This journey through Central and Northern Vietnam combines everything that makes motorcycle riding in Southeast Asia so special: breathtaking landscapes, fascinating insights into culture and history, unique encounters – combined with remote tracks, winding mountain passes, and unforgettable adventures on two wheels.
We start on the coast in the picturesque town of Hoi An, cross the famous Hai Van Pass, and dive into the history of the ancient imperial city of Hue – including a visit to the “Forbidden City.” In Vinh Moc we descend into the historic tunnels and feel how close past and present still are.
Further north the landscape becomes wilder: shimmering green valleys, rugged mountain ranges, endless rice fields, and small mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. At local markets we meet ethnic mountain tribes in their colorful traditional clothing, taste regional specialties, and experience the legendary Vietnamese cuisine with its fascinating flavors.
At the end we reach the vibrant city of Hanoi and, if you wish, finish the journey on a traditional junk ship in the legendary Halong Bay.
21 days that stay with you – with dusty boots, great stories, and the feeling of truly having discovered Vietnam.
Everything you need to know about this tour. Do you have any further questions? Please contact us!
Extension
22. Hanoi → Halong bay
23. Halong bay→ Hanoi
24. Departure
At Da Nang Airport you will be welcomed by our driver. After just a few kilometers the scenery begins to change: small villages, palm-lined beaches, and lush green rice fields where farmers work in straw hats. Water buffalo slowly plough the fields – Vietnam reveals its peaceful side. After about 45 minutes we arrive in Hoi An, one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam and the perfect place to start the journey. The old town feels like stepping back in time: narrow streets, historic trading houses with yellow facades, wooden shops, and Chinese temples where small bells gently ring in the wind. In the evening, when the colorful lanterns are lit and sway softly in the tropical breeze, the town transforms. The lights reflect on the water, music drifts from countless small restaurants and cafés, and the warm air carries the scent of incense and fresh coriander. The perfect start to our Vietnam adventure – relaxed, atmospheric, and full of anticipation for the journey ahead.
The first riding day in Vietnam begins. After a short briefing we set off on narrow roads into the countryside, passing lush green rice fields and small villages where children wave to us from the side of the road. Our destination is My Son, the spiritual center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Hidden deep in the jungle lie moss-covered temple ruins, where the mystical atmosphere of past centuries can still be felt. The scent of damp leaves, the sound of cicadas, and the heat shimmering above the stones – My Son is one of those places where history comes alive. The ride back to Hoi An follows small backroads, perfect for getting used to the motorcycle and the local road conditions. Back in town there is time to enjoy the evening atmosphere – perhaps with a bowl of Cao Lau, the specialty of Hoi An and my absolute favorite dish in Vietnam.
Right at the beginning, one of the most beautiful motorcycle routes in Vietnam awaits us – the ride over the legendary Hai Van Pass, also known as the “Cloud Pass.” Just beyond Da Nang the road climbs in spectacular curves into the mountains: the deep blue sea on the right, dense jungle on the left. The higher we ride, the cooler the wind becomes. Often mysterious clouds drift across the mountain ridges – a view that gives you goosebumps. The Hai Van Pass forms the natural weather divide between North and South Vietnam. The climate can change here within minutes: sunshine below, dense clouds and rain at the top. That contrast is exactly what makes this pass so fascinating. Only a few kilometers after the descent the landscape opens up and we arrive in the former imperial city of Hue, a place that breathes history. Between palaces, pagodas, and ancient temples you can feel the spirit of past dynasties. In the evening it is worth taking a walk along the Perfume River before we try one of Vietnam’s most famous noodle soups together: Bún Bò Huế – rich, aromatic, and for many the best soup in the world.
Today we get into the saddle early. Shortly after leaving Hue, the landscape becomes wilder and more untouched. Rice fields give way to gentle hills, then mountains – and finally the road leads deep into the jungle. Riding along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Road, we enter one of the most remote regions of Central Vietnam. The asphalt winds through lush green scenery. At first we still pass small villages, but on long stretches we have the road completely to ourselves. The further we ride northwest, the more noticeable the proximity to the former Demilitarized Zone becomes – a place where history feels tangible. Our destination is Khe Sanh, a small town with a significant past. One of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War once took place here. At the Khe Sanh Combat Base Museum, rusting tanks, helicopters, and aircraft bear witness to this tragic chapter of Vietnam’s history. Today an almost eerie silence lies over the area. The jungle has reclaimed its territory – covering the traces of war in green stillness.
