BIG NORTH LOOP OF VIETNAM MOTORCYCLING 16 DAYS

Introduction to Big North Loop

If you have 16 days or two weeks available, Vietnam Offroad invites you to join this Big North Loop motorcycle tour, a grand journey around Northern Vietnam. This extended motorbike tour in Vietnam follows a huge loop through remote mountain regions, with riding close to the Vietnam-Laos and Vietnam-China borders.

We begin in the lowlands of the Red River Delta, leaving Hanoi behind before climbing gradually into the northern mountain ranges. For many days, we ride along spectacular mountain roads, remote backroads, high passes, and isolated valleys, exploring areas that remain far from the usual tourist routes. After crossing much of Northern Vietnam, we eventually make our way back towards Hanoi, with an extension to Halong Bay, one of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions and often described as a heaven on earth.

The scenery is only part of the experience. Along the way, you will meet friendly local people, visit ethnic minority communities, discover traditional villages, and enjoy plenty of delicious Vietnamese food. The combination of dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, challenging roads, and authentic local experiences makes this one of our most comprehensive Northern Vietnam motorcycle tours.

Places you ride through include Mai Chau, Phu Yen, Moc Chau, Son La, Tuan Giao, Muong Lay, Sin Ho, Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Bac Ha, Luc Yen, Xin Man, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac, Ba Be, Cao Bang, Quang Uyen, Lang Son, and Mau Son.

Accommodation varies throughout the trip, with some nights in comfortable hotels and others in traditional local homestays or ethnic minority stilt houses. This gives you a chance to experience both the comfort of a hotel and the hospitality of families living in the remote mountain regions.

In short, this is a truly amazing way to explore Northern Vietnam by motorcycle. If you have enough time for a long ride and want to experience the mountains, cultures, food, people, and hidden roads of the North, send us your inquiry, and we will get back to you very soon.

Other Big North Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Routes

Below is a video clip featuring some portions of this Big North Loop motorcycle tour. If you would like to watch more videos from our Vietnam motorcycle adventures, please check our YouTube channel.

 

BIG NORTH LOOP DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau. (~250km, ~5 hours)

Today is the first day of our Big North Loop In 16 Days, so we take things relatively easy while still enjoying plenty of activities along the way. We leave Hanoi on quiet dike roads, avoiding the busiest city traffic as we gradually make our way into the countryside.

Once outside the capital, we ride across the Red River Delta, passing extensive farming areas and seemingly endless limestone karst formations. The route takes us through the countryside around the famous Perfume Pagoda, with vast paddy fields, tree-lined roads, small villages, and traditional rural landscapes stretching in every direction.

We then turn northwest and cross two mountain passes before descending into the beautiful Mai Chau Valley. The scenery changes dramatically as we leave the flat delta behind and enter the mountains, making this a rewarding introduction to our Northern Vietnam motorcycle tour.

In Mai Chau, we stay with friends from the White Thai ethnic minority in a traditional Thai stilt house. After dinner and a feast of local dishes, we can enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional Thai dancing and sample a selection of special local rice liquors.

The evening is always a memorable part of the trip, with great food, local hospitality, music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities to get to know our hosts. In fact, this can be one of the biggest and most enjoyable nights of the entire journey. Overnight in a traditional Thai homestay in Mai Chau.

Big North Loop In 16 Days: North Vietnam motorcycle expedition. Hanoi to Mai Chau.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Phu Yen. (~150 km, ~6 h)

We leave Mai Chau and ride towards Moc Chau, continuing through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Northwest Vietnam. From Moc Chau, we head towards the Da (Black) River, where we cross the river reservoir by the Van Yen ferry.

After crossing the reservoir, we continue along a beautiful winding secondary road towards Phu Yen. The route is quieter than the main highways and takes us through remote countryside, mountains, forests, and rural villages, providing an enjoyable introduction to the longer mountain stages ahead.

Although today’s riding distance is only around 150 km, the journey can take approximately six hours. The main reason is the Van Yen ferry, where waiting for our turn to cross can sometimes take between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic and ferry operations.

Once we reach Phu Yen, we check into a local guesthouse and relax after the day’s ride. The slower pace and scenic secondary roads make this a pleasant transition from the relaxed atmosphere of Mai Chau into the more remote mountain regions of the Big North Loop.

Day 3: Phu Yen – Son La. (~160 km, ~6 hours)

We leave Phu Yen and continue northwest along the quiet and almost empty Road 37, gradually entering a mountainous region where Black Thai communities live and cultivate extensive terraced rice fields. The road winds through numerous Thai villages, farmland, and valleys, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional rural life in Northwest Vietnam.

