15 DAYS BIG NORTH VIETNAM BY MOTORBIKE

Introduction to 15 Days Big North By Motorbike

This 15 Days Big North Vietnam Motorbike Tour takes you from Hanoi through Northwest Vietnam, onward to Sapa, and then across the spectacular Northeast of Vietnam. Along the way, you will discover some of the most impressive and remote destinations in Northern Vietnam, including Mai Chau, Lai Chau, Sapa, Xin Man, Bac Me, Cao Bang, and Ban Gioc Waterfalls. The route combines dramatic mountain landscapes, remote ethnic minority villages, winding backroads, and challenging off-road motorcycle riding.

The riding on this 15-Day Big North motorcycle adventure is demanding but incredibly rewarding. We leave the busy roads behind and explore remote mountain routes where spectacular scenery is around almost every corner. From high mountain passes and deep valleys to isolated countryside tracks and traditional villages, this tour is designed for riders looking for a genuine Northern Vietnam motorbike adventure rather than a standard tourist experience.

With long riding days, challenging terrain, breathtaking mountain scenery, and plenty of opportunities to experience local culture, the Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour is an adventure that takes you deep into the less-traveled parts of the country. All in all, this 15-day Big North is an unforgettable journey through the mountains and one of the ultimate off-road motorbike adventures in Northern Vietnam!

Below is a video clip featuring our off-road motorcycle tours in Northern Vietnam. It gives you a glimpse of the mountain roads, dirt tracks, remote landscapes, and riding experiences you can expect on the Big North adventure. If you would like to watch more videos from our Vietnam motorbike tours, please visit our YouTube channel.

Other Big North Vietnam Dirt Bike Routes

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Hang Kia. (~200 km, ~7 h)

This is one of the more demanding riding days of the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour, as we leave Hanoi and head west into the mountains. We ride through Hoa Binh and gradually move deeper into the remote countryside, following roads between the Da (Black) River and the mountainous regions close to the Laos border.

As we leave the main roads behind, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. The Black River remains on our right while the Laos border lies to our left, creating a spectacular corridor through the mountains. Eventually, we leave the river behind and enter the mountainous landscape surrounding Mai Chau.

We continue climbing toward the Mai Chau plateau, where the landscape opens into a series of green and gray mountain horizons. Before reaching the plateau, we turn toward the border and follow a more remote route to the H’mong village of Hang Kia.

Surrounded by mountains and traditional H’mong communities, Hang Kia provides a fascinating introduction to the remote regions of Northern Vietnam. We spend the night in the village, experiencing local hospitality and preparing for another challenging day of Big North motorbike adventure.

Day 2: Hang Kia – Son La. (~200 km, ~8 h)

We leave Hang Kia and continue deeper into the mountains of Northern Vietnam. The route begins on a good mountain road with spectacular views over distant peaks before climbing into a forested region inhabited by H’mong communities. The quiet roads and remote surroundings provide an excellent opportunity to experience a less-traveled side of Vietnam.

After crossing the highlands, we descend into a mountainous area known for its tea plantations. The scenery gradually changes again as we continue through valleys and rural settlements, eventually reaching a broad valley floor covered by an impressive sea of rice fields.

The valley is surrounded by traditional Black Thai villages, creating a beautiful combination of rice paddies, mountains, and ethnic minority communities. We follow the valley toward Son La, one of the major towns in Vietnam’s Northwest.

In Son La, there is time to explore the lively local market, famous for its wide selection of goods and bargain shopping. After approximately 200 km of riding, we check into a local hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest before continuing our 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

Day 3: Son La – Lai Chau. (~200 km, ~8 h)

Today is one of the highlights of the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour. The route from Son La to Lai Chau crosses approximately 15 mountain passes, each offering its own spectacular views and dramatic landscapes. With winding roads, high mountain ridges, deep valleys, and remote villages, this section is arguably one of the most beautiful journeys of the entire Big North adventure.

The road conditions can be poor in places, making today’s riding particularly challenging and demanding. However, the rougher sections are also part of the adventure, especially for riders who enjoy exploring remote areas away from the main tourist routes. Every pass brings another impressive panorama, with endless mountain horizons and changing scenery throughout the day.

The combination of 15 mountain passes, remote countryside, and spectacular scenery makes this a memorable day for experienced motorcycle riders. We continue toward Lai Chau, one of the most remote provinces in Northern Vietnam, before checking into the Lan Anh Hotel for the night.

Day 4: Lai Chau (Boating)

Today we take a break from the motorcycles and explore the remote surroundings of Lai Chau by boat. After breakfast, we board the boat and travel along the river toward Nam Ma Village, approximately 40 km from Lai Chau and around two hours by boat.

Along the way, we make a stop at Pa Po Waterfall, about 20 km from Lai Chau. Surrounded by lush mountain scenery, this beautiful waterfall is an excellent place to stop, stretch our legs, and enjoy the peaceful natural environment before continuing the journey.

We eventually arrive at Nam Ma, where we leave the boat and walk to Hoi Ca Village, a traditional community of White Thai people. We have lunch at the home of our boat captain, providing a rare opportunity to experience genuine local hospitality and everyday village life.

This remote region is largely untouched by mass tourism, which makes the experience especially memorable. The warm welcome from local people and the peaceful surroundings offer a fascinating glimpse into rural Northern Vietnam that few visitors get to experience.

After lunch, we return to the boat and travel upstream back toward Lai Chau, taking approximately three hours. The slower pace allows us to appreciate the spectacular mountain scenery from the river and enjoy a relaxing break during our Big North Vietnam motorbike adventure.

Day 5: Lai Chau – Tam Duong. (~150 km, ~7 h)

Today is one of the most demanding and remote sections of the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour. We leave Lai Chau and travel upstream along the left side of a tributary of the Black River, entering a remote forested region where the roads become rough, narrow, and challenging.

We follow a bumpy dirt road through the mountains, passing isolated communities of Tay, Thai, H’mong, and Dao people. The route is far from the usual tourist trails, with dense forest, rugged terrain, and very few signs of modern development. After navigating this challenging section, we eventually cross a mountain pass and descend into the Tam Duong plain, surrounded by dramatic limestone karst formations.

The landscape here is particularly impressive, with towering limestone formations rising from the plain like shark’s teeth. Near Sin Ho, we visit a Mang ethnic minority village, where we have the opportunity to meet local residents and experience a community that sees very few foreign visitors.

Our guide will purchase food and supplies to present to the village head, who will then distribute the donations among local villagers. This small gesture allows us to support the community while also creating a meaningful connection with the people who live in this remote part of Northern Vietnam.

After a long day of off-road motorbike riding, we continue to Tam Duong and spend the night at Phuong Thanh Hotel.

Day 6: Tam Duong – Sapa. (~100 km, ~5 h)

We start the morning by visiting Tam Duong Market, a lively local market where different ethnic minority communities from the surrounding mountains come together. Among the groups commonly seen in the area are the Black H’mong and Dao, often wearing distinctive traditional clothing that adds vibrant colors to the mountain town.

Around 10:00 am, we leave Tam Duong and begin a beautiful ride toward Sapa. We take the journey at a relaxed pace, following a bumpy mountain road through remote landscapes where the scenery is dominated by forests, mountains, and isolated villages.

Because there are very few places to eat along this remote route, we recommend having a big breakfast before leaving Tam Duong. For several hours, it is simply us, our motorcycles, and the wild mountain landscapes of Northern Vietnam. This isolation is exactly what makes the route so special for riders looking for an authentic off-road motorcycle adventure.

As we approach Sapa, the landscape gradually becomes more developed, and the roads improve. We arrive in Sapa after approximately 100 km of riding and check into the Cat Cat Hotel for the night.

Day 7: Sapa – Bac Ha. (~120 km, ~4 h)

Today we leave Sapa and ride toward Bac Ha, following a spectacular mountain route through the Northwest of Vietnam. The journey takes approximately four hours, first descending from Sapa to Lao Cai, around 34 km away, before climbing again toward Bac Ha for approximately another 70 km.

The road offers stunning mountain scenery, with sweeping views over deep valleys, terraced fields, forested slopes, and remote villages. As we leave the busy areas behind, the landscape becomes increasingly peaceful and provides plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

After arriving in Bac Ha, we check into the Dang Khoa Hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we leave the motorcycles behind for a while and take a trek to Lung Phinh Village, home to the Flower H’mong people. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the countryside on foot, meet local people, and experience the traditional way of life in one of Northern Vietnam’s remote mountain communities.

After the trek, we return to Bac Ha and spend the night in town, ready for another adventurous day through the mountains.

Day 8: Bac Ha – Xin Man. (~50 km, ~3 h)

Today we leave Bac Ha and head toward Xin Man using minor mountain roads and rough tracks that take us deep into the remote countryside. The route winds through wild mountain landscapes, where the feeling of being far away from the modern world becomes increasingly strong.

The colorful clothing of the Flower H’mong people adds vibrant splashes of color to the surrounding wilderness. Along the way, we ride slowly and take time to stop and admire the narrow footpaths disappearing through wild bushes, forested hills, and isolated mountain settlements. For riders seeking a genuine off-road adventure in Northern Vietnam, this is one of the most memorable sections of the Big North route.

We then continue toward the famous Can Cau Market, situated in a dramatic mountain valley close to the Chinese border. The market is traditionally held on Saturday mornings and attracts different ethnic minority groups from both sides of the border.

The atmosphere at Can Cau Market is unique, with local people gathering to trade livestock, food, clothing, and everyday goods while wearing their distinctive traditional costumes. It is a fascinating glimpse into the culture and daily life of the northern border region. The experience can be so absorbing that it is easy to lose track of time before we continue our journey toward Xin Man.

Day 9: Xin Man – Bac Me. (~180 km, ~6 h)

Today is another long riding day on the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour, taking us from Xin Man to Bac Me through some of the most remote landscapes of Northern Vietnam. We begin on a smooth, well-sealed mountain road toward Hoang Su Phi, enjoying impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way.

After Hoang Su Phi, the route changes dramatically as we descend from the higher mountains and leave the main paved roads behind. We continue toward Bac Me on a rougher and more challenging route, with sections of bumpy off-road riding through remote countryside.

The contrast between the smooth mountain road in the morning and the rugged tracks later in the day makes this a rewarding section for riders who enjoy varied terrain. The farther we travel, the more isolated the landscape becomes, with forested mountains, small villages, and little traffic. We eventually arrive in Bac Me, ready to rest before another demanding day of off-road motorbike riding.

Day 10: Bac Me – Ba Be. (~120 km, ~8 h)

Today’s route is short in distance but one of the most adventurous and physically demanding days of the Big North motorcycle tour. We leave Bac Me and follow minor roads and rough tracks through a wild, heavily forested landscape. The route takes us deep into the jungle, with bumpy terrain, narrow sections, and very few signs of modern development.

During the final approximately 50 km, we follow the river through increasingly remote scenery. Eventually, the route reaches Dau Dang Waterfall, one of the natural highlights of Ba Be National Park. The road then suddenly climbs steeply alongside the waterfall, making this section particularly challenging and exciting for experienced riders.

At the top of Dau Dang Waterfall, we reach the home of a local man known as Mr. Pirate, where the adventurous atmosphere of the journey continues. This is certainly not an easy riding day -the terrain can be rough, steep, and physically demanding – but it is also one of the most memorable sections of this Northern Vietnam off-road motorcycle adventure.

After completing the challenging route, we settle in for the night at the Forestry Guesthouse, surrounded by the remote natural environment of Ba Be. It is a well-earned rest after one of the toughest days on the 15-Day Big North loop.

Day 11: Ba Be – Cao Bang. (~150 km, ~5 h)

We begin the day with a unique combination of boating and motorbike riding. A boat is waiting to take us and our motorcycles across Ba Be Lake, allowing us to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Ba Be National Park from the water. The boat journey takes approximately three hours and provides a relaxing break before another beautiful day of mountain riding.

Once we reach the other side of the lake, we continue by motorbike toward Cao Bang Province. The route climbs through a series of mountain passes, offering impressive viewpoints where we can stop and admire the surrounding valleys, forests, and limestone mountains. The road itself is generally easy to ride, but there are plenty of winding curves to keep things interesting.

This is a great day for photography, as the scenery changes constantly and there are numerous opportunities to stop and take wonderful photos of Northern Vietnam’s mountain landscapes. Although the riding distance is approximately 150 km, the combination of the boat crossing, winding mountain roads, and frequent stops for drinks, food, and photographs means that the complete journey can take around eight hours.

We eventually arrive in Cao Bang Town, where we spend the night and prepare for another remote adventure in the northeast.

