Do you run the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop at fixed departure dates or on demand?

We run both. Fixed group departures are scheduled throughout the year. Private departures for groups of 2 or more can be arranged on any date. Solo riders are welcome to join any scheduled group departure. Contact us with your travel dates and we will confirm availability.

From 12 to 14 Days

Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop — 14-Day Guided Motorbike Tour from Hanoi

Ride 2,800 km through the remote mountains of northern Vietnam — Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Ta Xua, and Pu Luong — on the most comprehensive off-road motorbike tour in Southeast Asia.

All Inclusive Motorbiike Tour

Join us on an adventure through the mountains of Northern Vietnam

Ride Overview

The Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop is the ultimate northern Vietnam motorbike tour — a 14-day guided adventure that connects every major mountain region in the north into one continuous ride. Starting and finishing in Hanoi, the route sweeps northeast through Cao Bang and Ban Gioc Waterfall, climbs into the UNESCO-listed Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang, crosses to Sapa and the Hoang Lien Son mountains, then returns south through the world-famous terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, the cloud-sea plateau of Ta Xua, and the jungle valleys of Pu Luong before dropping back to Hanoi through Mai Chau.

At 2,800 km across 14 days, this is not a tour you do because it is convenient — you do it because you want the full picture. Every major landscape, every ethnic minority region, every iconic mountain road in northern Vietnam, back to back, on two wheels.

Riding Style

The Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop is a serious adventure tour for experienced riders. The route combines sealed mountain highways, hard-packed dirt tracks, technical off-road trails, and remote backcountry paths through minority villages that see almost no tourist traffic.

Expect 6 to 8 hours in the saddle each day across around 200 km. Some days push harder — particularly the runs through Ha Giang and the high northwest — and some are shorter to allow time at key destinations like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Sapa, and Mu Cang Chai. Our guides adjust the route daily based on weather, road conditions, and rider ability. The pace works for the whole group — nobody gets left behind, and nobody gets bored. Choose your bike before you book.

Tour Destinations

Hanoi –That Khe – Quang Uyen – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Ba Be – Dong Van – Ha Giang – Hoang Su Phi – Sapa – Sin Ho – Mu Cang Chai – Ta Xua – Moc Chau – Pu Luong – Mai Chau – Hanoi

Driving: 200KM per day Total: 2,800km

Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake — Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall on the Vietnam–China border, Cao Bang province national park, jungle, caves, floating villages, stilted homestay.
Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ha Giang and Hoang Su Phi — Vietnam’s most spectacular mountains, rice terraces, minority markets, backcountry trails.
Sapa and Sin Ho — high northwest, Hmong and Dao villages, mountain roads above the clouds.
Mu Cang Chai — Vietnam’s most photographed rice terraces, peak season September and October.
Ta Xua — remote highland plateau, famous sea of clouds.

Bikes and Riding Gear

We run the most modern motorbike fleet in northern Vietnam — fully maintained, mechanically checked before every departure, and backed by a support mechanic riding as sweeper every day. Honda CRF300L, CRF 250L , 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 jacket, armoured riding pants, HJC open-face helmet, rain jacket and pants, waterproof saddle bags, and bungee cords. All at no extra cost.

Tour Cost

14 to 12 days Tour Price

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. Select your bike

Motorbike	12D 11N	13D 12N	14D 13N
Honda CRF 250cc	US$ 2,340	US$ 2,535	US$ 2,730
Honda CRF 300cc	US$ 2,580	US$ 2,795	US$ 3,010
Honda XR 150cc	US$ 2,100	US$ 2,275	US$ 2,450
Yamaha PG-1	US$ 1,920	US$ 2,080	US$ 2,240
Honda CB500X	US$ 2,580	US$ 2,795	US$ 3,010

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 Details

Motorbike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to That Khe

Depart Hanoi heading northeast through the limestone hills of Lang Son province on quiet rural roads. The first day eases the group into the rhythm of a long tour — rolling countryside, local villages, and the first signs of the remote northeast. Overnight in That Khe.

