Name: Toughest Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Ba Be, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ngoc Chien, Mai Chau
Brand: Indochina Motorbike Tours
Availability: PreOrder
Rating: 5 (368 reviews)

Tour Overview & Highlights

8 DAYS EXPEDITION

With the Northern Vietnam Motorbike Tour to Ba Be, Ha Giang, Sapa, Lai Chau, Son La, you have a 8 days tour package offers you full chance to taste the most stunning landscapes of the north-east & the northwest of Vietnam with curvy steep passes, dirt tracks, muddy backroads, single trails … to get lost into unspoiled places to approach authentic local cultures ….

Trip's Video

OFFICIAL EXPEDITION FOOTAGE · 4K

Expedition Route Map

GPS TRACKS · 8 DAYS

Detailed Tour Itinerary

8 DAYS · DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

01

Day 1: HANOI MOTORBIKE TOURS TO BA BE LAKE (240 KM)

This great motorcycle tour to the north of Vietnam starts at around 8 AM. We try the best to avoid busy city road in the morning until Cho Chu town (in Thai Nguyen province) where we have lunch. After lunch, we surely have enjoyable motorcycle ride to Ba Be because the roads have less traffic and give you a lot of grand mountain view. At about 4 PM. We arrive Pac Ngoi – a beautiful village of Tay people which located peacefully at Ba Be lake’s side. Diner and stay with the Tay’s family.

Ba Bể Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Ba Bể – Ba means “Three”, Bể is from the Tay language word pé, meaning “lake”) is the largest natural lake in Vietnam. It is located in Nam Mẫu commune, Bắc Kạn district, Bắc Kạn Province in the northeastern region of the country. Having been formed approximately 200 million years ago, the lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs, which in turn are covered by primary forests.

The lake comprises three zones named Pé Lầm, Pé Lù, and Pé Lèng. Three rivers, named Năng, Tả Han, and Nam Cường, are the main inflows of the lake. The Năng river enters the lake through a large waterfall called Đầu Đẳng. In the lake there are also three islands, named Án Mã, Khẩu Cúm, and Po Gia Mải (literally “Widow’s Island”).

Ba Bể Lake is a featured geographical science and is a biodiversity reservoir. It is a part of the Ba Be National Park.

It is home of a range of animals and plants.

Summary:
Distance: 230 km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

02

Day 2: BA BE LAKE MOTORCYCLE TOUR TO MEO VAC (190 KM)

Saying good bye to the family, we’ll ride motorbike on the back-roads through some rustic villages and the jungle. Then we motorbike across some streams. This promise to be a great day for off-road Vietnam motorbike touring. We will stop in Bao Lac town for lunch and then continue the beautiful motorcycle tour Northern Vietnam to Meo Vac by taking a scenic route climbs over many Passes where we can enjoy beautiful mountain ranges and the Nho Que river. Arrive at Meo Vac by 5.00PM. Dinner in town, Hotel stay.

Meo Vac Town is located in the heart of the Dong Van Rock Plateau, which was recognized as part of the Global Geo-Park Network in 2009, the Dong Van old quarter is home to age old and unique architecture near Ha Giang Province’s border with China. Therefore, the Motorbike tour to Ha Giang, Dong Van is always the best choice of the motorcyclists.

Summary:
Distance: 190 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

03

Day 3: MEO VAC MOTORBIKE TOUR TO HA GIANG (180 KM)

Today’s ride promises to be the highlight of this motorcycle trip in north Vietnam as we will visit one of the most remote land in Motorbike Tour Around Northern Vietnam – 8 DaysVietnam where we can see many ethnic groups with their unique cultures and imposing mountains such as : Pi Leng Pass – one of the 4 longest and most beautiful passes in North Vietnam, the Rock Plateau, the Vuong palace in Dong Van, The “Heaven Gate” in Quan Ba.