As we ride deeper into the mountains, we can watch everyday life unfold along the roadside. Farmers work in the rice fields, buffalo graze beside the road, and traditional houses appear among the green hills. The relatively quiet road makes this an enjoyable section for motorcycle touring through Northern Vietnam, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the scenery.

We continue through rolling hills before gradually climbing towards the cooler Son La Plateau. The landscape changes again as we reach areas known for sugar cane cultivation, with higher elevations bringing cooler temperatures and spectacular mountain views.

After approximately 160 km and six hours of riding, we arrive in Son La, where we spend the night. This is another enjoyable day of riding away from the busy highways and deeper into the ethnic and mountainous heart of northern Vietnam.

Day 4: Son La – Than Uyen. (~200 km, ~7 hours)

We leave Son La and head northwest, crossing a series of mountain passes and remote valleys where Black Thai communities continue their traditional way of life. Along the route, we see children walking to school, farmers tending buffalo, women planting rice seedlings, and men working the fields. The road provides a fascinating window into rural Vietnamese life.

We then approach the impressive Pha Din Pass, one of the most famous mountain passes in Northwest Vietnam. The road climbs for a long and steep section, eventually reaching the summit where we are rewarded with vast panoramic views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After taking time to enjoy the scenery, we descend the other side on a steep but sealed mountain road before continuing towards Than Uyen. As we get farther from the main routes, the road becomes increasingly wild, rough, and bumpy, adding a more adventurous element to today’s ride.

The route takes us towards the spectacular Mu Cang Chai mountain massif, located between Sapa and Hanoi and reaching elevations approaching those of the Fansipan region. From the higher sections, we can enjoy some of the most beautiful mountain views in Northern Vietnam, with steep valleys, forested slopes, and dramatic terraced landscapes stretching far into the distance.

After approximately 200 km and seven hours of riding, we arrive in the Than Uyen area and settle in for the evening.

Day 5: Than Uyen – Sapa. (~120 km, ~5 hours)

We start the morning with a relaxed walk or stroll around Than Uyen, taking time to enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings. The area is home to several ethnic minority communities, including Flower H’Mong and Dao people, and the morning provides a good opportunity to see local life before we get back on the motorcycles.

We then set off in the direction of Sapa, following a scenic route through the mountains. The first section is mainly an easy mountain track, allowing us to enjoy the countryside at a relaxed pace. As we get closer to Sapa, the route changes to a well-paved mountainous road for the final section.

The combination of mountain tracks, winding roads, ethnic villages, forests, and spectacular highland scenery makes this a particularly enjoyable day of riding. With around 120 km to cover and approximately five hours on the motorcycle, there is plenty of time to stop for photographs and enjoy the landscape along the way.

We eventually reach Sapa, one of the best-known destinations in Northwest Vietnam, where we can relax and enjoy the cooler mountain climate.

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha. (~90 km, ~4 hours)

Today we leave Sapa and continue towards Bac Ha, another fascinating mountain destination famous for its spectacular scenery and diverse ethnic minority cultures.

We first descend from Sapa towards Lao Cai, covering approximately 34 km on a winding mountain road. From Lao Cai, we turn back into the mountains and climb towards Bac Ha, following another scenic route of around 70 km. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as we gain altitude, with green valleys, steep mountains, farmland, and traditional villages appearing along the way.

Although the riding distance is relatively short, the winding roads and frequent opportunities to stop and enjoy the views make this a relaxed and rewarding section of the Big North Loop motorcycle tour.

After arriving in Bac Ha, we check into our hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we leave the motorcycles behind and take a trek to Lung Phinh Village, exploring the surrounding countryside and experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the local mountain communities.

After the trek, we return to Bac Ha for the evening and overnight in Bac Ha, ready for the next stage of our journey through Northern Vietnam.

Big North Loop In 16 Days: North Vietnam motorcycle expedition. Hanoi to Bac Ha.

Day 7: Bac Ha – Xin Man. (~50 km, ~3 hours)

We leave Bac Ha and follow minor mountain roads and tracks that wind deep into the remote countryside. This is a quiet and adventurous section, with narrow routes disappearing into the mountains, dense vegetation, small footpaths, and isolated villages. The slow pace allows us plenty of time to stop, take photographs, and admire the surrounding wild mountain landscape.

The colourful traditional clothing of the Flower H’Mong people creates a striking contrast against the green forests and rugged scenery. Along the way, we have opportunities to observe local life and see how communities live and work in these remote highland areas.

We then continue towards Can Cau Market, located in a spectacular mountain valley close to the Chinese border. Every Saturday morning, people from different ethnic communities from the surrounding mountains gather here to trade, meet friends, and exchange local products.

The market is famous for its colourful traditional costumes, livestock, local food, and lively atmosphere. It is also a fascinating meeting point for communities living on both sides of the border. The experience is so absorbing that it is easy to lose track of time while exploring the market and watching everyday life unfold.

