Insights and Stories from Sapa and the Northern Borderbelt provinces of Vietnam.
Riding the Backroads of Dien Bien Phu
Join us on a four-day motorbike journey through the quiet valleys and hidden trails of Dien Bien Phu. Along the way, we shared meals, stories and moments of connection with the land and its people.
A Journey Beyond the Beaten Path
Over four days we travelled by motorbike through the upland plateaus and quiet valleys west of Sapa. The route led us ast calm lakes, terraced hillsides and small farming communities where life follows the rhythm of the seasons. It was a journey into the heart of the mountains, where every bend in the road revealed something new and beautiful.
Learning from the Land
Our local hosts guided us with warmth and patience, stopping often to walk, share food and talk about the land. They showed us how to forage for wild herbs, edible shoots and mountain mushrooms. Each stop uncovered another layer of local knowledge, passed down through generations and shaped by a deep relationship with the forest and fields.
Evenings by the Fire
When the day’s riding was done, we gathered beside small fires to share bowls of rice and stories. Conversations flowed in a gentle mix of Hmong, Vietnamese and English. The nights were filled with laughter, soft music and the quiet comfort of companionship under a sky full of stars.
Through the Backroads of Dien Bien Phu
These photographs capture the beginning of that journey through the backroads of Dien Bien Phu. Each image tells a part of the story — of movement, discovery and connection with a landscape that holds both history and peace.
Riding a Motorbike in Vietnam: What Licence Do You Need?
Find out which licence you need to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, how the rules differ for engine sizes and what to expect on the road.
Understanding the Rules
For many travellers, exploring Vietnam by motorbike is a dream. Winding mountain passes, rice terraces shimmering in the sun, and the hum of life unfolding in every small roadside town create a sense of freedom that is hard to find elsewhere. But before setting off, it is important to understand the legal requirements.
If you plan to ride a motorbike over 50cc, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and it must include a motorcycle endorsement. This should be presented together with your home-country driving licence, which also needs to show that you are licensed to ride motorcycles.
Without both documents, you are technically not riding legally. Police checks can be infrequent in some regions, but enforcement can be strict elsewhere, particularly in the northern provinces such as Ha Giang.
Motorbikes Under 50cc
For smaller motorbikes and scooters under 50cc, the rules are more relaxed. No licence is required, and travellers generally face no risk of fines. Some travel insurance policies may even remain valid, though it is always worth checking the details before you travel.
These lighter bikes are often the preferred choice for short rides around towns or rural areas, especially for those new to Vietnam’s roads.
Key Things to Remember
Vietnam recognises only the 1968 International Driving Permit.
Countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand issue only the 1949 IDP, which is not valid in Vietnam. Still, carrying it is sensible, as many insurance companies accept it.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times.
Enforcement varies by region; some areas are lenient, while others enforce regulations closely.
A Few Thoughts Before You Ride
Vietnam’s roads can be thrilling, unpredictable, and deeply alive. Part of the adventure lies in the journey itself, the mist curling around mountain bends, the laughter of children waving as you pass, and the quiet stillness of the countryside once the engine rests.
Travelling here rewards patience and preparation. Check your documents carefully, take time to get used to the rhythm of the road, and always ride with care.
For more guidance on ethical and immersive travel in northern Vietnam, visit ETHOS Spirit of the Community.
Join our ethical motorbike tours.
Stay in authentic Dao and Hmong homestays
Discover Sapa’s culture with our workshops
Ride the Untamed Loop: Discover Remote Villages and Hidden Trails in Northern Vietnam
Journey off the beaten path on the Untamed Loop. Discover hidden villages, panoramic mountain roads, and authentic cultural encounters in Northern Vietnam.
Discover the Untamed Loop in Northern Vietnam
If you are searching for a journey that takes you far beyond tourist trails, the Untamed Loop is an unforgettable experience. This two-day motorbike adventure winds through remote mountain roads, lush valleys, and minority villages where life still follows the rhythm of the seasons.
Scenic Roads and Authentic Encounters
The route forms a mountainous figure of eight loop through Muong Khuong District, where sweeping provincial roads meet quiet backroads and occasional gravel paths. Along the way, you pass rivers, rice terraces, green tea plantations, cinnamon hills, and cascading waterfalls.
This is not just about the ride. It is about slowing down, connecting with local people, and sharing moments that leave lasting memories.
Day One: Into the Mountains
The journey begins on winding roads through mountain forests, where the air is crisp and the views are wide. Passing through Hmong and Red Dao villages, you enter landscapes rarely marked on tourist maps.
Midday brings a stop at a local Hmong home for a shared meal. Sitting together, you enjoy simple but powerful hospitality through taste, conversation, and laughter.
In the evening, you arrive at a Red Dao family home in a quiet valley. After a warm welcome, you learn about their traditional herbal medicine and bathing practices, passed down over generations. Dinner is prepared with seasonal, organic produce grown nearby and shared with care.
