Kon Tum is another coffee producing district located in the southern highlands. The best time of year to ride the north is March-May and September-October. The shop is there on the corner. You can take your motorbike right down near the waters edge then explore the area for a while. Learn the pros and cons of each, where to buy a motorbike, and what to look out for in this guide. Chinese style shophouses line the river banks while locals go around the small streets by bicycle. vietnamcoracle Ride safely, ride responsibly & enjoy Vietnams Great North. I wouldnt be surprised if you end out riding it back and forth a few times! Vietnam is my country and motor bike travelling is very popular in my contry .Thank you for posting this awesome article. hanoi Whether you purchase this in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are a few options for you. The best beaches in Southeast Asia detailed in one epic guide. The north offers the most majestic scenery on the grandest scale in Vietnam: the mountains are higher and the passes are loftier than anywhere else in the country. Hi Josh Im hoping to motorbike Vietnam in December but I only have 2 weeks. The air temperature drops to a cool 5 degrees C in the winter, so be prepared with a decent jacket. Search from over 150 blogs posts covering Asia, Pacific, and Europe. The extreme northwest abuts both China and Laos, thus this route travels through extensive borderlands, which are often very sensitive. In the crisp dawn light, hundreds of stepped rice paddies, carved into the contours of steep valleys, are illuminated by the autumn sun. vietnam tour motorcycle days north route please If you try to do it all, youll just be riding all day every day. Wake up in the morning to the sound of Gibbons calling, then spend your day searching for the last White Rhino, an enigma of sorts. edelweissbike Below is a list and a colour-coded map of 9 northern motorbike routes. vietnam tour motorbike northern days around giang ha Cat Ba Island is technically located in Lan Ha Bay, slightly north of Halong Bay. When preparing for a motorbike road trip in Vietnam, its helpful to know how much to budget for each day on the road. I have a question, Im going there July26-September 3. Vietnam is the awesome country , your blog is awesome , thank you for sharing the nice pictures. The first day you can go hiking through the terraced rice fields, the next day you can climb Mount Fansipan. Click here for an exclusive discount! nomadasaurus bao lac northernmost vietnam motorcycle tour cambodia motorbike trip Creating a scenic loop, starting and ending in Sapa via the hilltop hamlet of Y Ty, this relatively short but dramatic road trip is a great escape from the increasingly touristy mountain town of Sapa. From Hanoi, you still have the option of traveling east to Halong Bay or north to the highlands on the China border. My colour-coded map features shaded areas indicating the regions covered by each of the 9 northern routes and direct links to each guide. Arrive late and itll be a lifeless salt flat. Although these 9 northern routes cover thousands of kilometres, they represent just a fraction of the many great roads, tracks, routes, and regions that northern Vietnam has to offer the motorbike rider. Your email address will not be published. Dong Ha is a lesser-known city located north of Hue on Vietnams east coast. With plenty of tailors begging for your attention as you walk the streets youre sure to get sucked in. The Hai Van Pass (which some call the Hoi An motorbike route) is the road which Top Gear did in their 2008 Vietnam Special. You seriously motorbike across Vietnam without doing this route. The roads lead further, higher, and deeper into the northwest mountains than ever before, threading between peaks pushing 10,000ft, which are the southeastern-most extent of the same geological collision that formed the Himalayascontinue reading, Route, Region & Province: SapaLai ChauSin HoPhong Tho | Lai ChauProvince[MAP], Distance & Duration: 320km | 2-4 days, Road Conditions & Traffic: good mountain highways, paved back-roads, some rough patches, Scenery & Landscape: big mountains, plunging valleys, rivers, rice terraces, light traffic, Full Guide: SapaSin Ho Scenic Motorbike Loop, Description: High up on the slopes of the Hong Lin Sn Mountain Range (known in French colonial times as the Tonkinese Alps), Sin Ho is a small market town reached via spectacular mountain roads. vietnam tour motorbike motorcycle days north route 1031 dsc please It is home to many of Vietnams coffee fields and fruit plantations. Expect to get stuck into a conversation in Vietnamese and be offered some homemade rice spirits! Please bear in mind that road conditions are in a constant state of flux in the northern mountains check the comments section at the bottom of my guides for any recent reader updates and ask other travellers as you go. The alternative route is to head to Mui Ne, however, that road has