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Personalized tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, crafted for unforgettable, immersive experiences.

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  • Address

    15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

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    info@goldentrailtravel.com
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    +84(832) - 126 - 699

Vietnam Grand North Loop 13 Days Motorbike Tour

  • CODE: GDT222
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 13 - 16 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: Vietnam - Moc Chau - Son La - Tuan Giao - Yen Bai - Lang Son - Ha Noi - Ha Long - Sa Pa - Bac Ha - Cao Bang - Lai Chau - Ba Be

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Vietnam Grand North Loop 13-Day Motorbike Tour by Golden Trail Travel, a thrilling journey crafted for riders and culture enthusiasts eager to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of Northern Vietnam. This 13-day tour takes you through the heart of Vietnam’s Grand North Loop, a region renowned for its dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant ethnic communities. From the iconic rice terraces of Sapa to the rugged trails of Ha Giang, this motorbike adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Vietnam’s most stunning scenery and authentic cultural treasures.

Your journey begins in Hanoi, where you’ll hop on a reliable motorbike and set off on an exhilarating ride through Northern Vietnam’s most iconic and remote regions. Over 13 days, you’ll navigate winding mountain passes, explore serene valleys, and visit hidden gems that showcase the region’s natural splendor and cultural diversity. This tour is designed for riders seeking a thrilling yet accessible adventure, suitable for both experienced motorbikers and confident beginners, with expert local guides ensuring safety and sharing deep insights into the history, traditions, and lifestyles of the communities you’ll encounter. You’ll savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, stay in a mix of cozy homestays and comfortable guesthouses, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Northern Vietnam.

The itinerary covers the Grand North Loop’s highlights, starting with a ride through the scenic lowlands to Mai Chau, known for its lush valleys and Thai villages. You’ll continue to Sapa, home to breathtaking terraced rice fields and H’Mong communities, before tackling the dramatic roads of Ha Giang, including the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau. Other stops include the tranquil Ba Be Lake and the vibrant markets of Bac Ha, with each day bringing new adventures, from cruising through misty mountains to exploring ethnic villages. You’ll have ample opportunities to connect with locals, learn about their crafts, and experience their vibrant festivals and customs.

This tour is more than a motorbike journey—it’s a cultural and natural odyssey. You’ll engage with ethnic groups like the H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Thai, witnessing their unique traditions and sharing in their daily lives. From savoring regional delicacies like pho, sticky rice, and fresh mountain produce to relaxing in authentic homestays or under starry skies, every moment is filled with discovery and wonder. Golden Trail Travel ensures a seamless experience with reliable motorbikes, carefully planned routes, and accommodations that balance comfort with authenticity. Whether you’re navigating hairpin turns or sharing stories with local families, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Book this 13-day motorbike tour for a thrilling journey that combines heart-pounding rides, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for adventurous solo travelers, couples, or small groups, this tour offers an authentic and exhilarating exploration of Vietnam’s Grand North Loop

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Thrilling Motorbike Routes: Ride through dramatic mountain passes, lush valleys, and scenic trails across Northern Vietnam.

  • Cultural Immersion: Visit ethnic villages, including H’Mong, Dao, and Thai communities, to learn about their traditions and crafts.

  • Iconic Destinations: Explore Sapa’s rice terraces, Ha Giang’s Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ba Be Lake, and Bac Ha’s vibrant markets.

  • Stunning Landscapes: Marvel at Northern Vietnam’s mountains, valleys, and lakes that define the Grand North Loop’s beauty.

  • Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: Savor regional specialties, from hearty pho to fresh mountain dishes, prepared by local hosts.

  • Expert Local Guides: Travel with knowledgeable guides who share insights into Northern Vietnam’s culture and history.

  • Mix of Accommodations: Stay in cozy homestays, guesthouses, and occasional camping for an authentic experience.

  • Suitable for Confident Riders: Designed for experienced and confident beginner motorbikers, with full support provided.

  • Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personalized journey with a small group for a more intimate exploration.

  • Safe and Reliable Motorbikes: Ride well-maintained bikes built for comfort and safety on diverse terrains.