From Khe Sanh the road leads deeper and deeper into the jungle. Dense green stretches as far as the eye can see. We continue along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Road – once a lifeline during the war, today one of the most spectacular motorcycle routes in Vietnam. For hours we hardly encounter another vehicle. Only the steady rumble of our engines echoes through the valleys. The asphalt winds through endless forests, across rivers and mountain passes – pure freedom on two wheels. In the afternoon the landscape opens up and we reach Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest caves in the world. By boat we glide into one of the famous karst caves and take in the immense scenery – a magical moment where time seems to stand still.
After the last riding days, today is time to slow down. We stay in Phong Nha, a place world-famous for its spectacular limestone caves. If you like, you can spend the day relaxing at a riverside café, strolling through the small village, or setting out on an unforgettable underground adventure. Options include boat trips into the impressive Phong Nha Cave, hikes to Paradise Cave, or – for those seeking adventure – guided expeditions into the deeper stalactite caves of the national park. A day to marvel, explore, or simply enjoy – before we set off again the next day and experience another fascinating side of Vietnam.
During the first kilometers after leaving Phong Nha we once again enjoy the spectacular view of the karst mountains, whose depths have hidden some of the largest caves in the world for thousands of years. Like a ribbon of asphalt, the road winds through endless green landscapes toward the northeast – passing waterfalls, small settlements, and rice fields where life moves at an unhurried pace. While in the past days we often shared the road only with a few water buffalo, movement slowly returns to the scenery. Near the town of Thanh Khe it is finally time to say: goodbye, Ho Chi Minh Road. Here stands the monument of the so-called “Milestone Zero” – the starting and ending point of the legendary supply route during the Vietnam War. After around 250 kilometers we reach Thai Hoa, a typical Vietnamese provincial town: lively, noisy, and full of energy. Among honking scooters, steaming street food stalls, and the scent of local dishes, we raise a toast to another great riding day.
Today a true highlight awaits us: the “Dry Halong Bay” – or, as it is known here, Ha Long Bay on Land. Just about 90 kilometers from the bustling capital Hanoi, time seems to stand still. The road leads through wide plains, past rice fields and rubber plantations. Life here is simple: water buffalo in the fields, women in straw hats planting young rice seedlings, and small villages with colorful pagodas. The closer we get to Tam Coc, the more impressive the scenery becomes. Towering limestone cliffs alternate with lush green rice fields and shimmering waterways – a landscape like something from a fantasy film, surreal in its beauty yet completely real. In the evening, when the light softens and the sun sinks behind the fields, Tam Coc turns into pure poetry – quiet, mystical, and full of magic.
From the boat pier in Tam Coc, just a few minutes from our hotel, we head out onto the water in small sampan boats. Silently we glide past rice fields and towering karst cliffs – into a landscape that feels like another world. If you feel like being active, you can climb Ngoa Long Mountain, also known as the “Lying Dragon Mountain.” The ascent of around 500 steps is demanding, but every step is worth it. At the top, a breathtaking view opens up over the karst landscape of Tam Coc – a moment you will not forget. In the evening we end the day in one of the small local restaurants in town. Tam Coc is one of the most relaxed places in Vietnam – perfect for slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Today’s stage takes us through the heart of northwest Vietnam – a region considered one of the most idyllic in the country. The road winds through a mosaic of fields, fruit plantations, and small villages where life follows its unmistakable rhythm of chickens, horns, and the quiet sound of hammering. Behind every curve new views appear: distant hills in the haze, narrow wooden bridges, and children playing along the roadside. The closer we get to Mộc Châu, the more the landscape changes. The air becomes cooler and the light clearer. At around 1,000 meters above sea level lies the Mộc Châu Plateau, surrounded by tea plantations, pastures, and flowering fields. The region is considered one of the most beautiful areas of northern Vietnam, known for its welcoming people and its peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. In the evening we enjoy the quiet among the mountains – a place to breathe deeply and let go.
Today a route awaits us that is both demanding and fascinating. After leaving Mộc Châu we descend from the plateau and enter a landscape full of contrasts: mist-covered valleys, rugged rock faces, and dusty villages. The wind carries the scent of tea and damp earth – and from time to time we encounter a water buffalo calmly blocking the road. The further west we ride, the quieter it becomes. The road clings to the mountain slopes, winding through endless curves until, in the distance, the water of the Black River appears. The powerful Sông Đà cuts deep through the gorges: dark, calm, and mysterious. Our accommodation awaits us on the riverbank – a peaceful place overlooking the water. We enjoy the silence, the sound of cicadas, and that unmistakable feeling of being far away and close to nature.