After visiting Can Cau, we continue towards Xin Man, where we spend the night.

Day 8: Xin Man – Ha Giang. (~140 km, ~6 hours)

We leave Xin Man and follow a quiet mountain road along the Lo River, enjoying spectacular scenery throughout the journey. The road winds through forested mountains, deep valleys, traditional villages, and remote countryside, making this a particularly enjoyable day for motorcycle riding in Northern Vietnam.

The route gradually takes us deeper into the mountainous territories inhabited by different frontier ethnic minority communities. The further we travel, the more remote the landscape becomes, with dramatic mountains and winding roads replacing busy highways and towns.

In the past, it was necessary for travellers to obtain a special Ha Giang travel permit from the local authorities. The procedure has become much easier, and the permit can now be purchased through the hotel reception, saving time and allowing us to spend more of the day riding and exploring.

After approximately 140 km and six hours on the road, we arrive in Ha Giang. We normally stay in a local hotel, but if you prefer a more authentic experience, we can also arrange a homestay with a local family.

This stage marks another highlight of the Big North Loop, as we move deeper into the spectacular mountain landscapes of Ha Giang and towards the dramatic frontier region ahead.

Day 9: Ha Giang – Dong Van. (~180 km, ~6 hours)

After obtaining the necessary permit for riding in the border area from the Ha Giang Immigration Police, we set off towards Dong Van. Today takes us onto some of the most spectacular and challenging mountain roads in Northern Vietnam, with narrow tracks, steep climbs, sharp bends, and remote sections that demand careful riding.

The route passes through the homeland of numerous ethnic minority communities, and the colourful traditional clothing of local people adds another dimension to the journey. Along the way, we have plenty of opportunities to stop at viewpoints, visit villages, and photograph the dramatic landscapes.

We gradually enter the famous Dong Van Karst Plateau, a remarkable landscape of towering limestone peaks, deep valleys, winding mountain roads, and isolated settlements. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as we climb higher into the mountains.

For many riders, this is the most epic day of the Big North Loop, combining challenging roads, incredible scenery, remote villages, and some of the finest mountain riding in Vietnam. The approximately 180 km journey takes around six hours, although frequent photo stops and road conditions can make the day feel much longer.

We eventually reach Dong Van, where we spend the night surrounded by the spectacular limestone mountains of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

Day 10: Dong Van – Bao Lac. (~80 km, ~3 hours)

Today is a shorter riding day, but the road conditions make the journey more adventurous than the distance suggests. Some sections of the route are still under construction, while other parts follow rough mountain tracks, so we ride at a relaxed pace and allow plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.

The landscape is among the most beautiful in Vietnam, with dramatic limestone mountains, deep valleys, winding roads, and remote villages. The slower pace is actually an advantage, giving us more time to stop for photographs and appreciate the scenery rather than rushing from one destination to another.

We continue through the wild and remote regions of Ha Giang Province, gradually leaving the Dong Van mountains behind as we head towards Bao Lac. This is a fascinating area where several ethnic communities live in isolated valleys and mountain settlements.

Our destination is Bao Lac, an important ethnic and cultural crossroads in Northeast Vietnam. The town is particularly interesting on Sunday market day, when people from different ethnic groups on both sides of the nearby border gather to trade livestock, food, clothing, and local products.

After approximately 80 km and three hours of riding, we arrive in Bao Lac and settle in for the night.

Day 11: Bao Lac – Cao Bang. (~150km, ~5 hours)

We leave Bao Lac and continue towards Cao Bang, following a beautiful mountain route through the spectacular scenery of Northeast Vietnam. The road climbs and descends through several mountain passes, with viewpoints offering wide panoramas over the surrounding valleys, forests, and limestone peaks.

Although the road is generally easy to ride, there are many blind curves, so we take a careful and relaxed pace. The scenery changes constantly, and we make frequent stops for photographs, drinks, and food along the way.

While the riding distance is approximately 150 km, the numerous stops and winding mountain roads can make the day considerably longer. Allow around five to eight hours depending on road conditions and how often we stop to enjoy the scenery.

After reaching Cao Bang, we check into a local hotel and have a well-earned rest before continuing deeper into the spectacular northeastern mountains.

Day 12: Cao Bang – Quang Uyen. (~140km, ~5 hours)

We leave Cao Bang and ride towards Quang Uyen, reaching this beautiful mountain village after approximately an hour and a half. Quang Uyen lies in a spectacular natural valley surrounded by limestone mountains and is home to the Nung An ethnic minority.

We stay with a local Nung An host family, allowing us to experience traditional hospitality and rural life. Best of all, our hostess is a fantastic cook, and dinner is a great chance to enjoy delicious homemade Vietnamese food and local specialities.

