After breakfast, we'll check out of the hotel and prepare our gear for the riding challenge ahead. Our memorable motorbike ride will begin around 8 am. To reach the quiet and peaceful suburban roads, we'll first need to navigate the busy and crowded streets of Hanoi carefully. Once we leave the city behind, our motorbike tour truly begins.

We'll ride along Highway 3 to Cho Chu town in Thai Nguyen, where we'll take a break to rest and enjoy a lunch of local specialties. Afterward, we'll visit the impressive Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam Ethnic Groups, offering our first glimpse into the lives of Vietnam’s 54 different ethnic minorities.

Leaving the smooth roads behind, we'll continue through mountainous areas until we reach Ba Be National Park. Established in 1992, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting over 500 species of plants, 353 species of butterflies, and many other rare animals. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive at Pac Ngoi, a small and tranquil village of the Tay people located within the park. We'll rest, have dinner, and spend the night with a local family.

Summary:

Distance: 240 km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay

Start your day with energy by rising early and enjoying breakfast with the hospitable locals. Afterward, we'll take a walk to the boat station for an amazing boat tour, where we can admire the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam's largest natural lake, Ba Be. The name "Ba Be" translates to "three lakes" in Vietnamese. According to legend, Ba Be Lake was formed by a dragon's wrath, transforming a vast valley into a freshwater lake. Known as the pearl of Northeast Vietnam, the lake is home to many rare species of plants and animals listed in the Vietnam Red Book.

We will spend half the day sailing, allowing us to explore and experience life close to nature. After reaching the end of the lake and trekking to Dau Dang Waterfall, we will return to Pac Ngoi village for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, we'll hit the road again, heading to our next destination on the Northeast Vietnam Motorbike Tour. Traversing lush mountains and winding roads, we will arrive in Cao Bang city by late afternoon. There, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine and spend the night in a hotel.

Summary:

Distance: 130 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Leaving the city behind, we journey toward the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the border with China. Our route takes us through Ma Phuc Pass, one of the most picturesque passes in Northeast Vietnam. The name "Ma Phuc" translates to "horse on bended knees," a reference to the pass's steep incline. For adventure enthusiasts, conquering Ma Phuc Pass to admire the magnificent natural scenery is a must. We will continue riding on the winding road, which has little traffic and offers excellent views of the mountains and the peaceful villages of ethnic minorities. Nestled among these spectacular landscapes is Ban Gioc Waterfall, a majestic sight stretching over 300 meters and shared between Vietnam and China.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is a breathtaking three-tiered waterfall with stunning jade green water cascading into the giant lake below. You can get closer to the waterfall by riding on bamboo rafts. The green moss-covered cliffs and rocks contrast beautifully with the white water, creating an incredibly poetic scene. After exploring Ban Gioc Waterfall, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Quang Uyen. Quang Uyen is home to the Nung people, who lead simple lives centered around their traditional crafts. We will spend the night with a local family in Quang Uyen.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay

After breakfast, we continue our journey along the historic Highway 4, heading towards Lang Son city. Our route takes us through Dong Khe town, the site of the Battle of Route Coloniale 4. Recognized as a national historic site, Dong Khe showcases beautifully preserved houses from the French occupation in 1951. The war memorial here honors the Vietnamese soldiers who perished during the town's siege, marking France’s first major defeat in the Indochina War.

The roads in this region are narrow and bumpy, requiring good riding skills and a spirit of adventure. However, the challenge is worth it, as you will be rewarded with visits to small rustic villages and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. We will reach Lang Son around noon. After a late lunch, our group will spend the afternoon exploring this charming city. One highlight is Dong Kinh Market, a vibrant place known for its variety of goods. Be cautious, though, as many items are knock-offs. We will spend the night in a hotel.

Summary:

Distance: 140 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

You can sleep in this morning to recover from the past few days of riding. On this final day, we will visit the ruins of the Mac Dynasty Citadel and explore the nearby Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh caves, both just a few kilometers from town.

After a morning of exploration, we'll return to town for lunch and then prepare for our journey back to Hanoi. We'll aim to arrive in the capital around 4 pm to avoid traffic congestion. This concludes our tour.

Summary:

Distance: 160 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch