23 Must-Go Destinations For North Vietnam Off the Beaten Track Tours

1. Moc Chau (Son La)

Moc Chau  has long been familiar to the backpackers who are excited about  North  Vietnam off-road motorbike tours.  It is estimated that millions of young people annually flock to this place for an excursion. With decent transportation and various interesting locations,  Moc Chau  holds a powerful attraction to backpackers, professionals, and laypeople alike. You can get there by National Route No.6, but the old National Route No.6 can better fit the adventurous folks.

This degraded road is hard to handle, yet you’ll get to see more worthy landscapes. It winds along the Da river and passes magnificent waterfalls. You can spend some time wandering around the great  Hoa Binh Lake.  This old road also carries you through H’Mong villages, where peach and plum blossoms bloom beautifully in springtime. Moc Chau tours  should be scheduled for 2.5 to 3 days. On a 2.5-day schedule, the first-night rest may be in  Mai Chau, the second day is devoted to exploring Moc Chau, and you can visit interesting places back in Hanoi on the third day. Moc Chau is well known for colorful flowers and friendly locals. Flowers are most attractive in the fall-winter period (October to January), while mustard plants and sunflowers bloom in springtime (February to March) with white plum blossoms, prettier than anywhere else.

2. Mai Chau (Hoa Binh)

Mai Chau, 170 km from Hanoi, is the stunning spot any backpackers desire to conquer in their  North Vietnam off-the-beaten-track tours. Every year, this cultural destination draws the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists. It is a pretty valley enveloped in the lush green of rice fields and surrounded by misty mountains that conceal stilt houses at their feet. Lac village, which is home to Thai people, is a famous destination.

Mai Chau  can enjoy sightseeing and leisure travel and discover the local cultures. It can be said that it is a destination of various tour styles that suit different tastes and can accommodate every need of tourists.  Mai Chau  is also attractive to the students who come there for bonfires, team-building activities, and other help-out programs for locals.

3. Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc)

Tam Dao  tourism zone is situated in the Tam Dao mountain range, 900 m above sea level, 80 km from Hanoi, and the route there has a stretch of 50 km on National Route No.2, 24 km on National Route No.2B, and 13 km of mountain passes. Situated in the north of  the Tam Dao district, the tourism zone is sheltered by the ancient forests of  Tam Dao National Park. Coming here, you can enjoy the cool climate with an average temperature of 18 Celsius. It has all the favorable conditions to develop leisure trips or ecotourism services. Tam Dao  has long been a famous resort town in Vietnam, with hundreds or thousands of domestic and foreign visitors visiting to sightsee, relax, or study each year. From Hanoi, take Pham Van Dong street or Ring Road No.3 to Thang Long bridge.

Take the motorcycle lane under the bridge as instructed on the road signs. Afterward, go straight toward  Noi Bai airport  and turn left at Nam Hong intersection toward Me Linh district. On this road, follow the signs to get to  Vinh Yen city. At the city entrance, an indication sign points to Tay Thien – Tam Dao. Note: Do not scale Tam Dao passes on scooters to avoid high risks. On a motorcycle with a gearbox, you can set it to low gear (first or second) while coasting downhill as a method of braking, which cannot be done on a scooter. Because the speed builds up constantly, you will have to use the brake continuously, which exposes your brake to the risk of being overheated and breaking down. Consequently, accidents may happen. If you want to rent an enduro motorbike (Honda XR150, Honda CRF250, Suzuki DRZ400, etc.) for a reasonable price, contact us at BM Travel Adventure Motorbike Tours.

4. Ham Lon mountain (Hanoi)

Ham Lon mountain  is about 40 km away from Hanoi if you take the  North Thang Long  – Noi Bai highway. Transportation is quite simple, and it only takes an hour to get there. You could conquer this mountain in one day or stay there longer for the sight of sunset and sunrise from the mountain top. When getting to Ham Lon, you can start climbing it right away or choose to go sightseeing around the lake of Nui Bau first. The beautiful lake quietly lies at the foot of Ham Lon and is surrounded by green hills of pine trees and wattles. Its simple look accounted for the arresting attractiveness of the lake.

There are two paths to ascend this mountain. The first one is a rather even trail that is not hard to traverse and involves fewer thickets. It takes only two hours this way. Meanwhile, the second one has meandering streams and offers more challenges for adventurous travelers to explore. During four hours of walking, travelers must cross small streams and through bushes. You need to pave your way in some places, but it is also the fascinating point of this unconventional path. Near the top is a clearing that is quite leveled. After scaling the 462m height, you can come back here for camping, take a rest, making some preparations before climbing down or waiting for sunset or sunrise.

