Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour — 5 to 7 Days from Hanoi
Ride from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Chinese border and Ba Be Lake National Park — 1,000 km through the limestone karst hills of Cao Bang province on a guided, all-inclusive motorbike tour.


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Vist Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be Lake National Park
Ride Overview
The Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour is a 5 to 7 day guided ride from Hanoi through the karst landscape of Cao Bang province to two of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landmarks — Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam–China border and Ba Be Lake National Park.
At 1,000 km the route is accessible but genuinely adventurous, passing through Tay and Nung minority villages and limestone hill country that most travellers never reach. Ideal for riders who want the real northeast Vietnam experience without committing to a longer trip. Ready to go further? Our 8-day Northeast Vietnam Border Loop and 14-day Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop pick up where this tour ends.
Riding Conditions
A mix of sealed countryside roads and easy off-road tracks makes this tour accessible for all rider levels. The roads through Cao Bang province are some of the most scenic and least-trafficked in northern Vietnam — limestone peaks, rice paddies, and riverside villages with almost no highway riding.
Off-road sections are light to moderate — hard-packed dirt and local village trails, nothing technical. Expect 5 to 6 hours in the saddle each day across around 180 to 200 km. Our guides adjust the route daily based on conditions and rider preference.
Tour Destinations
Hanoi – That Khe – Quang Uyen – Ban Gioc waterfall – Cao Bang – Ba Be – Hanoi
Driving: 200KM per day Total: 1,000km
That Khe and Lang Son province — where Red River Delta farmland gives way to limestone karst hills and Tay minority villages on the road northeast.
Quang Uyen — a small market town deep in Cao Bang karst country with some of the best and least-trafficked riding roads in northern Vietnam.
Ban Gioc Waterfall — one of Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls, three cascading tiers on the Vietnam–China border, and almost no tourist crowds.
Cao Bang town — the provincial capital, a riverside base for exploring the surrounding karst landscape and local markets.
Ba Be Lake — Vietnam’s largest natural lake, inside Ba Be National Park, with floating Tay villages and a traditional stilted homestay overnight.
Bikes and Riding Gear
All bikes are fully maintained and mechanically checked before every departure. A support mechanic rides as sweeper with the group every day. Honda CRF 250L, Honda CRF 300L, Honda CB500X , Yamaha PG-1 and Honda XR150 for our rides, we have English Speaking guide and support mechanic following the group as sweeper.
Gear included with every bike: western-standard armoured motorcycle jacket, armoured riding pants, HJC open-face helmet, rain jacket and rain pants, waterproof saddle bags, and bungee cords — all included at no extra cost.
Tour Cost
All prices are per person all inclusive, twin share and are in US Dollars$
A deposit of $300.00 per person is required to secure your booking, final payment in full must be made before tour departure.
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime, All prices are all-inclusive.
| Motorbike | 5D 4N | 6D 5N | 7D 6N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda XR 150cc | US$ 875 | US$ 1,050 | US$ 1,225 |
| Honda CRF 250cc | US$ 975 | US$ 1,170 | US$ 1,365 |
| Honda CRF 300cc | US$ 1,075 | US$ 1,290 | US$ 1,505 |
| Honda CB500X | US$ 1,075 | US$ 1,290 | US$ 1,505 |
| Yahama PG-1 | US$ 800 | US$ 960 | US$ 1,120 |
Prices are for group tours from 2 to 15 people, For a solo tour, add an additional extra 50% to the published tour cost.
Contact us for group discounts
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Hanoi to That Khe
Hanoi to That Khe — Into the Northeast
Depart Hanoi in the morning heading northeast through the flat farmland of the Red River Delta before the road climbs into the limestone hills of Lang Son province. The riding is relaxed on day one — quiet provincial roads, roadside villages, local lunch stops — easing you into the rhythm of the tour. Arrive That Khe in the late afternoon. Overnight in That Khe.
Riding: ~180 km | Mostly on-road
Day 2 — That Khe to Quang Uyen
That Khe to Quang Uyen — Deep into Cao Bang Province
Leave That Khe after breakfast and push north into the karst heartland of Cao Bang province. The roads narrow and the traffic thins as you ride through Tay and Nung minority villages tucked between towering limestone peaks. This is one of the most visually striking riding days on the tour — remote, beautiful, and completely off the tourist map. Overnight in Quang Uyen.
Riding: ~100 km | Mixed on-road and light off-road
Day 3 — Quang Uyen to Ban Gioc Waterfall
Quang Uyen to Ban Gioc Waterfall — The Vietnam–China Border
The day everyone has been riding toward. Head north from Quang Uyen through the final stretch of karst terrain to Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam–China border. The approach road through the border valley is spectacular — flat limestone plain, turquoise rivers, karst towers rising from the fields. Arrive at the waterfall, take a bamboo raft to the base of the falls, explore the border village, and picnic by the river. Overnight near Ban Gioc.
Riding: ~80 km | On-road
Day 4 — Ban Gioc area to Cao Bang
Ban Gioc to Cao Bang — Karst Roads South
A morning to linger at Ban Gioc before the ride south to Cao Bang town through some of the finest karst scenery in northern Vietnam. The road follows the Ban Gioc River valley through rice fields, cave entrances, and small Tay farming communities before opening into the wider Cao Bang basin. Explore Cao Bang’s riverside market in the afternoon. Overnight in Cao Bang.