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 – Mai Chau. ~170 km, ~5 h.
Today is the first day of this Grand North Loop 13 days 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.We leave Hanoi around 9am following the Red river road to Son Tay and then another Black river road to Hoa Binh. This is longer than taking the Highway 6 but saves you hours in crowded traffic.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 during trekking, boating, or while driving.
Day 2: Mai Chau – Son La. ~185 km, ~9 h.
On good road looking high over distant mountains, we head up into a forested region populated by H’mong people before descending into a mountainous tea-growing region. Soon after we follow a long valley floor covered in a sea of rice surrounded by Black Thai villages all the way to Son La with its bargain-filled market. Sleep in a hotel.Golden Trail Travel Motorbike Adventures - Grand North loop 13 days motorbike tour via Son La.
Day 3: Son La – Muong Lay. ~200 km, ~10 h.
There are 15 passes in total. In general, you ride on very nice roads with a stunning landscape. Probably the most beautiful journey of the whole trip even the road is in poor condition. Sleep in Lan Anh Hotel.
Day 4: Muong Lay – Lai Chau. ~120 km, ~6 h.
In general, this is the most demanding and remote section of the drive which takes us upstream along the left side of a Black River tributary through the forest on a bumpy dirt road past isolated pockets of Tay, Thai, H’mong, and Man peoples before breaching a pass to enter the Tam Duong plain, which is covered in shark’s teeth-like limestone karts. We would visit a Mang village near Sin Ho, the guide will buy some food to give to the head of the village, and he later distributes our donations to the villagers. We stay in a hotel.
Day 5: Lai Chau – Sapa. ~90 km, ~4 h.
Tam Duong market in the morning. There are colourful Montagnard groups living in Tam Duong: Black H’mong and Dzao. Then around 10 am a beautiful ride at the slow pace on the bumpy road to Sapa. We will have a big breakfast because there is nothing to eat on the way, just ourselves with the wildness. We stay O/N in Cat Cat Hotel.
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha. ~90 km, ~4 h.
The ride from Sapa to Bac Ha takes ~4 hours, down from Sapa to Lao Cai (34 km) and then up to Bac Ha (70 km) with a stunning landscape. We check in a hotel before having lunch. In the afternoon, we trek to Lung Phinh village of Flower H’mong people. Stay overnight in Bac Ha.
Day 7: Bac Ha – Luc Yen – Vu Linh. ~180 km, ~5 h.
We start the day by strolling around Bac Ha to meet with many ethnic villages in this area. We then move towards the lake Thac Ba. From Bac Ha to Luc Yen, the road is easy and sealed all the way. After Luc Yen, we take a small dirt track bordered by palm trees, in the middle of the karsts for 70 km. Finally, we arrive at Vu Linh, a traditional village of Dao where we sleep in the family of our friends. The welcome is exceptional.
Day 8: Vu Linh – Na Khan. ~165 km, ~6 h.
You ride from Vu Linh to Na Khan through Tuyen Quang. In general, the road is sealed almost all the way. However, the last part (10 kilometres) is wild and bumpy. Na Khan is a Tay village, lost in the middle of the primitive forest. Mr. Lo, chief of the village will welcome us to his house.Golden Trail Travel Motorbike Adventures - Grand North loop 13 days motorbike tour via Ba Be lake.
Day 9: Na Khan – Ba Be. ~50 km, ~2 h.
A short drive from Na Khan to Ba Be on a bumpy road. Then have lunch at our captain’s house. Easy boating on the lake and river. Go to the market (if it is the day you arrive). Stop at a waterfall, beautiful swim, etc. Ong pirate, the chief of Dau Dang waterfall where we enjoy dinner. Down the waterfall, we could visit the village and a small school (only a few pupils during the summer). We propose to stay in the stilt house of forest guards.
Day 10: Ba Be – Quang Hoa. ~170 km, ~8 h.
Cross Ba Be lake to come back to our captain’s house. Then a beautiful ride up to Cao Bang province. There are a few passes from where you can dominate the area. The road is easy but there are many curves. While riding we can stop a lot. Altogether, with stops for drinks and food, it should be an 8-hour journey. Then ride 1 more hour to reach the beautiful village of Quang Hoa, in the middle of a mountain cirque. This is the territory of Nung An people. Spend the night at our friend’s house.
Day 11: Quang Hoa – Mau Son. ~200 km, ~7 h.
Honestly, today is the best riding day of this Grand North Loop 13 days motorbike tour.We slowly leave the region of the karsts to find the forest. Then descending by famous colonial road N. 4 until the frontier city of Lang Son. We then climb Mau Son mount (1.541 m) to spend the night at its top from where we dominate all the areas to which China is near.Stay in a hotel in a former French atmosphere, which is recently restored.Recently, we received some complaints about room service and prostitution in Mau Son. In case you want better hotel rooms, we could stop in Lang Son city.
Day 12: Mau Son – Bai Chay. ~180 km, ~7 h.
We have a long ride mainly on a secondary road, passing many coal mines along the road. The road goes down towards the plains. In fact, some sections are in bad condition.Arrive in Bai Chay (now Halong city). Check-in a hotel in Tuan Chau.Golden Trail Travel Motorbike Adventures - Grand North loop 13 days motorbike tour via Halong Bay.
Day 13: Bai Chay – Halong – Hanoi. ~180 km, ~4 h.
End of Grand North Loop 13 Days Motorbike Tour.A boat is waiting to take us to discover the Halong Bay. We first visit Thien Cung cave, then a fishing village through myriads of limestone. Later, have lunch on the boat before coming back to Bai Chay and ride back to Hanoi.We try to arrive in Hanoi before 5pm to avoid rush hours. Otherwise, you should be good with city traffic from the experience you got over the last days.

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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Pricing Notes

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

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