Riding: ~180 km | On-road and light off-road

Day 2 — That Khe to Quang Uyen

Leave That Khe after breakfast and push deeper into Cao Bang province on backcountry tracks through Tay and Nung ethnic minority villages. The landscape shifts from lowland farmland to dramatic karst hills as you approach the Chinese border region. Overnight in Quang Uyen.

Riding: ~120 km | Mixed on-road and off-road

Day 3 — Quang Uyen to Cao Bang

Ride west through rugged karst terrain to Cao Bang town — the provincial capital and base for exploring the far northeast. The roads along the Ban Gioc valley are some of the most scenic in the whole province. Arrive in Cao Bang in the afternoon. Overnight in Cao Bang.

Riding: ~80 km | On-road

Day 4 — Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall and back

A dedicated day at one of the great natural landmarks in Southeast Asia — Ban Gioc Waterfall, a sweeping curtain of white water on the Vietnam–China border surrounded by karst peaks. Ride out in the morning, explore the falls and the border village, picnic lunch at the river, and return to Cao Bang in the afternoon. Overnight in Cao Bang.

Riding: ~120 km | Mixed on-road and light off-road

Day 5 — Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake

Leave Cao Bang early and head southwest into Bac Kan province on challenging off-road trails through jungle-clad hills. The afternoon arrival at Ba Be Lake — Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake and a national park — is one of the most rewarding moments on the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop. Overnight at a traditional stilted lakeside homestay.

Riding: ~150 km | Mixed on-road and off-road

Day 6 — Ba Be Lake to Dong Van

The biggest climbing day on the tour. Ride west out of Ba Be and push hard into Ha Giang province, ascending steadily through Bao Lac and up onto the Dong Van Karst Plateau at over 1,000 m elevation. The landscape transforms from jungle to bare rock, and the villages shift from lowland Tay to high-altitude Hmong. Overnight in Dong Van.

Riding: ~220 km | Mixed on-road and technical off-road

Day 7 — Dong Van and the Ma Pi Leng Pass to Ha Giang Town

The most iconic riding day on the entire tour. Descend from Dong Van through Meo Vac via the Ma Pi Leng Pass — the most dramatic mountain road in Vietnam, 20 km of switchbacks carved above the Nho Que River gorge. Stop at the viewpoint, ride it slowly, and take it all in. Continue to Ha Giang Town. Overnight in Ha Giang.

Riding: ~170 km | On-road mountain passes

Day 8 — Ha Giang Town to Hoang Su Phi

Head west from Ha Giang into the deep green hills of western Ha Giang province. The road to Hoang Su Phi passes through off-road trails and mountain tracks lined with La Chi and Dao villages and some of the most beautiful terraced rice scenery in northern Vietnam. September and October visits coincide with the golden harvest. Overnight in Hoang Su Phi.

Riding: ~130 km | On-road and off-road mountain tracks

Day 9 — Hoang Su Phi to Luc Yen

Ride east out of Hoang Su Phi and descend toward Yen Bai province through rural mountain landscapes and minority villages. The pace eases slightly today — a good day to find a rhythm, enjoy the road, and let the scenery unfold without rushing. Overnight in Luc Yen.

Riding: ~160 km | Mixed on-road and light off-road

Day 10 — Luc Yen to Sapa

A long climb northwest into the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and one of Vietnam’s most famous destinations. Sapa sits at 1,500 m in the shadow of Fansipan — Vietnam’s highest peak — surrounded by Hmong and Red Dao villages and sweeping valley views. Arrive in the afternoon with time to explore town. Overnight in Sapa.

