Ride the Great North
( seven Days )
Ride the Great North: 7-Day Motorbike Adventure through Vietnam’s Remote Highlands
“A seven-day journey through Vietnam’s wild frontier; where epic mountain roads meet deep cultural encounters, remote trails, and unforgettable landscapes.”
ROAD TRIP DETAILS:
Total Distance: 740km approx. (route may alter based on the weather)
Duration: This Seven day loop is only availble as a self drive experience. For more information about the legality of driving in Vietnam please click here.
Route: a mountainous loop through Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien Phu and Son La Provinces.
Road Conditions: paved back-roads, some extended offroad sections, light traffic, ferry crossings
Travel Style: Cultural immersion and active adventure.
Accomodation: Camping, homestays and lodges.
Scenery: Mountain passes, green tea plantations, rivers, cinamon and rubber plantation, rice terraces, minority villages, remote mountain lakes, coffee plantations.
Maximum: 4 people
A Bold Journey into Vietnam’s Wild Frontier
Ride the Great North is one of ETHOS’s most adventurous motorbike experiences. It is a bold and breathtaking journey through three remote northern provinces: Lao Cai, Tuyên Quang and Hà Giang. Designed for confident riders and culturally curious travellers, this seven-day loop blends immersive back-road riding with authentic local encounters, forest trekking, waterfall swims, traditional homestays, and riverside camps beneath star-filled skies.
From ancient rice terraces to dramatic karst cliffs, floating villages to flower filled tribal markets, the route offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s most spectacular highland scenery far from the usual paths, and rich with cultural spirit.
What to Expect:
You’ll ride through twisting mountain roads, mist-covered valleys, and steep forest climbs, with frequent stops to connect with the people who call this region home. You’ll visit vibrant ethnic markets, cross jungle rivers by local ferry, swim beneath waterfalls, and pitch tents in the shadow of limestone peaks.
Days are active and exploratory, with time to kayak across highland lakes, share meals with Dao and Tay families, and trek to remote villages accessible only on foot. While most of the route is paved, riders must be confident navigating occasional off-road trails, rocky riverbeds, and mountain switchbacks.
The rhythm of the journey moves between the hum of the engine and quiet conversations around the fire. It’s not just a ride. The Great North Loop is a cultural passage through stories, flavours, and landscapes few travellers ever reach..
Epic mountain roads, authentic cultural encounters, and unforgettable landscapes await on this seven-day ride.
Includes:
English Speaking local guide
Motorbike hire
Fuel
Homestay accomodation
Camping equipment
All meals, snacks and refreshments
Entry fees and ferries
Excludes:
Personal Health / Travel Insurance
Motorcycle Insurance
Highlights:
Ride Vietnam’s iconic northern roads including the twisting passes of Hoàng Su Phì, classified as a National Heritage landscape.
Trek through biodiverse forests in Tuyên Quang, home to black gibbons, rare orchids, and jungle caves.
Cross rivers and waterfalls by foot, ferry, and kayak including the sacred waters of the Gam River.
Experience authentic homestays with Tay, Red Dao and Flower Hmong communities, with shared meals and storytelling.
Camp under the stars in remote fishing villages, jungle valleys, and forest clearings.
Explore tribal markets alive with colour, textiles, buffalo, and the energy of weekly ethnic gatherings.
Is This For You?
This trip is ideal for experienced riders with an adventurous mindset. You don’t need to be a motocross expert, but you should be comfortable riding long distances and tackling occasional off-road conditions, water crossings, and uneven terrain. Cultural curiosity, flexibility, and a strong sense of humour go a long way.
Prices - Ride the Great North 7 Day Experience
2 people - $850 per person
3 people - $795 per person
4 people - $735 per person
Community based tourism (CBT) is a form of tourism where local communities are directly involved in developing, managing, and benefiting from tourism activities within their area. It emphasises community ownership, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices, offering visitors authentic experiences and fostering economic opportunities for residents.
“What begins as a ride ends as a memory etched in tea leaves, fire smoke and quiet laughter”
Please travel with respect. Dress modestly, support local crafts, protect nature, be patient, and stay safe. Connect, learn, and contribute positively during your ETHOS journey. Please refer to our terms for booking conditions for all ETHOS experiences.