This is for sure the best motorbike ride in Vietnam with many interesting and amazing things in every meter of the road. Arrive Ha Giang in the late afternoon.Dinner and stay with the other Tay’s family or stay in hotel in Ha Giang city

Ha Giang, 300 km away from Hanoi, located at the highest latitude in Vietnam. It is surrounded by Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai. It shares a border with China in the north. Many ethnic minorities, including the Dao, H’mong, Tay, and Nung, live in Ha Giang province Vietnam.

Summary:
Distance: 180 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

04

Day 4: HA GIANG MOTORBIKE TOUR TO SA PA (220KM)

Today we head straight towards the North-western mountain where the main Fanxipan Mountain range dominates the road until Sapa. The road is very smooth with a good view of green mountain, rice fields between lovely villages of the hill tribes. After a short break in Lao Cai to see Chinese border, we will have very beautiful motorbike ride up to Sapa. This motorbike ride is up and up till 1.600 meters above sea level. It offers a great view of mountain with terrace fields and it must be one of the best motorbike ride in North Vietnam.

Arrive in Sapa at around 5: 00 pm, overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Summary:
Distance: 220 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

05

Day 5: SAPA MOTORBIKE TOUR TO NGOC CHIEN – SON LA (110 KM)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Sapa, where you’re free to explore the charming mountain town, visit the local market, or sip coffee while watching clouds roll over the valley. After hotel check-out, we kick off the ride packed with breathtaking scenery and high-altitude adventure.

Leaving Sapa, we begin the thrilling ascent to Tram Ton Pass—Vietnam’s highest mountain pass at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. Also known as Heaven’s Gate, this stretch of road winds dramatically along the edge of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, offering sweeping views of deep valleys and jagged peaks.

Crossing into Lai Chau Province, the air grows cooler and fresher. The road becomes smoother and the ride more relaxing, as we descend toward Than Uyen through lush tea plantations and remote highland villages.

From Than Uyen, we take a scenic backroad toward the Ngoc Chien Valley—a peaceful and lesser-known gem nestled deep in the mountains, home to the Thai and Hmong ethnic minorities. We arrive by around 5:00 PM, just in time to watch the sun dip behind the terraced hills.

Dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse or hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the serene surroundings.

Summary:
Distance: 160 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

06

Day 6: NGOC CHIEN MOTORBIKE TOURS TO TA XUA (220 KM)

We keep riding up and down into a forested and high mountain region populated by H’mong peoples, We will hike up a very high mountain pass before descending into a mountainous tea-growing region. Soon after we follow a long the valley floor covered in a sea of rice surrounded by Hmong and Thai’s villages all the way to Phu Yen. Especially, after lunch in Mu Cang Chai – a famous land for terrace fields so the ride through Mu Cang Chai is another highlight of this Motorcycle tours North Vietnam.

Arrive Phu Yen town at 5:00Pm. Overnight at hotel.

THAN UYEN MOTORBIKE TOURS TO MU CANG CHAI

Summary:
Distance: 220 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

07

Day 7: TA XUA MOTORCYCLE TOURS TO MAI CHAU VALLEY (230 KM)

Today’s ride is one of contrast and beauty—a full-day journey from the misty highlands of Ta Xua to the lush, hidden valleys of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, passing through the scenic heart of Mai Chau Valley.

We begin early, riding through winding mountain roads and shifting landscapes. As we roll into Phu Yen, the terrain softens, leading us to one of the day’s most memorable segments: a spectacular ride along the Da River Lake. The road hugs the shoreline, sandwiched between towering limestone cliffs and the mirror-like water below—an inland route that feels like a coastal ride.

A local ferry takes us across the Da River, where we begin our ascent to the Moc Chau Plateau. Famed for its green tea hills, dairy farms, and refreshing climate, Moc Chau offers the perfect break for a local lunch.

After lunch, we veer off the main route and glide into Hua Tat Pass—a quiet, forgotten road built by the French during colonial times. It’s narrow, serene, and steeped in history, offering a truly immersive riding experience.

