FULL NORTH LOOP & HALONG BAY

16 days / 15 nights of Full North Vietnam.

The Full North Vietnam motorbike tour is an unforgettable 16-day, 15-night motorcycle expedition designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Northern Vietnam. This long-distance adventure takes you deep into the country’s most spectacular mountain regions, remote countryside, ethnic minority villages, and scenic backroads.

We first skirt along the remote borders with Laos and China, riding through dramatic mountain landscapes and some of the most fascinating areas of Northern Vietnam. From the highlands, we gradually make our way toward the coast before heading down to the spectacular Halong Bay area. Along the way, you will experience winding mountain passes, hidden dirt roads, traditional villages, rice terraces, limestone landscapes, and the everyday life of people living far from the major tourist centers.

This is certainly a long Vietnam motorbike tour, but the length is what makes it so special. With 16 days on the road, you have enough time to explore much more of Northern Vietnam instead of rushing from one destination to another. If you want to experience the ultimate Northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure, the Full North Loop is one of the most comprehensive ways to do it.

Below is a video clip featuring some portions of this Full North Vietnam motorbike expedition. If you would like to see more riding footage, explore our previous adventures, and get inspiration for your own trip, please check out our YouTube channel.

FULL NORTH LOOP DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau. (~200 km, ~6h)

Today is the first day of our 16-day Full North Vietnam motorbike tour. Before leaving Hanoi, we will have a short safety briefing to explain the basic riding rules and important information for the journey ahead. Your guide will also demonstrate how to understand his signals and body language while riding, which makes communication on the road much easier. We leave Hanoi at around 9:30 am, after the morning rush hour, to make our departure safer and more comfortable.

Once we escape the busy city and cross the Red River Delta, the scenery quickly changes. The delta is filled with traditional farming activity, villages, rice fields, and everyday rural life. We then ride through an impressive landscape of towering limestone monoliths before entering the foothills inhabited by the Muong people.

From here, we head toward the main mountain range before climbing through a beautiful, forested mountain pass. The road eventually descends into the peaceful and hidden Mai Chau Valley, surrounded by green mountains and traditional villages. Tonight, we stay with local friends in a traditional Thai stilt house, allowing you to experience the hospitality and culture of the Thai people. It is a wonderful first night on this Northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Son La. (~185 km, ~9h)

After breakfast, we leave Mai Chau and continue deeper into the Northern Vietnam mountains. The route follows good roads with beautiful views over distant peaks before climbing gradually into a forested region inhabited by H’mong communities. The landscape becomes increasingly mountainous as we ride toward the spectacular Moc Chau Plateau.

Moc Chau is famous for its cool climate, rolling hills, tea plantations, and beautiful countryside. After crossing the plateau, we descend toward a long and fertile valley where the landscape opens into a sea of green rice fields surrounded by traditional Black Thai villages.

We continue riding through this scenic valley toward Son La, taking time to enjoy the changing landscapes and local life along the route. Son La is an important town in the Northwest and is known for its lively local market, where you can browse for interesting local products and experience everyday Vietnamese life away from the main tourist routes. Tonight, we stay in a hotel in Son La and prepare for another day of riding deeper into Northern Vietnam.

Motorbike Vietnam Tours - Full North Loop: Son La dirt track by Honda CRF250L.

Day 3: Son La – Muong Lay. (~200 km, ~10h)

Today is one of the most spectacular riding days of our 16-day Full North Vietnam motorbike tour. The route takes us across around 15 mountain passes, with each pass revealing another breathtaking view of the remote Northwest. This is arguably one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Full North Loop, with dramatic mountains, deep valleys, winding roads, and isolated villages along the way.

The road conditions can be challenging in places, particularly because of ongoing hydroelectric plant construction, but this only adds to the sense of adventure. We gradually make our way toward Muong Lay, riding through a wild and remarkably scenic part of Northern Vietnam that remains far from the usual tourist routes.

This region has also undergone major changes because of the construction of the hydroelectric project. The former town of Lai Chau was relocated to higher ground, while the old town disappeared beneath the reservoir waters. Along the route, you can see how the landscape and local communities have been transformed by this enormous project.

After a long but rewarding day of mountain motorbiking in Northern Vietnam, we arrive in Muong Lay and check into a local hotel for the night.

