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Northwest Vietnam 9-Day Motorbike Tour: GTT905

Northwest Vietnam 9-Day Motorbike Tour: GTT905

CODE: GDT920
Private Tour
Duration: 8 - 12 days
Price from: Contact

Route: Vietnam - Phu Yen - Tuan Giao - Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Sa Pa - Lao Cai - Mai Chau - Lai Chau

Overview

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: An Epic 9-Day Motorbike Journey Through Vietnam's Untamed Northwest

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as Golden Trail Travel invites you on an immersive 9-day motorbike tour through the spectacular and less-explored Northwest region of Vietnam. This meticulously crafted itinerary, GTT905, is designed for true adventurers seeking to escape the ordinary, conquer challenging mountain roads, and deeply connect with the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam's diverse ethnic minorities. From the moment you kickstart your engine in Hanoi, you'll embark on a journey that promises breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating rides, and unforgettable encounters.

Our expedition begins by leaving the bustling energy of Hanoi behind, heading west towards the serene valleys of Mai Chau. Here, you'll immediately be captivated by the tranquil beauty of rice paddies and the warm hospitality of the White Thai ethnic group. The ride itself is a feast for the senses, navigating through verdant hills and past charming villages. As we venture deeper, the scenery transforms, becoming increasingly dramatic. We'll traverse the legendary routes to Moc Chau, renowned for its vast tea plantations, offering stunning photo opportunities and a chance to witness daily life in this picturesque agricultural region.

The core of this 9-day adventure truly unfolds as we push further north and west, embracing the challenging yet rewarding roads that lead to Son La and the historically significant Dien Bien Phu. Along these routes, you'll encounter a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical resonance. Dien Bien Phu, a name etched in history, offers a poignant reminder of Vietnam's past and an opportunity to learn about its resilient spirit. The journey continues to ascend, leading us to the truly awe-inspiring landscapes of Mu Cang Chai, where terraced rice fields cascade down mountainsides like giant green staircases, particularly stunning during planting or harvest seasons. This region is a photographer's dream and a testament to the ingenuity of local farmers.

But this tour is much more than just stunning vistas. It's an immersive cultural odyssey. Throughout the 9 days, you'll have unparalleled opportunities to interact with various ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Thai, Dao, and more. We will stop in their traditional villages, allowing you to witness their unique customs, vibrant traditional dress, and daily way of life. Imagine sharing a meal with a local family, learning about their ancestral traditions, or simply observing the rhythm of life in these remote communities. These authentic encounters are often the most memorable aspects of the entire journey, offering a genuine insight into the heart of Vietnam.

The GTT905 tour is specifically designed to provide an authentic motorbike experience. You'll navigate a mix of well-maintained roads and thrilling off-road sections, perfect for riders seeking a true adventure. Our experienced local guides, with their in-depth knowledge of the terrain and local culture, will ensure your safety and enrich your journey with their insights and stories. They will lead you through winding mountain passes, over challenging terrain, and to hidden gems that most tourists never discover. The sense of freedom and accomplishment as you conquer each stretch of road, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Southeast Asia, is unparalleled.

Accommodation throughout the tour ranges from comfortable guesthouses to unique homestays, providing a genuine taste of local living. You'll savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine, from street food delicacies to home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Evenings are often spent sharing stories with fellow adventurers, reflecting on the day's incredible experiences, and preparing for the next day's exploration.

This 9-day Northwest Vietnam Motorbike Tour is not just a holiday; it's an expedition that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a profound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Vietnam. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories, forge new friendships, and discover the true spirit of adventure. If you're looking for an epic two-wheeled journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural immersion, and the thrill of the open road, the GTT905 is your ultimate choice. Book your adventure with Golden Trail Travel today and prepare for an experience that will redefine your understanding of travel