Riding: ~90 km | On-road
Day 5 — Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake
Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake — National Park Overnight
Leave Cao Bang and head southwest on a mix of paved roads and off-road trails through the hill country of Bac Kan province. The riding gets more interesting as you descend toward Ba Be — forested hills, stream crossings, and the first glimpse of the lake through the trees. Check in to a traditional stilted Tay homestay on the lakeshore, take a boat out on the water at dusk, and eat dinner with your host family. Overnight at Ba Be Lake.
Riding: ~150 km | Mixed on-road and light off-road
Day 6 — Ba Be Lake to Hanoi
Ba Be Lake to Hanoi — The Final Ride
An early morning boat trip on Ba Be Lake before breakfast is the best way to start the last day — the lake is glassy and the jungle is alive at dawn. Ride south from Ba Be through Thai Nguyen province on quiet roads back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon. We ride to the garage together, unload the bikes, and transfer you back to your hotel. The northeast is done — until next time.
Riding: ~240 km | Mostly on-road
Total distance: ~1,000 km Average per day: ~180–200 km Riding style: Mixed on-road and easy off-road Departs: Hanoi | Returns: Hanoi
Highlights
- Experience off-road trails through remote mountain regions.
- Visit the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Discover the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake.
- Explore ethnic minority villages and experience local cultures.
- Ride through breathtaking mountain passes and rugged terrains.
- Enjoy the scenic landscapes and local hospitality in the northern regions of Vietnam.
On tour, the accommodation is a mix of village Home-stay where we eat with our host and sleep in houses on stilts or hotels with AC, WIFI and hot showers.
Meals on tours take the best of local cuisine and picnics in the hills, we take coffee in the morning to afternoon refreshments and great local dinners.
What's Included
- Motorbike Honda CRF250L or Honda XR150
- English Speaking Guide
- All meals, water and soft drinks on tour
- Accommodation in Local home-stays and hotel – twin share
- Petrol, oil and mechanic on tour
- Riding gear: HJC open face helmets
- Rain Pants and rain poncho
- Spacious saddle bags & Waterproof bags to pack clothes in
- Western standard armored motorcycle jacket and riding pants
- Bungee cords and tie downs
- Permits, tolls and entrance fees
- Free map, souvenir T-shirt
- Personal expenses
- Beer and alcohol on tour
- Personal health insurance
- Damage to the motorbikes
Please visit our FAQ page to learn more about what to expect on tour, documents required to ride and what to bring on tour.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Please contact us with any special request or needs, we cater to clients with dietary restrictions. We cater to Vegetarians, Vegans, people with food allergies or religious restrictions please let us know.
Tour Map

FAQ
Is the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour suitable for beginner riders?
Yes — this is one of the most beginner-friendly tours in our lineup. The route uses mainly sealed provincial roads with light off-road sections on hard-packed dirt tracks. There are no technical mountain passes or demanding off-road terrain. If you are a confident road rider who has ridden a motorbike before, you will handle this tour comfortably. Our guides set the pace for the whole group and no one gets left behind. If you want to build further on this, the 8-day Northeast Vietnam Border Loop is the natural next step.
What is the best time of year for the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour?
The best months are September to November and March to May. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, clear skies, and the rice harvest season across Cao Bang province — the fields are a vivid gold and the light is perfect for photography. Spring offers fresh green landscapes and mild riding conditions. The tour runs year-round, but June to August is the monsoon season — the roads stay mostly passable but off-road sections can become muddy and some tracks may flood after heavy rain.
How many days is the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour?
The tour runs as a 5-day/4-night, 6-day/5-night, or 7-day/6-night itinerary. The 5-day version covers the essential route — Hanoi, That Khe, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake, and back to Hanoi. The 6 and 7-day versions add more time at key destinations and include additional riding days through the surrounding karst countryside. Contact us with your available dates and we will recommend the best option for you.
What motorbikes are available on the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour?
We offer five bikes on this tour:
- Yamaha PG-1 — lightweight trail bike, ideal for newer or smaller riders. From $800 for 5 days
- Honda XR 150cc — reliable off-road capable trail bike. From $875 for 5 days
- Honda CRF 250cc — our most popular all-round tour bike. From $975 for 5 days
- Honda CRF 300cc — more power for bigger riders. From $1,075 for 5 days
- Honda CB500X — comfortable adventure tourer for road-focused riders. From $1,075 for 5 days
All bikes come with a full gear kit and daily mechanical checks. A support mechanic rides as sweeper every day.
What is included in the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour price?
The tour is fully all-inclusive: motorbike, English-speaking guide, support mechanic, all accommodation in local homestays and hotels on twin share, all meals and soft drinks throughout the tour, fuel, full riding gear including armoured jacket, riding pants, HJC helmet, rain gear, waterproof saddle bags, all permits, tolls, and entrance fees, and a free souvenir T-shirt and route map. A $300 deposit per person secures your booking. Not included: personal expenses, alcohol, personal travel insurance, and bike damage.