Day 4: Boating on the Black River. (~6h boating)

Today we take a break from the motorcycles and explore the spectacular waterways around Muong Lay. The town is located near the meeting point of the Da River (Black River) and the Nam Na River, making it an ideal base for exploring this remote and beautiful region by boat.

We head downstream by boat, traveling through a wild landscape of steep mountains, forested hills, and isolated villages that are difficult to reach by road. This gives us a unique opportunity to meet local people living in remote communities and see another side of life in Northwest Vietnam.

We propose a relaxed picnic on the river so you can enjoy a complete day away from the motorcycle. After several demanding days of riding, this is the perfect opportunity to slow down, take photographs, enjoy the scenery, and discover this relatively untouched corner of Northern Vietnam.

The combination of mountain motorcycling and river exploration makes this a memorable part of the Full North expedition. After spending the day on the water, we return to Muong Lay and prepare for the next stage of our Northern Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

Day 5: Muong Lay – Lai Chau. (~120 km, ~6h)

Today takes us into the most demanding and remote section of the Full North Vietnam motorbike tour. We ride upstream along the left side of a tributary of the Black River, following a bumpy dirt road through dense forest and some of the most isolated countryside in Northwest Vietnam.

The route passes through scattered communities of Tay, Thai, H’mong, and Dao people, where traditional ways of life continue far away from the main tourist routes. The rough road and remote terrain make this a genuine Northern Vietnam off-road motorcycle adventure, with plenty of opportunities to experience the wild side of the region.

After climbing through a mountain pass, we finally enter the Tam Duong Plain, where the landscape opens dramatically. The valley is surrounded by striking limestone formations resembling shark’s teeth, creating one of the most impressive geological landscapes of the Northwest. After this challenging but rewarding ride, we arrive in Lai Chau and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 6: Lai Chau – Sapa. (~100 km, ~4h)

We start the morning with a visit to a local market in Lai Chau, where you can see the colorful daily life of the surrounding mountain communities. The area is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Black H’mong and Dao, whose traditional clothing adds vibrant colors to the market and surrounding villages.

At around 10:00 am, we set off toward Sapa on a beautiful mountain road. We take the ride at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and experience the winding, sometimes bumpy road. The landscape becomes increasingly spectacular as we climb higher into the mountains.

Just before reaching Sapa, we cross Tram Ton Pass, one of the most spectacular places in the Northwest Vietnam mountain region. The pass offers dramatic views across the surrounding peaks and valleys and is a highlight of this section of the Full North motorcycle adventure. After approximately 100 km of riding, we arrive in Sapa and stay overnight in a hotel.

Motorbike Vietnam Adventure Tours - Full North Loop: Sapa by motorbike Honda XR250.

Day 7: Sapa – Bac Ha. (~120 km, ~4h)

After breakfast, we leave Sapa and begin a scenic ride toward Bac Ha, one of the most fascinating mountain areas in Northern Vietnam. The journey takes around three to four hours, depending on road conditions and the number of stops we make along the way.

We first descend from Sapa toward Lao Cai, following the mountain roads through spectacular valleys and changing landscapes. From Lao Cai, we turn toward Bac Ha and climb back into the mountains. The scenery becomes increasingly impressive, with winding roads, green valleys, terraced fields, and remote villages along the route. This is a beautiful section of the Full North Vietnam motorbike tour and a great opportunity to enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace.

After arriving in Bac Ha, we check into our hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we leave the motorcycles behind for a while and take a trek to Lung Phinh village, giving us a closer look at local mountain life and the traditional communities of the region.

After the trek, we return to Bac Ha for a relaxing evening and stay overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 8: Bac Ha – Market – Bac Ha. (~120 km, ~5h)

Today is dedicated to the famous Bac Ha Sunday Market, one of the most colorful and lively markets in Northern Vietnam. The market brings together local ethnic minority communities from the surrounding mountains, including the Flower H’mong, creating a spectacular display of traditional clothing, local produce, livestock, food, and everyday mountain life.

The atmosphere in the morning can be wonderfully energetic, with people arriving from surrounding villages and the market quickly turning into a riot of color and activity. It is a fantastic place for photography and for experiencing a side of Northern Vietnam that is very different from the major tourist destinations.

However, by around 10:00 – 11:00 am, the market becomes increasingly crowded as large numbers of visitors arrive. Rather than staying in the busiest period, we leave the crowds behind and continue exploring the surrounding countryside by motorcycle.

