While most riders blast past Phu Tho on their way to the Hoang Lien Son mountains, those in the know take a detour into the deep green heart of Xuan Son National Park. Located just 130km from the chaos of Hanoi, Xuan Son remains one of Northern Vietnam’s best-kept secrets—a place where the pavement ends and the primary jungle begins.
This isn’t just a destination; it’s a time-capsule experience where the Muong and Dao ethnic groups live in harmony with a landscape dominated by limestone peaks and hidden river systems. As your Road Captain, I’ve mapped out a route that bypasses the tourist traps and takes you straight into the “Sri Lanka of Vietnam.”
The Great Escape
Leaving Hanoi at 07:30 am is critical to beat the city’s notorious congestion. Your journey begins on the QL32 or the CT03, necessary stretches of highway that clear the urban sprawl quickly. Yes, it is ‘hump’ day.
The Ba Vi Horizon
As the city fades, the skyline is dominated by the three peaks of Ba Vi National Park. On a clear day, these mountains serve as your North Star, signaling that the real riding is about to begin.
Paddy Field Pacing
Once you transition off the main highway, the pace slows. You’ll find yourself on long stretches of road lined with vibrant rice paddies, sharing the tarmac with nothing but the occasional water buffalo and local farmers.
Entering Tea Country
This is where the scenery shifts dramatically. The flat plains give way to rolling hills covered in manicured tea plantations. The emerald-green rows create a “stepped” landscape that rivals the tea highlands of Sri Lanka.
The Ascent into the Clouds
The final leg involves a winding mountain climb. As you ascend into the jungle canopy, the air cools and the mist often rolls in, giving you the literal feeling of riding with your head in the clouds.
The Strategic Entry
Don’t follow the standard GPS route to the southern entrance. To get the best views, stay on the QL32 past the main gate and enter from the northeast. This ensures you hit the best tea plantation viewpoints before the jungle thickens.
The Loop Strategy
By entering from the north, you can ride through the heart of the park and exit through the southern gate, completing a full loop. Be warned: the southern exit can get bumpy and technical—perfect for our Honda XR150s or CRF300s.
Village Life: Ban Coi and Ban Lap
These two villages form the cultural soul of the park. Traditional stilt houses sit on the valley floor, surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs. It’s a serene, isolated atmosphere where life moves at a different speed.
Post-Ride Rituals
As the sun sets over the valley, follow the sound of laughter to the local Bia Hoi. Joining the Muong and Dao locals for a cold bia is the ultimate way to cap off a day in the saddle.
There is plenty to do in the park. It is perfect for a weekend trip, but if you can get an extra day off, then do so. a 3-Day 2 night trip will allow you to see all there is in the park.
The 6km Hidden Waterfall Hike
Starting from Bản Cỏi, a signposted path leads toward the base of the mountains. The trail follows a river that shows the raw power of the summer monsoon—expect some rugged, washed-out sections.
River Trekking
When the path disappears, do what the locals do: use the stream as your trail. During the dry months (Spring and Autumn), you can hike directly up the flowing stream to reach a secluded waterfall.
The Coi Cave Experience
Deep within the park lies Coi Cave. Exploring this limestone cavern offers a cool respite from the humid jungle heat and a glimpse into the subterranean world that feeds the park’s many springs.
The Jungle Pool
Near the cave, there is a natural swimming hole. It’s a fantastic spot to wash off the road dust. Locals even rent inner tubes and swimming costumes, making it a social hub in the middle of the wilderness.
High Ten Mountain
For those who want to trade their riding boots for hiking boots, the trek to the peak of High Ten Mountain offers panoramic views of the entire 150-square-km reserve.
Traditional Stilt House Living
Xuan Son doesn’t do luxury hotels, and that’s why we love it. Over the last decade, a few families have opened their traditional stilt houses as homestays, offering a truly immersive experience.
Homestay Ky Tam
Located in Bản Lấp, Ky Tam is a Road Captain favorite. It’s basic, clean, and authentic. Expect to pay between 250k-300k VND ($9-$13) for a night of peace.
