There are vacations, and then there are adventures!
Our trip through northern Vietnam was definitely the second kind.
In October 2025, seven of us traveled to Vietnam for a boys trip that turned into one of the most memorable adventures we’ve ever done. We started in Hanoi, where we spent a couple of days eating our way through the city and exploring it by Jeep. Then we traded the streets of Hanoi for motorcycles and headed north.
For the next five days, we rode roughly 1,000 kilometers through the mountains of northern Vietnam, passing through small villages, mountain valleys, traditional communities and some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen.
Our route took us from Hanoi to Vu Linh, then to Ha Giang, Dong Van, Ba Be National Park and finally back to Hanoi. And yes, there were some long days on the motorcycle. But it was absolutely worth it.
Before heading to Vietnam, make the long journey easier with a sleep mask, earplugs, portable charger and a Bluetooth airplane adapter.
Shop Sleep Mask, Earplugs, Portable Chargers and Bluetooth Airplane Adapter on Amazon
Where to stay on the Ha Giang Loop
We overnighted in Hanoi, a stilt house at Thac Ba Lake, Ha Giang City, Dong Van, and a lakeside homestay at Ba Be National Park.
Days 1–2: Starting the Trip in Hanoi
Before heading into the mountains, we wanted a couple of days to experience the city.
Hanoi was the perfect place to start this trip.
It’s busy, loud, chaotic and full of life. Motorcycles seem to come from every direction, street food is everywhere, and crossing the road sometimes feels like an extreme sport.
Since there were seven of us, we wanted to experience the city together rather than simply visit the major tourist attractions.
1. Take a Hanoi Food Tour
One of the first things we did was a food tour. And this was exactly what we needed after arriving in Vietnam. We walked through the city trying different Vietnamese dishes and getting introduced to the food and culture of Hanoi. A food tour is also a great way to start a trip because you get to try a bunch of different things without having to figure out where to go yourself. And with seven guys, let’s just say we were not shy about trying everything.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Hanoi, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a small daypack are definitely worth bringing.
Shop comfortable walking shoes on Amazon
Shop small daypacks on Amazon
2. Explore Hanoi by Jeep
We also did a Jeep tour around Hanoi. This was a fun way to explore the city as a group. Instead of walking everywhere, we jumped into Jeeps and explored different parts of Hanoi while getting a completely different perspective of the city. After two days of food, sightseeing and exploring, it was time to leave the city behind. The real adventure was about to begin.
Getting Ready for the Ha Giang Loop
Before starting the motorcycle journey, we met up with Frontier Travel Vietnam, the company we had hired for the trip. And I have to say, the organization was one of the things that immediately made me feel comfortable about the adventure. There were seven of us, and the company made sure everyone was properly fitted for the protective equipment before we left. We weren’t just handed a motorcycle and told, “Good luck.”
We had a guide leading us, a mechanic with us, a support vehicle and a photographer/videographer documenting the trip. That last part was especially nice. When you’re doing a trip like this, you want to be able to enjoy the ride instead of constantly stopping to pull out your phone and try to get pictures.
And trust me, there were plenty of moments when we were very happy someone else was taking the pictures. For the motorcycle portion of the trip, a good pair of polarized sunglasses can make long days on the road much more comfortable and a dry bag in case you go during rainy season like I did!
Shop dry bags on Amazon
Shop polarized sunglasses on Amazon
Day 1: Hanoi to Vu Linh
Our first day on the motorcycles took us from Hanoi toward Vu Linh, a small village located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake. We rode approximately 180 kilometers, which took around five to six hours of riding. At first, the scenery was still relatively lowland, with rice fields, tea plantations and countryside roads. But as we continued north, the landscape gradually started changing.
The flat countryside gave way to hills and eventually mountains. This was the moment when the trip started to feel completely different. We weren’t tourists sitting on a bus looking through a window anymore.
We were riding motorcycles directly through the countryside. And there is something about seeing Vietnam this way that makes the experience much more immersive.
Once you start riding, you’ll quickly realize how important a reusable water bottle or hydration pack is when you’re spending hours on the motorcycle.
Shop life straw water bottle on Amazon so you can filter water as you drink
Shop Hydration pack on Amazon
Arriving at Thac Ba Lake
Eventually we reached Vu Linh and the beautiful Thac Ba Lake. The lake is surrounded by green hills and hundreds of small islands, and after several hours on the motorcycle, it was a pretty incredible place to spend our first night. We stayed with a local Dao family in a traditional stilt house. That evening we had a home-cooked dinner and had the opportunity to experience a little bit of local life.
After a full day of riding, eating dinner together and relaxing by the lake was exactly what we needed.
It was only Day 1.
And already, we knew this was going to be a special trip.
