Northern Vietnam by Motorcycle: The Complete Guide
Dreaming of a motorcycle road trip through northern Vietnam? This guide is made for you! Discover the most beautiful routes—the Ha Giang loops, Sapa-Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Mai Chau—along with information on road conditions, motorcycle rentals, international driving permits, and essentials for your moto trip.
Dreaming of a road trip by motorcycle through northern Vietnam? This guide is made for you! Here you'll discover the most stunning routes – the Ha Giang loops, Sapa - Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Mai Chau – alongside information on road conditions, motorcycle rentals on the ground, details on your international driving permit, and the essentials to pack for a moto trip…
Which routes should you take for a motorcycle journey through northern Vietnam?
1. The Ha Giang Loop
5-Day Itinerary
The Ha Giang Loop stands among the most popular motorcycle road trips in northern Vietnam. Celebrated for its winding mountain roads, panoramic mountain passes, and lush verdant valleys, this itinerary is equally renowned for passing through small ethnic villages. During your stops, you'll have the chance to encounter local inhabitants always eager to share their traditions!
- Day 1 : Hanoi - Ha Giang
- Day 2 : Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh
- Day 3 : Yen Minh - Dong Van - Meo Vac
- Day 4 : Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Ha Giang
- Day 5 : Ha Giang - Hanoi
Practical Information About the Loop
Road Conditions : while the roads on this loop aren't particularly dangerous, they are winding and require some experience riding a two-wheeler.
Road Safety : the Ha Giang Loop has become highly popular, and traveler numbers have grown significantly in recent years… as have accident rates. To combat this issue, local police now conduct frequent checkpoints. Our advice? Keep your paperwork in order, or risk paying hefty fines – and having your motorcycle impounded!
2. The Sapa - Ha Giang Loop
5-Day Itinerary
The Sapa - Ha Giang Loop is renowned for Sapa's terraced rice paddies and the picturesque landscapes of the Ha Giang region. Along the way, take time to connect with locals by visiting the region's ethnic markets around Bac Ha and keep your eyes open… You might spot locals transporting live pigs on the back of their motorcycles!
- Day 1 : Hanoi - Sapa
- Day 2 : Sapa - Bac Ha
- Day 3 : Bac Ha - Xin Man
- Day 4 : Xin Man - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang
- Day 5 : Ha Giang - Hanoi
Practical Information About the Loop
Road Conditions : the roads on these routes are in excellent condition
Road Safety : during your journey, you may be approached about trekking in the mountains or exploring the rice fields. If weather conditions seem unfavorable, don't take unnecessary risks and decline.
3. The Cao Bang Loop
5-Day Itinerary
Famous for traversing numerous traditional villages, the Cao Bang Loop is also renowned for its tea plantations in Moc Chau district (in Son La province), the Ban Gioc waterfall (Vietnam's largest natural waterfall), and the stunning Nguom Ngao cave…
- Day 1 : Hanoi - Cao Bang
- Day 2 : Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Day 3 : Cao Bang - Bao Lac
- Day 4 : Bao Lac - Meo Vac
- Day 5 : Meo Vac – Hanoi
Practical Information About the Loop
Road Conditions : these roads are quite steep and often congested with trucks. While most are good, you'll occasionally encounter more challenging sections, such as after Can Yên on the Cao Bang - Bao Lac route.
4. The Mai Chau Loop
5-Day Itinerary
If you choose the Mai Chau circuit, it will take you to the Chinese border. During your road trip, you'll discover mountainous landscapes dotted with terraced rice paddies and rural villages. One of the most stunning spots on this loop? Thung Khe Pass – located on National Road 6 – which offers breathtaking views over the Mai Chau valley!
- Day 1 : Hanoi - Mai Chau
- Day 2 : Mai Chau - Moc Chau
- Day 3 : Moc Chau - Son La
- Day 4 : Son La - Mai Chau
- Day 5 : Mai Chau – Hanoi
Practical Information About the Loop
Road Conditions : Thung Khe Pass isn't particularly dangerous or steep, but it can be hazardous due to numerous consecutive hairpin turns (especially in fog). Before taking this road, check the weather forecast. If you're planning to cross the border, make sure you have your visa with you!
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Where to stay during your road trip? Finding accommodation during a northern Vietnam motorcycle exploration is very straightforward. As you progress through your journey, you'll find hotels (ranging from basic to upscale) and nha nghi (guesthouses) at very affordable prices. Budget around €3 to €15 per night, depending on whether you're staying in a rural area or a town. Most accommodations offer dining facilities. |
How to rent a motorcycle for a road trip in northern Vietnam?
Where can you rent a motorcycle or scooter?
To rent a motorcycle or scooter in northern Vietnam, you'll find rental agencies throughout this region. For reliable recommendations, ask the manager of your accommodation. If you don't have a road map of Vietnam, you can request one when renting your vehicle.
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Good to Know Note that embassies strongly advise against leaving your passport with the rental company! |
Which models or brands should you prefer?
On the ground, you'll find quite a wide range of rental models. Among the available vehicles, you'll find well-established brands like Honda, as well as Chinese brands…
Our advice? Opt for brands with established reputations, or risk spending more time in roadside garages than on the roads themselves! For daily rental prices, expect between €5 and €10 per day.
If your trip is quite lengthy, it might be worthwhile to buy a motorcycle on the ground and resell it at the end of your stay rather than renting multiple vehicles.
How do you obtain an international driving permit?
While it wasn't recognized before 2014, the international driving permit is now recognized and accepted for driving in Vietnam. When renting, both this permit and your home country driving license will be requested.
To obtain an international driving permit, you must complete the process through your country's embassy. Be aware that processing typically takes approximately fifteen days.
Do you need travel insurance?
While travel insurance isn't mandatory for a Vietnam trip, it's highly recommended, especially for a road trip! Indeed, in case of an accident, it will cover potential repair costs, hospitalization, or repatriation expenses.
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3 Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in Vietnam 1. To prevent accident risk: adapt to local driving practices, which are known to be relatively cautious – and avoid riding at night. 2. Helmet use is mandatory: for your safety, bring (if possible) a helmet meeting European standards, as those provided by rental agencies aren't always high quality… 3. The legal alcohol limit is 0.8 g/L: exceeding this exposes you to fines, license suspension, and numerous other administrative complications. |
What should you pack for a moto trip?
Before packing your bag (30 to 40 liters), keep in mind you'll carry it almost constantly, so avoid overloading. Beyond everyday clothing and toiletries, bring:
- a small crossbody bag or waist pack for carrying documents (in case you set down your motorcycle backpack) ;
- a sleeping bag ;
- a windbreaker like a K-way and a hooded sweatshirt ;
- thermal underwear ;
- a scarf ;
- a pair of motorcycle gloves!
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Spotlight on Challenges of Motorcycling in Vietnam - Changeable Weather (avoid scheduling your trip during the rainy season, which runs from mid-May to mid-September in northern Vietnam). - The Language Barrier (and thus sometimes difficulty understanding road signs…) ; - Different Driving Practices than you may be used to (notably a speed limit of 40 km/h in populated areas and 70 km/h outside them). - Frequent Horn Use (quite common, particularly to signal that you're about to overtake, for example…). |
Looking for a different itinerary than those presented here (or of shorter/longer duration)? Contact us via our form or by phone at +84 24 6263 9966 (Ext:112)! We'd be delighted to discuss your road trip and help you design a custom itinerary.
Audrey Deajean
