8 DAYS NORTHEAST VIETNAM

Introduction to 8 Days Northeast Vietnam By Motorbike

This 8-day Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour takes you beyond the mountains and remote backroads of northern Vietnam and extends all the way to the coast, including a visit to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous and must-see destinations. This itinerary combines motorbike adventure, mountain roads, ethnic villages, rural landscapes, and a relaxing Halong Bay cruise, giving you a great balance between riding and sightseeing.

Halong Bay offers a completely different experience from motorbike riding. After several days exploring Northeast Vietnam on two wheels, it is the perfect place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the scenery from the water. Cruising among the towering limestone karst islands and stone mountains of this natural wonder provides a memorable contrast to the winding mountain roads and remote countryside we experience by motorcycle.

This Northeast Vietnam motorcycle tour is ideal for riders who want to explore the less-touristy side of northern Vietnam while also experiencing one of the country’s most iconic attractions. Along the route, we travel through mountain passes, remote valleys, ethnic minority communities, rural villages, forests, and spectacular landscapes, before reaching the coast and Halong Bay.

Other Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Routes

Below is a video clip featuring some portions of this 8-day Northeast Vietnam motorcycle tour. It gives you a glimpse of the mountain roads, countryside, and riding experiences included in this adventure. If you want to watch more videos from our Vietnam off-road motorbike tours, please check our YouTube channel.

8 Days Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Na Khan. (~180 km, ~6 h)

Today is the first day of our 8-day Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour, and we leave Hanoi early for the long but relatively easy ride to Na Khan. The distance is approximately 180 km, with around six hours of riding. An early departure is recommended so we can enjoy the journey without rushing and have plenty of time to appreciate the changing scenery as we leave the capital behind.

The road is sealed all the way to Bac Kan, making the first part of the journey straightforward. After Bac Kan, however, the character of the road changes considerably. The final section towards Na Khan is more remote, wild, and slightly bumpy, providing a taste of the adventure that makes this Northeast Vietnam motorcycle tour special.

Although a new road has recently been built near the village, the journey still offers a genuine rural riding experience. We leave the main roads behind and travel through quieter countryside, where mountains, forests, farmland, and small villages create a very different atmosphere from Hanoi.

On arrival in Na Khan, we are welcomed by Mr. Lo, the village chief, who will host us at his home. Staying with a local family allows us to experience authentic rural Vietnam and learn more about the traditional lifestyle of people living in this remote part of the Northeast. Overnight in Na Khan.

Day 2: Na Khan – Ba Be. (~50 km, ~2 h)

Today is a much shorter riding day, with approximately 50 km from Na Khan to Ba Be. The route follows a bumpy rural road through beautiful countryside, making this a relaxed but enjoyable section of our Northeast Vietnam off-road motorcycle adventure.

After arriving in Ba Be, we enjoy lunch at our host family’s home before spending the afternoon exploring the spectacular natural surroundings. We take a beautiful boat cruise on Ba Be Lake and the surrounding river, one of the highlights of this part of northern Vietnam. The peaceful water, forested mountains, limestone cliffs, and small villages make the boat trip a wonderful contrast to riding a motorcycle.

If our visit coincides with market day, we can also explore the local market and experience the colourful atmosphere of rural Northeast Vietnam. Depending on time and conditions, there are opportunities to stop at a waterfall, go swimming, and explore the surrounding countryside.

Below the waterfall, we can visit a nearby village and a small local school, which may have only a few pupils during the summer holiday period. Finally, we return to our host family and stay in a traditional Tay ethnic stilt house, providing an authentic and memorable overnight experience in the heart of Ba Be.

Day 3: Ba Be – Cao Bang. (~170 km, ~8h)

Today is another spectacular day on our 8 Days Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour, as we leave Ba Be and ride towards Cao Bang Province. The route takes us deeper into the mountains, with winding roads, forested valleys, limestone peaks, and a series of scenic mountain passes. From several high points along the way, we can stop and look down over the surrounding countryside, enjoying panoramic views of one of the most beautiful regions in northern Vietnam.

Although the road is generally in good and manageable condition, there are still plenty of blind curves and winding mountain sections, so careful riding is essential. The relatively quiet roads also make this an enjoyable route for riders who prefer scenic motorcycle touring away from busy highways.

We make frequent stops along the way for photographs, drinks, snacks, and simply to enjoy the spectacular scenery. With these breaks included, the journey takes around eight hours, making it a full but rewarding day on the motorcycle.

As we approach Cao Bang, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and remote villages appearing around every bend. This is one of those riding days where the journey itself is the destination.

We arrive in Cao Bang in the late afternoon and check into a local hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Day 4: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfalls – Quang Uyen. (~130 km, ~2h)

After breakfast, and having obtained the necessary permission from the border police, we leave Cao Bang and ride through some of the most spectacular scenery in Northeast Vietnam towards Ban Gioc Waterfalls. The road winds through dramatic limestone mountains, green valleys, traditional villages, and remote countryside, making this one of the highlights of our Northeast Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

Our destination is Ban Gioc Waterfalls, widely regarded as one of the most impressive waterfalls in Vietnam. The powerful falls cascade over a series of limestone formations into the river below, creating an unforgettable natural landscape. Weather permitting, we can even swim in the river close to the waterfall, providing a refreshing break after the morning’s ride.

