Northern Vietnam Border Loop Motorbike Tour 7-8 days Cost
All prices are per person all inclusive, twin share and are in US Dollars$
A deposit of $300.00 per person is required to secure your booking, final payment in full must be made before tour departure.
Join us for an adventure of a lifetime, All prices are all-inclusive.
| Motorbike | 7D 6N | 8D 7N |
|---|---|---|
| Honda XR 150cc | US$ 1,225 | US$ 1,400 |
| Honda CRF 250cc | US$ 1,365 | US$ 1,560 |
| Honda CRF 300cc | US$ 1,505 | US$ 1,720 |
| Honda CB500X | US$ 1,505 | US$ 1,720 |
| Yahama PG-1 | US$ 1,120 | US$ 1,280 |
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
Northeast Vietnam Border Loop — 8-Day Motorbike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 — Hanoi to That Khe
Depart Hanoi heading northeast through the limestone hills of Lang Son province. The first day eases you into the rhythm of the tour — quiet rural roads, local villages, and the first taste of the remote northeast. Overnight in That Khe.
Riding: ~180 km | On-road and light off-road
Day 2 — That Khe to Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ride deeper into Cao Bang province on backcountry tracks through Tay and Nung ethnic minority villages. The day builds to one of the great reveals in northern Vietnam — Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia on the Vietnam–China border. Overnight near the falls.
Riding: ~120 km | Mixed on-road and off-road
Day 3 — Ban Gioc Waterfall to Ba Be Lake
Leave the border behind and ride southwest through the karst hills of Cao Bang into Bac Kan province. The afternoon arrival at Ba Be Lake — Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake and a designated national park — is one of the most rewarding moments on the entire Northeast Vietnam Border Loop. Overnight at a traditional stilted lakeside homestay.
Riding: ~150 km | Mostly on-road with scenic off-road sections
Day 4 — Ba Be Lake to Dong Van via Bao Lac
The longest and most demanding day on the tour. Ride west out of Ba Be into the high mountains of Ha Giang province, climbing steadily through Bao Lac and up onto the Dong Van Karst Plateau — a UNESCO Global Geopark at over 1,000 metres elevation. Hmong and Dao villages line the route as the landscape shifts from jungle to bare rock. Overnight in Dong Van.
Riding: ~220 km | Mixed on-road and technical off-road
Day 5 — Dong Van and the Ma Pi Leng Pass to Ha Giang Town
The most iconic riding day on the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop. The route descends from Dong Van through Meo Vac via the Ma Pi Leng Pass — widely considered the most dramatic mountain road in Vietnam, with 20 km of switchbacks carved above the Nho Que River gorge. Stop at the viewpoint, take your time, and ride it twice if you can. Continue to Ha Giang Town. Overnight in Ha Giang.
Riding: ~170 km | On-road mountain passes
Day 6 — Ha Giang Town to Hoang Su Phi
Leave the karst plateau behind and ride west into the deep green hills of western Ha Giang province. The road to Hoang Su Phi winds through some of the most beautiful terraced rice field scenery in northern Vietnam — carved into the mountainsides over centuries by the La Chi and Dao people. September and October visits coincide with the golden harvest season. Overnight in Hoang Su Phi.
Riding: ~130 km | On-road and off-road mountain tracks
Day 7 — Hoang Su Phi to Thac Ba Lake
A full morning exploring the mountain villages and weekly markets around Hoang Su Phi before riding east toward Yen Bai province. The day ends at Thac Ba Lake — a vast reservoir of forested islands in the hills above the Red River Valley. Board a boat to your lakeside homestay for the final night of the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop.
Riding: ~160 km | Mixed on-road and off-road
Day 8 — Thac Ba Lake to Hanoi
The final ride of the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop. Depart Thac Ba after breakfast and head south 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 in the city. The road ends here — until the next one.
Riding: ~180 km | Mostly on-road
Total distance: ~1,600 km over 8 days Average per day: ~200 km Riding style: Mixed on-road and off-roadDeparts: 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.
- Visit the scenic lakeside on Thac Ba.
- Ride back to Hanoi on the last day to Hanoi.
There is a lot to discover on the road, from waterfalls, national parks, and hill-tribes and the clothes to the market and daily life. We pass through Cao Bang and Ha Giang Provinces and areas that are populated by Tay, Nung, Mong, and Dao people, you will see the color mixing of people of minority groups in full color at weekly markets on our Northeast Vietnam motorbike tour.
On tour, the accommodation is a mix of village Homestay where we eat with our host, and sleep in houses on stilts, hotels with AC, WIFI, and hot showers.