From here, we descend into Mai Chau Valley, where patchwork rice fields and traditional stilt houses greet us.

By late afternoon (around 5:30 PM), we arrive at homestay nestled in a peaceful village surrounded by terraced fields and bamboo forests. The sounds of nature, the smiles of locals, and a warm dinner await.

.

PHU YEN MOTORCYCLE TOURS TO MAI CHAU VALLEY

Summary:
Distance: 150 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home-stay

08

Day 8: MAI CHAU MOTORCYCLE TOURS BACK TO HANOI (180KM)

Wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the bamboo groves. After a leisurely breakfast, take some time to wander through the nearby villages and terraces—where life moves slowly, and every smile from the locals tells a story of simplicity and warmth.

We saddle up around 10:00 AM and begin the journey back to Hanoi, riding via Ba Khan with its panoramic views of the Da River and through the striking limestone cliffs of Doc Cun Pass.

By midday, we stop for a local lunch en route before merging onto the highway for the final stretch. Our goal is to reach Hanoi before the evening rush, allowing for a smooth return to your hotel and a safe, satisfying conclusion to this 8-day northern Vietnam motorbike adventure.

It’s a bittersweet ride—leaving behind the cool mountains and quiet villages—but the memories of winding roads, ethnic smiles, and breathtaking landscapes will stay with you long after the engines stop.

Summary:
Distance: 200 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: None

End of the trip

The Motorbikes: Your Choice of Machine

PREMIUM ADVENTURE FLEET · EXPERTLY MAINTAINED

Our motorcycle fleet features genuine, modern adventure-touring and dual-sport machines built for all terrains—from winding tarmac mountain passes like O Quy Ho, Hai Van, and Ma Pi Leng to rugged backcountry trails.

Thoroughly Inspected — Before Every Tour

Daily Pro Inspection — Certified Mechanics

Full Touring Rigging — Racks, Bars & USB

FLAGSHIP ADVENTURE · 1,254 CC Fleet Ready

BMW Motorrad R 1250 GS

The king of long-distance adventure touring

The BMW Motorrad R 1250 GS is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a symbol of freedom and adventure. With its cutting-edge technology, robust performance, and rider-focused design, it is undoubtedly the best choice for those joining our Vietnam Big Bike Tours.

Engine Air Liquid Cooled, Twin Cylinder, DOHC
Power / Torque 136 bhp · 143 Nm @ 6,250 RPM
Kerb weight 249 kg
Seat height 850 / 870 mm adjustable
Fuel capacity 20 L (400+ km range)

View Machine Details

ADVENTURE · 270 CC Fleet Ready

CFMOTO 450MT

CFMOTOR CFMOTO 450MT · Model 2025

Why the CFMOTO 450MT is Perfect for Adventure Motorcycle Tours in Vietnam The CFMOTO 450MT is purpose-built to bridge the gap between heavy tourers and lightweight trail bikes. Engineered with genuine off-road geometry and long-travel suspension, it gives riders complete control on narrow tracks and technical trails where heavier bikes become exhausting. During our Vietnam...

Engine Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin, DOHC, 270° crankshaft
Power / Torque 45 bhp · 40 Nm @ 6,000 RPM
Kerb weight 175 kg
Seat height 820 mm (adjustable down to 800 mm or up to 870 mm with rally seat)
Fuel capacity 17.5 liters

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ADVENTURE · 471 CC Fleet Ready

Honda CB500X

Agile parallel-twin adventure tourer for mountain twisties

The Honda CB500X is built for riders who crave both adventure and comfort. From Northern Vietnam mountain routes to epic Trans-Vietnam motorcycle tours, this versatile ADV bike delivers smooth handling, reliable performance, and the freedom to explore Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Engine 2 cylinder, 4 stroke
Power / Torque 47 bhp · 43 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
Kerb weight 197 kg
Seat height 830 mm
Fuel capacity 17.5 L (450+ km range)

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DUAL SPORT · 249 CC Fleet Ready

Honda CRF250L

Proven, reliable dual-sport for technical trail adventures

The Honda CRF250L is a proven dirt bike designed for riders who love off-road adventures. With its agile frame, reliable Honda engineering, and smooth handling, it’s the perfect motorcycle for exploring Vietnam’s rugged mountain trails, jungle tracks, and remote villages on a Vietnam Dirt Bike Tour.