lots of trucks. Get ready for the most scenic part of this entire Vietnam motorbike route. To avoid the AH1 coastal highway, we head west to Buon Ma Thuot. If you are a National Geographic fan then you are sure to know about this place. I still have mine! I am in love with all. Located 50km north of Nha Trang is the Ninh Hoa Salt Fields. Just loved the whole write up. Loved the way you narrated your experience. Do you have a GPX for this route? I really enjoyed reading it. In recent years, however, visitor numbers have surged and road conditions have improved, making access to this remote part of the country relatively easy. Either bathed in a warm, sharp highland light shimmering over the ripe rice terraces like a halo, or covered in a cold, haunting, Dickensian fog so thick it induces feelings of claustrophobia, the Y Ty Loop is a rewarding (and occasionally challenging) way to spend a day or two in the saddlecontinue reading, Route, Region & Province: SapaLao CaiMuong KhuongSi Ma CaiBac HaXin ManHoang Su Phi Ha Giang | Lao Cai & Ha Giang provinces[MAP], Distance & Duration: 235-480km | 2-5 days, Road Conditions & Traffic: mostly decent paved back-roads, some rough sections, risk of landslides, light traffic, Scenery & Landscape: mountains, gorges, borderlands, terraced rice fields, minority villages, Full Guide: Borders & Back-Roads: Sapa to Ha Giang by Motorbike, Description: Connecting two of the most mountainous provinces in the country (Lao Cai and Ha Giang), this motorbike route straddles the Chinese border, carving a meandering course over mountain ranges and along river valleys. Each loop can be ridden separately or stitched together to form one large northeastern loopcontinue reading, Disclosure: I never receive payment for anything I write: my content is always free & independent. My buddy Colton and I are planning a month trip to Vietnam for a month starting in the middle of May. Any info you can provide would be a massive help. Vietnamese motorbikes are slow, the road condition is bad, and there are too many stops. Dalat is popular with local Vietnamese tourists for its French-style Chateau buildings and the large scenic lake in the center of town. Before even starting your adventure you will need to buy yourself a motorbike. One of my least favorite things about motorbiking Vietnam is the trucks along the AH1 Highway. The tranquil town is home to a twice-monthly market in which hundreds of ethnic villagers descend from the mountains to sell their local produce. Can Tho is a few hours ride south of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you want to visit the Imperial City from Vietnams Dynasty Era or see the destruction left behind of the Vietnam War there are plenty of things to do in Hue. It, Your Complete Phong Nha Ke Bang Travel Guide Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is one of the most impressive places I visited whilemotorbiking across, 5 Day Ma Pi Leng Pass Itinerary (from Hanoi) The Ma Pi Leng Pass is Vietnams final frontier. Cant decide if you will go from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi? Connecting these three provinces, a handful of incredible mountain roads corkscrew their way through a complex terrain of steep valleys, limestone karsts, and raging rivers. nomadasaurus Honestly, there isnt a whole lot to do in Pleiku, it is a small town. Why? My first question, how many overnight stops would you recommend going South from Hanoi?. Ive written and mapped 5 loops in the northeastern region. Read More: 7 Awesome Things to do in Ninh Binh. You can stop by here, 8km north of Pleiku, for a scenic view as you continue on towards Hoi An. While Sapa, the famous mountain retreat, is now enormously popular with Vietnamese and foreign tourists, Sin Ho, on the other hand, is rarely visited by travellers. The Bien Ho Crater Lake is an old volcanic crater which has been flooded. (Riding distance from Buon Ma Thuot 180 km). Is there a any big difference going hanoi- ho chi minh or ho chi minh hanoi? Definitely add it to your Vietnam motorbike itinerary. You will not be able to complete this entire motorbike route with only 3 weeks in Vietnam. If you are riding around Vietnam for less than 2 months I suggest renting. Fear not, whatever direction, and however long you plan to go for, this ultimate Vietnam motorbike route is for you. The most iconic attraction is the Vinh Moc Tunnels from the Vietnam War. Drank the strongest rice whiskey and the best mountain coffee. Once you reach the park entrance take the ferry across the river and spend a night out in the jungle. Its one of the best riding roads in Vietnam. Myself and the other half are looking at traveling from Hanoi to Saigon in September 2020, allowing 18 days. 10 Great Things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town The Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the most iconic destinations in Vietnam. giang ha motorbike tour amazing days thac linh vu hanoi km ba