Vietnam offers some of the most diverse and exciting motorbike loops in Southeast Asia. From mountain passes in the north to coastal roads in the center and delta routes in the south, riders can find terrain that matches any preference. These loops range from single-day circuits to multi-day adventures, each providing different challenges and landscapes. Local road conditions vary, so understanding what each route offers helps you prepare properly. This guide covers ten popular loops that attract riders from around the world, detailing distances, road surfaces, and key highlights along the way. Whether you're an experienced rider or planning your first Vietnamese tour, these routes showcase the country's riding potential.
1. Ha Giang Loop (Northern Mountains)
The Ha Giang motorbike Loop covers roughly 350 kilometers through Vietnam's far north. Most riders start from Ha Giang city and head to Quan Ba, where the road climbs through Tham Ma Pass with views over the Dong Van Karst Plateau. RouteQL4C takes you through Yen Minh and into Dong Van town, a good place to stop for the night. From there, Ma Pi Leng Pass offers dramatic drops down to the Nho Que River below. The loop continues through Meo Vac and Du Gia before returning via Bac Me. Villages like Lung Cu and Sa Phin sit along the route. Plan three to four days to ride comfortably. Road surfaces vary from smooth asphalt to rough patches, particularly after heavy rain.
2. Northwest Loop (Hanoi - Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Sapa)
Starting from Hanoi, take Highway 6 west toward Hoa Binh and continue to Mai Chau valley. The rice terraces around Lac and Pom Coong villages make good photo stops. Keep riding on Highway 6 through Moc Chau to Son La, where the road gets more mountainous. From Son La, Route 37 leads to Dien Bien Phu, passing Thuan Chau and coffee plantations. The stretch from Dien Bien Phu to Lai Chau follows the Da River with plenty of elevation changes. Finally, the climb to Sapa on Highway4D includes Tram Ton Pass, the highest road pass in Vietnam. Budget seven to tendays for the full loop back to Hanoi through Lao Cai and Highway 2.
3. Cao Bang Loop (Northeast highlands including Ban Gioc Waterfall)
Cao Bang Loop runs about 300 kilometers from Cao Bang city. Head northeast on Route 203 toward Tra Linh, crossing several small rivers along the way. The road reaches Quang Uyen and then Trung Khanh, where you turn off to reach Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Chinese border. After visiting the falls, continue on Route 205 through Nguyen Binh, a market town worth exploring. The route passes through Ha Lang and Phuc Hoa, with karst limestone formations appearing frequently. Thang Hen Lake sits off the main road near Tra Linh and makes a good detour. Roads here are generally well maintained but watch for livestock crossing. Complete the loop in three days with stops at Pac Bo Cave and local homestays.
4. Central Highlands Loop (Kon Tum - Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Dalat)
The Central Highlands Loop connects major cities through coffee country and pine forests. Starting in Kon Tum, Highway 14 runs south to Pleiku across rolling plateaus. Small villages like Dak To and Prei Kuh break up the ride. From Pleiku, continue south on Highway 14 through Chu Se and Ia Grai to reach Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital. The landscape stays relatively flat until you turn onto Highway 27 toward Dalat. The climb up Ngoan Muc Pass brings cooler temperatures and pine trees. Lak Lake sits between Buon Ma Thuot and Dalat if you want to add a side trip. Return north via Highway 14 or take coastal routes. Budget five to seven days to explore properly.
5. Ho Chi Minh Road Loop (Dong Ha to Khe Sanh via DMZ)
From Dong Ha, head west on Highway 9 toward the Laos border. The road follows the Ben Hai River briefly before turning inland through Cam Lo district. Old war sites like the Rockpile and Dakrong Bridge appear along Highway 9. Khe Sanh sits about 60 kilometers from Dong Ha, with the old combat base open to visitors. Instead of backtracking, take the Ho Chi Minh Road (Highway 15) south through A Luoi valley. The road surface improves as you approach Hue, passing through forested areas and small Bru Van Kieu villages. Cross the Ta Trach River before reaching Highway 49, which connects back to Highway 1 near Hue. The complete loop covers roughly 200 kilometers and works as a long day trip or relaxed overnight ride.