Day Two: Valleys, Farms and Friendship
The second day begins with a gentle ride into a peaceful lake valley before climbing past rice terraces and mountain farms. Depending on the season, you may see locals planting, harvesting, or drying grains by hand. Every stop reveals a closer connection to the land and the people.
Meals are never taken in restaurants on this route. Instead, families prepare homemade food, often from scratch, filling the table with stories, smiles, and local flavours.
More than a Journey
By the time you return to the mountain roads, you will carry not only the memory of scenic landscapes but also friendships, laughter, and a sense of something deeply authentic. Over two days, the Untamed Loop covers about 200 kilometres. It is not about the distance but the depth of the experience.
Ready to Ride the Untamed Loop?
Take a look at the highlights and hear stories from the road in our video guide: Watch the Untamed Loop Adventure
Ride the Green Frontier: A Scenic One-Day Motorbike Loop from Sapa
Ride from Sapa through mountain passes, rice terraces and valleys on a one-day motorbike loop that blends adventure with cultural encounters and local hospitality.
A Journey Through Northern Vietnam’s Changing Landscapes
This one-day motorbike loop begins in Sapa and carries you through a remarkable variety of scenery. The route winds along mountain roads, terraced rice fields and remote valleys, ensuring every stretch of the ride feels fresh and rewarding.
A Cultural Pause with Local Families
Midway through the day, the journey slows for a cultural stop at a traditional family home. Here, lunch is served with fresh local ingredients, offering travellers the chance to connect with their hosts and gain authentic insight into daily life.
Adventure Meets Authenticity
The ride is not just about the open road. It combines the thrill of navigating high mountain passes with moments of quiet discovery in rural villages and expansive valleys. With experienced guides and carefully designed routes, the trip strikes a balance between adventure, cultural exchange and scenic beauty.
Ride Beyond the Beaten Path: The Sapa Motorbike Loop Adventure
Ride beyond the beaten path with a two-day motorbike loop from Sapa mountains, markets, hidden caves, and ethnic encounters await.
Ready to Ride Beyond the Usual?
If you’ve been searching for more than the standard Sapa trek, this two-day motorbike loop is built for you. Perfect for seasoned riders, thrill-seeking travellers, and Vietnam-based expats, it promises an adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes with cultural encounters far off the tourist trail.
The Journey: Roads Less Travelled
Your route mixes 70% quiet backroads with 30% off-road trails, winding through misty mountain passes, remote ethnic villages, and secret hidden paths. Along the way, expect wide-open views and the thrill of discovery around every bend.
Cultural Encounters Along the Way
This journey isn’t just about the ride—it’s about connection. You’ll meet the Dao, Hmong, and Nung communities, share their hospitality, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Muong Khuong Market, where colours, flavours, and traditions collide. Hidden caves tucked into the hillsides add yet another layer of mystery.
Sleep Your Way: Camp or Stay Local
Choose how you rest after the ride—camp under a blanket of stars or unwind in a cosy local hotel. Both offer a chance to recharge, but each with its own flavour of adventure.
Extend the Adventure
Two days not enough? Stretch your trip to three days and swim in pristine mountain waterfalls, rarely visited by travellers. It’s the ultimate cool-down after hours in the saddle.Important Rider Information
This is a self-drive loop only. Riders must hold either:
• A Vietnamese motorcycle licence, or
• A valid domestic licence from your home country plus a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP).
Ready to Answer the Call?
Adventure is calling. Questions? Message us today and we’ll help you gear up for the ride of a lifetime.
Threads of Life: Stories of Craft and Culture in Northern Vietnam
Short films capturing the crafts, traditions, and everyday artistry of northern Vietnam. An invitation to travel slowly, ethically, and with connection.
A Window into Everyday Artistry
From the hum of the loom to the quiet rhythm of indigo dyeing, this film series offers glimpses into the artistry woven through the daily lives of northern Vietnam’s upland communities.
Crafted with Care and Respect
Created in collaboration with local people, these short films capture embroidery, foraging, weaving, farming, and festive ceremonies. These are not staged performances, but authentic expressions of life and labour, shared with generosity and pride.
Culture Beyond Spectacle
For us, culture is not a show. It is a relationship. One that is built slowly, with care, respect, and time. These films reflect that belief: culture is lived, not displayed.
Travel That Connects
If you feel drawn to this way of travelling, grounded, ethical, and rooted in community, we invite you to journey with us. From day visits to longer explorations, our experiences connect you directly with the people and landscapes you see on screen.
Watch and Experience
You can watch the full playlist here:
👉 Stories from the Mountains: Northern Vietnam Playlist
And if the stories move you, we welcome you to join us in person, walking the paths, sharing meals, and learning from those who call these mountains home.