"Northern Vietnam is a dream for motorcycle riders – emerald green rice fields, majestic karst cliffs and mountain passes that take your breath away. The Ha Giang Loop with its endless curves, the sea of mist above Sa Pa and the vibrant city of Hanoi – all of it comes together in an adventure full of contrasts: raw and wild, warm and authentic."
We start the day with a true series of curves along a rugged reservoir. The route leads through one of the most sparsely populated regions of Vietnam – past old water wheels, dark green tea hills and scattered wooden houses, deep into the wild mountain landscape of northern Vietnam. We pass small villages and markets where women of the Hmong and Dao tribes sell their colorful fabrics. The scent of grilled meat mixes with petrol, wood smoke and jungle – a smell typical of northern Vietnam that stays with you instantly. Shortly before reaching our destination, a real highlight awaits: the legendary O Quy Ho Pass. With its endless switchbacks and spectacular views it is considered the “King of the Northwest Mountain Passes” – a dream for every motorcycle rider. In the late afternoon we arrive in Sa Pa – the pearl of northern Vietnam, surrounded by rice terraces and rugged peaks. The climate is cooler up here and the air clearer. Between roaming Hmong traders, French cafés and fragrant street food stalls, Sa Pa almost feels European – yet unmistakably Vietnamese.
After the last intense riding days we enjoy a free day in Sa Pa. The town lies at around 1,500 meters above sea level at the foot of the mighty Fansipan – the highest mountain in Vietnam. French colonial houses, colorful markets and the scent of freshly cooked street food give the place an atmosphere somewhere between the Alps and Asia. Those who feel like being active can take a hike through the rice terraces to the villages of Cat Cat or Ta Phin, where Hmong and Dao families show their traditional craftsmanship. Alternatively, a cable car takes us up to Fansipan in just 15 minutes – the “Roof of Indochina.” At the top a temple complex awaits with a monumental Buddha statue. On clear days the view stretches far across the surrounding mountain ranges. Often the temples lie in dense mist, from which the statues appear only as silhouettes, while the quiet sound of bells and distant prayers create an almost magical atmosphere.
We leave Sa Pa and enter the fascinating world of the ethnic mountain tribes of northern Vietnam. The route to Bac Ha is a true pleasure for motorcycle riders – narrow roads, tight curves and breathtaking views of rugged peaks and lush green valleys. Along the Song Lo River our route leads through remote villages where residents still channel their drinking water from the mountains through long bamboo pipes. Near Viet Quang we turn off, pass the old bamboo water wheels of Nghia Do and slowly leave civilization behind. For around 30 kilometers we are accompanied only by birds, wind and the steady sound of our engines – pure freedom. As soon as the first rice terraces appear along the road, Bac Ha is not far away. Every Sunday the quiet town transforms into a colorful spectacle: at the famous Bac Ha market people from different ethnic mountain tribes gather in traditional clothing to trade, talk and meet. Young Hmong dress up to impress the opposite sex, while the older generation offers their crops or bargains for a new water buffalo. A scene that feels like another time – lively, authentic and deeply moving.
Today one of the most beautiful stages in Vietnam awaits us – both in terms of riding and landscape a true highlight. After Bac Ha the road leads deeper and deeper into the karst plateau of Ha Giang, passing bright green rice terraces, pine forests and small villages where life still moves to the rhythm of nature. The asphalt winds through a spectacular mountain landscape – sometimes narrow and curving, sometimes wide and open. A particularly impressive section lies at the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, where the valley spreads out below us like a green sea and the distinctive “Twin Mountains” rise from it like waves of stone. After around 140 kilometers we reach Ha Giang – the gateway to the legendary Ha Giang Loop. Today the town is a lively meeting place for motorcycle travelers from around the world who come here to recharge, exchange stories and prepare for the adventures waiting in the wild north of Vietnam.
After leaving Ha Giang the road climbs into the rugged mountain landscape of northern Vietnam – an endless up and down between rice terraces, rock walls and tiny villages. The Khau Coc Cha Pass is a real treat for riders who love curves: 14 tight hairpin bends winding up the mountainside like a snake. Behind every turn a new perspective opens up – wild, raw and overwhelmingly beautiful. In the afternoon we reach Dong Van, an old market town not far from the Chinese border. Between historic trading houses and colorful lanterns we end the day – with the unmistakable feeling of having arrived in the heart of northern Vietnam.
