Hanoi, Huu Lung: 120 km

Beginning of our motorbike road trip in Northern Vietnam. After breakfast, departure for Lang Son in the North East. We take the national road 1A, called the Mandarin road. The atmosphere changes radically after crossing the city of Bac Giang.

The landscapes of the Lang Son region are famous for their karst mountains and rice fields. In the village of Yen Thinh, lunch at Mao's house. Suggestions for hiking and climbing in the afternoon.

Return to Mao's house for dinner and overnight stay.

Huu Lung, Quang Uyen: 220 km

Departure for the territory of Cao Bang by a still wild road, with a rugged terrain and gigantic mountains. We cross Dong Khe and That Khe. These regions are well known in memory of the deadly fighting that took place in 1950 between Viet Minh troops on the one hand and the French colonial army on the other.

We cross several small passes to finally reach the blacksmith village of Phuc Sen where we spend the night.

Depending on the weather, we visit the village to discover the daily life of the local population, especially their traditional trade, which is very well known for its quality. Night and dinner at the local people's house.

Quang Uyen, Ban Gioc Falls, Ba Be : 230 km

Pick-up of the vehicle in the direction of Ba Be. The road crosses a plain where a river flows with supernatural waters. Soon, the Ban Gioc waterfalls, the highest in Vietnam, opened up to us in a dazzling setting. Photos, swimming, rowing on the river (which marks the natural border with China), everything is gathered to enjoy a magical moment in an enchanting site.

On the way back, the Nguom Ngao caves have the particularity of crossing the mountain from one end to the other, and their many and diverse limestone concretions (by their shapes) make them one of the most beautiful in the country. Return to Ba Be for dinner and overnight stay with the locals.

Ba Be

Short walk to the landing stage of Ba Be Lake. Discover a magnificent jungle, cliffs and other giant sugar loaves. It is always by boat that we arrive at Puong Cave, which houses an impressive colony of bats. On the way back, on the banks of the Nang River, visit Ban Cam (the small hamlet of the Tay ethnic group). Lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, it is a pleasant walk along a path along the river that we discover the Dau Dang waterfall. The boat returns to the An Ma temple, perched on a tiny islet, where many celebrations take place throughout the year. (Swimming possible). Back in Pac Ngoi, we spend a second night in the Tay family's house on stilts.

Ba Be, Phuc An: 160 km

We leave Ba Be and head further west towards the shores of Lake Thac Ba, passing through Tan Trao which was the capital of the area liberated during the August 1945 revolution.

Arrival at the small village of Dong Ty of the Dao with white pants. Installation in a traditional house on stilts. A convivial dinner with a hearty meal and a little homemade rice alcohol.

Phuc An, Hanoi: 170 km

We continue our motorbike road trip in the North of Vietnam by joining the village pier to discover on board the boat one of the largest reserves of fresh water in the North. The peaks of the old hills emerge from the water body and form 1300 islets giving it a labyrinth-like appearance. By accosting one of these islets, we can swim in very pleasant fresh water.

Return to Hanoi. Night at the hotel and free evening.

Hanoi, Ninh Binh (by car): 95 km

Road to the former capital of Vietnam Hoa Lu (between 968-1009). Discover this region by a first visit: the temples of the kings Dinh and Le.

After a short drive back to the car, we cross part of the Van Long nature reserve with its rice fields, karst peaks and caves by boat. The wild landscapes are home to many protected species (e.g. the Delacour Langur, a species of primate endemic to Vietnam).

We then continue with a bike ride through villages typical of the surrounding region. Overnight at the hotel.

Ninh Binh, Lan Ha Bay (by car): 130 km

Embarkation on the junk at the port of Ben Beo (Cat Ba Island). Our junk crosses a first floating fishing village, then sneaks into Lan Ha Bay to the tunnels of Ca where a trip (by boat or kayak) allows us to discover a lake surrounded by cliffs.

Notice to amateurs: the equipment is provided for squid fishing!

Diner and overnight on board.

Lan Ha Bay, Hanoi (by car): 190 km

After the magic of sunrise over the bay, our cruise continues through the countless islets to the beaches of Ba Trai Dao. Swimming is strongly recommended before departure. The landing takes place at the port of Ben Beo to take the direction of Hai Phong.

Back in Hanoi, end of your motorbike road trip in Northern Vietnam. Transfer to the international airport for your return flight or to continue your journey to the centre of the country.