The afternoon ride around Bac Ha takes us onto quieter roads and through beautiful mountain landscapes, allowing us to experience the area beyond the famous Sunday market. We return to Bac Ha after approximately 120 km of riding and spend another night here, ready for the next stage of our Full North Vietnam motorcycle adventure.

Day 9: Bac Ha – Luc Yen – Vu Linh. (~150 km, ~5h)

We begin the day with a relaxed stroll around Bac Ha, taking the opportunity to meet local people and discover some of the many ethnic minority villages scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. After exploring the area, we get back on the motorcycles and head toward Thac Ba Lake, one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Northern Vietnam.

The road from Bac Ha to Luc Yen is relatively easy, with a sealed surface all the way and beautiful countryside views along the route. After Luc Yen, the character of the ride changes as we leave the main road and follow a small dirt track bordered by palm trees, winding through a spectacular limestone karst landscape.

Eventually, we reach Vu Linh, a traditional village inhabited by the Dao people. Here we leave the road behind and stay with friends in a local family home. The Dao homestay experience is one of the highlights of this section of the Full North Loop, with an exceptionally warm welcome, local food, and a chance to experience traditional village life firsthand.

Day 10: Vu Linh – Ba Be. (~250 km, ~7h)

Today is a relatively long but generally easy riding day as we travel approximately 250 km from Vu Linh to Ba Be. Because of the distance, an early departure is recommended, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the journey without rushing.

The route takes us through the beautiful countryside of Northern Vietnam, with a mixture of paved roads, rural landscapes, small towns, and mountain scenery. Although today’s riding is longer than some previous stages, the roads are generally straightforward, making it a good opportunity to cover some distance while continuing toward Ba Be National Park.

We recommend arriving in Ba Be on Day 10 so that you can enjoy a full day exploring the area on the following day. However, there is no need to push yourself if you feel tired after the long ride. If you prefer a shorter day, we can stop approximately 50 km before Ba Be at Na Khan, a village inhabited by the Tay people.

This flexible approach is typical of our Full North Vietnam motorbike adventure: the itinerary provides a framework, but the pace can be adjusted according to the group’s energy, weather, road conditions, and interests.

Motorbike Vietnam Adventure Tours - Full North Loop: Ba Be baot cruise with motorbike on the boat.

Day 11: Ba Be

Today is a relaxing day away from the motorcycle as we explore the beautiful waterways and countryside of Ba Be National Park. We take an easy boat trip across Ba Be Lake and along the river, surrounded by forested mountains, limestone cliffs, and peaceful rural scenery. If today happens to be market day, we can also visit the local market and experience the lively atmosphere of this remote mountain community.

After boating, we continue exploring the area and stop at a beautiful waterfall, where there is an opportunity for a refreshing swim. After following the waterfall downstream, we can visit a nearby local village and a small village school. During the summer months, the school may have only a few pupils, making this a particularly interesting glimpse into everyday life in rural Northern Vietnam.

Later, we return to Pac Ngoi Village, where we stay with our host family in a traditional Tay stilt house. This peaceful homestay offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy local food, meet the villagers, and experience the traditional lifestyle around Ba Be Lake.

Day 12: Ba Be – Quang Uyen. (~170 km, ~8h)

Today we leave Ba Be and continue our Full North Vietnam motorbike adventure toward Cao Bang Province. The ride takes us through spectacular mountain scenery, with several passes offering elevated views over the surrounding valleys and countryside.

The roads are generally easy to ride, but there are many winding curves, making this a fun and scenic section for experienced motorcycle riders. We take our time and stop frequently for photographs, drinks, and food while enjoying the panoramic views along Highway 4. With regular stops and time to appreciate the scenery, expect the journey to take around 8 hours in total.

After reaching the main area around Cao Bang, we ride for approximately another hour to reach Quang Uyen, a beautiful rural village surrounded by mountains and valleys. This area is traditionally associated with the Nung An people and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture away from the main tourist routes.

Tonight, we stay at the home of our local friends, enjoying a traditional homestay and the warm hospitality of the local community. It is another memorable evening in the remote countryside of Northern Vietnam before we continue deeper into the Northeast.

Day 13: Quang Uyen (options). (~100 km, ~2h) or (~30 km, ~1h)

Today offers two different ways to explore the spectacular countryside around Quang Uyen. You can choose between visiting the famous Ban Gioc Waterfalls or discovering the little-known Na Tau area by raft and motorcycle.