5. The Spectacular Waterfall of Hang Te Cho

A litter far off, you can choose for yourself the backpacking location called  Hang Te Cho.  Coming here for the first time, you will gain wonderful experiences. Hang Te Cho  is the name of an H’Mong village in Lang Nhi commune of Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province. Adventurous bikers consider the road to  Hang Te Cho  the most dangerous road. As a land of thick fogs all year round, this village certainly will attract very few outsides if the magnificent waterfall of Hang Te Cho is not here.

6. Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)

Mu Cang Chai lies deep inside a highland district of Yen Bai province and is 300 km from Hanoi to  Northwest Vietnam. It is a well-known tourist location for young people. The beauty and grandeur of this vastness put an irresistible charm on backpackers. In recent years, this place is getting more accessible and more familiar to wanderers, nationals, and foreigners. Following National Route 32, which meanders windy mountain flanks, passes gurgling streams redden with silt, goes through pinewood hills and terraced rice fields that stack high layers upon layers up to mid-sky, you will get to Mu Cang Chai, which lies between two mountains.

The locals of this pretty town still suffer from a miserable life. Big jungles, towering mountains, vast Muong Lo valley rice fields  (Nghia Lo), the scent of sweet rice from Tu Le, and the vast terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai will become the most unforgettable experiences during your trip.

7. Sapa (Lao Cai) Motorcycle Tours

Sapa, known for its poetic name of “land in fogsâ€, is not unfamiliar to travel lovers. It possesses its attraction and a strange impression that stimulates visitors to learn more about it. Today  Sapa  is no longer the first place, but its calmness still can ease the stirred souls of the urbanites who seek quiet time without any strains of modern life. When you come to Sapa in the ripen rice season, magnificent terraced fields with vividly bright colors will be irresistible to you.

Along the road from the Sapa town center to other places like Ta Phin, Ta Van,  Cat Cat Village, and Trung Chai, you will feel the aroma of the ripe rice in the air. You will certainly have to stop a few times to behold and take in such a picturesque landscape. Sapa is the ideal destination for those who love  Sapa Motorbike Tours  with a mysterious but poetic beauty.

8. Pa Khoang Lake (Dien Bien)

Pa Khoang  is located in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien district, Dien Bien province, and 20 km from Dien Bien Phu city. Surrounding the lake is the spectacular scenery of nature with light clouds and a bright sky. When the winter comes, the dimming fog covers the whole space, drawing a dreamy waterscape. From afar, the lake is various ranges of mountains and little houses. In the summer, the south winds carry a soothing coolness to this land.

All create a peaceful and poetic scene that can stir visitors’ emotions. Around the lake are Thai and Kho Mu villages, which still retain the traditional customs of the Northwest ethnic groups. It will be a valuable chance for you to look at their culture. It should be noted that the road to  Pa Khoang Lake  is a tough one with many curves, steep slopes, and treacherous passes. So this place is only recommended to professional travelers with a taste for risks.

9. Xuan Son National Park (Phu Tho)

At the end of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range,  Xuan Son National Park  is a part of the Tan Son district in Phu Tho province. With an area of over 15,000 ha, the Park brings special values of landscape, environment, natural resources, diverse animals and plants, and the unique cultural features of the local minority groups. Xuan Son National Park  is 120 km from Hanoi and about 80 km from Viet Tri city, adjacent to Hoa Binh province on the southwest and Son La on the northwest.

With a lot of favorable elements, this destination attracts a significant number of tourists. The Park is gifted with beautiful landscapes and ecological values, especially the simple beauty of the land under little outside impact. From Hanoi, take Son Tay’s direction on Route 32 to Thanh Son, then continue to the three-way intersection with the bridge to Phu Tho. Before reaching the bridge, you turn left in the direction of Co Tiet. Getting to National Route 32 and going on the road through the forests of Australian pine trees and tea hills, you will find an indication sign named “Vuon Quoc Gia Xuan Son†(Xuan Son National Park).

10. Dong Cao (Bac Giang)

Dong Cao is a new location recently discovered by backpackers; therefore, conventional tourism transportation has not reached this place yet. Now you only can explore this highland by motorcycle. Located in  Bac Giang province  and 150 km from Hanoi, the route is relatively challenging and requires riding skills. But the moment when you see the sunrise on the highland greensward is unforgettable.

11. Ban Gioc Falls (Cao Bang)

Ban Gioc Falls, which lies on the Vietnam-China border, is considered the second-largest trans-border waterfall. It is divided into the main fall and two auxiliary ones separated by the boundary stone 53 according to the French-Qing 1887 Treaty. Today, the auxiliary falls belong to the Vietnamese territories and are located in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province. On the other hand, the main fall is still divided into halves.

