13-Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Adventure from Hanoi

Day 1 – Hanoi to Mai Chau

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Leave Hanoi and ride west as urban streets give way to farmland and the hills of Hoa Binh. The route toward Mai Chau introduces the mountain scenery at a comfortable pace, with stops to rest and adjust to the bike.

Arrive in Mai Chau Valley and settle in for the first night. If there is time, take a short walk around the local area. Accommodation and any evening activity will be confirmed before departure.

Day 2 – Mai Chau to Phu Yen

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Ride away from Mai Chau through valleys and smaller settlements toward Phu Yen. The scenery shifts between cultivated land, wooded hills and sections of winding road as you move farther from Hanoi.

Stop for lunch along the route and take breaks at suitable viewpoints. Arrive in Phu Yen with time to rest before the following day’s ride into the Son La region. Overnight in Phu Yen.

Day 3 – Phu Yen to Son La

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Continue west through hills and agricultural areas toward Son La. Your guide will choose roads suited to the group and current conditions, with regular breaks on the longer sections.

Arrive in Son La and explore the town if time allows. A visit to the Son La Prison historical site can be considered if it is open and included in the agreed itinerary. Overnight in Son La.

Day 4 – Son La to Than Uyen

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: A full riding day; final route to be confirmed

Set out early for the mountain crossing toward Than Uyen. The route passes changing valleys, upland farmland and long sections of winding road, so the group should allow time for weather and roadworks.

Stop for lunch and keep sightseeing stops selective to reach Than Uyen comfortably. The exact roads, distance and riding time need to be checked against the final route before this day is offered for booking. Overnight in Than Uyen.

Day 5 – Than Uyen to Sapa

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 3–5 hours

Ride toward the Hoang Lien mountain range and climb through the O Quy Ho Pass area. Clear weather can reveal broad views across the mountains, while mist may limit visibility and change the pace.

Arrive in Sapa and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace. Your guide can discuss a short local ride or free time according to the group’s preference. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 6 – Sapa and Surrounding Villages

Estimated distance: Flexible local riding | Riding time: Agreed with the group

Keep this day lighter after the journey across the northwest mountains. Choose a suitable local road around Sapa or take time away from the motorbike, depending on weather and the group’s energy.

Visits to villages or markets will depend on access, opening days and the wishes of local residents. Your guide will help plan stops without treating community life as a scheduled performance. Overnight in Sapa for a second night.

Day 7 – Sapa to Bac Ha

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Leave Sapa and ride toward Bac Ha through a changing mix of mountain roads, valleys and farming areas. Allow time for breaks rather than trying to cover the route quickly.

Explore Bac Ha after arrival. Its well-known market takes place on Sunday, so a market visit is possible only if the travel date and operating conditions align. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 8 – Bac Ha to Ha Giang

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: A full riding day; final route to be confirmed

Travel east toward Ha Giang through rugged mountain country. The route may pass through the Xin Man and Hoang Su Phi areas, depending on the roads selected and current conditions.

Break for lunch and allow extra time for slower mountain sections. Stop where safe and practical, then continue to the Ha Giang area for the night. Rew Rew will confirm this day’s roads and riding time before booking.

Day 9 – Ha Giang to Dong Van

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Ride north through Quan Ba and Yen Minh as green valleys give way to the limestone scenery of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. The repeated bends and changes in elevation make this a day for steady riding and frequent short breaks.

Pause at accessible viewpoints. If open and included in the confirmed itinerary, visit the Vuong family residence before arriving in Dong Van. Overnight in Dong Van.

Day 10 – Dong Van to Bao Lac via Meo Vac

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Leave Dong Van and ride through the Ma Pi Leng area toward Meo Vac. This section follows steep limestone slopes and deep valleys, requiring careful riding and flexibility if visibility is poor.

Stop at safe viewpoints when conditions permit, then break for lunch around Meo Vac. Continue on mountain roads toward Bao Lac and settle in for the evening. Overnight in Bao Lac.

Day 11 – Bao Lac to Ba Be Lake

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Follow roads from Bao Lac toward the forested hills surrounding Ba Be. Surfaces and travel times can vary, so the guide will choose a route suited to the group and leave time for rest stops.

Arrive in the Ba Be area and enjoy a quieter evening near the lake. A boat trip may be possible if timing, weather and local services allow; its inclusion and cost must be confirmed before booking. Overnight near Ba Be Lake.

Day 12 – Ba Be Lake to Hanoi

Estimated distance: To be confirmed | Riding time: Approximately 6–8 hours

Depart early for the return to Hanoi. The journey moves from the hills through smaller towns and gradually busier roads, with regular breaks during the longer final riding day.

Stop for lunch along the way and return to the agreed Hanoi drop-off point. The motorbike route ends on arrival. Rew Rew will confirm whether accommodation in Hanoi that night is part of your booking.

Day 13 – Free Time in Hanoi and Departure

Estimated distance: No scheduled motorbike ride | Riding time: None

Spend the final day at your own pace in Hanoi. There is no scheduled motorbike route, so you can rest or arrange independent sightseeing according to your onward travel plans.

Check out of your accommodation and continue your journey at a time that suits your confirmed arrangements. Airport transfers, late check-out and any additional activities must be agreed separately with Rew Rew.

Ride Behind a Local Guide

Ask Rew Rew whether an Easy Rider passenger option is available for your dates. As a passenger, you ride behind a local guide and do not need motorbike riding experience.

Ride Your Own Motorbike

Experienced riders can request a guided self-ride arrangement. Rew Rew will confirm bike availability, required documents, group arrangements and price before accepting the booking.

Self-ride is intended for experienced motorbike riders. You need a valid licence for the motorcycle you will use and driving documents recognised in Vietnam, including an International Driving Permit where applicable. Rew Rew must check your documents before confirming the booking. The bike model and any related costs will be stated in your quotation.

• The guide, motorbike, accommodation and other services explicitly listed in your confirmed Rew Rew quotation.

• Services, optional activities and personal expenses not listed as included in your confirmed quotation.

• Long trousers, a long-sleeved layer and closed shoes suitable for riding.
• Warm clothing for high mountain areas and cool evenings.
• Rain protection, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Personal medication and a refillable water bottle.
• A small bag for documents and daily essentials.
• A valid motorcycle licence and applicable driving documents if you plan to self-ride.

Do I need motorbike experience?

You need riding experience to operate your own motorbike. If an Easy Rider passenger option is available, you can travel behind a local guide without driving experience.

Can I self-ride the 13-Day Northern Vietnam Motorbike Adventure from Hanoi?

Ask Rew Rew about guided self-ride availability. Your experience, licence and applicable driving documents must be checked before a bike is confirmed.

Is Day 13 a riding day?

No. The planned motorbike route returns to Hanoi on Day 12, and Day 13 is free time before departure. Confirm whether you want this extra day included when requesting a quotation.

Can we visit the Bac Ha market?

The main Bac Ha market is held on Sunday. A visit depends on your departure date and local operating conditions.

Where will we stay?

The planned overnight areas follow the daily route, including two nights in Sapa. Rew Rew will confirm every property and whether the final Hanoi night is included before booking.

Are meals and the Ba Be boat trip included?

Check your confirmed quotation for meals and activities. Any boat trip also depends on weather, arrival time and local availability.

What happens if mountain weather is poor?

The guide may adjust roads, stops or departure times according to local conditions. Viewpoints and optional activities may be skipped when conditions are unsuitable.