Northern Vietnam Ha Giang Border Ride

Just got back from Riding in Vietnam along the rugged border with China, we tackled some of the most breathtaking dirt tracks and winding mountain roads the country has to offer. The Honda CRF300L—arguably the perfect bike for this terrain—took us from Hanoi to Ba Be Lake National Park, through the dramatic landscapes of Ha Giang, and up to the historic town of Dong Van, Yen Minh, Ha Giang town, Hoan Su Phi and back to Hanoi.

This was more than just a ride; it was an adventure into the heart of Vietnam’s most remote and stunning regions. The landscapes, the people, the culture, and the off-road challenges made this an unforgettable journey.

The Honda CRF300L proved to be an absolute beast on this trip. Light, nimble, and powerful enough for both the technical dirt trails and the smooth tarmac sections, it handled everything we threw at it. Whether we were carving through tight switchbacks in the mountains, dodging potholes on rural roads, or climbing steep dirt trails leading to isolated villages, the CRF300L made it all effortless my GS would have been too much for this ride.

The suspension soaked up the bumps on the dirt tracks, and its lightweight build made it easy to maneuver through tricky sections. The fuel efficiency was another plus, considering how far apart some gas stations are in this part of the country. If you're planning to ride in Northern Vietnam, I’d highly recommend this bike.

Our ride started in Hanoi, Vietnam’s chaotic capital. After a briefing with our guides from Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure, we set off early in the morning, eager to escape the city’s endless sea of scooters the traffic was mad, but thinned out once we got out of the city on the highway out of town, after 40km we got on local roads and the enjoyable part of the ride started.

As we left the urban sprawl behind, the scenery quickly transformed into rolling hills, rice paddies, and quiet country roads. The first stretch of the ride was relatively smooth, giving us time to settle into the rhythm of the road before getting on the dirt tracks.

Our first major stop was Ba Be Lake National Park. Nestled in a remote valley surrounded by towering limestone mountains, Ba Be is Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake and one of its most stunning hidden gems. The ride into the park was spectacular, with winding roads cutting through thick jungle and small villages where curious locals waved as we passed.

We spent the evening at a homestay near the lake, enjoying a home-cooked meal of fresh fish, sticky rice, and local vegetables. After a long day of riding, there was nothing better than kicking back with a cold beer and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Ba Be.

From Ba Be, we rode north into Ha Giang Province and stayed overnight in a Lo Lo ethnic minority village near Bao Lac, the next day we climbed dramatic karst peaks, deep valleys, and ethnic hill tribe communities. This region is truly set up for adventure riding in Vietnam, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding dirt tracks in the country steep rutted tracks and switchbacks led us to a bamboo raft crossing.  very funny sinking under the weight of our bikes, they must be used to locals on scooters not big ass foreigners on dirt bikes.

The roads became increasingly rugged, with loose gravel, rocky sections, and steep climbs testing our riding skills. But the payoff was immense—every turn revealed a new, jaw-dropping view of misty peaks, terraced rice fields, and remote villages seemingly untouched by modern life.

The people in this region, mainly Hmong and Dao ethnic groups, were incredibly welcoming. We stopped at small roadside tea stalls, where locals were eager to chat, despite the language barrier. Their warmth and hospitality made the journey even more special.

One of the highlights of the trip was reaching Dong Van, a historic town nestled high in the mountains near the Chinese border. The ride into Dong Van was exhilarating—tight switchbacks, dramatic cliffside roads, and breathtaking views around every corner.

We stayed in a basic but comfortable hotel, which was perfectly fine after a long day in the saddle. The food along the way was excellent, with steaming bowls of pho, grilled meats, and fresh mountain vegetables filling our plates. And of course, the beer was cheap and plentiful.

One of the best parts of this trip was the sheer amount of off-road riding. The dirt tracks were simply fantastic, taking us deep into the countryside where few travelers venture. These trails led us through remote villages, past water buffalo grazing in the fields, and up into cloud-covered mountain passes.

Riding off-road in Northern Vietnam is pure joy—the mix of technical sections, river crossings, and flowing dirt roads keeps things exciting. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding, especially when you reach a remote village and realize you're one of the few outsiders to ever set foot there.

If you love motorcycling and have the time, Northern Vietnam should be at the top of your list. The combination of stunning scenery, challenging rides, and rich cultural experiences makes it one of the best riding destinations in the world. The roads and trails are diverse, offering everything from smooth winding mountain passes to gnarly off-road tracks.

The people are incredibly welcoming, and the food is delicious—you’ll never go hungry with endless bowls of noodle soup, grilled meats, and fresh vegetables at every stop. And did I mention how cheap the beer is? It’s the perfect way to end each day of riding.

For anyone considering this trip, I can’t recommend Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure enough. These guys took care of us so well, ensuring we had an amazing experience from start to finish. The guides were knowledgeable, the bikes were in top condition, and the support they provided made the journey smooth and stress-free.https://cuongs-motorbike-adventure.com/

They know the best routes, the best places to stay, and how to make sure you get the most out of your ride. Whether you're a seasoned off-road rider or new to adventure touring, they tailor the experience to suit your skill level and ensure you have an unforgettable time.

This ride through Northern Vietnam was one of the best motorbike trips I’ve ever done in. The combination of epic landscapes, and challenging trails and great people, made it an experience I’ll never forget.

If you're looking for an adventure that pushes your riding skills while riding of the most stunning scenery in Southeast Asia.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. And if you’re even thinking about it—go for it. You won’t regret it.