Hills and Tribes

Hills and Tribes
12 Days
Hanoi
North Vietnam
Hanoi
Vietnam
1,400 km

Overview

Discover Vietnam by Motorcycle – Epic, Authentic, Unforgettable

Ready to ride through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Southeast Asia has to offer? Join us on a 12-day guided motorcycle tour through the captivating mountains, valleys, and ethnic villages of Northern Vietnam. From the world-famous Ban Gioc Waterfalls and the dramatic Dong Van Karst Plateau to the tranquil beauty of Ba Be National Park – every day is packed with highlights, scenic roads, and memories that last a lifetime.

Our thoughtfully crafted route takes you from the lush Pu Luong Nature Reserve to the legendary Ha Giang Loop and into the remote northeast, along winding mountain passes, ancient trade routes, and far off the beaten path.

But this journey is about more than just riding. It's about connection – with the land, the people and the culture. You’ll stay in traditional homestays, enjoy locally prepared meals, share stories with villagers, relax in peaceful lodges, and even float down a bamboo raft along the Chinese border.

If you're craving an adventure that blends epic rides with meaningful moments, then saddle up and experience the untamed beauty of Vietnam – one curve, one encounter, one unforgettable day at a time.

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At A Glance

Category Details
Best Travel Time October to March – pleasant climate and good road conditions. Other dates available on request.
Tour Start/End Hanoi / Hanoi
Duration 12 travel days, 10 riding days. Optional: Extension in Halong Bay with overnight boat stay.
Total Distance Approx. 1,400 km
Daily Stages 90 to 150 km, depending on terrain and route
Road Conditions Mainly narrow asphalt roads with occasional unpaved sections and rural trails – ideal for light enduro bikes.
Motorcycles Honda CRF 250cc (standard); Honda CB500X available at extra cost (e.g. for riding with passenger)
Riding Skill Easy to moderate. The lightweight enduros are comfortable to ride. Traffic is generally light outside of Hanoi.
Group Size Min. 4, max. 10 riders. Passengers on request (larger motorcycle required). Space available in the support vehicle.
Accommodation A mix of good mid-range hotels, traditional homestays, and one night on a boat in Halong Bay (optional).
6 nights with local families in remote areas: simple, clean rooms or shared floor mattresses, usually with mosquito nets, hot showers, and home-cooked meals.
Standard accommodation is in double rooms; single rooms available for an extra fee.
Included Motorcycle incl. fuel, accommodations, all meals, drinking water, entrance fees, support vehicle, mechanic, local English-speaking guide on a motorcycle, German-speaking guide for the entire tour
Highlights UNESCO Global Geopark Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Ha Giang Loop, ethnic minority cultures, Ba Be National Park, optional overnight boat trip in Halong Bay
Important Visa required for Austrian and Swiss citizens (e-visa online). German citizens visa-free up to 45 days (as of 2025).

ITinerary

Day Description
Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi: After arriving in Vietnam, we will be taken to our hotel in Hanoi. Later, we will take an introductory walk through the Old Quarter and to the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake. Overnight stay in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2 Hanoi - Pu Luong: We start our tour outside the center of Hanoi to avoid city traffic. Soon, we ride (right-hand traffic) through picturesque landscapes to the Phu Luong Nature Reserve, enjoying mountain panoramas overlooking various villages. In the afternoon, we relax in an eco-lodge amidst rice terraces, enjoy the pool, and have a traditional dinner.
Day 3 Phu Luong - Moc Chau: An ideal day for a motorcycle tour through the unique highlands of Moc Chau with its diverse landscapes and ethnic communities. Our route takes us through scenic roads and constantly changing scenery. In the afternoon, we reach Moc Chau and check into our hotel. A refreshing drink is well-deserved!
Day 4 Moc Chau - Nghia Lo: An exciting motorcycle day awaits us. We cross the Da River by ferry and explore backroads through local villages to the Ta Xua National Park and the terraces of Tram Tau and Nghia Lo. The valley of Nghia Lo, the center of the Thai community, offers a noteworthy market.
Day 5 Nghia Lo - Luc Yen: Today's shorter ride takes us through the scenic Yen Bai province. On the way to the northeast, we pass orchards and villages, cross the Red River, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals, perhaps with a glass of rice wine.
Day 6 Luc Yen - Ha Giang: Instead of taking the direct route, we ride through the rugged landscapes of northern Vietnam, over the Heaven's Gate and the Hoang Su Phi Pass to Ha Giang. The route, lined with breathtaking landscapes and villages, takes us to remote regions. In the evening, we relax in a lodge amidst rice terraces.
Day 7 Ha Giang - Meo Vac: Our next adventure takes us into the mountains and to the rocky plateau of Dong Van, Vietnam's "moon landscape." As a UNESCO Geopark, Dong Van offers impressive karst formations, rock gardens, and traditional mountain tribe communities. We immerse ourselves in this landscape and spend the night in a H'mong house with authentic dinner.
Day 8 Meo Vac - Tra Linh: Today, our journey leads us to northeastern Vietnam through rugged mountains, valleys, and past rice terraces, where we experience the authentic culture of the mountain tribes. Along the Nho Que River, we take a bamboo raft to Cao Bang, known for its stunning limestone peaks and scenic villages. We follow a less-traveled route near the Chinese border and stay overnight in a green valley.
Day 9 Tra Linh - Ban Gioc Waterfalls - Chi Vien: Today, we explore the Cao Bang Global Geopark and the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the border with China. After a break and a boat tour there, we continue through Cao Bang's landscape. The night is spent at the Quay Son River, where water sports are possible.
Day 10 Chi Vien - Ba Be: We leave the mountains and head to the Ba Be National Park. Its green lake, dense forests, and scenic villages impress us. Before arrival, we enjoy a short ride overlooking the lake.
Day 11 Ba Be - Hanoi: Our route today is mostly through the countryside, starting in Ba Be and passing through the districts of Tan Trao and Son Duong. As we approach Hanoi, expect heavier traffic. The density of scooters and mopeds is immense.
Day 12 Return flight or optional extension: At the end of our journey, you have the choice of flying home with lifelong memories or continuing the adventure with an optional extension in the fascinating Halong Bay (UNESCO World Heritage) on a boat (with an overnight stay).