Day 2: Vu Linh to Ha Giang
The next morning we said goodbye to our hosts and got back on the motorcycles. Our destination was Ha Giang. The ride was approximately 200 kilometers and took around six to seven hours. The farther north we went, the more dramatic the scenery became. The countryside slowly turned into forested hills and mountains, and we began passing through smaller towns and remote villages.
This was also when we started getting a real taste of what the Ha Giang region was going to be like. By late afternoon, we reached Ha Giang City. Ha Giang is essentially the gateway to the famous Ha Giang Loop, and for us, arriving there meant the biggest part of the adventure was still ahead. We had dinner, rested and prepared for the next day.
Because tomorrow was going to be different. Tomorrow we were heading into the mountains.
You’re going to want to capture the incredible scenery, so a small action camera, phone mount, or compact camera is worth having without making your motorcycle overloaded with gear.
Shop a small action camera on Amazon
Shop a phone mount on Amazon
Shop a compact camera on Amazon
Day 3: Ha Giang to Dong Van
This was the day I had been waiting for. We left Ha Giang and entered the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. And almost immediately, the scenery changed. The mountains became bigger. The valleys became deeper. And the roads became much more interesting. This was the Vietnam I had imagined when I first started thinking about doing the Ha Giang Loop.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate
One of our first major stops was Quan Ba Heaven Gate. The views from here were incredible. It’s one of those places where you stop looking at your motorcycle, stop talking for a minute and just look around. The mountains stretch out in every direction, and the road you were just riding on suddenly looks tiny from above.
The Twin Mountains
We also passed the famous Twin Mountains of Quan Ba. These distinctive rounded mountains are surrounded by rice fields and valleys and are one of the iconic landscapes of the region. By this point, the group had really gotten into the rhythm of the trip.
Ride, stop, take pictures, make jokes and ride some more! It was exhausting, but it was also a huge amount of fun.
When the Road Disappeared
One of the craziest moments of the trip happened when heavy rain caused mudslides that completely blocked the road, forcing us to ride around the mud and through little forest paths until we eventually reached a section where the road had basically turned into a river; a local man had a small wooden boat and offered to ferry us and our motorcycles across for a small fee, because even our guide couldn’t ride through the water without risking damaging the bike.
Then, dinner, some time to relax, and then it was time to get some sleep. Because Day 4 was going to be a big one.
Day 4: Dong Van to Ba Be
If I had to pick one day that stands out from the entire trip, this would probably be it. We left Dong Van and headed toward Ba Be. The total distance was around 230 kilometers, with approximately eight to nine hours on the motorcycle. But the distance wasn’t really what mattered. The roads were the adventure.
Riding Ma Pi Leng Pass
The highlight of the day was crossing Ma Pi Leng Pass. This is one of the most famous roads in northern Vietnam, and once you’re actually riding it, it’s easy to understand why. The road winds along the side of the mountains, with enormous cliffs rising around you and the Nho Que River far below. This is one of those motorcycle rides where you don’t really need to say much.
You just ride and look and try to take it all in. The views are absolutely incredible. For me, this was one of the moments that made the entire trip worthwhile.
Meo Vac and Beyond
After crossing Ma Pi Leng Pass, we descended toward Meo Vac. From there, we continued through more remote mountain areas toward Bao Lac and eventually Ba Be. The landscape gradually started changing again. The dramatic limestone mountains slowly gave way to greener, more forested valleys. By the time we arrived at Ba Be National Park, we were definitely tired. But we were also pretty happy.
Another incredible day was finished.
With phones, cameras, and other electronics being used all day, a good power bank with fast charging can save you from running out of battery in the middle of the mountains.
Shop power banks on Amazon
Staying in Ba Be National Park
Our final night on the road was spent in Ba Be National Park. After several days of motorcycles and mountain roads, the peaceful setting was a perfect way to slow things down. We stayed in a lakeside homestay surrounded by nature. Dinner was another traditional meal, and it was a nice contrast to the excitement of the previous few days. Looking back, I think this was the perfect ending to the riding portion of the trip.
We had gone from the chaos of Hanoi to peaceful villages, mountain passes and remote communities. And now we were sitting beside a lake in the middle of a national park. Not a bad way to finish the adventure.
Day 5: Ba Be to Hanoi
Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. Our final day took us from Ba Be back toward Hanoi. The ride was approximately 230 kilometers and took around six to seven hours. The roads took us through farmland, rolling hills and traditional villages before eventually reconnecting with the roads leading toward the capital.
After four nights and five days on the road, it felt strange knowing that this was our last day on the motorcycles. We had gotten used to waking up, getting our gear on, jumping on the bikes and heading into the mountains. Now we were heading back to Hanoi.