Trip Map

Highlight

Epic Mountain Road Riding: Conquer some of Vietnam's most challenging and scenic mountain passes, including exhilarating winding roads, steep ascents, and thrilling descents through dramatic landscapes. Experience the true freedom of two wheels.
Immersive Cultural Encounters: Spend time in authentic villages of various ethnic minority groups like the White Thai in Mai Chau, Black Hmong, Red Dao, and others. Learn about their unique customs, traditional crafts, and daily life firsthand. Opportunities for homestays and local interactions are key.
Stunning Rice Terraces of Mu Cang Chai: Witness the breathtaking, UNESCO-recognized terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, a true agricultural marvel and a photographer's paradise, especially during the harvest or planting seasons (seasonal dependent).
Historical Exploration in Dien Bien Phu: Visit the historically significant battlegrounds and monuments of Dien Bien Phu, gaining insight into a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.
Tranquil Valleys of Mai Chau: Experience the serene beauty of Mai Chau, with its lush rice paddies, stilt houses, and friendly White Thai communities, offering a peaceful start to the adventure.
Moc Chau Tea Plantations: Ride through the vast, picturesque tea plantations of Moc Chau, a refreshing landscape offering unique photo opportunities and a glimpse into local agriculture.
Off-Road Adventure: Enjoy a perfect blend of paved roads and exhilarating off-road sections, catering to adventure riders seeking a more authentic and challenging experience.
Authentic Local Cuisine: Savor delicious Vietnamese food throughout the journey, from local street food delights to fresh, home-cooked meals in guesthouses and homestays.
Expert Local Guides: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of professional English-speaking local guides who ensure safety, provide cultural insights, and lead you to hidden gems.
Comfortable & Authentic Accommodation: Stay in a mix of comfortable guesthouses and traditional homestays, offering a genuine taste of local living and a chance to connect with communities.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personalized and intimate travel experience, fostering camaraderie among fellow riders.
Scenic Photography Opportunities: Countless opportunities to capture stunning photographs of landscapes, ethnic people, and daily life along the route

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Dream Motorbike holiday, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every getaway should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier Motorbike holiday tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke coastal experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate travel specialists—is committed to ensuring your escape is seamless, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian Motorbike holiday. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream Motorbike holiday across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh. ~170 km, ~6 h.

Today is the first day of this Northwest Vietnam 9-day motorbike tour. Before starting to ride, we will have a short briefing to let you know about the rules. In addition, the guide will show you how to understand him by his body language. We start around 9.30am after the rush hour.Ride to the south of Hanoi for ~90 km on National Highway 1. Then follow the little road (~8 km) through rice fields to Hoa Lu. Around 10:30, we propose to visit two temples in Hoa Lu of the two kings, King Dinh and King Le – Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Early Le Dynasty (980-1009). In reality, this is the old capital of Vietnam with the natural protection afforded by the region’s bizarre landscape.Ride on the back road of Yen Ngua Mountain along with the mountain range, snaking through limestone 8 km until Linh Xuan village. The road is narrow but newly sealed and easy to ride. Then there is a possibility to take many photos of this region and the landscape looks like “Halong Bay without water”. We talk with local people we meet on the way and have a cup of tea with them. Finally, there are two roads: Ride to Ninh Binh for 1 km from Linh Xuan village (or straight from Linh Xuan village) to Tam Coc, where we have lunch at Anh Dung restaurant.We propose 2 options for the afternoon:Option 1Ride to Bich Dong (8 km) to visit the 3 pagodas, of which two are built into the caves. We propose a short boat trip (30 minutes) to discover the 700-m cave under the mountain.Option 2Take a relaxing sampan cruise to visit the three caves of Tam Coc, “The Three Lagoons” in almost 3 hours. Then ride to Ninh Binh town or Hoa Lu for the night in a hotel.

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Mai Chau. ~180 km, ~8 h.