lake For each route, Ive written bullet-points for quick-information and a brief description, including a direct link to the full guide, a title image, and an embedded interactive map of the route. You could ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa) in 5 weeks but probably wont have enough time to explore the far north, the far south, or Halong/Lan Ha Bay regions. Ive made several motorbiking trips around Vietnam where Ive visited large cities and small ethnic villages. Your email address will not be published. I call this spectacle the Theatre of Rice and the best way to see the show is to ride the Harvest Route: a scenic section of Highway QL32 between the small towns of T L to M Cang Chi, via the lofty Khau Pha Pass. Although we have reached the main city in the north of Vietnam, this ultimate Vietnam motorbike itinerary does not end here. sapa uyen 7 Awesome Things to Do in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, 17 Best Beaches in Southeast Asia for 2020, 10 Great things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town, Ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, although even this will be a quick ride, Ride north from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa, Ride south of Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, Can Tho and up the coast to Nha Trang. Renting is just easier, and possibly cheaper. giang Ride the Sin Ho Loop and youll be rewarded with some of the grandest alpine scenery in Southeast Asiacontinue reading, Route, Region & Province: SapaY TyChinese borderLao Cai | Lao CaiProvince[MAP], Distance & Duration: 195km | 1-2 days, Road Conditions & Traffic: mostly paved back-roads, some bad sections, generally very light traffic, Scenery & Landscape: rice terraces, remote borderlands, mountains, rivers, minority villages, Full Guide: SapaY Ty Scenic Motorbike Loop, Description: North of Sapa, dramatic mountains continue all the way to the Chinese border. It is a detour, but there are far less tucks and the roads are much more scenic. Both great one day activities. While many travelers visit the Vinapearl theme park, there are more authentic attractionssuch as the old war barracks and local art galleries. On the way to Cat Thien National Park, youll ride back roads for hours through small villages. Its a difficult decision, but on balance with three weeks youd have a great time stitching together the Ha Giang Loop and the Northeast Loops via the High-Roads between the two. The curving terraces, although man-made, appear to be in complete harmony with the landscape, creating a hypnotic patterning across the hills and valleys. However, Vietnams roads are in a constant state of flux: I cant guarantee the condition of any given road. Quiet roads meander along steep valleys cloaked in bamboo forests, and mountain passes twist skyward towards isolated Lao border crossings. Ive put together a list of expenses & an estimated daily budget in order to give travellers an idea of how much they can expect to spend. We try to keep the daily riding distance between 150km and 200km in this Vietnam motorbike route. It is a nice change from the hot and humid coastal cities. This is a road that you will ride once and never forget. I suggest visiting Buon Ma Thuot as a thoroughfare destination, saving your time for Kon Tum further north. It is a city which combines layers of history over many centuries. Relax by the riverside and enjoy Vietnams slow life. It also has one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, a stunning stretch of white sand called Sao Beach. Thanks for sharing these awesome photographs. Hi Josh, Very inspiring and detailed overview of this epic trip. I suggest allowing three nights in Hue in your plans. Ho Chi Minh City is the starting or ending point for most travelers in Vietnam. There are a number of budget hotels and homestay accommodation options around the lake in a relaxing countryside setting. The landscape around here is extraordinary: many travellers consider this their favourite corner of Southeast Asia. We are basing our motorbike trip off the one you procured. Buying a motorbike in Vietnam may seem difficult at first. You can explore the first 4 kilometers of Paradise cave for a few hours from USD 10, or take a four-day trekking and camping package to Hang Don Soon for over USD 3000. After Phu Quoc Island we head back to Ho Chi Minh City briefly before continuing north towards Hanoi. Thanh Hoa, on the other hand, is only recently starting to attract attention, in particular the stunning setting of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Glad we got that out of the way Ready? I have US motor bike license and wondering if that works for a 3-4 week bike trip. Buon Ma Thuot is a small town back in the highlands, similar to Dalat but less touristy. The Harvest Route is 50km of picture-book scenery, which, in the right weather conditions, will fill your cameras memory card within minutescontinue