tips to ensure a smooth and risk-free ride on Vietnamese roads. Our first destination is Mai Chau, located 160 km from Hanoi, which takes approximately 5 hours by motorbike. The journey begins along Highway 6, offering a scenic ride through stunning mountainous landscapes before reaching Hoa Binh province.
Next, we pass through Cao Phong, Tan Lac, and the Thung Khe Pass, before continuing 6 km along Highway 15 to Mai Chau. For those seeking more adventure, Bai Lang Street provides a challenging alternative with sharp turns, requiring extra caution. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check into your hotel and enjoy some relaxing time after the ride.
Summary
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km
From Mai Chau, the journey takes you through Moc Chau and along Road No. 43 to reach Phu Yen. Along the way, you’ll pass the Hoa Binh Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Take some time to admire this impressive engineering feat and the surrounding scenic landscapes.
The ride continues to the Van Yen ferry before arriving in Phu Yen in the evening. You’ll stay overnight at a local guesthouse, where you should definitely try regional specialties, including the famous buffalo meat, for an authentic culinary experience.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distances: 170 km
On the third day, the ride takes you from Phu Yen to Son La. You’ll travel along Road 37, winding through mountainous and hilly landscapes inhabited by the Black Thai people. Along the way, you may encounter some challenging roads, adding a touch of adventure to your journey. Passing through scenic sugarcane fields, you continue a short distance before arriving in Son La, where you’ll check in at a hotel and rest for the night, ready for the next day’s ride.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km
On the fourth day, your journey leads to Dien Bien, with the breathtaking Pha Din Pass lying along the route from Son La to Tuan Giao. Renowned as one of the most spectacular passes in Northwest Vietnam, Pha Din rewards riders with stunning panoramic views, but only experienced motorcyclists should attempt to conquer its challenging twists and turns.
Rising to an elevation of 1,000 meters, the pass can be quite cold in the early morning, so be sure to dress warmly. After navigating the pass, the route slopes gently down toward Dien Bien, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay, ready for the adventures ahead.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 180 km
On the fifth day, we start by visiting the Dien Bien Phu Museum, gaining a deeper understanding of the French-Indochina War from 1946 to 1954. This day promises to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey, reserved for skilled riders.
Departing from Dien Bien, we ride through Thai and Hmong villages, following paths that lead to a small stream, where we pause for lunch. Afterward, the adventure continues along the challenging 25-km Sa Tong Pass, featuring long, rugged slopes, with abyssal drops on one side and cliffs on the other, demanding full concentration throughout the ride.
After conquering the pass, we reach Muong Lay, which may be partially flooded, so we continue to Sin Ho, arriving around 5 PM for an overnight stay, reflecting on a day of thrilling landscapes and intense riding.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km
After departing Sin Ho, the journey continues toward Sapa. For a more adventurous experience, you can opt for the off-road route, which winds past several rivers and scenic landscapes. Following the planned itinerary, the ride takes you through Binh Lu commune to the Tram Ton Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Fansipan, surrounded by lush green valleys and towering mountains.
Descending from the pass, we continue to Lao Cai province before entering the Sapa valley. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at a hotel and spend the night, preparing to explore the enchanting beauty of Sapa the following day.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distances: 120 km
Spend a full day immersed in the exhilarating beauty of Sapa. Start with a visit to Cat Cat Village, one of Sapa’s most must-see destinations, where you can explore the village, meet the Hmong people, and gain a deeper understanding of their rich local culture. Next, continue to the breathtaking Rose Valley, where the stunning scenery promises to leave you truly enchanted and inspired.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After a full day exploring Sapa, embark on a 180-km motorbike journey through lush palm forests to reach the next breathtaking destination: Vu Linh. The ride takes approximately 6 hours, offering plenty of opportunities to soak in dramatic limestone mountains, rolling hills, and the poetic charm of expansive valleys. Along the way, you can also sample local specialties for a true taste of the region.
As night falls, settle into the homestay of a welcoming Dzao family, where you’ll enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner before drifting off to a peaceful and restful sleep
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 180 km
After a hearty breakfast in Vu Linh, you begin the ride back to Hanoi. Travel southeast along Highway 2, then continue through Phu Tho province, following the Red River dike until you reach the junction of the Red and Black Rivers. Cross the bridge over the Black River and follow the highway all the way back to Hanoi. Your 10-day Northwest Vietnam motorbike adventure concludes at around 3 PM, leaving you with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and thrilling rides.
Summary:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 180 km
END OF TOUR
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Experienced English-speaking tour guide (also skilled in mechanics and photography)
- Well-maintained CRF 250L motorbike with gasoline
- At least 25% off-road riding per day (let us know if you prefer on-road only)
- Comfortable accommodation: 3-star hotels with twin rooms or local homestays
- All meals during the tour, featuring authentic local cuisine
- Boat trips on lakes or rivers as included in the itinerary
- All entrance fees and permits for remote areas
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Personal or travel insurance (at your own risk)
- Motorbike insurance to cover any damages (click here for details)
- Air tickets and visa fees (approx. USD 25/person, depending on nationality)
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses, and other costs not listed in the itinerary
- Single room supplement for solo occupancy
- Hotel accommodation before or after the tour
PRICE NOTES:
- Pickup truck for escorting: USD 150/day
- Single room supplement: USD 30/night
- Cameraman (Flycam – professional photos & clips): USD 200/day
If tours do not start/end at the departure spot, bike shipping surcharge: USD 90/dirt bike, USD 200/500cc+ bike
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Deposits and Payment Policy
- A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required upon booking confirmation. The remaining balance must be paid 45 days before departure. Bookings may be considered canceled if full payment is not received by Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club by the deadline.
- Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit card (all associated fees are the responsibility of the customer).
- Once your payment is received, we will send you a final confirmation with a detailed itinerary and services via email.
Cancellation and Refunds
- Chi’s Wheels is not responsible for flight delays or schedule changes at any stage of the trip.
- We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary or delay the tour due to weather, local conditions, political situations, or other unforeseen circumstances, with prior notification when possible.
- Participants found breaking tour rules without prior permission from the tour leader may have their tour canceled without refund.
- For minor technical issues with your motorbike, our guide/mechanic will attempt repairs as quickly as possible. If the bike cannot be fixed within the day, we will provide a replacement of a similar type to ensure the journey continues uninterrupted.
- If you need to cancel for personal reasons, you may transfer your booking to another person. You are responsible for ensuring that your nominee pays the full amount.
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