Dates & RATES

November 1, 2026
November 12, 2026
12 Days

Date: 01/11/2026 bis 12/11/2026

Rider: 3.450 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.950 €

Single Room Supplement: 480 €

March 25, 2027
April 5, 2027
12 Days

Rider: 3.450 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.950 €

Single Room Supplement: 480 €

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September 23, 2027
October 4, 2027
12 Days

Rider: 3.450 €

Pillion-Rider: 2.950 €

Single Room Supplement: 480 €

October 31, 2027
November 11, 2027
12 Days

Rider: € TBA

Pillion Rider: € TBA

Single Room Supplement: € TBA

Questions about this tour? Message us on WhatsApp
Deposit: €300 on booking (€400 if a domestic flight is included), balance due 6 weeks before the tour starts. Cancellation fees: up to 60 days before departure 30%, 60–30 days 50%, 30–15 days 80%, after that 100%. Full details in our Terms & Conditions.

Map

Gallery

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More questions? See our General FAQ
Do I need an international driving license?
How many kilometers do we cover per day?
What clothing and gear should I bring for the tour?
Which motorcycles will we be riding in Vietnam?
Cash or card? How to pay in Vietnam?
Can I get a local prepaid SIM card in Vietnam?
Do I need a Visa to enter Vietnam? Is my driving license valid?
Can I bring sand and shells from the beaches in Vietnam
Am I allowed to take pictures freely in Vietnam?
Can I fly my drone in Vietnam?
Can I smoke freely in Vietnam, and what are the rules for e-cigarettes?
Does WhatsApp work in Vietnam?
What are typical souvenirs from Vietnam?
What vaccinations are recommended for Vietnam?
Which clothes do I need in Vietnam?
Which cultural rules of conduct should be observed in Vietnam?
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What people are saying

Cher Shankar.
J'ai le plaisir de te dire que mon voyage au Népal a été un vrai régal. C'est vrai que tout était fait pour avoir un beau voyage à moto enfield. La météo nous a été favorable, les lieux que tu as choisi pour nous héberger sont accueillants et propre et partout la nourriture est merveilleusement présentées et colorées, on y mange tellement bien.
Les routes sont comme je le recherchai terribles et caillouteuses. Les changements paysages et de climats sont grandioses, quel beau souvenir.
Ce voyage sans toi n'aurai pas eu la même saveur. Tu es joyeux et communicatif. Tu nous emmène dans des endroits encore authentiques vers une population accueillante. Chaque matin on pouvait t'entendre nous décrire le déroulement de la journée avec carte géographique. Aux arrêts tu as souvent une anecdote ou une histoire pour compléter ce qu'on regarde. Le soir aussi tu as de quoi nous en apprendre plus sur ce pays le Népal. Mon voyage prochain sera aussi avec toi en 2025. A bientôt

2025-02-06

Dear Heinrich.

A happy New year.
Last year I tried Edelweise Bike-Tour in NZ.
And Japanese one in Spain&Portugal.
I realized your tour is the best.
I hope everything is fine with you.

Kazuo Yamashita

2012-10-01

Dearest Heinrich:
Steve and I wanted to “THANK YOU” for such a wonderful trip through Shangri-La, China! We had such an incredible time – our heads are still spinning from all of the wonderful culture we experienced. As I mentioned to you many times, I only wish we would have had helmet cameras to capture all of the sights, sounds, animals and cultural dress we saw as we traveled through all of the different villages. It was a once in a lifetime experience and you and your crew made the trip so easy – we could have never experienced that on our own. All of the stories about your travels were so interesting and your knowledge of the area was very captivating. You are PERFECT at what you do. It’s very clear you love your job or can you even call it a job? We really enjoyed the fact you were right with us on the whole trip from breakfast to late evenings sharing a glass of wine.
We watched “Seven Years in Tibet” (as you recommended) and that kind of put it all together about the Tibetan culture and what happened to them. They are such a happy, warm group of people. I feel like we saw terrain from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Baja Mexico. The bikes were perfect for the trip. Being on a dirt bike made it a lot easier navigating on some of the roads.
I only hope we can make it on another one of your trips in the near future – we would love to go to India. It says a lot for your business when you have repeat customers come back and do other trips as well. You are always welcome to come visit us in California – we could do our own little trip through Baja.
We wish you all the best in your travels! If ever you write a book – please put us on the list. I believe this was the best way to see the country – on the freedom of a motorcycle.
THANK YOU FOR AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME……..
Sincerely,

Shelly & Steve Morefield
shelly & steve, L.A

2011-08-26