6. Hai Van Pass Loop (Da Nang - Hai Van Pass - Hue - back)
Highway 1A runs north from Da Nang to Lang Co, but most riders prefer the old Hai Van Pass road. The turnoff appears just after leaving Da Nang at Hoa Hiep. The pass climbs 500 meters through 21 kilometers of curves, with the summit offering views over Da Nang Bay and Lang Co Beach. Drop down to Lang Co village for seafood before continuing on Highway 1A to Hue. The route crosses the Hai Van Tunnel entrance and passes through Phu Loc district. Spend time in Hue visiting the Citadel and royal tombs, then return the same way or take Highway 1A through the tunnel for variety. Total distance sits around 150 kilometers round trip. The loop works well as a day ride from either Da Nang or Hue.
7. Phong Nha Loop (Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park circuit)
Base yourself in Phong Nha village and explore the roads around Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Highway 20 heads north from the village toward the Chay River and Chay Lap farmstay area. Rough roads lead to abandoned valleys like Hang Va and Hang E, though some sections need off-road bikes. Route 12A runs west from Phong Nha toward the Laos border, passing through minority villages around Ban Doong and Tan Hoa. The area around Bong Lai Valley offers quiet farming roads with limestone peaks on all sides. South of Phong Nha, take Highway 1A to Quang Binh and loop back via smaller roads through Quang Trach. Most rides stay within 50 kilometers of Phong Nha village. Three to four days lets you explore caves and remote areas properly.
8. Mekong Delta Loop (Can Tho - Vinh Long - Ben Tre circuit)
The Mekong Delta requires ferry crossings and narrow concrete paths between rice fields. Start in Can Tho and cross the Can Tho Bridge heading toward Vinh Long on Highway 1A. At Vinh Long, take the ferry across the Tien River to An Binh Island and explore the small roads through orchards and villages. Route 57 connects Vinh Long to Ben Tre, passing through Tra On and Binh Dai districts. Ben Tre has multiple river crossings, including ferries at Rach Mieu and Ham Luong. Small roads around Cho Lach and Mo Cay offer quiet riding through coconut groves. Return to Can Tho via Highway 54 through Tra Vinh or take Route 60 along the coast. The full loop covers 250 to 300 kilometers depending on detours.
9. Pu Luong Loop (Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve)
Mai Chau sits 140 kilometers west of Hanoi on Highway 6. From Mai Chau, take the road toward Pho Doan and Canh Nang, entering Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The route passes through Thai villages like Kho Muong and Hieu, where bamboo water wheels still operate in the rice terraces. Roads inside Pu Luong vary from paved sections to dirt tracks, so check conditions before riding. From Pu Luong, continue to Ba Thuoc district or loop back through Don village and Lung Van. The area around Thung Khe Pass offers good views over the valley. Total distance for the loop runs about 100 kilometers, perfect for a long day ride or overnight trip. Homestays in Thai villages provide basic accommodation and meals.
10. Northeast Coastal Loop (Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba - Hai Phong)
Leave Hanoi on Highway 5B toward Hai Duong, then pick up Highway 10 to Hai Phong. The road passes through industrial areas and small towns like Hung Yen and Chi Linh. From Hai Phong, Highway 359 leads to the ferry terminal for Cat Ba Island. The ferry takes about 45 minutes and runs regularly during daylight hours. Cat Ba Island has about 50 kilometers of roads exploring fishing villages like Viet Hai and beaches on the eastern side. Return to the mainland and head north on Highway 18 toward Ha Long city. The coastal road offers views over Bai Tu Long Bay before reaching Ha Long. Complete the loop back to Hanoi via Highway 18 and Highway 5. Budget three to four days with island time included.
Ready to Ride Vietnam? Let Our Friends Help You Get Started
Planning a Vietnam motorbike tour takes time and local expertise. To ensure you have the best experience, we recommend our friends at Vietnamese Motorbike Tours. They specialize in helping riders explore these loops safely and confidently with a fleet of fully maintained bikes, ranging from accessible XR150s and 190s to premium models like the CB500X and BMW GS.
Whether you prefer the freedom of a self-guided trip with detailed maps or a fully guided tour with premium hotels and expert ride leaders, they have you covered.
Connect on the Detecht App Want to see their favorite routes in real-time? Follow @Vietnamese Motorbike Tours on the Detecht app. You can track your progress across these legendary loops, access curated planned routes, and get live road updates from their lead riders.
From their base in Hanoi, the team provides 24/7 emergency support, mechanical assistance, and full logistics including visas and airport transfers. No matter your skill level, they can customize a 3-day Ha Giang adventure or a multi-week cross-country expedition just for you.
