Summary

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The tour forms a loop through northern Vietnam, starting and ending in Hanoi. It typically takes 10 to 14 days, with 10 days being ideal for a relaxed yet full experience. This route is favored for its scenic variety, cultural depth, and driving challenge compared to routes in the south. Food is also a big part of this tour, more so than other Tigit options.

Northern Vietnam’s mountainous terrain makes driving more technical and exciting, with steep roads, sharp turns, and frequent U-turns. It appeals to those who enjoy more engaging rides. The area is also less developed, meaning drivers must stay alert for sudden appearances of animals or people from roadside bushes.

Culturally, the north offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life. Travelers will see locals drying corn, making incense, or processing rice right along the roads. These everyday scenes create an authentic and immersive experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.

While the tour covers a wide stretch of the northern region, it doesn’t go deep into remote mountain villages, which would require more time and off-road riding. For a deep dive we recommend this offroad tour. This tour focuses on paved roads, beautiful landscapes, and observing daily life from the road. It’s a balanced way to explore northern Vietnam without venturing too far off-grid.

Tour Highlights

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  • Casual road tour
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Great food
  • Really nice accommodation
  • Waterfalls and coffee shops
  • Seeing “all of the north”

Who this tour is for

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This tour is a road tour focusing on seeing all of Northern Vietnam from the road. It is a casual tour and less intense than other Tigit options, breaking the day up into coffee stops, waterfalls and photo oppetuntities.

Anyone can do it!

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1

Hanoi to Mai Chau

This day eases you into Vietnam’s traffic and its unspoken road rules. It’s all about observing, adapting, and learning how locals “read” each other on the road — from subtle signals to body language. You’ll get used to the flow, anticipate other riders’ moves, and build the awareness needed to stay safe for the journey ahead. The ride from Hanoi to Mai Chau is kept short, giving you time to connect with your guides, enjoy scenic stops, grab a coffee, and, of course, relax with a cold beer at the end of the day.

Day 2

Mai Chau to Bac Yen

The motorbike route from Mai Chau to Bac Yen takes you deep into Vietnam’s northern mountains, a region celebrated by both on-road and off-road riders. Known as one of the most famous riding areas near Hanoi, the journey offers scenic landscapes, challenging roads, and memorable stops. Along the way, riders can visit waterfalls, take a refreshing swim, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing on. This ride perfectly blends culture, natural beauty, and motorbiking thrills for an unforgettable experience.

Day 3

Bac Yen to Nghia Lo

Today’s ride takes you through some of northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll visit the famous Ta Xua, known for its dramatic mountain ridges—often called the “dinosaur backbone.” After some light off-road riding and incredible views, you’ll stop for a scenic lunch followed by a relaxing dip in a natural hot spring. The pace then eases with a quiet coffee break before the final stretch. The hotel is just 40 km away, making it a balanced day of adventure, nature, and relaxation on your journey from Bac Yen to Nghia Lo.

Day 4

Nghia Lo to Sapa

The motorbike route from Nghia Lo to Sapa is the longest riding day of the trip, covering around 234 km. Along the way, riders pass through Mu Cang Chai, home to some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking terraced rice fields. The road winds through a valley framed by endless green slopes, offering spectacular views at every turn. Most of the day is spent on the bike, crossing two of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain passes: Khau Pha Pass and O Quy Ho Pass.

Many tours will have a rest day in the famous town of Sapa.

Day 5

Sapa to Bac Ha

A lot of people will choose a rest day in Sapa.

The motorbike route from Sapa to Bac Ha covers about 170km, making it a shorter but scenic ride. Leaving Sapa in the morning, riders travel quieter roads with little traffic, allowing for a smooth and relaxed pace. Along the way, there are many stopping points to admire breathtaking views, including valleys carved by rivers and sights stretching toward the Chinese border. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, ideal for photography and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The day ends in Bac Ha, where riders can enjoy a welcoming hotel and excellent local food, rounding off a memorable journey.

Day 6

Bac Ha to Ha Giang

Today’s ride from Bac Ha to Ha Giang is a straightforward day on the main road. It’s a chance to cruise and reach Ha Giang early to rest up for the adventures ahead. The goal is to arrive with time to relax, maybe grab a coffee or a cold beer. Ha Giang is now one of Vietnam’s most well-known destinations for motorbike travelers, and tomorrow begins the journey into its iconic mountain landscapes that draw riders from all over the world.

It is also possible to go to Hoang Su Phi instead of Ha Giang, which adds an extra day to this tour. This would add in offroad.

Day 7

Ha Giang to Dong Van

This stretch from Ha Giang to Dong Van is considered the most stunning part of the Ha Giang Loop. The road winds through towering limestone mountains and lush green valleys, offering jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn. It’s an easier ride, allowing you to slow down, soak in the scenery, and stop for coffee or photos without feeling rushed. With plenty of scenic spots along the way, it’s the perfect day to truly enjoy the beauty of northern Vietnam. The ride ends in Dong Van, where you can relax and recharge at the hotel after an unforgettable day on the road.

Day 8

Dong Van to Bao Lac

Today’s ride from Dong Van to Bao Lac is one of the most scenic sections of the journey. You’ll start with a visit to the Lung Cu Flag Tower, a symbolic northernmost point of Vietnam, overlooking the Chinese border. From there, you’ll head into the remote limestone (karst) region, where foreign tourists are few and far between. Midday, you can detour to the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoy a boat ride through the Nho Que River canyon. After soaking in the views and a riverside coffee, you’ll continue toward Bao Lac, arriving by late afternoon.

Day 9

Bao Lac to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Today’s ride from Bao Lac to Ban Gioc Waterfall takes you through one of northern Vietnam’s most thrilling mountain passes — Cốc Trà Pass, known for its 15 steep, winding layers. Once considered dangerous, the road has since been widened for safer travel, though it still offers an exciting challenge. The route is full of incredible scenery and cultural encounters. The highlight of the day is reaching Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s most beautiful and unique waterfalls in the world, located right on the Vietnam–China border. You can even glimpse into China across the river — a truly special and memorable stop.

Day 10

Ban Gioc to Ba Be Lake

Today’s ride is more about the destination than the journey, with a straightforward route from Ban Gioc to Ba Be Lake. There’s not much to stop for along the way, so it’s best to leave early to make the most of your time at the lake. Ba Be is located within a national park and is famous for its natural beauty, trekking opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. Once there, you can take a two-hour boat tour, swim in the lake, or explore small islands scattered across the water. It’s a perfect place to unwind after several days on the road.

Day 11

Ba Be Lake to Ha Noi

Today marks the final day of the tour, riding from Ba Be Lake back to the Tigit Motorbikes office in Hanoi. It’s a long but smooth journey, and the goal is to leave early to avoid the busy Hanoi traffic. By starting early, we aim to reach the office by 2–3 PM, giving you plenty of time to return to your hotel, rest, and reflect on the adventure. After days of riding through mountains, villages, and scenic landscapes, this final stretch brings you full circle—back to the city, tired but full of unforgettable memories.