August is the best time to visit Ban Gioc Falls. At that time, the waterfall becomes the most magnificent. Seeing from above, you can see colorful rainbows. According to professional travelers, a motorcycle trip from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Falls can follow one of three routes listed below:

• Via National Route 1: Hanoi – That Khe – Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc  ( with a total distance of 340 km).
• Via National Route 3 and 1B: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – That Khe – Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc. For Hanoi to Thai Nguyen, you can take the new National Route 3 for a shorter distance.
• Via National Route 3: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Bac Kan – Cao Bang – Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc.

12. Ba Vi National Park (Hanoi)

Going to  Ba Vi  is arguably the most straightforward trip because the distance from  Hanoi to Ba Vi  is only 50 km. This journey is just for those who want to get more relaxed moments. When getting there, travelers usually visit the Uncle Ho shrine, the Thuong shrine, the Old Church, and the orchid gardens. Ba Vi is also the place of choice for couples who comes to take wedding photos amidst its romantic sceneries of the natural theme. You can combine your  Ba Vi National Park trip  with other exploring activities in tourist zones on the mountain foot.

13. Lake of Thung Nai (Hoa Binh)

At 100 km from Hanoi, with the cool climate in the summer,  Thung Nai  (a commune of Cao Phong district in Hoa Binh province) is an ideal tourist location for backpackers. You can get to Thung Nai by  motorbike from Hanoi  or by bus from Hanoi to Hoa Binh and then pay for a “hug bike” or taxi to enter Thung Nai. It is advisable to visit Thung Nai in the summer, from May to August, to enjoy the feel of its cool air as opposed to the humidity of Northern Vietnam during these periods. In other seasons, you are equally welcomed to Thung Nai, but it can be a bit more challenging to shed off clothes and submerge yourself in the lake’s cold waters.

If you can manage it, consider coming there in the middle of a Lunar month for a moon-gazing night on a boundless sea of water, it can be an interesting experience. As this place is in the bed of Hoa Binh reservoir, near Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, you should not dismiss the chance to visit other locations around the lake. The most noticeable are  the Thac Bo  carven, the Lady Lord of Thac Bo shrine, and  Suoi Trach, which take you just 20 to 30 minutes on boats.

14. Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh)

Binh Lieu  is one of the newly discovered destinations that was popularized over travel forums and groups less than a month ago. You can get on the Hanoi – Mong Cai passenger buses, which depart Hanoi for National Route No.5, then turns to Route No.1 in the direction of Lang Son; then, at Bridge No.18 (Bac Ninh), turns right to Pha Lai, passes Sao Do, Uong Bi, Hon Gai, Cam Pha, Mong Duong to Tien Yen 3-way intersection, turn left and runs for another 28 km towards Hoanh Mo before arriving at  Binh Lieu. With the weather at Binh Lieu, tourists can travel to this land all year round.

The spring here stands out with “fairs of love†typical to these highlands and the delightful Trau flowers season when March ends, and April begins. In summers and autumns, the falls of Khe Van, Khe Tien, and the stream of Mooc brim with water, the green terraced fields turn to gold and are ready for harvest in July and December with many woodland flowers of various hues. At the beginning of the winter, you will witness the eye-catching images of yellow rice fields and So flowers, along with several typical festivals like the ritual of saluting new rice. You can catch the snow in  Binh Lieu  and many other interesting experiences if lucky.

15. Nui Coc Lake (Thai Nguyen)

To many people,  Nui Coc Lake  is just another artificial freshwater lake with nothing special for itself. But it happened to be a rather wonderful weekend tourism location that can relieve your stress. Traveling around Nui Coc Lake means not just relaxing your body and mind; it is also a chance to immerse yourself in a mysterious myth of the love between she – the maiden named Cong and he – the poor man named Coc. As seasoned travelers advised, you should make a yourself-exploring tour on  Nui Coc Lake  from March to September. Nui Coc Lake is 100 km from Hanoi and about 16 km from Thai Nguyen city center.

You can follow the old highway from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen (passes Noi Bai airport) to reach Thai Nguyen city. From there, you can take the following route: Thai Nguyen city – Dan – Tan Cuong – Nui Coc Lake: On the way, you will have a chance to view the endless tea hills of Tan Cuong on both sides of the road. In the summertime, these hills curve gently with their lush green terraces that can capture your mind. Another interesting place in the  Nui Coc Lake  that few have known is the “Exhibition zone of traditional products†on Nui Cai island (the largest island). You will have to scale a 108-step stairway to visit the 200-year Old House built from iron wood and check out over 1000 specimens representing the country’s 90 trade villages.