Where do we stay on the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour?
Accommodation is a mix of local guesthouses and traditional Tay stilted homestays. The highlight is the overnight at Ba Be Lake — you stay in a wooden house on stilts above the water, eat dinner with your host family, and take a boat out on the lake at dusk. Guesthouses in That Khe, Quang Uyen, and Cao Bang are simple but clean, with hot showers and WiFi. All accommodation is twin share and included in the tour price.
Can I extend the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour into a longer trip?
Absolutely — the northeast is the starting point for some of our best longer tours. The 8-day Northeast Vietnam Border Loop adds Ha Giang, the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Hoang Su Phi, and Thac Ba Lake to the route. The 14-day Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop connects the entire north — from Cao Bang all the way through Ha Giang, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Pu Luong back to Hanoi. Contact us and we can build an itinerary around your schedule.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes — solo riders join our group departures throughout the year. Tours run with 2 to 15 riders so there is always company on the road. Solo bookings carry a 50% supplement on the published tour price. Get in touch with your travel dates and we can match you with an upcoming group departure — joining a group avoids the solo supplement and usually makes the trip more enjoyable.
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EXCELLENT Based on 165 reviews Posted on Google Emily ConnellyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thinking about booking? Stop thinking and just do it. Our 6-day tour with We Ride Vietnam was hands down one of the best holidays we've ever had. We left the boys to tackle the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the motorbikes while the rest of us jumped in the military jeeps... and I honestly wouldn't change a thing. Top tip: if you're in the jeep, get the roof off as soon as possible and crank the tunes. Trust me. Amazing scenery, fab food, incredible local knowledge and a team that genuinely loves what they do. Hai has created something really special, and it shows in every part of the trip. We came home with sore cheeks from laughing, a camera full of memories and are already talking about when we can go back.Posted on Google Malcolm HartTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an incredible trip with mates on bikes an in jeeps for 6 days fro Hanoi to Hoi-an Hai and his team put together an incredible trip showcasing the stunning scenery and history of Vietnam. From the larger towns and busy roads through amazing winding mountain passes, Hai made each day a new adventure. The bikes ran great, are well maintained and his team with a mechanic and dedicated photographer meant that everything went to plan and the photos are a brilliant keepsake. The food is incredible and the variety of hotel and homestay accommodation was excellent. I thoroughly recommend We Ride Vietnam!! I had a brilliant time!Posted on Google Karl ThomsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This has been hands down the trip of a lifetime. You get to see the real Vietnam and the riding is amazing. The team at We Ride Vietnam take amazing care of you and the tour is very well planned. Will come back with other mates for sure.Posted on Google Sed ConsultantsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is just the best way to see the real Vietnam. Hai and his team have been awesome guides. New CRF300 bikes, great accommodation, Fantastic food and so many laughs..I can't rate this experience highly enough. I'll be back for another tour with Weride vietnam for sure.Posted on Google Ben OxenhamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We Ride Vietnam delivers the ultimate two-wheeled adventure. Founded by expert guide Hai, their flawlessly organized tours tackle everything from the rugged dirt tracks of the Ha Giang Loop to the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail. With top-tier mechanics, robust Honda bikes, exceptional homestays, and unmatched local insights, they turn a chaotic ride into a seamless, five-star journey… amazing experiencePosted on Google Lane RountreeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing trip, every part was a memorable, the food, the scenery, people, the accommodations were all great, feel like part of the “we Ride Vietnam” family by the end of the tripPosted on Google Nick bakkerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an insight into the life of Vietnam’s and Laos culture. Plenty of interesting places we went to and past through. Learnt a great deal about the Vietnam war. All accommodation was A/C thank god which made us feel rested ready for the following day to look forward to. The river crossings and bridges were a highlight including the well earned swim half way through the trails on some days. Great pace and bikes were fine. Was challenging at times and was nice change to be in the mountains with mist and drizzle on the last day. You won’t go hungry or thirsty. Had good pace with leader and sweeper very competent.Posted on Google chris carrollTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic four days custom tour north east of Hanoi guided by Duc. Every type of terrain, great experiences including home stays, and interactions with locals aided by Duc. Honda 250CFR was solid, reliable and powerful enough for all conditions. Loved it.Posted on Google Robert AppsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Returned last week from another amazing trip with Hai and his team from We Ride Vietnam. Fantastic scenery, with support, food and accommodation to match. Vietnam really is a country of contrasts and with wonderful people, and there can be no better way to experience it, than from a motorcycle. Thanks again to Hai, our guide Son, mechanic/guide Long (please accept any spelling errors with names here) and our enterprising cameraman for showing us more of their wonderful country.Posted on Google Heike AppsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing holiday through NE Vietnam on Honda CRF 250s. The We Ride Vietnam crew were professional and looked after us extremely well. The accommodation and food were all excellent. This was my 3rd trip with them. The itinerary was very interesting with something special to see each day. Overall the views were spectacular and I really enjoyed myself. I would recommend We Ride Vietnam to anyone. Heike


















