DAY TOUR AROUND HANOI BY MOTORBIKE

Believe it or not, you can enjoy a fun motorbike adventure in just one day around Hanoi. While it is not possible to travel very far from the capital in a single day, we can still design an interesting loop through the countryside, traditional villages, historic sites, and quiet backroads.

Here are some possibilities for a Hanoi day motorbike tour that we provide:

Day Tour – Short Ride (about 150km)

This short motorbike tour around Hanoi takes you away from the busy city and into the surrounding countryside. Depending on your interests and available time, we can visit traditional craft villages such as Tho Ha, famous for vermicelli and rice cakes, Bat Trang, known for its ceramics, the ancient Nom village, and But Thap Pagoda.

The route combines quiet rural roads with interesting cultural stops, making it a good introduction to motorcycling in Vietnam without requiring a long-distance ride. It is particularly recommended for less experienced riders who would prefer a shorter and more relaxed day on two wheels.

Despite covering only around 150 km, this remains one of our popular one-day motorcycle tours from Hanoi, offering a chance to experience traditional villages and countryside within easy reach of the capital.

Tho Ha vermicelli and ceramic village

Tho Ha Village is located in Van Ha Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province, approximately 35 km northeast of Hanoi. The village sits on an island of around 20 hectares in the Cau River and has a history dating back roughly 900 years.

Tho Ha was traditionally one of Vietnam’s important ceramic villages, together with Phu Lang and Bat Trang. Ceramic production reportedly began around the 12th century but eventually disappeared in 1988 due to increasing competition and the popularity of plastic products.

Today, the village is better known for producing rice cakes and vermicelli, two popular Vietnamese foods. You can see traditional food production and explore the narrow village lanes while riding through this fascinating rural community.

Nom ancient architecture village

Nom Ancient Village is located in Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province, a little over 30 km from Hanoi. This historic village is known for its traditional architecture, old houses, village gates, ponds, and peaceful rural atmosphere.

A ride through Nom offers an interesting glimpse into traditional northern Vietnamese village life. It is an excellent stop for riders interested in architecture, history, photography, and the quieter side of Vietnam.

Bat Trang ceramic village

Bat Trang Ceramic Village is one of the most famous traditional craft villages in Hanoi. Located in Gia Lam District, approximately 13 km from central Hanoi on the eastern bank of the Red River, it has long been associated with Vietnam’s renowned ceramic and porcelain industry.

The village has a history of ceramic production dating back centuries and is famous throughout Vietnam for its distinctive handmade products. Today, visitors can explore the workshops and numerous ceramic shops around the village.

For an interactive experience, you can even take a short pottery-making lesson and try shaping your own product from clay. It is a fun addition to a Hanoi countryside motorbike tour, especially for travellers interested in Vietnamese traditional crafts.

But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda, also known as Dien Ung, Phap Van, or Co Chau Pagoda, is located in But Thap Village, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province, approximately 40 km from Hanoi.

The pagoda is one of the most famous historic Buddhist sites around Hanoi and is particularly notable for its distinctive Eastern architecture and traditional sculptures. The site has a long history and has undergone several periods of restoration over the centuries.

Visiting But Thap Pagoda provides a peaceful cultural break from the motorcycle ride and gives you an opportunity to explore an important part of Northern Vietnam’s religious and architectural heritage before continuing through the surrounding countryside.

Day Tour – Long Ride (over 200 km)

If you have a full day available and want to get farther into the countryside, our Long Ride Day Tour from Hanoi is an excellent choice. We ride west from the capital towards Ba Vi, Duong Lam Ancient Village, and Dong Mo, combining quiet country roads, scenic mountain routes, and some easy tracks.

At over 200 km, this is a more substantial day on two wheels and is best suited to riders who are comfortable spending most of the day on a motorcycle. It is also one of our most popular Hanoi motorcycle day tours, offering a good mix of riding, sightseeing, local culture, and countryside scenery without requiring an overnight stay.

The route takes us away from Hanoi’s busy streets and into the peaceful landscapes around the Ba Vi mountain range. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, drinks, food, and short breaks.

Below is a video clip featuring some portions of this trip. If you would like to watch more videos, please check our YouTube channel.

Ba Vi and Dong Mo golf course

The Ba Vi mountain range is located approximately 40 km southwest of Hanoi and covers around 50 km². This impressive soil-limestone mountain range rises to about 1,296 metres at its highest point and dominates the surrounding countryside.

Ba Vi also has an important place in Vietnamese mythology, traditionally being associated with Son Tinh, the Mountain God. The area combines forests, mountains, rural villages, and winding roads, making it a rewarding destination for a motorbike ride from Hanoi.

Nearby, Dong Mo Golf Course is a large 36-hole golf complex surrounded by green landscapes and lakes. The area provides beautiful views and a pleasant place to take a break during the ride.

Duong Lam ancient village – the most popular Day Tour

Located about 40 km southwest of Hanoi, near Son Tay, Duong Lam Ancient Village is one of the most interesting cultural destinations accessible on a day trip from the capital. It was officially recognized as a national-level ancient village on 19 May 2006.

Riding into Duong Lam feels like stepping into another era. We can explore the village’s narrow alleyways, traditional laterite houses, old temples, and peaceful courtyards, while meeting local residents who still live in many of the historic homes.

The village is home to around 800 traditional houses and includes several important historical and religious sites. Among the highlights are Mong Phu Temple, associated with the village’s traditional communal life, and Mia Pagoda, also known as Sung Nghiem Tu, located on a small hill in Dong Sang Hamlet.

Duong Lam is also associated with two Vietnamese kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen, who were born in the area. Visiting the temples and talking with local people makes this more than simply a sightseeing stop – it is an opportunity to experience traditional Northern Vietnamese village culture.

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

Longer Motorcycle Tours Itineraries In Vietnam

• Scenic Ha Giang & Northeast
• North-west Vietnam
• North-east Vietnam
• Central North Vietnam
• Big North Loop of Vietnam
• Ho Chi Minh Trail/Road
• Mai Chau, Hoa Binh
• Easy Scooter Tours