Motorcycling in the Mountain Mist of Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a striking mix of dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted tradition. Misty limestone mountains, terraced rice fields, and winding passes dominate areas like Ha Giang and Sapa, while the Red River Delta and Hanoi reflect centuries of history and culture. Ethnic minority villages, cool highland air, and a slower rural rhythm contrast with the bustle of the capital, giving the region a rugged yet poetic feel.

It’s when you're relaxing with a Vietnamese coffee in front of you at a café table on a tree-lined street in the Old Quarter of Hanoi that you first start to drink in this intoxicating country. From your perch, a kaleidoscope of street life plays out like a film. Hundreds of bicycles create a tangle of colour in the narrow intersection, 3-wheeled cyclos, the front seat laden with tourists squeeze through any gaps. Ladies in traditional Vietnamese straw hats balance loads of bananas on their bike racks and handlebars, hunting for their next customer. The facades of fading French Colonial houses adorned with hundreds of small Vietnamese flags create a theatrical backdrop you will sit still, sipping and observing for hours and drink in the beginning of the magnificent experience that awaits you.

Our 12-day circuit through the country’s dramatic north starts and ends on the poetically beautiful city of Hanoi. From there, day after day winds us through the awe-inspiring Annamite Mountain Range and the world renowned Ha Giang Loop. Day after day, the scenery and people of this awe-inspiring country will unfold mountain passes, remote ferry crossings, charming villages, world class cuisine and some of the best motorcycling roads on the planet.

Our adventure starts and ends in the captivating capitol city of Hanoi. The pulsating, lush and intensely photogenic city will charm you with its endless cafes, tree-lined boulevards and serene lakes and parks. After meeting at our elegant Parisan-style hotel in the Old Quarter, we will drink in the city's cultural offerings wit a local guide. Here, we will also get our first crack at the bikes for a short orientation ride and enjoy the first of many of the meals Vietnam is so famous for.

After clearing Ha Noi city limits, we'll hit hills, forests and farmland with great places to pull over for rest stops along the way. After hours of lush green countryside, we'll reach beautiful hotel situated on a hillside. A morning Boat ride on the lake will be a great way to start the day.

The second day is a shorter distance but may take a bit longer due to the glorious twisties. All around, the landscape of endless jagged limestone peaks create an otherworldly and beautiful scene. As we move between the mountain peaks, shouts of ‘hello!’ coming from children along our route, the sun paints the terrain in beautiful colour. We arrive at our hotel in the centre of Meo Vac in time for a great meal at a local restaurant.

This stage delights us with some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer. Jagged, tree-covered mountains, 500 meter gorges, and roads etched on cliff sides surround us. There are few motorcycle rides like th Ha Giang Loop and on this day, you will make memories to last your lifetime. Our stunning retreat resort in the forest outside of town will soothe you and allow reflection on a glorious day.

Another sublime day of riding awaits! Rolling hills, long sweepers, well maintained roads lined with banana trees, charming Hmong villages, lots of kids shouting 'hello!' when we ride through. We'll make frequent stop to grab coffee, fruits and interact with the local people.

We stop on a hillside overlooking a valley and a mountain range. Along the ridge runs a fence demarcating Chinese border. We stop for lunch in the town of Lao Cai. Enjoy a coffee in a tree-shaded cafe along the river that looks across to the town of Hekouzhen in China. From there, we wind through forest and hillside on perfect roads as we look across valleys to mountainous, multi-coloured terraced rice fields. During the last hour, we climb in elevation by 1,000 meters to 1,400 and arrive in the bustling, neon-lit hill station of Sa Pa.

Today's ride takes us over Hoang Lien Pass, the highest in Vietnam at 2000 m. The beautiful ride takes us through rural villages, perfect sweepers and thrilling switchbacks. We even throw in a short ride through tea plantation to taste the local brew. Now for some relaxation at one of the finest hotels in the country.

Our only bike-free day on our expedition will be spent indulging at one of Northern Vietnam's most beautiful resorts. Here, you will be free to sleep in, take breakfast on the veranda, soak in the pool or hit the spa or just relax! A day trip to a local village is also on the itinerary for those eager for another bit of adventure.

Today, a spectacular mountain route awaits us, starting with a broad and scenic two-lane road. We’ll enjoy a rapid ride across the second country’s highest pass at 1,450 meters. After lunch, we’ll switch to a single track weaving through farmland and villages, followed by a demanding ascent through tea plantations and a crossing over a suspension bridge designed for motorbikes. The last 30 kilometers of the trip feature winding roads snaking through the mountains as the sun sets.

he day begins with a peaceful ferry ride across a mountain lake. We continue on mountain roads that alternate between well-maintained and rough patches, offering stunning views from the ridge. After lunch, you'll travel along single-track trails and paved mountain roads through scenic valleys, villages, and ridges, encountering occasional dirt and gravel sections. The final 30 kilometers lead you along a winding two-lane highway to the village of Mai Chau, where we'll spend the night at a tranquil ecolodge nestled in the forest, complete with a delightful restaurant and a pool.

Our final day of riding begins with the beautiful mountains we have grown so accustomed. Gradually, the mountains transition to farmland and slowly, the fringes of the conurbation of Ha Noi begin to appear. The final 90 minutes is through some of capital's most entertaining chaos! We arrive at our destination still buzzing from 12 days of pure adventure, We'll check into our magnificent hotel in the Old Town for a final night. A great meal with the ride group awaits!

Today we depart from the country that has charmed us and enriched us for almost two weeks. Our car service will take care of your transport as you begin the long journey home with mud on your boots and satisfaction in your heart.