In general, today you have a beautiful ride. Bumpy road but very quiet and peaceful. Once out of the Red River Delta, which brims with traditional farming activity, we pass through limestone monoliths and into foothills populated by Muong people. We head straight at the main range before breaching a high and beautiful forested pass, which descends into the hidden valley of Mai Chau where we spend the night with friends in a traditional Thai stilt house.The valley of Mai Chau lies between two rivers: the Da River and the Ma River. Therefore, Mai Chau is very fertile and rich in varied landscapes, medium mountains, forest, lake, rivers, and infinitude of small footpaths and offer many possibilities of a trek. In the valley of Mai Chau and its surroundings are Muong, White Thai, H’mong (in the height), and the Dao who we meet at the markets or in their villages.Phu Yen, Son La, Tuan Giao Motorbike Tours. Golden Trail Travel Motorbike Adventures - Northwest Vietnam 9-Day Motorbike Tour

Day 3: Mai Chau – Thung Man. 100 km, ~4 hrs.

Today we continue venturing onto Northern Vietnam by following the old National Highway No 6 which has been neglected for 20 years. The rough narrow road, cutting through many hill-tops makes the terrain difficult to maneuver, so the road transport is very quiet. Sometimes, if lucky you might catch sight of a horse-drawn carriage or buffalo cart but, apart from that, this road is quite deserted. Along the way, we have excellent opportunities to learn about the people of different cultures, such as the Red Dao, Dao Tien, Muong, and Thai ethnic groups. The people living here are very friendly and also live a simple lifestyle. Typically they live by cultivating dry rice, vegetables, and fruit at high altitudes and hunting in the wild forest.At noon we stop for lunch at the top of the pass and enjoy a beautiful view of the spacious Moc Chau grassland and the Da River.The afternoon will provide a real challenge. After heading out on New Highway 6, we make our way onto the torturous and bumpy road. However, exploring the H’mong hill tribe’s colourful customs and majestic mountainous scenery makes the hardship all worthwhile.Today is one of the most authentic days of our Northwest Vietnam 9-day motorbike tour.

Day 4: Thung Man – Phu Yen. 130 km, ~4 hrs.

After breakfast, we say farewell to our hosts and visit Thung Mai, the most timeless village of the H’mong ethnic people residing at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level and in complicated topography. The H’mong people have lived here for nearly 100 years. While on the way to Ha Giang, they were forced to flee from French colonialists and settled in this remote area.To reach Thung Man, it takes about one and a half hours to the top of the mountain. Upon arrival, you will see a pretty village with about 20 houses built from “stone” surrounding a small, fairy pond at the mountain top. Visitors to this remote area will have the opportunity to discover these people’s unique customs and simple lifestyle and even share the wisdom of the elders who enjoy the happiness of living under the same roof with 5-6 generations. You also have a chance to listen to the legends about the “toward South” process.After lunch, we have the afternoon free to explore the dreamlike grasslands. These beautiful grasslands of Moc Chau have the best of both worlds, breathtaking scenery and some of the most favourable climate, in the Northwest mountains. Moc Chau’s flora is diverse, ranging from forests and tea plantations to fruit orchards.We can walk to the local dairy farms and sample products from the local processing factories. Dairy produce is Moc Chau’s specialty and is exported to many other countries.After visiting the beautiful area, we drop down to Da River and take a specialized boat along the river. Then we ride along the river to Phu Yen valley, one of the most prosperous and beautiful villages of Thai people in the Northwest.

Day 5: Phu Yen – Tuan Giao. 210 km, ~6 hrs.

The journey north continues onto Son La, following 113 Highway. Along the way, there are superb landscapes with green valley and terraced rice fields. Passing the Bac Yen Mountain top, through Chen Pass to the largest “maize” and “manioc” forest, we arrive at Son La plateau.After lunch in Son La town, we will visit the former French Prison and provincial museum. We have more mountain passes to challenge us, such as Son La, Chieng Pac, and Pha Din. You will enjoy the beautiful landscape on your way from Son La to Lai Chau town. The afternoon will provide free time to climb over the top of the Pha Din Pass – known as the interface between Heaven and Earth. Pha Din forms a natural border between Son La and Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954. Then we take the time to travel to Tuan Giao to view the sunset.Golden Trail Travel

Day 6: Tuan Giao – Sin Ho. 150 km, ~5 hrs.