Later, we continue through spectacular mountain scenery towards Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the most impressive natural attractions in Northeast Vietnam. The waterfalls are approximately 50 km from Quang Uyen, and the journey itself is part of the adventure.

The roads to and from Ban Gioc can be dusty in dry weather and muddy after rain, making this section more challenging and enjoyable for riders looking for a genuine backroad experience. Along the way, we pass through limestone mountains, farming areas, traditional villages, and remote countryside close to the Vietnam-China border.

Weather permitting, we can even swim in the river close to the base of the 50-metre-high falls. Surrounded by dramatic limestone scenery and rushing water, Ban Gioc is one of the memorable highlights of this Northeast Vietnam motorcycle tour.

Big North Loop In 16 Days: North Vietnam motorcycle expedition. Hanoi to Ban Gioc waterfalls.

Day 13: Quang Uyen – Lang Son. (~180km, ~6 hours)

We leave Quang Uyen and ride towards Lang Son along the historic Highway 4, a route with an important place in the history of northern Vietnam. The road takes us through mountainous countryside, rural villages, and areas close to the Vietnam-China border, making this another interesting stage of the journey.

After arriving in Lang Son, we have time to explore the city and experience its role as an important trading centre between Vietnam and China. Lang Son is well known for its busy markets and commercial atmosphere, with traders and shoppers coming from surrounding areas.

If you enjoy shopping, there is time to visit Dong Kinh Market, where you can browse a wide selection of inexpensive Chinese goods, electronics, household products, clothing, souvenirs, and other local merchandise. The market provides an interesting contrast to the quiet mountain roads we have travelled through during the previous days.

After exploring Lang Son, we check into a local hotel for the night and relax before the final stages of the northern loop.

Day 14: Lang Son – Ha Long. (~180km, ~7 hours)

Today we leave Lang Son and continue towards Ha Long, with most of the journey taking place on quiet secondary roads rather than major highways. The route provides a different perspective on northern Vietnam as we gradually leave the mountains and head towards the coast.

Along the way, we pass through areas with numerous coal mines, an important part of the region’s industrial landscape. Trucks and mining activity can create dusty conditions, particularly during dry weather, so be prepared for a little coal dust on the road.

Despite the industrial scenery in parts, the journey remains an interesting motorcycle ride as we move from the mountainous border region towards Ha Long Bay. After approximately 180 km and seven hours of riding, we arrive in Ha Long City.

This marks a major change in scenery: after days of riding through remote mountains, ethnic villages, and border regions, we are now approaching the spectacular limestone islands and turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay.

Day 15: Halong Bay cruising. Sleep on the boat.

After many days of riding through the mountains and remote countryside, today is probably the most relaxing day of the Big North Loop. Take the morning to recover from yesterday’s long ride before heading out onto the waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by thousands of spectacular limestone islands and karst formations.

There are two options for your Halong Bay cruise:

  1. Join a group cruise: Depart around noon and board the boat for your overnight Halong Bay cruise. After checking into your cabin, enjoy lunch featuring a deluxe Vietnamese set menu while cruising through the bay. We then transfer by tender to Surprising Cave for a visit before returning to the boat. Depending on the weather, there is time for kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on deck and enjoying the scenery.

    Dinner is served onboard with a selection of Vietnamese dishes. In the evening, you can choose from several optional activities, such as watching a movie, singing karaoke, or joining the crew for squid fishing, weather permitting.

  2. Private boat: For a more exclusive experience, you can book a private boat and cruise through Halong Bay. This option costs extra, and we will provide the additional price if you would like to upgrade.

Big North Loop In 16 Days: North Vietnam motorcycle expedition. Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Day 16: Halong – Hanoi. (~160km, ~5 hours) End of Big North Loop.

There are two options for continuing your Halong Bay cruise this morning:

  1. Standard cruise: Transfer by tender to Titov Island, where you can go swimming or simply relax on the beach. Continue cruising through the bay before refreshing onboard and returning to Bai Chay. After checking out of your cabin and settling any drinks or additional expenses, we have lunch at Thang Long Restaurant in Ha Long City, or on the boat depending on the cruise arrangements.
  2. Extended cruise: Continue cruising through Halong Bay for longer before having lunch onboard and returning around noon. This option costs extra, and we will let you know the additional price if you would like this upgrade.

After the cruise, we pick up the motorbikes and begin the final ride back to Hanoi. We follow Highway 18 before joining Road 1B, gradually leaving the coastal region behind and returning to the capital.

The journey is approximately 160 km and takes around five hours, with an expected arrival in Hanoi at around 5 pm. This brings our 16-day Big North Loop motorcycle tour to an end after an incredible journey through Northern Vietnam, from remote mountain roads and ethnic villages to Ha Long Bay.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations regarding this 16-day Big North Loop Vietnam motorcycle tour.

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