Day 12: Cao Bang – Quang Hoa. (~40 km, ~1 h 30 min)

Today is a much shorter riding day as we leave Cao Bang and ride for approximately one and a half hours toward the beautiful mountain village of Quang Hoa. Located in the middle of a dramatic mountain valley, Quang Hoa is surrounded by spectacular limestone peaks and is home to the Nung An people, one of the ethnic communities of Northern Vietnam.

From Quang Hoa, we explore Na Tau, a little-known and largely unexplored area that we discover using a combination of motorbike and boat. Located only around 15 km from Quang Hoa, this remote region is characterized by rivers, waterfalls, forests, and rugged mountain scenery.

The landscape around Na Tau is particularly beautiful and remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The combination of wild rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and remote mountain roads makes this an exciting addition to our Big North Vietnam motorcycle adventure. It is the kind of place where the journey itself is just as rewarding as the destination.

After exploring the area, we spend the night at our friend’s house, enjoying local hospitality and experiencing a more authentic side of rural Northern Vietnam. This quiet overnight stay provides another memorable cultural experience before the final stages of the 15-Day Big North motorbike tour.

Day 13: Quang Hoa – Ban Gioc – Quang Hoa. (~100 km, ~3 h)

Today we ride from Quang Hoa to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Northern Vietnam. After obtaining the necessary permission from the border police, we set off through a beautiful landscape of limestone mountains, green valleys, winding roads, and remote countryside close to the Vietnam-China border.

The route to Ban Gioc Waterfalls is an unforgettable motorcycle ride, with spectacular scenery throughout the journey. As we approach the falls, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, and we eventually reach one of Vietnam’s most impressive waterfalls.

The Ban Gioc Waterfalls cascade approximately 50 meters over a series of limestone formations and into the river below. Weather and water conditions permitting, there may be an opportunity to swim close to the waterfall, making this a particularly refreshing and memorable experience after riding through the mountains.

After enjoying the falls and taking plenty of photographs, we ride back to Quang Hoa. The relatively short distance gives us plenty of time to explore, relax, and appreciate this remarkable corner of Northeast Vietnam.

Day 14: Quang Hoa – Mau Son. (~180 km, ~6 h)

We leave Quang Hoa and begin our journey toward Lang Son, following scenic mountain roads through the northeastern countryside. After reaching Lang Son, we continue east toward the border and then turn toward the mountains of Mau Son.

Located approximately 30 km from Lang Son, Mau Son rises to around 1,541 meters above sea level. The higher elevation creates a noticeably cooler climate, especially in the evening, providing a welcome change after days of riding through the warmer lowlands and valleys.

Mau Son also has an interesting colonial history. The area was developed as a French mountain resort, and its elevated location made it a popular retreat from the heat of the lowlands during the colonial period. Today, its mountain scenery, cool temperatures, winding roads, and remote atmosphere make it an enjoyable final destination for this section of the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour.

After approximately 180 km of riding, we arrive in Mau Son and spend the night at the guesthouse of Mau Son Resort, surrounded by the peaceful mountain landscape.

Day 15: Mau Son – Hanoi. (~180 km, ~5 h). End of 15 Days Big North.

We begin our final morning with a relaxing promenade around Mau Son, taking in the cool mountain air and beautiful scenery before starting the journey back to Hanoi. After breakfast, we ride down from Mau Son to Lang Son, where we stop for lunch and enjoy a final break before the last section of the tour.

From Lang Son, we continue toward Hanoi on a fully asphalted road. The final ride takes approximately three and a half hours, providing an easier finish after two weeks of challenging mountain roads, dirt tracks, remote villages, and off-road motorcycle adventures across Northern Vietnam.

We aim to arrive back in Hanoi at around 3:00 pm, allowing us to complete the 15-Day Big North Vietnam motorcycle tour before the main rush hour. After traveling through the Northwest and Northeast, crossing countless mountain passes, visiting ethnic minority villages, exploring remote backroads, and experiencing highlights such as Sapa, Ba Be, Cao Bang, and Ban Gioc Waterfalls, we bring this unforgettable Big North motorbike adventure to an end.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding this 15-Day Big North of Northern Vietnam by motorbike, please contact us at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide further information and help you plan your Vietnam motorcycle adventure.