Option 1: Ban Gioc Waterfalls

With permission from the local border authorities, we ride through some of the most spectacular scenery in Northeast Vietnam toward the famous Ban Gioc Waterfalls, widely regarded as one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. The route itself is an attraction, with dramatic limestone mountains, winding roads, green valleys, and traditional villages along the way.

When weather and local conditions permit, there may be an opportunity to swim near the base of the falls, where the water drops dramatically into the river below. The waterfall is located in a sensitive border region between Vietnam and China, so local regulations and access conditions must always be respected. Despite the sensitive location, visitors often encounter friendly and helpful local border officers.

Option 2: Na Tau Adventure

For riders looking for something more remote and off the beaten track, we can explore Na Tau, a little-known area only about 15 km from Quang Uyen. This is a wild and beautiful corner of Northeast Vietnam, with rivers, waterfalls, forests, and rugged countryside.

We combine motorbiking and rafting to explore the area, making this a more adventurous alternative to the Ban Gioc route. Because the area is relatively unknown to international travelers, the experience feels much more authentic and personal. Your local host can act as your guide, helping you discover the hidden trails, waterways, and villages around Na Tau.

Day 14: Quang Uyen – Mau Son. (~180 km, ~6h)

We leave Quang Uyen and continue our Full North Vietnam motorcycle expedition toward Lang Son, following the historic Highway 4 through the spectacular mountains of Northeast Vietnam. This is an impressive riding route, with winding roads, steep limestone mountains, deep valleys, and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.

After reaching Lang Son, we continue toward the Chinese border and climb into the mountains toward Mau Son. Located approximately 30 km from Lang Son and rising to around 1,541 meters above sea level, Mau Son has a noticeably cooler climate than the lowlands. The temperature can drop considerably in the evening, so bring a warm layer if you are visiting during the cooler months.

Tonight, we stay in the guesthouse at Mau Son Resort. Accommodation here is relatively basic because Mau Son remains primarily a destination for local Vietnamese visitors rather than international tourists.

Mau Son was originally developed as a hill station by the French, and remnants of the old colonial villas can still be found among the mountains. Many of these historic buildings fell into disrepair over the years, although restoration and development work has taken place. Today, Mau Son offers a fascinating combination of mountain scenery, colonial history, cool weather, and remote roads, making it a fitting stop on our Full North adventure.

Motorbike Vietnam Adventure Tours - Full North Loop: Motorbike Vietnam Halong Bay cruise by a junk boat.

Day 15: Mau Son – Halong City. (~180 km, ~7h)

Today we leave the cool mountain air of Mau Son and begin the final stage toward the coast and Halong City. It is a relatively long riding day of around 180 km, taking approximately seven hours depending on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.

For much of the journey, we follow secondary roads through the northeastern countryside, passing through areas known for their extensive coal mining activity. The scenery gradually changes as we leave the mountains behind and approach the more industrial and densely populated areas near Halong.

Traffic can become considerably busier on this section, particularly with coal trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles using the roads. Our experienced guide will choose smaller roads and alternative routes whenever practical to reduce our exposure to the heaviest traffic and make the ride more enjoyable.

Although this is not the most remote section of the Full North Vietnam motorcycle tour, it is an important transition from the mountains to the coast. After several weeks of riding through remote northern landscapes, reaching Halong City marks the beginning of the final chapter of our adventure.

Day 16: Halong – Hanoi. (~180 km, ~4h) End of Full North loop by motorbike.

Our final day begins with a boat trip through Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural landscapes. We leave the motorcycles behind and take to the water, cruising among the thousands of dramatic limestone karst islands and towering cliffs rising from the emerald sea.

During the cruise, we visit the spectacular Thien Cung Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. We then continue through the karst formations toward a traditional fishing village, offering a glimpse into the lives of communities that have traditionally depended on the waters of Halong Bay.

We enjoy lunch on the boat while cruising through this extraordinary landscape before returning to Halong City. From there, we take the bus back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.

This marks the end of our 16-day Full North Vietnam motorbike expedition. From Hanoi, we have traveled through remote mountain regions along the borders with Laos and China, explored ethnic minority villages, ridden challenging dirt tracks and spectacular mountain passes, visited Ba Be and Ban Gioc, and finally reached the limestone islands of Halong Bay.

End of the 16 Days Full North Vietnam Loop. An unforgettable journey across the mountains, backroads, villages, rivers, and landscapes of Northern Vietnam.