reading, ROUTE MAP: Harvest Route: The Theatre of Rice, Route, Region & Province: Lao CaiLai ChauMuong LayMuong TeMuong NheDien Bien Phu| Lao Cai, Lai Chau & Dien Bien provinces[MAP], Distance & Duration: 300-800km | 2-7 days, Road Conditions & Traffic: mostly paved, remote roads, risk of landslides, very light traffic, Scenery & Landscape: remote borderlands, mountains, rivers, rice terraces, minority villages, Full Guide: The Extreme Northwest Loop: Motorbike Guide, Description: A sprawling, mountainous bulge around the Black River basin, the extreme northwest of Vietnam is probably the most remote region of the entire country, and certainly one of the least-travelled. Add Phu Quoc Island to your Vietnam motorbike itinerary for a unique destination that many other travelers are sure to miss. Youll know youve arrived at the right place when you see loads of small street stalls selling beer at 25c per can. Hi Charlie, Ill send you an email now, happy to answer further questions! Over one thousand soldiers died fighting here. As such, local police, government officials, and travel restrictions will almost certainly hinder your progress (read this guide before attempting the route). Hi. These two highland towns are connected by lofty mountain passes, affording jaw-dropping views over a landscape on a scale not found anywhere else in Vietnam. Motor bike trip is always great. Thinking about riding the length of Vietnam by motorbike? This was featured as the cover for Lonely Planets 2012 Vietnam guide. Cat Thien National Park is less known but an amazing destination compared to Mui Ne. Almost everyone in the country will be on holiday. I have driven many motorcycle routes in Thailand and next year I want to go to Vietnam from North to South. The north offers the most majestic scenery on the grandest scale in Vietnam: the mountains are higher and the passes are loftier than anywhere else in the country. Ha Giang is a medium-sized city at the western foothills of the mountain range. These are some of the best countryside views to enjoy in Vietnam. There is definitely no shortage of amazing scenery in this country. It will open your eyes to Vietnams true rural culture. Work here finishes shortly after the sun comes up. First published May 2020 | Words and photos byVietnam Coracle. In this ultimate Vietnam motorbike route, you will get to ride along amazing beaches and scenic mountain passes, explore the world largest caves and get way more off the beaten track than youd ever imagine. Khe Sanh is was home to the bloodiest and longest battle of the Vietnam War. There are multiple options you can take to explore the caves depending on time and budget. Secretly you didnt get this tip from The Lost Passport, but ignore the no entry sings underground and you can find a secret exit to the beach. Hi Iona, with only 2 weeks Id suggest doing a loop around the north. Hey Tom, Ive only just stumbled across your blog whilst trying to piece together the bare bones of a trip for next March, but it has been incredibly useful so far! Check out my Hanoi travel guide so you dont miss out on what this city has to offer. sapa Looks like itll be planes, trains, and automobiles for me. It is home to the iconic Can Tho Floating Market and the huge Mekong Delta. For the purposes on this page, Ive listed the 9 northern routes geographically from west to east, but you can choose to ride them in any order and in any direction you like. Warning: Be careful wandering off the track up this way as there are plenty of unexploded land mines still lying about. Ultimately, you will be too rushed. sapa chau I highly suggest having a read of them too. We are both very experienced bike riders. Hi, this looks good. Can you recommend a route for that length of time? If you do visit Sapa I suggest staying at least two days. It is also equally as beautiful as Halong Bay and really a must-visit on this Vietnam motorbike route. Next, were taking the motorbikes to an island. Indeed, this region is perilously close to the infamous Golden Triangle. With mountain passes hanging onto cliff-faces high above roaring rivers, and back-roads threading through forests of limestone pinnacles, its ideal territory for a motorbike road tripcontinue reading, ROUTE MAP: Ha Giang: The Extreme North Loop, Route, Region & Province: Ha GiangBa Be LakeCao Bang | Ha Giang, Bac Kan & Cao Bang provinces[MAP], Distance & Duration: 310-370km | 1-3 days, Road Conditions & Traffic: paved back-roads & mountain highways, optional off-road sections, risk of landslides, light traffic, Scenery & Landscape: limestone karsts, mountains, deep valleys, jungle, terraced rice fields, remote borderlands, minority villages, Full Guide: The High Roads: Ha GiangBa Be LakeCao Bang, Description: The roads linking the three northern provinces of Ha Giang, Cao Bang and Bac Kan travel through some of the most spectacular and remote regions of Vietnam. Your blog post has made me so excited for the trip!! Along