6-Day Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Loop from Hanoi

Day 1 – Hanoi to Ba Be

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

Leave Hanoi early as the busy streets give way to smaller towns, farmland and the hills of northern Vietnam. This is a longer riding day, so the route includes regular breaks before the final approach to Ba Be.

Arrive in the Ba Be area and settle in near the lake. If the group arrives with enough time, a boat trip may be possible, subject to weather and local availability. Overnight near Ba Be Lake.

Day 2 – Ba Be to Bao Lac

Estimated distance: Approximately 150 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Leave the lake behind and follow winding roads through valleys, forested hills and scattered settlements. The landscape grows more rugged as you approach Bao Lac, with time for breaks and photographs along the way.

Stop for lunch on the route and learn about daily life in the region through your guide. Visits to local communities depend on access and the wishes of residents. Arrive in Bao Lac for the night.

Day 3 – Bao Lac to Dong Van via Meo Vac

Estimated distance: Approximately 120 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Ride toward Meo Vac and continue through the Ma Pi Leng area to Dong Van. Limestone mountains and steep valleys make this a striking section of the loop, while the narrow bends call for a steady riding pace.

Pause at accessible viewpoints if visibility and road conditions allow. Continue to Dong Van, where you can walk around town after arriving. Overnight in Dong Van.

Day 4 – Dong Van to Ha Giang via Yen Minh and Quan Ba

Estimated distance: Approximately 140 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Travel south across the Dong Van Karst Plateau, then continue through Yen Minh and Quan Ba toward Ha Giang. Bare limestone gradually gives way to greener valleys and cultivated hillsides.

Take a lunch break along the route and stop at suitable viewpoints near Quan Ba when conditions permit. Arrive in the Ha Giang area later in the day and settle in for the night.

Day 5 – Ha Giang to Vu Linh and Thac Ba Lake

Estimated distance: Approximately 180 km | Riding time: Approximately 5–7 hours

Leave the higher mountains and follow roads through agricultural areas toward the Red River valley. The scenery opens into fields, smaller villages and waterways as you approach Thac Ba Lake.

Arrive near Vu Linh for the final overnight stop. A boat trip on the lake may be arranged if time, weather and local services allow; Rew Rew will confirm availability and cost before booking.

Day 6 – Vu Linh to Hanoi

Estimated distance: Approximately 160 km | Riding time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Ride south through villages and farmland on the last leg of the loop. Take breaks along the way before the roads become busier near Hanoi.

Stop for lunch on the route and return to the city later in the day. The arrival time depends on traffic, road conditions and the agreed drop-off point, so leave enough time before any onward travel.

Ride Behind a Local Guide

Ask Rew Rew whether an Easy Rider passenger option is available for your dates. As a passenger, you travel behind a local rider 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 specified in your quotation.

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

• Services, 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 cool mountain mornings and evenings.
• Rain protection, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Personal medication and a refillable water bottle.
• A small bag for items needed during the riding day.
• 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 ride behind a local guide without driving experience.

Can I ride my own motorbike on this tour?

Ask Rew Rew about guided self-ride availability for your travel dates. Your riding experience, licence and applicable driving documents must be checked before the bike is confirmed.

How much riding is involved each day?

Expect several hours of riding most days. Actual times depend on the chosen roads, breaks, weather and traffic.

Where will we stay?

The planned overnight areas are Ba Be, Bao Lac, Dong Van, Ha Giang and Vu Linh. Rew Rew will confirm the properties and room arrangements in your quotation.

Are meals and boat trips included?

Check the inclusions in your Rew Rew quotation. Boat trips also depend on weather, arrival time and local availability.

What happens to my luggage?

Rew Rew will confirm luggage arrangements once your group size and riding style are known. Keep medication, documents and daily essentials in a small bag.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The guide may adjust roads, stops or departure times according to local conditions. Viewpoints and boat trips may be unavailable in poor weather.