From Dong Van our route leads over the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in Southeast Asia. In endless curves it winds along the mountainside high above the turquoise Nho Que River, which flows through the gorge like a blue green ribbon of silk. Viewpoints again and again invite us to stop – and each time it is hard to look away from this immense scenery. After Meo Vac the road becomes narrower and the world quieter. The mountains move closer together and small villages cling to the valley slopes. Children wave to us from the roadside while the sun bathes the rocks in golden light. In the afternoon we reach Bao Lac, a quiet town in a narrow valley. After a day full of curves, altitude and wide views this is the perfect place to pause and let the impressions of this unforgettable day sink in.
Today our route leads deep into Cao Bang Province – one of the wildest and most beautiful regions of northern Vietnam. On tiny roads we follow the Chinese border – just us, our motorcycles, the road and untouched nature. With every kilometer further east the landscape becomes more dramatic: karst cliffs rise from emerald green rice fields, rivers wind through remote valleys and water buffalo move slowly through the morning light. Vietnam reveals its most original side here – wild, raw and beautiful. In the afternoon we reach the Ban Gioc Waterfalls – a natural spectacle of superlatives. The Quay Son River plunges down several tiers almost 300 meters wide and more than 50 meters deep into the gorge. Only a few meters away lies the border with China and on the other side visitors drift past on small bamboo rafts, almost within reach. Early risers experience a special magic here: when morning mist lies over the water the world seems to stand still for a moment.
After a final look at the roaring Ban Gioc Waterfalls we set off for the second to last stage of our journey. The route between Ban Gioc and Ba Be Lake is an absolute dream: passing traditional villages we ride along quiet roads through dense jungle. At most you may be slowed down by a water buffalo or a group of chickens enjoying the warm asphalt. In the afternoon we reach Ba Be National Park – a paradise of wild, untamed nature. Around Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, Ba Be Lake, tropical forests stretch out, from which karst cliffs rise up to 1,600 meters high. Along the shores live several ethnic minorities who still maintain their traditional way of life and, besides the still young tourism, mainly live from fishing and agriculture. Especially early in the morning when mist drifts across the lake and the world becomes quiet, this place reveals its full magic – peaceful, timeless and complete.
The final stage of our journey begins quietly. Before the day awakens the lake lies still – as if silently saying goodbye. From Ba Be National Park we ride down into the valley – through dense forests, across narrow bridges and past the first small villages. The road follows the course of the river until the hills begin to open up. After Thai Nguyen the traffic becomes heavier and more and more mopeds fill the streets – the familiar chaos announces our return to civilization. Finally we reach Hanoi – the embodiment of Vietnamese energy. An endless chorus of horns, mopeds weaving past each other by millimeters and in the air the scent of petrol, street food and strong coffee. During our farewell dinner together we look back on the past days – filled with impressions that will stay with us for a long time.
At the end of the journey there is time to discover what is probably the most fascinating city in Vietnam: Hanoi – loud, chaotic, vibrant and at the same time full of charm. In the Old Quarter life pulses between honking mopeds, fragrant street food stalls and hidden cafés. We let ourselves drift through the narrow streets, past Chinese pagodas, medieval churches and magnificent colonial villas. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is just as much part of the experience as a visit to the legendary Train Street, where the train rushes past just a few centimeters from the house walls. In the evening Beer Street attracts visitors with freshly poured Bia Hoi, street music and a lively mix of travelers and locals. Hanoi is a feast for the senses – vibrant, colorful, intense and beautiful. At the end of our journey there is time to discover what is probably the most fascinating city in Vietnam: Hanoi – loud, chaotic, vibrant and at the same time full of charm. In the Old Quarter life pulses between honking mopeds, fragrant street food stalls and hidden cafés. We let ourselves drift through the narrow streets, past Chinese pagodas, old churches and magnificent colonial villas. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is just as much part of the experience as a visit to the legendary Train Street, where the train rushes past just a few centimeters from the house walls. In the evening Beer Street attracts visitors with freshly poured Bia Hoi, street music and a lively mix of travelers and locals. Hanoi is a feast for the senses – vibrant, colorful, intense and beautiful.