Riding: ~180 km | On-road mountain roads

Day 11 — Sapa to Sin Ho

Leave the tourist trail behind. The ride from Sapa to Sin Ho drops off the main northwest highway onto remote backcountry tracks through some of the least-visited territory on the entire route. Sin Ho is a small market town at high altitude where several ethnic minority groups converge for the weekly market — raw, unhurried, and completely authentic. Overnight in Sin Ho.

Riding: ~140 km | Mixed on-road and technical off-road

Day 12 — Sin Ho to Mu Cang Chai

One of the great riding days of the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop. Descend from Sin Ho through dramatic mountain terrain into Yen Bai province and arrive at Mu Cang Chai — home to Vietnam’s most spectacular rice terrace landscape, cut into near-vertical hillsides across three valleys. If the timing is right (September–October), the terraces will be gold. Overnight in Mu Cang Chai.

Riding: ~160 km | Mixed on-road and off-road

Day 13 — Mu Cang Chai to Ta Xua

Ride south from Mu Cang Chai into Son La province and climb to the Ta Xua plateau — a remote highland ridge famous for its sea of clouds that fills the valleys below at dawn. The road up is technical and the destination is unlike anywhere else on the route. Overnight at a hillside guesthouse on Ta Xua.

Riding: ~130 km | On-road and technical off-road

Day 14 — Ta Xua to Moc Chau

Descend from Ta Xua and ride south to Moc Chau — a highland plateau known for its tea plantations, dairy farms, and cool climate. A gentler day after the demanding northwest, with good food and comfortable accommodation before the final push to Hanoi. Overnight in Moc Chau.

Riding: ~120 km | Mostly on-road

Day 15 — Moc Chau to Pu Luong

Head northeast into Thanh Hoa province and drop into the Pu Luong Nature Reserve — a stunning valley of emerald rice paddies, traditional Thai stilt houses, and hand-built water wheels. One of the most peaceful overnight stops on the tour, and a perfect contrast to the high-altitude intensity of the northwest. Overnight at a Pu Luong homestay.

Riding: ~140 km | Mixed on-road and light off-road

Day 16 — Pu Luong to Hanoi via Mai Chau

The final day. Pass through the wide, flat valley of Mai Chau — another White Thai community known for its weaving, rice wine, and easy beauty — before the last ride back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon. We ride to the garage together, unload the bikes, and transfer you back to your hotel. The Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop ends here.

Riding: ~200 km | Mostly on-road

Total distance: ~2,800 km over 14–16 days Average per day: ~175–200 km Riding style: Mixed on-road and 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.
Visit the scenic town of Sapa and the famous Cat Cat Village.
Enjoy the diverse landscapes and local hospitality in the northern regions of Vietnam.

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

Not included in the Tour Cost

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.

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.

Make a booking

Tour Map

vietnam off road loop motorbike tour | 14 day from hanoi

FAQ

How experienced do I need to be for the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop?

This is an advanced tour designed for experienced riders. At 2,800 km over 14 days with significant off-road sections through Ha Giang, Sin Ho, Ta Xua, and beyond, it demands both physical endurance and solid riding ability. You should be comfortable on dirt tracks, confident on steep descents, and able to sustain long days in the saddle. If you’ve done shorter off-road tours before and want to step up significantly, this is the logical next move. If you’re newer to off-road riding, we recommend starting with our 8-day Northeast Vietnam Border Loop first.

What is the best time of year for the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop?

September to November is the prime window. The weather is cool and clear, the rice terraces at Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi are at their gold harvest peak in September and October, and the off-road sections dry out after the summer monsoon. March to May is the second-best window — fresh green landscapes and mild temperatures before the summer heat builds. We run this tour year-round, but June to August brings monsoon rain that can make technical sections significantly harder and more unpredictable.

What motorbikes are available on the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop?