16. Quan Son Lake (Hanoi)

The Quan Son Lake of My Duc district in Hanoi city is a charming location to visit on weekends and is often chosen by many as a destination for their one-day trip near Hanoi. The lake has a wondrous landscape with low limestone mountains standing on the lakeside, and a diverse water flora of lotus and floating heart, etc. Coming here when lotus blooms, you can climb the mountain or wander around the lake to take in the charming view of lotus flowers flourishing all over the lake’s surface.

If you ride a motorbike, take the route through Van Dinh town onto the dike along Day river to get to and through the intersection of Dai Nghia town, and continue straight through the rice fields to Quan Son Lake. You can buy the ticket for 25,000 VND each for a small boat trip, with each boat carrying four visitors. Take a tour around the lake and enjoy the view in this beautiful situation of water, mountains, and forests.

17. Lao Than Peak (Lao Cai)

Lao Than is the perfect place for mountain climbing and cloud hunting over the jungle with a pleasant terrain, fascinating landscape, and low expenses. The Lao Than peak is pointy and airy. It has not very complicated terrains and takes only 5 to 6 hours to reach the resting point.

From there, you spend one-hour climbing to reach the top. Standing there, watching the sea of clouds billowing around floating rocks and the earthy features emerge when the shadow retreats as the sun rises, is an experience worth telling.

18. Ta Xua (Son La)

Ta Xua is considered the heaven of clouds in Vietnam, and in recent years, it has attracted many backpackers. You have to clear a distance of 200 km from Hanoi, of which on the 13 km leg from Bac Yen town to Ta Xua, you can spot stripes of cloud that uncaringly crawl through mountain tops. This “heaven-like†place of ever-changing clouds will not disappoint you.

19. Bach Moc Luong Tu (Lao Cai)

Bach Moc Luong Tu  is one of the ten highest mountains in Vietnam and attracts backpackers yearly to conquer its height. This range features the Muoi (Salt) mountain of a 3000-meter height, which is still an ancient peak with white clouds afloat on its cap. You can visit this place in the winter when the rains are scarce, and the road is dried.

20. Muoi mountain (Lao Cai)

Mount Muoi stands on the way to scaling the fourth highest peak in Vietnam,  Bach Moc Luong Tu mountain. Normally, travelers who trek to the  Bach Moc peak  will stop on Mount Muoi to quench their thirst for photographs since it is the best place to view clouds in this whole Bach Moc range. To scale Mount Muoi and conquer  the Bach Moc Nuong Tu  range, you must spend three days and two nights. Currently, there are two approaches, one from Sang Ma Sao commune of Bat Xat district in Lao Cai province. The second one is from Den Sung village of Sin Sui Ho commune, Phong Tho district,  Lai Chau province. You can follow one path to ascend and take another to descend for a fuller experience.

21. Hang Dong (Son La)

Hang Dong, at a height of 2,000 meters, is one of the roofs of Son La province. The whole place is a colossal up-rise concave, with its back resting on the Ta Xua primal mountain range and its face pointing to Bac Yen district far down the valley below.

Hang Dong  is also a wonderful site for cloud hunting because it is covered in clouds all year round. But the ideal time to chase clouds is from September to March since the cool to cold temperature, and high humidity from drizzles is a perfect brewing cauldron for a sea of clouds each morning that won’t dissipate even at noon.

22. Y Ty (Lao Cai)

Y Ty  is an interesting place at the height of 1805m, with clouds covering most of the year. It must be a heaven of clouds you just got yourself into, with stripes of cloud meandering flanks and cliffs. And it’s getting more interesting as the sun rises high enough to piece layers of cloud, creating a scene most unreal to the eyes.

23. Sin Ho (Lai Chau)

Sin Ho  is a poor district on the highlands of Lai Chau province. Few may think about going there for an excursion, but travelers, especially picture hunters, are deeply in love with this land. Although the route is very challenging, and it would easily take a day of arduous riding to get there, the outcome can often be a feast to the eyes. There is rarely any place with clouds tinted in the color of chicken fat like they are at  Sin Ho. Thick clouds flow into the valley, floating right under your feet. The experience of standing above pillows of clouds is hard to describe.

The view from the middle of  Sin Ho  is marvelous, but the real experience only begins when you arrive at Mo village. Only when you climb higher and higher and feast on the prettier and prettier sights should satisfy the thirst for this cloud hunting can be quenched. At this far-flung place, to get to watch small children playing around laughing and behold the swirling cloud sea underneath amidst these immense mountainous forests, what else could be more satisfying? If you want to go on an amazing North Vietnam the beaten track tour, please check out the off-road destinations above and prepare for it right now. Please contact us

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