Engine Single cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve, DOHC
Power / Torque 24 bhp · 22 Nm @ 7,000 RPM
Kerb weight 144 kg
Seat height 875 mm
Fuel capacity 7.8 L (lightweight agile range)

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DUAL SPORT · 286 CC Fleet Ready

Honda CRF300L

The undisputed king of Vietnam off-road & single tracks

The Honda CRF300L is the ultimate dirt bike for riders craving off-road adventures in Vietnam. From rugged mountain trails to jungle tracks and river crossings, this lightweight dual-sport machine delivers agility, power, and excitement. Perfect for Vietnam Dirt Bike Tours and enduro lovers who want to explore beyond the pavement.

Engine Liquid- cooled, Single, DOHC
Power / Torque 27 bhp · 26.6 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
Kerb weight 142 kg
Seat height 880 mm
Fuel capacity 7.8 L (lightweight agile range)

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DUAL SPORT · 149 CC Fleet Ready

Honda XR150L

Accessible, economical dual-sport for backroads & scenic loops

The Honda XR150L is built for riders seeking both reliability and affordability on their Vietnam journeys. With smooth handling, strong fuel efficiency, and off-road capability, this bike is a favorite choice for Vietnam motorcycle tours, whether cruising rural backroads or venturing into remote landscapes.

Engine Air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke dual-sport
Power / Torque 12 bhp · 12.5 Nm @ 6,000 RPM
Kerb weight 129 kg
Seat height 825 mm
Fuel capacity 12 L (450+ km range)

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Explore Full Motorcycle Fleet

Important Tour Advice · Read Before Riding

ESSENTIAL BOOKING & EXPEDITION TERMS

01

Customized Itineraries: We can customize routes according to your preferred dates, schedule, and riding interests. Just let us know your requirements.

02

Booking & Deposit: Booking is confirmed once we receive a deposit of 30% of the total tour cost. A secure online payment link will be provided.

03

Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all riders participating in motorcycle adventure tours.

04

Technical Support: In case of technical breakdown, we replace the bike with the same type. If an issue shortens your ride, you are refunded for unused days.

05

Rider Experience: All riders must be healthy, physically fit, and confident in their motorbiking ability for medium-to-large displacement motorcycles.

06

Flexible Rescheduling: Deposits are non-refundable, but you are free to postpone your booking to another date should unforeseen changes arise.

What's Included & Excluded

8 DAYS · ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPEDITION

What's Included

Motorbike(s) (Honda or Yamaha)
Helmet(s)
Driving gears
Gasoline on tour
English speaking guide
Mechanic (only for group from 6 passengers)
Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary (based on twin or/and triple shared)
Homestay permission
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees & Sightseeing fees
Fruits and Coffee on tour
Government’s taxes

What's Excluded

Travel insurance
Visa
Air-ticket
Tips
Personal expenses

Price & Reservation

TRANSPARENT PRICING · DIRECT LOCAL BOOKING

All-inclusive per rider

Contact

Deposit to hold a place30% deposit upon confirmation

Payment termsBalance due on arrival / prior to tour

Motorcycle choiceIncluded with fuel & gears

Group format2 - 10 Riders (Max 12)

DIRECT OPERATOR GUARANTEE

All tours are organized and operated directly by Indochina Motorbike Tours. Experienced English-speaking road captains, professional mechanics, and 24/7 dedicated support.

TALK TO A LOCAL EXPERT

Have questions about route difficulty, bike selection, or customized dates? Our tour specialists are ready to help you plan the ride.