the way, youll likely run into crows of kids walking to and from school. However, please keep comments polite and on-topic. Based on my experience of riding around Vietnam for the last decade, I have compiled a list of what I consider some of the greatest riding roads in Vietnam, Putting your motorbike on the train is a very convenient option for road-trippers in Vietnam, allowing you to start or end your journey pretty much anywhere along the coast between Saigon & Hanoi. This destination is located mid-way up from Hanoi to Cao Bang Province and is an ideal overnight stop. Will your trip be two weeks or two months? Another great way to get around is a boat cruise down the perfume river. Thank you for the brilliant info you have provided. All of these loops look amazing, and from what I can gather so much of what the country has to offer is in the North, though from what I can see there isnt an All in one North Vietnam route. Instead of going north on this Vietnam motorbike itinerary, we make a small detour south. The food in Hanoi is amazing, and there are a few cool bars to hang out around the old town too. It will be my first time in SE Asia. motorbike vietnam northern tours offroad tour giang ha within days Riding can be slow (and sometimes treacherous due to landslides, floods, mud, and rough road conditions), but the scenery is sublime, the roads are extraordinarily ambitious, and the history and culture is fascinating. I feel as though Ill have to return to do North-South in the future and maybe just do the North this time, what do you think? Explore the area surrounding the city to discover the local village lifestyle. My colour-coded map features shaded areas indicating the regions covered by each of the 9 northern routes and direct links to each guide. For many riders, northern Vietnam represents some of the best motorbiking opportunities anywhere in the world. I. It will form part of your long days ride from Hoi An or Danang to Hue. You wrote an amazing blog. Perhaps you just want to explore the far north or south. As you ride along this route you will be completely awestruck with panoramic views that seem to go on and on. For more details, see my Disclosure & Disclaimer statements here, Riding a motorbike in/out of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) & Hanoi can be congested & polluted, but some times of the day are better than others, Vietnam has some incredible riding roads: possibly some of the most scenic in the world. There are ethnic villages in the surrounding areas which you can visit, though it is suggested a permit is required. You can export each map and download the KML, then you should be able to open the map on your phone. The Vinh Moc Tunnels are similar to the Chu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, yet far more extensive and large enough to walk through. Check out some of the small restaurants along the river. Do i need a separate license to ride motor bike in Vietnam? The 300km winding mountain route makes its way up to the Phong Nha Khe Bang National Park. The highest waterfalls, remote islands, best street food, and plenty more! this detailed road map of Vietnam by National Geographic, the easiest place to buy a motorbike in Vietnam, one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, The views from the Hai Van Pass are stunning, accommodation options around the lake in a relaxing countryside setting. Linking the towns of Sapa and Ha Giang, this road trip is a slow crawl through some of the remotest parts of Vietnam, mostly on small roads that have only recently been blasted out of the mountainsides. nghia nomadasaurus Be sure to pack your jacket, scarf, and gloves if you plan to continue motorbiking up the mountains from here. Get your free travel guide: 10 TOP SECRET Destinations in Asia, Sapa is one of the most scenic destinations in Vietnam. vietnam asia motorcycling tour chi minh ho taste tours trail motorcycle special You will ride up the steep mountain pass to an altitude of over 2,000m. Are the attractions and places of interest indicated along the road as in Thailand or do I have to prepare these myself. One way drop-offs are also available, perfect for travelers. Your Guide to the Hai Van Pass, Vietnam The Hai Van Pass is a stunning coast route with epic views looking out over the ocean. The northern district of Sapa has been growing in popularity over the past few years. For those, I highly recommend getting this detailed road map of Vietnam by National Geographic. Let me show you how to travel Asia better, further, and easier than you can imagine. Ditch the motorbike for a day and cycle or walk the sleepy streets. The Cat Thien to Dalat motorbike route passes through the small villages then head up into the mountains. *Please note: All my routes stick to paved roads as much as possible & I make an effort to mark any rough, muddy, off-road, or difficult sections on my maps. (Riding distance from Cat Thien NP 190 km).