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Tour Highlights
Explore Vietnam's Amazing Mountainous Frontier
Tour Description
Vietnam motorcycle tour
Location
Vietnam
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Total Distance
1,390 km
Motorcycle
Honda CRF250
Pillion
yes
Difficulty
Experienced road riders welcome
Tour Itinerary
Explore the mountains along the border with China
Day 1: Hanoi - That Khe
- 230 km
- hotel
- quiet country roads surrounded by beautuful karst rock formations
- We pass through a vibrant farming region with rice fields, fruit trees, and dramatic karst rock formations. Continuing along peaceful country roads, we encounter traditional Vietnamese communities and reach forested hills inhabited by the Tay hill tribe. Our journey ends in That Khe, where French forces suffered crippling ambushes in their war against Ho Chi Minh.
Day 2: That Khe - Ban Gioc Waterfall
- 140 km
- homestay
- Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave
- We pass significant battle sites amidst the stunning karst landscape and follow the Chinese border past Nung and Tay hill-tribe people tending their corn and rice fields. We'll visit the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Nguom Ngao Cave.
Day 3: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake
- 190 km
- homestay
- river boat cruise throug the Phuong Cave and into Ba Be Lake National Park
- We head southwest, leaving the karst landscape behind, and ride through steep hills where Dao hill tribe people cultivate rice terraces. We reach Cho Ra, a market town, and board a long boat with our bikes. After cruising through Puong Cave, we arrive at the scenic Ba Be Lake, surrounded by lush jungle.
Day 4: Ba Be Lake - Dong Van
- 220 km
- hotel
- Ma Li Peng Pass
- After steep climbs through rice-terraced mountains, we reach Bao Lac, a border settlement. From there, we begin our ascent into the stunning Ha Giang plateau, a region with breathtaking karst rock formations and villages inhabited by Hmong, Lo Lo, Bo Yi, and Dao hill-tribe people. The vast and awe-inspiring scenery culminates at the jaw-dropping Ma Li Peng Pass.
Day 5: Dong Van - Ha Giang
- 150 km
- homestay
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
- After breakfast in Dong Van's charming hill tribe market, we make our slow descent off the Dong Van Plateau, up and over mountain passes, through deep gorges and past picturesque rivers, all the time surrounded by the mind-blowing limestone karst scenery that this region is so famous for.
Day 6: Ha Giang - Hoang Su Phi
- 140 km
- homestay
- Hoang Su Phi rice rerraces
- We head upwards to the mountainous Hoang Su Phi District, where Dao hill-tribe people have carved out a remarkable collection of rice-terraced fields. The road makes a splendid traverse on the sides of some large mountains before following the Chay River, with enormous mountains climbing up on either side.
Day 7: Hoang Su Phi - Vu Linh
- 160 km
- homestay
- Xin Man Gorge and Deo Gio Pass
- The day starts with a long and steep climb up the switch-backed mountain that affords grand views of the massive Xin Man Gorge. Then we climb up, and over the Deo Gio Pass, explore quiet country lanes where Flower Hmong people live in clustered villages before riding past the lovely Thac Da Lake.
Day 8: Vu Linh - Hanoi
- 160 km
- The bustling Red River Delta
- We’ll ride deep into the heart of the Red River Delta and follow quiet roads past endless rice fields and traditional villages before arriving back in Hanoi.
Tour Video
The Experience
The Motorcycle
Honda CRF250
Engine
Engine Type
liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement
249 cc
Bore X Stroke
79 x 50.9
Ignition
computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
Fuel System
PGM-FI fuel injection
Compression Ratio
13.9:1
Transmission
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5 speed
Dimensions and Weight
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
875 mm
Ground Clearance
332 mm
Kerb Weight
145 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.7 litres
Dimensions
2195 mm (L) x 815 mm (W) x 1195 mm (H)
Wheels, Suspension and Brakes
Suspension Front
49 mm leading-axle inverted, 12.2 inch travel
Suspension Rear
single shock with spring preload, 12.3 inch travel
Brakes Front
single 260 mm disc
Brakes Rear
single 240 mm disc
Tyres Front
80/100 21
Tyres Rear
100/90 19
Inclusions and Extras
All-Inclusive Vietnam motorcycle tour
Motorcyle Hire
Fuel
Support Team
Accommodation
Meals
Tickets and Permits
Motorcyle Equipment
Personal Expenses Including Alcohol
Damage to the Motorcycles
Travel and Medical Insurance
Reviews
20+ Years On the Road
The cultural side of the Ho Chi Min trail was an experience in itself, and brought to light the extreme difficulties and conditions the Laos people experienced during the Vietnam war.