WhatsApp Us

TripAdvisor Reviews

VERIFIED TRAVELER FEEDBACK

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 207 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Garry A 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Riding Adventure
5 of us did the 10 day Northern Vietnam Off-road Loop at the end of November, very ably assisted by by our guide, Giang, and support vehicle driver, Dong.We logged over 1800km in 9 days of riding, saw some absolutely amazing scenery, partook in local delicacies, met and partied with ethnic people and had an epic trip.Everything around the trip was managed efficiently by Mike Dong, including organising Vietnamese drivers licences for us all. The bikes we had (CRF300L) performed well with only two flat tyres to speak of. The accommodation choices (apart from one night) were comfortable and adequate, the meals were delicious and plentiful.The whole trip went like clockwork and we got to see places few other tourist would ever get to see.I would definitely recommend this tour or shorter trips if you feel 10 days is a bit much.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Go21589563690 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable 12-day trip from Hanoi to Saigon
We highly recommend the 12-day trip from Hanoi to Saigon. The organization was excellent from start to finish. The day before, we were personally briefed by the company owner, received all important details and felt well prepared.Our guide Cong was just awesome. We felt safe at all times and were allowed to experience small cultural excursions practically every day. He showed us beautiful places, introduced us to local culture and was able to tell us an incredible amount about the country. We were also spoiled culinary – we ate very fine every day.An absolutely unique experience, perfectly organized and with a guide who made our experience unforgettable. Clear recommendation!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   P w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great bike tour for 6 days, north west Vietnam
Brilliant 6 days, the tours are road based with a little bit of riding on un paved roads, Ducky was our guide, ex-road racer which suited us as we like to push on. Was amazing to see all the villagers, people waving, nothing like miserable old England where everyone thinks your doing something illegal. Homesteads were great, food nothing to say as always the best. Get it booked and take your holiday to +10.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ian W 
 
 
 
 Verified Am absolutely amazing ten days in northern Vietnam
We did a 10 day tour. Lihn was our guide. Great guy. We had a Canadian guy join us, so 4 in total. Amazing time, 10 days few by. I had a gopro on my helmet facing forward, Lihn had one facing back. Michael, the owner has put all the footage together and made a great video.We are now looking at another trip with these guys.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Compass40778616391 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible life experience
Indochina Bike Tours ran a very relax but very professional motorcycle tour and over the 14 day North Vietnam,2400km ride everyday was full of challenges and wonder natural and cultural surprise.Absoulutly everything was fully catered for and supplied , all you have to do is wake up and thumb the starter button.Great company and great ride.Highly recommended. Absoulutly incredible experience.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Niels M 
 
 
 
 Verified Unic and special experience
Great adventure, the guide and the driver where verry kindly.A lot of adventure, drinke and food.Verry nice experience
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   erik m 
 
 
 
 Verified Very good
We where with 4 guys and had a great time!Great stays with good food and vieuws, also beautiful roads and offroad paths.Our guide Son was a very good and funny guy! Thank you all for this awesome time!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   jvbn 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 12 Day Tour through Northern Vietnam
We had a great trip with Ducky and Son showing us hidden offroad tracks and beautiful sceneries in Northern Vietnam. They were also very professional whenever something on the bike required fixing. The homestays and hotels were well selected, providing a great experience of local culture and cuisine. Can highly recommend the trip!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Getaway28493855013 
 
 
 
 Verified Great tour!
Riding with Insochina motorbike tour was a great experience. This was my first time on a motorbike tour and my first time in Vietnam. Our guide Tony was excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rochelle E 
 
 
 
 Verified 10 Days
Completed the 10 Day trip. It was guided and tailored to our riding abilities. Sadly we came at a time with flooding and could not complete some tracks because of this. The food was amazing at every location. Homestays were fantastic, nice people. Ducky had good knowledge about the locations and good recommendations

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