By late afternoon, we arrived back in the city. The Ha Giang adventure was officially over.
What Was It Like Riding the Ha Giang Loop?
Honestly? Incredible.
But I don’t want to make it sound like it was easy. We spent long hours on the motorcycles every day. Some days were eight or nine hours of riding. Your body definitely knows you’ve been riding all day. But that’s part of the adventure. The roads, the scenery and the feeling of being somewhere so remote make it completely worth it. And doing it with six friends made it even better.
There were seven of us riding together, and that created a completely different experience than doing the trip alone. We were constantly joking around, stopping for pictures, checking on each other and talking about whatever crazy thing had just happened on the road. It felt less like a tour and more like an adventure with a group of friends.
The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so packing a lightweight waterproof jacket or compact rain poncho can make a big difference when you’re caught in the rain.
Shop lightweight waterproof jacket and compact rain ponchos on Amazon
Why We Chose a Guided Motorcycle Trip
One of the best decisions we made was doing the trip with a professional company rather than trying to figure everything out ourselves. Having a guide meant we didn’t have to worry about navigation. Having a mechanic meant someone was there if a motorcycle had a problem. Having a support vehicle gave us an extra level of security. And having a photographer/videographer meant we could actually enjoy the ride while someone else captured the experience.
For a trip like this, I think that combination is worth it. You’re already concentrating on riding unfamiliar mountain roads. The last thing you want to be worrying about is whether your motorcycle is going to make it to the next town or whether you’re going the right direction.
What Motorcycle Did We Ride?
Frontier Travel Vietnam offers several motorcycles for this type of adventure, including the Honda CRF300L, Kawasaki KLX 250 and Yamaha WR155R.
The bikes are dual-sport motorcycles, which makes sense for the type of roads we were riding. You want something capable enough for the mountains but still manageable when you’re spending hours riding every day.
If you’re booking your own trip, I’d recommend talking with the tour company about which motorcycle is best for your experience and riding ability.
What Should You Bring for the Ha Giang Loop?
You don’t need to bring your entire suitcase on the motorcycle.
Keep things simple.
Comfortable clothes – You’re going to spend a lot of time sitting on a motorcycle, so comfortable clothing is important.
Good shoes – Bring closed-toe shoes that you’re comfortable riding and walking in.
Sunglasses – There can be plenty of sun, wind and dust on the roads.
Sunscreen – You’re outside most of the day, so sunscreen is a must.
Small backpack -Keep your daily essentials in something small and easy to carry.
Phone or action camera – You’re going to want pictures. There are too many incredible views not to document them.
Power bank -Your phone battery can disappear quickly when you’re taking pictures and videos all day.
A sense of adventure – This might be the most important item on the list!
How Many Days Do You Need for the Ha Giang Loop?
Our trip was five days and four nights. The itinerary covered approximately 1,000 kilometers and included Hanoi, Vu Linh, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Ba Be and the return to Hanoi.
Could you do it faster? Probably.
Would I recommend it? No.
Part of what makes this experience special is having enough time to actually enjoy the places you’re riding through. You’re not just trying to check the Ha Giang Loop off a list. You’re experiencing northern Vietnam.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Difficult?
It can be. You’re riding for several hours a day on mountain roads, sometimes for eight or nine hours. If you’re not comfortable riding a motorcycle, this isn’t something I’d recommend jumping into without preparation. But you don’t have to be a professional motorcycle racer either. Having an experienced guide makes a huge difference, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the roads. And the support team gave us peace of mind throughout the trip.
Is the Ha Giang Loop Worth It?
100%.
If you’re visiting Vietnam and want something beyond the usual tourist experience, I would put the Ha Giang region near the top of your list. The scenery is incredible. The roads are an adventure. The local culture makes the trip even more interesting. And riding through the mountains on a motorcycle gives you a completely different connection to the country. For us, it was also about the people.
Seven guys. Five days. Hundreds of kilometers. A lot of laughs. A lot of incredible views and probably more than a few sore muscles. That’s a pretty good boys trip.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam had plenty to offer before we ever got on a motorcycle.
Hanoi was incredible. The food was amazing. The Jeep tour was a lot of fun.
But the five-day motorcycle adventure through northern Vietnam was the part of the trip that I’ll probably remember the longest. There is something special about riding through a mountain road with six of your friends, looking around and realizing that you’re experiencing something you probably won’t ever forget.
From the peaceful shores of Thac Ba Lake to the mountains around Ha Giang, the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass and the quiet beauty of Ba Be National Park, every day brought something different. And that’s why I’d do it again. Maybe next time, we’ll stay on the motorcycles a little longer.
Check out our adventure on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emaXZlt7Itc&t=8s
Affiliate disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend experiences that are relevant to the trip.
Leave a Reply