Stringing together the off road riding and the cultural side of things is a true masterpiece, that only an experienced guide like Digby could achieve.
I feel truly honoured to have had this unique experience and would highly recommend it to anybody with a curious and sporty mind.
I will definitely do another bike trip with him as his knowledge and understanding of Vietnam is excellent and he is exactly the sort of person you need leading a trip there.
Highly recommended!!
Don
The tour was one of the best I've ever experienced. The people , the staff , the food , the accommodation was brilliant.
The trip was organised, stressless .
Plenty of support with the machines, which were classic Russian Urals and surprisingly reliable.
Digby's knowledge of Vietnam and the war was exceptional and really enjoyable to be a part of .
His lovely wife Thuy completed the tour with wonderful hospitality and friendship.
My confidence after that tour was complete and I therefore organised a bunch of Kiwi mates and rode the Himalayas with Digby and his Indian crew . It was a 14 day ride leaving Delhi riding the mountain roads up to Ladakh . Nothing short of "Epic" and I would ride it again in a New York minute .
On this trip we rode Royal Enfield Bullet 500 single bangers which were inbreakable .
team and crew support was excellent . Food and accommodation above par .
Explore Indochina is an experienced company who bring an artisan professional experience to those wanting an authentic ride through 2 amazing countries.
Definitely batting a 1000 .
Would I do it again ? Shit yeah !!
Learn More
Vietnam motorcycle tour FAQ
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, you need to apply for an E-visa before you fly to Vietnam. Just click this link to start the process, which will end with a letter being sent to you that you’ll need to show both the check-in counter at your point of departure as well as immigration once you arrive in Vietnam.
Are International Driving Permits (IDPs) accepted in Vietnam?
Vietnam only accepts IDPs from countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Unfortunately, many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, are not a party to this convention because they’re signed up to the earlier 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
This anomaly is a big headache for fully licensed and experienced riders because they technically can run afoul of the police and even have their insurance invalidated. At least on the insurance front, some policies only require you to hold a ‘home’ license, so you will still be covered. Also, police rarely, if ever, stop foreigners.
What's the best time to ride in Vietnam?
You can ride in Vietnam all year round. It is hot and green from May through to September. Green means beautiful vistas, and it is well worth suffering from a bit of heat and rain to enjoy the sublime green rice-terraced mountains in the far north. September and October mark the annual rice harvest in the northern mountains, so it’s arguably the most beautiful time. It is dry and cool from October until February, when it can get quite cold and even wet from the constant drizzle. March and April are mild, and the fields begin to get green again from the rice planting.
What other tours do you offer?
Aside from motorcycle tours in Vietnam, we also offer off-road motorbike adventures in Mongolia and Laos. In Mongolia, we tour the sprawling steppes on motorbikes, while in Laos, we tour the original Ho Chi Minh Trail. One of our most popular rides takes you on an incredible tour of the Himalayas in India, where you will tour some of the highest roads on the planet.
What kind of equipment do I need to bring for a Vietnam motorcycle tour?
If you wish, we can provide you with a motorcycle jacket, an open face helmet, rain gear, and waterproof bags. You will need to bring sturdy boots, gloves and riding pants.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Vietnam?
It is mandatory to wear a helmet while on tour in Vietnam, and police will enforce the law if you don’t.
Can I bring my own motorcycle for touring in Vietnam?
It isn’t very easy to bring your own motorbike into Vietnam. Much paperwork needs to be prepared in advance, so it’s best to use a professional shipping service that can navigate the complicated customs procedures.
Is it safe to travel as a tourist in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a very safe destination for all tourists, especially women travelling alone. There is minimal violent crime, and theft in the major cities is rare.
Do I need to take any vaccinations for Vietnam?
Have a look at this link for health advice concerning vietnam.
What electricity plugs are used in Vietnam?
Electrical wall outlets in Vietnam look like this.
