The toughest part of today’s ride is getting out of Hanoi in the morning chaos-a wild start that you won’t forget. Once we hit Expressway 03, things get smoother. From there, we roll onto some easy backroads and light offroad tracks-a perfect warm-up and a proper goodbye to city life.

In the afternoon, the journey continues along National Road 32C along the iconic Red River. We throw in a few more scenic backroads and offroad sections before reaching today’s destination: Vu Linh-a peaceful little village near the famous Thac Ba Lake.
We stay in a welcoming homestay hosted by the local Dao ethnic minority. After a rest, we board a small boat for a relaxing sunset cruise on Thac Ba Lake–one of Vietnam’s largest man-made lakes. Sip a cold beer, admire the serene landscape, and dive in for a refreshing swim.
We’ll enjoy a warm, hearty dinner with delicious home-cooked dishes prepared by our welcoming hosts, and raise a few shots of their homemade rice wine to celebrate another epic day on two wheels.

* Summary:
Distance: 160 – 180 km
Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Homestay 

arrives in

* Summary:
Distance: 160 – 180 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel or homestay 

This is where things get next-level. After a hearty breakfast, we take on the legendary Ha Giang loop, with stunning panoramic views at every turn. Offroad and backroad options are available depending on the group. We visit remote villages, wave at smiling kids, and (optionally) stop at a local school to share some small donations. The iconic Tham Ma Pass gives us a dramatic photo op before we reach the Vuong Family Palace, a historic H’mong mansion mixing French, Chinese, and local architecture. We spend the night in Dong Van. Located in the far north of Vietnam, Dong Van-also known as the Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, is famous for its spectacular and unique landscape having high mountains and deep canyons.

The incredible Tham Ma slope

Dong Van is also home to 17 ethnic groups which creates the unique and rich cultural heritage of the place. This town is a charming old town with ancient clay brick houses, and the most touristy stop of the Northeast route, so feel free to explore the local bars or shops.

* Summary:
Distance: 140 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel

We begin riding at 9 o’clock today, head to Lung Cu flag pole, a prominent landmark located in Lung Cu Commune of Dong Van. The flag tower was built to mark Vietnam’s sovereignty and border protection efforts in the northernmost region. We take a few steps to the top of the pole to enjoy a stunning view and take some good pictures.

From the Flag pole we head back to Dong Van town, ride on a backroad where we can see China land over a majestic cliff then head to Ma Pi Leng pass – the highlight of the day. Ma Pi Leng pass is a breathtaking mountain pass located between Dong Van and Meo Vac Renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty. We stop for a nice coffee at the middle of the pass to immerse ourselves in stunning landscapes of Ma Pi Leng and experience its unique geological features.

We stop for lunch in Meo Vac town, from here we take a challenging hidden track where we have an eye-opening experience which is crossing the vibrant Nho Que river on a bamboo raft.

We overnight in Bao Lac, a peaceful town of Cao Bang province.

* Summary:
Distance:100-150 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel 

The distance from Bao Lac town to today’s destination isn’t too far, so instead of taking the main road, we’ll slow it down and explore some hidden backroads and offroad tracks along the way.

Our bikes will carry us through remote mountain villages of the Tay and Hmong people – places where city lights haven’t reached and the mountains still breathe freely. We’ll stop for lunch in Boc Bo commune, then hit the road straight toward Ba Be Lake.
By day’s end, we’ll arrive at Ba Be Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. After a peaceful boat ride across its tranquil waters, we’ll settle in for the night at a cozy homestay hosted by a local Tay family. To close the evening, we’ll enjoy a charming traditional performance by local Tay ladies—a beautiful cultural touch to cap off an incredible day.

* Summary:
Distance:100-140 km
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Homestay 

We say goodbye to our homestay and the peaceful waters of Ba Be Lake, then hit the road back to Hanoi. If you feel like you’ve had your fill of challenges over the past few days, we’ll take it easy with a more relaxed route.
But if your body’s still craving that shot of adrenaline, don’t worry — we’ve got one last offroad trail lined up for this morning. A little more dirt and mud won’t hurt!
After lunch in Thai Nguyen, we follow the main road back to Hanoi, wrapping up this unforgettable motorbike adventure through Northern Vietnam. 

* Summary:
Distance: 200 km
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: N/A 

Note: This itinerary is just a short outline, our motorbike tours are all about flexibility, with plenty of room for detours and unexpected discoveries. Your guide will tailor the routes and stops to match your riding skills and travel vibe, making sure every mile feels just right. Don’t hesitate to speak up and customize your ride daily. We’re here to bring you the ultimate motorcycle adventure in Vietnam!.