Best Motorcycle Routes in North Vietnam
Steve, the 60 years old rider from UK has ever said “I’ve ridden motorcycle for nearly 20 years in more than 20 countries but North Vietnam offers some of the most stunning and challenging roads that I’ve never ridden in my life”. From the steep winding mountain passes to the serene rice paddies and the picturesque valleys, North Vietnam is really wonderful places for any motorcycle riders in the world. After many year leading motorcycle tours in North Vietnam with riders all over the world, the local guide team of Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert know the northern Vietnam in hand and here are the top best motorcycle routes in North Vietnam chosen by our local guide team.
1. Majestic Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop tour total distance is a 300-kilometer route around Ha Giang – Dong Van and Meo Vac in Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, known for its stunning scenery. Touring the loop by motorbike is a thrilling adventure that takes you through the Global Karst Plateau of Dong Van and Ha Giang, one of the most majestic natural areas in Vietnam.
As you ride through the mountain passes and valleys, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the majestic landscape, including towering cliffs, lush green coin fields, and rustic villages of the Flower H’mong people perched on rocky mountains.
Read more: Is Riding the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous? 9 Tips to Stay Safe
If you embark on one of our “Dong Van motorbike tours,” you’ll find the route through the Ha Giang loop to be thrilling yet demanding, suitable for riders with some experience. We also offer gentler alternatives for those who prefer to steer clear of off-road or single-track challenges. Throughout the journey, you’ll get a chance to immerse yourself in the traditional culture and lifestyle of the local ethnic minority communities, who have preserved their customs and beliefs over generations.
As you explore the region, you’ll encounter small villages of the H’mong and Lo Lo people, who have some of the hardest lives in Vietnam but are also among the most friendly and interesting people you’ll ever meet. Each village has its unique character, charm, and different traditions that can make your tour even more fascinating. Riding the Ha Giang loop is a “must” for anyone looking for a motorbike tour in North Vietnam
Find out more: Dong Van Travel Tips: Unveiling Hidden Gems
2. Scenic route from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall
Cao Bang is a province located in the northernmost part of Vietnam. It is becoming increasingly popular with tourists because of its beautiful nature and rich culture. With 95% of the area being mountainous, Cao Bang offers some of the best routes for motorcycle touring in Vietnam. Cao Bang motorbike tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore this stunning region and experience its unique charm
The motorcycle ride from Cao Bang city to the largest waterfall in Vietnam – Ban Gioc Waterfall is absolutely one of the best routes for motorbike ride in north vietnam motorcycle tours. This 90 kilometter scenic route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Vietnam, with lush green forests, terraced rice fields, and towering limestone cliffs.
Read more: Exploring the best time to join Cao Bang Tours in 2023
Touring with our guide team using these Ban Gioc travel tips, we can take you on some fun offroad tracks crossing villages of the ethnic people. As you make your way towards Ban Gioc Waterfall, you’ll pass through small villages and remote communities of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, visit villages, learn about their customs and traditions, and witness their fascinating daily life. These experiences can make your motorcycle tour in Vietnam memorable and bring you joy!
When you finally reach Ban Gioc Waterfall, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of a 30-meter-tall waterfall cascading into a natural pool below. The mist from the waterfall creates a refreshing coolness in the air, and the sound of the rushing water is both soothing and invigorating.
The motorcycle ride on this route is a beautiful and unforgettable experience that combines stunning scenery, cultural immersion, and a thrilling ride. It’s an opportunity to explore new territory, challenge yourself, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich culture of northern Vietnam. Let join one of our motorbike tours of vietnam to experience this amazing motorbike route.
3. Amazing route from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa via O Qui Ho pass
The motorcycle route from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa via O Qui Ho pass is one of the most beautiful motorcycle routes in Vietnam. This 220-kilometer journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, including picturesque rice paddies, lush forests, and towering mountain ranges. The O Qui Ho pass itself is a highlight of the journey, with its steep inclines and hairpin turns offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. The ride cross the Hoang Lien mountain ranges with the height of around 2000 meters above the sea level, so you can imagine how beautiful the view is.
This motorcycle ride begins in Mu Cang Chai, a rural district in the Yen Bai province famous for its terraced rice fields. It will take you on some scenic single tracks crossing the rice terraces or crossing the green tea plantation. It will be a mixture of on and offroad tracks so it’s really an impressive motorcycle route to ride in North Vietnam. It’s suitable for both fans of tarmac road or offroad/dirt tracks riding. Here is some typical tours including this interesting route in our Vietnam motorbike tours collection:
4. Beautiful Route from Muong Lay to Lai Chau via Sin Ho
The motorcycle ride from Muong Lay to Lai Chau via Sin Ho is a stunning route that offers riders breathtaking views of northern Vietnam’s rugged landscape. The journey is a combination of winding mountain roads, steep inclines, and breathtaking vistas that make it one of the most challenging yet rewarding motorcycle routes in Vietnam.
The ride begins in Muong Lay, a small town located on the banks of the Da River, the ride on the small backroad in between river and mountain give you extremely special feeling…. Then, you will head towards Sin Ho, a remote town with the height of 1500 meters above the sea level, located in the Lai Chau province. The ride to Sin Ho is a mix of winding mountain roads, steep inclines, and picturesque valleys that are sure to leave any rider breathless.
5. Peaceful Route from Son La to Dien Bien Phu via Pha Din pass
The motorbike route from Son La to Dien Bien via Pha Din Pass is one of the most challenging and beautiful motorcycle routes in Vietnam. This route takes riders through some of the most rugged and mountainous regions in the country, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Scenic Motorcycle Routes in North Vietnam
The motorbike ride begins in Son La, a city located in the northwest of Vietnam. From there, riders will embark on a journey towards Dien Bien, a city located near the border with Laos. The route takes riders through Pha Din Pass, one of the highest, longest and most beautiful mountain passes in North Vietnam, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Mai Chau valley to Mu Cang Chai via Khau Pha pass
The motorbike ride from Mai Chau valley to Mu Cang Chai via Khau Pha pass is truly an unforgettable experience. As you wind through the stunning countryside, you’ll be surrounded by lush green rice paddies, towering mountains.
Khau Pha pass, in particular, known as one of the 4 most dangerous and the most beautiful passes in North Vietnam will offer some of the most scenic landscapes in Vietnam. The road is winding and smooth, but the views are absolutely worth it. You’ll be able to take in panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous terraced rice fields that Mu Cang Chai is known for.
If you’re fans of offroad motorcycle riding , it’s also a perfect area that we can take on some fun single dirt tracks through rice fields and tea plantation.
As you ride through the countryside, you’ll also have the chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn more about the region’s rich culture and history. From sampling delicious local cuisine to visiting traditional villages and temples, there’s so much to see and experience on this incredible journey.
This motorbike route from Mai Chau valley to Mu Cang Chai via Khau Pha pass is a truly magical experience that is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of Vietnam
Above are some of the best motorcycle routes in North Vietnam which you can’t miss if you’re looking for motorcycle tours in Vietnam. Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert can customize your very own tours so please feel free to let us know your requests and expectation and we will make the best possible tour for you!
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