Today we continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the 98ksm remainder of the historical Highway 6. The road is rough, but the scenery is unbelievably beautiful and magnificent with the 7 tall passes cutting through steep mountain along the Da River flowing around the foot of the passes, which you can’t find anywhere else in the Northwest route. Moreover, part of the pleasure of travelling by motorbike in this region is the simple joy of the friendly smiles and greetings of the local people, which make the hardship all worthwhile. Along the way, we stop to visit the Black Thai, Kho Mu, Lu, Black H’mong, Green H’mong, and White H’mong, just some of the many hill tribe groups, and discover their simple lifestyles and colourful cultures.After lunch at Lai Chau, we take a boat to travel along the Nam Na River, passing the high, dangerous, and sheer rocks, the pretty villages on the two sides of the river, and the hillside green rice fields. The boat is not a big one, but the boatman is skillful enough to make your cruise safe and adventurous to the next destination. After that, we make our way to Sin Ho.

Day 7: Sin Ho – Lai Chau. 110-170 km, ~4-5 hrs.

Due to the environment and a height of 1,700m, getting there is a very hard journey. Therefore, the people living here mostly retain their long-lasting lifestyle. The old school way of life from ancient days still exists in the modern world. However, there is almost no way for urbanization to occur in these areas. Moreover, only a handful of tourist agencies can visit this remote area. The reason Sin Ho is regarded as the richest mountain market in the northwest province is that anybody visits the area has the fortune of visiting. You see colours of traditional clothes of various ethics such as the Green H’mong, the Black H’mong, the White H’mong, the Dzao Dau Bang, and the Lu.Sin Ho market lasts till late in the afternoon but due to a long hard road down the mountain, we need to prepare lunch and equipment for the trip. When arriving at the foot of the mountain we will ride along Nam Na River to Pa So. After climbing Hong Thu Man pass, home of the Dzao Khau, and the H’mong people, we will reach Lai Chau, a small town surrounding by brilliant tea fields and a tapestry of green mountain ranges.

Day 8: Lai Chau – Sapa. 70 km, ~2 hrs.

This morning finds us on the road for the 50km ride to the village of Lu ethnic minority whose origin comes from Lao. We’ll have a chance to see beautiful stilt houses and girls who blacken the teeth and have a seductive smile. After that, we have to cross the Muong Kim River back to National Highway 4D to travel to Sapa.We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of Tram Ton Pass, the most beautiful one in Sapa. In the afternoon we are free to explore Sapa, which is usually engulfed by clouds. After enjoying an Artichaux cup of tea, a special drink from Sapa, we embark on a walk to discover this charming town and get acquainted with the host people who are the soul of this area.Sapa was famous for the last century as a hill resort for the French administration. It soon became famous in Indochina for its ideal climate. Nowadays, Sapa’s breathtaking scenery is some of the best in Asia.Golden Trail Travel Motorbike Adventures - Northwest Vietnam 9-day motorbike tour near Sapa.

Day 9: Sapa – Muong Hum – Lao Cai, Train To Hanoi. 100 km, ~4-6 hrs.

End of Northwest Vietnam 9-Day Motorbike Tour.While Sapa is characterized by the beauty of European architecture, the path to Muong Hum is absolutely different from the scenic beauty of Sapa. This road passes through many neglected villages and tracks. During the rainy season, no one dares to ride the muddy and slippery road off the highway. Despite its close link to Sapa, this road receives very few visitors.This road was newly upgraded and sealed. However, the journey of 100 km on this road is a tad difficult. In addition, it is definitely worthwhile as the scenery is breathtaking. Moreover, on the way back to Lao Cai, you will ride along the Red River which forms the natural border between Vietnam and China, and enjoy a visit to Lao Cai, the international border town with China. Dinner in a restaurant en route to Hanoi and arrive back in Hanoi by 5.30am.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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Northwest Vietnam 9-Day Motorbike Tour: GTT905

Overview

Trip Map

Highlight

Service

Your Dream Motorbike holiday, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

FAQS

Reviews

Request a quote for this trip

Pricing Notes

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