We offer five bikes on this tour, all fully maintained with daily mechanical checks:

Yamaha PG-1 — lightweight and nimble, ideal for smaller riders on tight mountain tracks. From $1,920 for 12 days
Honda XR 150cc — reliable trail bike with strong off-road capability. From $2,100 for 12 days
Honda CRF 250cc — our most popular choice, handles everything this route throws at it. From $2,340 for 12 days
Honda CRF 300cc — maximum power and suspension travel for bigger riders and technical terrain. From $2,580 for 12 days
Honda CB500X — mid-size adventure tourer for riders who prefer tarmac. From $2,580 for 12 days

A support mechanic rides as sweeper every day. All bikes come with full riding gear at no extra cost.

What is included in the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop tour price?

Everything is included: your choice of motorbike, English-speaking ride guide, support mechanic, all accommodation in homestays and hotels on twin share, all meals and soft drinks, fuel, full riding gear (armoured jacket, riding pants, HJC helmet, rain gear), waterproof saddle bags, all permits, tolls, and entrance fees, plus 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.

How many days is the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop?

The tour runs as a 12-day/11-night, 13-day/12-night, or 14-day/13-night itinerary depending on your schedule and how much time you want at key destinations. The 14-day version is the most complete — it includes a dedicated day at Ban Gioc Waterfall and more time in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. The 12-day version keeps the pace tighter. All versions cover the full route from Hanoi and back. Contact us to discuss which length suits you best.

Is the Grand North Vietnam Off-Road Loop suitable for solo travellers?

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 price. Get in touch and we can match you with an upcoming departure that has space, which avoids the solo supplement entirely.

What should I pack for a 14-day motorbike tour in northern Vietnam?

We provide all riding gear so you only need personal clothing and essentials. Pack lightweight quick-dry riding shirts and trousers, a warm mid-layer for mountain evenings (temperatures drop sharply above 1,000 m, especially September to March), sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medications, your passport and motorcycle licence, and casual clothes for evenings. A small daypack for camera and valuables on the bike is useful. Everything fits in the waterproof saddle bags we supply. Full packing list sent at booking.

Do you run this tour at fixed departure dates or on demand?

We run both. Fixed group departures are scheduled throughout the year — check our Join a Group page for upcoming dates. Private departures for groups of 2 or more can be arranged on any date that suits you. Solo riders are welcome to join any scheduled group departure. Contact us with your travel dates and we’ll confirm what’s available.

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   Based on 167 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Bijith Tg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend We Ride! One of the things I really appreciated was how flexible and accommodating they are. They were able to customize the tour based on exactly what we wanted, rather than trying to fit us into a standard itinerary. They have also been extremely responsive throughout the planning process. Every question we had was answered clearly and promptly, which made it much easier for us to plan everything in advance and feel confident about the trip. Great communication, flexibility, and a genuine willingness to work with you to create the experience you’re looking for. Really appreciate all their help!
  
 
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   David Connelly 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a trip! Don't hesitate to book with We Ride Vietnam. Hai and his team are consummate professionals, with lot's of Vietnamese flavour. You're going to fall-in-mate-love with Mr. Long (Dragon-Man) who is lead support, what a legend. The team are VERY Aussie/Kiwi friendly. You're in great hands. Heaps of support, good equipment, extremely well organised, and seriously no hassles. I went in with a bit of trepidation and came out with nothing but awe. You're going to looked after exactly how you expect to be, and given the freedom to experience everything that the Vietnamese culture has to offer, in a very safe way. All you have to do is follow Hai's lead, simply do what he says. We rode the 6-day Ho Chi Minh trail tour with 16 of us (4 riders + 12 in jeeps + support crew), and it has created a life time of memories for us all. Must do - stop mucking around and book it.
  
 
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   Emily Connelly 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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.
  
 
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   Malcolm Hart 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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!
  
 
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   Karl Thomson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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.
  
 
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   Sed Consultants 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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.
  
 
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   Ben Oxenham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 experience
  
 
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   Lane Rountree 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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 trip
  
 
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   Nick bakker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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.
  
 
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   chris carroll 
 
 
 
 Trustindex 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.