After exploring Ban Gioc, we ride for approximately another hour towards the beautiful village of Quang Hoa, formerly known as Quang Uyen, located in a spectacular mountain cirque. This area is home to the Nung An people, one of the ethnic communities living in the mountainous Northeast of Vietnam.

To make the experience even more special, we spend the night at our friend’s home with a Nung An family. In addition to their warm hospitality, we enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner prepared by our hostess. The local food and authentic homestay experience provide a wonderful opportunity to experience rural Vietnamese culture far away from the usual tourist routes.

Day 5: Quang Uyen – Lang Son. (~150 km, ~5h)

We leave Quang Hoa (Quang Uyen) and continue our Northeast Vietnam motorbike adventure towards Lang Son. The route takes us through more beautiful mountain scenery, rural villages, valleys, and winding secondary roads as we gradually move east towards the Chinese border.

After arriving in Lang Son, we have time to explore this interesting border city. For centuries, Lang Son has been an important trading centre between Vietnam and China, and today it remains a lively commercial hub. The city offers a very different atmosphere from the remote mountain villages we have visited during the previous days.

For those interested in shopping, there is time to visit Dong Kinh Market and Tam Thanh Market, where you can browse a wide range of inexpensive Chinese electronic products, household goods, souvenirs, clothing, and gifts to take home. Exploring the local markets is also a good way to experience the everyday commercial life of this northern Vietnamese border region.

After exploring Lang Son, we check into a local hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight in Lang Son.

Day 6: Lang Son – Bai Chay. (~180 km, ~7 h)

Today we have another long day on the motorcycle as we leave Lang Son and continue towards Halong City and Halong Bay. The route is mainly on smaller secondary roads, offering a more interesting alternative to the major highways and allowing us to experience more of the countryside.

Along the way, we pass through an area known for its coal mines, with mining activity visible in several places along the road. The landscape gradually changes as we leave the mountains behind and approach the coast, giving us a fascinating contrast between the rugged Northeast and the busy industrial areas closer to Halong.

The ride is approximately 180 km and takes around seven hours, including stops for drinks, photographs, and breaks along the way. Some sections can be dusty, particularly around the mining areas, so don’t be surprised if you arrive looking a little different from when you left!

Hopefully, we can reach Bai Chay in Halong City without being completely covered in dark coal dust. After several days of mountain motorbike riding through Northeast Vietnam, arriving at the coast marks the beginning of the more relaxed final stage of the trip, with Halong Bay waiting for us the following day.

Day 7: Halong Bay cruising. Sleep on the boat.

After several days of motorbike riding through Northeast Vietnam, we take a well-deserved break and enjoy a relaxing morning before heading out onto Halong Bay. This is a completely different experience from riding through the mountains, giving you time to unwind while surrounded by spectacular limestone islands and calm emerald waters.

There are two options for the Halong Bay cruise:

1. Join a group cruise: Depart around noon by boat and begin your Halong Bay overnight cruise. After checking into your cabin, enjoy lunch onboard with a deluxe Vietnamese set menu while cruising among the impressive karst formations. We then transfer by tender to Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave), one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay.

Depending on the weather and your preference, you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the boat. In the evening, dinner is served onboard featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. After dinner, you can choose from several optional activities, including watching movies, singing karaoke, or joining the crew for squid fishing, weather permitting.

2. Book a private boat: For a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade to a private Halong Bay cruise and enjoy the bay at your own pace. This option costs extra, and we will let you know the additional price if you would like to choose a private boat.

Day 8: Halong – Hanoi. (~160 km, ~5 h) End of 8 Days Northeast Vietnam.

We enjoy the final morning of our Halong Bay cruise before returning to the mainland and beginning the ride back to Hanoi. There are two options depending on the cruise package you choose:

1. Standard cruise option: Transfer by tender from the boat to Titov Island, where you can go swimming, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the spectacular views. We then continue cruising through Halong Bay before refreshing onboard and returning to Bai Chay. After checking out of the cabins and settling your drinks bill, we have lunch at a restaurant in Halong City or, depending on the cruise schedule, onboard the boat.

2. Extended cruise option: Continue cruising through Halong Bay for longer and enjoy more time among the limestone islands and hidden corners of this spectacular natural landscape. Lunch is served onboard before returning to the mainland around noon. This extended cruise option costs extra, and we will let you know the additional price if you would like this upgrade.

After arriving back in Bai Chay, we pick up our motorcycle(s) and begin the final ride of this 8-day Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour. We leave Halong and ride back towards Hanoi via Highway 18 and then National Highway 1B. The journey is approximately 160 km and takes around five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

We expect to arrive in Hanoi around 5 pm, bringing our 8 Days Northeast Vietnam motorcycle adventure to an end after an unforgettable journey through mountains, ethnic villages, remote backroads, Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Lang Son, and the spectacular waters of Halong Bay.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding this 8-day Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour.