Itinerary:
There’s something raw and thrilling about kicking up dust just an hour from the chaos of Hanoi. Our one-day Hanoi offroad motorcycle adventure to Ham Lon Mountain in Soc Son isn’t just a ride – it’s a full-throttle dive into Vietnam’s wilder side for true dirt bike enthusiasts.
We fuel up early in Hanoi, the city still shaking off its morning haze. The first stretch leads us out of the urban sprawl, weaving past rice paddies, rustic villages, and narrow backroads that hint at the adventure ahead. Asphalt quickly fades behind us as we carve through dirt tracks, feeling the transition from city grind to countryside freedom. Bamboo groves whisper overhead, water buffaloes amble lazily, and kids race us from the roadside with gleeful shouts.
Reaching the foothills of Ham Lon Mountain, often dubbed the “roof of Hanoi,” the real offroad challenge kicks in. Here, we dive deep into a network of raw single trails and wild dirt tracks, each more thrilling than the last.
The terrain is a dirt biker’s playground:
- Tight single trails threading through dense pine forests
- Sandy climbs that test throttle control and balance
- Rugged rock gardens demanding precise technical riding
- Water crossings that soak boots and fuel grins
Each twist and rise along the offroad motorcycle route demands respect, pushing our bikes – and ourselves – to adapt. Standing on the pegs, scanning the rutted path ahead, adjusting the throttle over loose gravel – it’s a dance of machine and mountain.
Halfway up, we stop at a rocky clearing, bikes steaming lightly in the cool mountain air. The panoramic views stretch over shimmering lakes and forested hills – a perfect backdrop for a quick lunch of bánh mì, fresh tropical fruits, and cold sodas.
After refueling both body and spirit, we tackle the final technical sections toward the summit. Every tight turn, every climb is a small conquest, a story etched in dust and adrenaline.
The descent is pure joy: drifting down sandy slopes, hopping over small ledges, letting the dirt bikes fly. By mid-afternoon, we retrace the countryside lanes back to Hanoi, hearts racing, bodies sore, and spirits completely unleashed.
One mountain. Endless dirt tracks. Unforgettable offroad motorbike memories.