Homestay Xuan Son
Another excellent option in the same village. The hospitality here is legendary. Since they don’t have booking websites, you’ll need to call ahead (098 457 74 58) or have us help you arrange it.
The Family Table
Always request dinner in advance. There is nothing like sitting on a bamboo mat with a local family, sharing a hearty Vietnamese feast and “happy water” (rice wine) after a 5-hour ride.
Camping Under the Canopy
For the self-sufficient adventurer, Xuan Son offers plenty of spots to pitch a tent. Waking up to the sound of the jungle waking up is an experience you won’t find at a roadside guest house.
The Tech-Free Zone
Cell service is spotty at best once you enter the valley. Embrace it. Turn off your phone and let the rhythm of the park take over. This is one of the few places left where you can truly “unplug.”
Gear for the Humid Heat
The jungle is hot and sweaty. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking base layers under your riding gear. Also, keep your skin covered when off the bike to avoid the aggressive local mosquitoes.
Seasonal Awareness
While the park is beautiful year-round, the “Dinosaur Loop” and the back roads of Xuan Son can become treacherous during the peak rainy season. Check the forecast for flash flood warnings before heading out.
The Right Tool for the Job
While a scooter can make it, a dual-sport bike like the Honda XR150 or the Yamaha PG-1 is highly recommended for the bumpy southern loop and the steep climbs into the villages.
The initial highway and the road to the park are paved and manageable. However, the internal park roads and the southern exit can be narrow and bumpy. We recommend at least some experience with mountain riding or joining one of our guided tours.
Fuel is scarce once you are deep within the park. We recommend topping up your tank in Tan Son town before you make the final ascent into the jungle.
No. This is a cash-only economy. Make sure you withdraw enough Vietnamese Dong in Hanoi or Thanh Son to cover your fuel, food, and accommodation.
Spring (March-April) offers lush greens and misty mountains, while Autumn (September-November) provides clearer skies and better visibility for the Ba Vi mountain views.
Yes, one of the benefits of stilt houses is the open area underneath the house, which is traditionally used for livestock but now serves as a safe, covered spot for your bike.
Xuan Son National Park is a reminder of why we started Rentabike Vietnam. It’s not about the fastest road; it’s about the road that leads somewhere meaningful. Whether you are swimming in Coi Cave or navigating the tea hills, this route offers a raw, unfiltered look at Northern Vietnam. Ready to trade the city noise for jungle silence? Grab a bike, follow the Road Captain’s route, and discover the “Awesome Xuan Son.”
Engine Type
air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC
Displacement
411 cc
Bore X Stroke
78 mm x 86 mm
Ignition
TCI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic forks; stanchion diameter 41 mm
Rear Suspension
linkage-type monoshock
Front Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 300 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 240 mm, single-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
90/90 – 21
Rear Tyres
120/90 – 17
Wheelbase
1465 mm
Seat Height
800 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
15 litres
Dimensions
2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1360 mm (H)
Daily
Total
Rider (CRF 300)
$220
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Rider (XR 150)
Rider (CRF 300)
Rider (CB 500X)
Rider (Himalayan 400)
$220
Rider (GS 1250)
Pillion
$120
Damage Waiver
$20
Private Room
$40
Support Vehicle*
$150
* All prices given are in USD and apply per rider except for the support vehicle. The support vehicle is free for groups of 7 or more, otherwise the cost is shared across the group.
Daily
Total
Jeep (1 PAX)
$210
Jeep (2 PAX)
$120
Jeep (3 PAX)
$90
Jeep (4+ PAX)
$80
Rider (Easy Rider)
$115
Rider (Self-Drive)
$105
Private Room
$15
* Our jeep tour prices operate on a sliding scale. The larger your group, the less each person pays—each member of your group will pay the lowest daily rate shown. For example, if you have a group of 4 or more, you will each only pay $80/day. All prices are given in USD.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)