Meals on tours take the best of local cuisine and picnics in the hills, we take of coffee in the morning to afternoon refreshments and great local dinners.
Northern Vietnam Border Loop Motorbike Tour 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.
Ha Giang Off-Road Motorbike Tour Make a Booking
Northern Vietnam Border Loop Motorbike Tour Map
FAQ
Do I need a motorcycle licence to join the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop?
Yes, a valid motorcycle licence from your home country is required to ride on our tours. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not legally mandatory in Vietnam — however, we strongly advise carrying one alongside your national licence. If you do not hold a licence, we can arrange a passenger seat in our support vehicle or on the back of a guide’s bike for certain sections. Contact us before booking to discuss your options.
What is the best time of year to ride the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop?
The best months to ride the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop are September to November and March to May. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, clear skies, and the golden rice harvest season across Ha Giang and Cao Bang — some of the most photogenic riding conditions in northern Vietnam. Spring offers fresh green landscapes and mild weather before the summer rains arrive. We run tours year-round, but June to August brings heavy monsoon rain which turns some off-road sections into challenging mud tracks — great for experienced adventure riders, but worth knowing in advance.
Is the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop suitable for beginner riders?
This tour is best suited to intermediate and experienced riders. The route covers around 1,600 km over 8 days and includes a mix of sealed mountain roads and off-road dirt tracks. Some passes are steep and technical, particularly around Dong Van and Meo Vac in Ha Giang province. That said, our guides adjust the route daily based on rider ability and conditions — so if you’re a confident road rider but new to off-road, we’ll keep you on more manageable tracks. If you’re completely new to motorcycles, we recommend starting with our shorter Hanoi Countryside Day Tour to build confidence first.
Q4: What motorbikes are available on the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop?
We offer five bikes on this tour, all well-maintained and fully equipped with luggage bags and riding gear:
- Yamaha PG-1 — lightweight and agile, ideal for smaller riders or those who prefer a lighter bike on dirt tracks
- Honda XR 150cc — a reliable trail bike, great for off-road sections and narrow mountain paths
- Honda CRF 250cc — our most popular choice, a capable dual-sport that handles everything the route throws at it
- Honda CRF 300cc — more power for bigger riders or those who want extra confidence on steep climbs
- Honda CB500X — a mid-size adventure bike, best for riders who prefer a more road-oriented ride
All bikes come with a full tank, daily mechanical checks, and a support mechanic who rides as sweeper at the back of the group.
What is included in the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop tour price?
The tour price is fully all-inclusive. Here’s what’s covered:
- Your choice of motorbike for the full 8 days
- English-speaking ride guide and support mechanic
- All accommodation — a mix of local homestays and hotels with twin share rooms
- All meals, water, and soft drinks throughout the tour
- Fuel and oil for your bike
- Full riding gear: armoured jacket, riding pants, HJC open-face helmet, rain gear
- Waterproof saddle bags and bungee cords
- All permits, tolls, and entrance fees
- A free souvenir T-shirt and route map
Not included: personal expenses, beer and alcohol, personal travel insurance, and any damage to the motorbike. A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your booking.
How fit do I need to be for the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop?
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of physical fitness makes the experience much more enjoyable. Days on the bike run roughly 6–8 hours including stops, and some off-road sections require active riding — standing on the pegs, balancing on loose gravel, or navigating rutted tracks. If you have any injuries, back problems, or health conditions, let us know before booking and we’ll advise honestly on whether the route is right for you. We ride at a pace that works for the whole group — nobody gets left behind.
What should I pack for the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop?
We provide all riding gear, so you only need to pack personal clothing and essentials. The key things to bring:
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and trousers for riding (quick-dry fabric is ideal)
- Warm layer for evenings — mountain temperatures in
- nort
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- Vietnam drop significantly after dark, especially September to March
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
- Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Passport and motorcycle licence
- A small daypack for cameras and valuables during riding
- Casual clothes for evenings at homestays and guesthouses
- Everything fits in the waterproof saddle bags we provide. Full packing list available — just ask when you book.
Can I join the Northeast Vietnam Border Loop as a solo traveller?
Absolutely — solo riders are welcome and join our group departures throughout the year. Our tours run with groups of 2 to 15 riders, so there’s always good company on the road. Solo bookings carry a 50% supplement on the published tour price, which covers the additional guide and logistics cost of running a single-rider departure. If you’d prefer to wait and join an existing group to avoid the solo supplement, get in touch and we’ll match you with upcoming departures that have space. Many of our best trips have been solo travellers who ended up riding with a great group.