If your journey ends on this day, the transfer to the airport takes place depending on your flight time. In your luggage: countless impressions, encounters and the feeling of freedom on two wheels. Memories that remain – until the next adventure.
If you have booked the extension to Halong Bay, you leave the city early in the morning towards the coast.
If you wish, you can extend your journey by two days and experience the world-famous Halong Bay. Immerse yourself in the magical landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its striking karst cliffs rising steeply from the water and enjoy the comforts on board a luxurious junk boat.
If you have booked the extension, today and tomorrow you will experience Vietnam from a completely different perspective. Early in the morning we leave the city heading east towards the coast. Around midday you board a traditional wooden boat. Slowly it glides through the quiet bay, passing green islands rising steeply from the sea. Fishermen cast their nets, seagulls circle above, and the water sparkles in the light of the setting sun. When the anchor is dropped in the evening and the boat gently rocks on the waves, everything becomes quiet. Only the soft sound of the water, distant music somewhere far away – and you, surrounded by a landscape you will never forget.
When morning mist covers the bay, the rock formations seem to float. After breakfast the boat slowly glides back toward the mainland. Once again the scenery passes by – a final view of perhaps Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder. The return to Hanoi leads through rice fields and small villages. Back in the capital there is time for a final coffee at Hoan Kiem Lake or a walk through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter.
The final day begins. The bags are packed, the helmet stored away. In the air there is a touch of melancholy – and even more gratitude: for the feeling of freedom and adventure, the smell of rain in the jungle, the laughter of children along the roadside and all the unforgettable encounters. The plane may take off, but Vietnam remains – not only on the map, but in the heart.
Changes to the route may be made according to the current local conditions.
During your motorcycle tour in Vietnam you will ride a Kawasaki KLX 150 cc as standard – reliable and ideal for the winding mountain roads of northern Vietnam. If you prefer more power, you can rent a Honda XR 250 cc or Honda XR 400 motorcycle. The upgrade costs an additional €390. Please indicate this request directly at the time of booking so that your rental motorcycle can be reserved for the tour.
This journey is accompanied by Erik Peters, known as a motorcycle traveler, filmmaker, and one of the authentic voices of the German-speaking motorcycle scene. He has also published a widely read book about Vietnam – Let’s Ride Vietnam – in which he describes his impressions, routes, and encounters in Vietnam. Some of these places you will also experience on this journey. Together with a Vietnamese tour guide he will accompany this tour, which opens even more doors through the language.
During this motorcycle tour with Erik Peters in Vietnam you ride light rental motorcycles that are ideally suited for this route. The route leads along small, winding country roads, through villages with free roaming animals that can cross the road at any time, as well as across numerous curves and mountain passes. On average you spend about six hours per day in the saddle; with breaks, lunch and photo stops you will be on the road significantly longer. A possible challenge is the traffic in and around Hanoi: every day countless motorcycles, scooters, rickshaws and bicycles push their way through the bustle – but so far no one has ever been lost. The tour is an onroad tour. Due to road construction or detours it can happen that some sections are unpaved. In bad weather certain passages can also become more demanding. A previous enduro training is fun and provides additional confidence, but it is not strictly necessary. We assume that you have sufficient riding experience and can move safely in traffic.
Our motorcycle tours in northern Vietnam in March, April, September, October and November take place during the best travel periods outside the monsoon season. In the lower regions temperatures are usually between 25 and 32 °C, while in the mountains they are often only between 15 and 20 °C. We recommend breathable protective riding gear and additional warm clothing. You bring your own motorcycle gear with protectors, helmet, boots or sturdy footwear as well as gloves. Well fitting goggles protect against dust, and short rain showers are possible at any time.
You need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Check if you need a visa to enter Vietnam. To ride a motorcycle in Vietnam an International Driving License (IDL) is mandatory. Without an international driving license problems can occur during police checks. In addition you should also carry your national driving license.
Riderstarting at: € 4150,-
Pillion : € 3500,-
Singleroom occupancy additional charge: € 580,-
Pocketmoney to bring with you: € 550,-*
Minimum number of riding participants: 6
Maximum number of riding participants: 12
Maximum number of pillion riders: 2
Extension Halong Bay 2 days: €290,-per person including overnight on board and transfer from and to the hotel andhotel overnight in Hanoi.
Single roomsupplement Halong Bay €150,-.
Visa(not included): Check with your local ambassy to see if you need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam. The online application can be found on the website of the Vietnamese Immigration Authority.
This tour is available on these dates:
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