Post-Tet riding in the North offers a raw look at Vietnamese culture. The roads are busy, the air is damp, and the energy is intense. We’ve mapped out the “Spiritual Arc” to help you navigate these sacred sites.
Before you throttle up, make sure you know the rules of the road during this chaotic season with The Ultimate Guide to Riding Vietnam During Tet.
This is the big one. It is not just a festival; it is a national phenomenon. If you only visit one spiritual site during your ride in the North, make it this one.
Located in My Duc (about 60km from Hanoi), the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of shrines built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain. Uniquely, you cannot ride your bike to the temple gate. You must ride to the Yen Stream, park, and take a small metal rowboat. During the festival, the stream is clogged with thousands of boats, looking like a scene from an ancient painting come to life.
The energy here is intense—drums beating, prayers chanting, and the smell of incense heavy in the damp air. It is the ultimate mix of nature and culture. The boat ride through the misty karsts is serene, while the cave temple at the top—believed to be the “mouth of the dragon”—is awe-inspiring.
The ride from Hanoi takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The roads are flat but busy with pilgrimage buses.
Rider Tip: Do not trust the random “flag wavers” on the road trying to sell you boat tickets or parking miles away from the entrance. Ride all the way to the official Ben Duc pier and park in the designated lot.
It is the ultimate mix of nature and culture. The boat ride through the misty karsts is serene, while the cave temple at the top—believed to be the “mouth of the dragon”—is awe-inspiring.
For riders who want mountain roads and Zen vibes, Yen Tu is the destination.
Located in Quang Ninh province (en route to Ha Long Bay), Yen Tu is the birthplace of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded by the Monk-King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. It is considered one of the most sacred peaks in Vietnam, often shrouded in heavy clouds.
The road leading to the base of Yen Tu is fantastic—smooth, winding tarmac flanked by ancient pine forests. It is a joy to ride. The area feels ancient and solemn, a stark contrast to the chaos of the city.
The goal is the Dong Pagoda (Bronze Pagoda) which sits on the very peak. You can hike the stone steps (taking 3-4 hours) or take a spectacular two-stage cable car system. If you want deep spirituality without the carnival atmosphere, this is it.
If you have seen the movie “Kong: Skull Island,” you know this landscape. This is the most scenic festival route in the country.
Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh is massive. It holds records for the largest bronze Buddha, the longest corridor of Arhat statues, and the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. The festival here is grand, loud, and visually overwhelming.
Just a short ride away is Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During spring, the moss is green, and the water is clear. Taking a boat ride through the caves here is essential to fully appreciate the karst landscape you just rode through.
Ninh Binh is arguably the best place in Vietnam for day-trips on a motorbike. The roads are flat, weaving between sheer limestone cliffs and rice paddies. You can easily spend 3 days just exploring the backroads here. During Spring, the “festival drums” echo off the cliff walls, and colorful flags line every country road.
For something completely different, head to Bac Ninh province for the Lim Festival. This isn’t about praying; it’s about singing.
This festival (usually 12th-13th day of Lunar New Year) celebrates Quan Ho, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Men and women dress in traditional elaborate layered robes and sing love duets to each other from dragon boats on the lake or on hilltops.
Historically, this was a courting festival where young people from different villages would meet and sing to find partners. The lyrics are poetic, flirtatious, and hauntingly beautiful.
It is intimate and joyful. Unlike the crush of the pagodas, this feels like a giant village fair. There are wrestling matches, bamboo swings, and weaving competitions. Being only 30-40 minutes from Hanoi, it is an easy half-day ride for a quick cultural injection.
Thinking of linking these together? Here is the reality of riding in Northern Spring.
Post-Tet weather in the North is unique. It is called “Nom”—a period of high humidity and light drizzle. The roads can be perpetually damp and slippery. You don’t need heavy thermal gear, but you need waterproof outer layers. A clear visor is essential as the mist coats your glasses/goggles quickly.
The biggest danger on the roads post-Tet is not other bikes, but the 45-seater pilgrimage buses. They are often hired by villages and driven by tired drivers on tight schedules who drive aggressively. If you see a bus with a red banner saying “Le Hoi” (Festival), stay out of its way.
At every festival site, “fake” parking lots spring up kilometers before the entrance. They will wave you down aggressively. Ignore them. Keep riding until you see the official gates and ticket booths. The official lots are safer, cheaper, and closer.
Yes, but you must be extra vigilant. The volume of traffic increases significantly, especially large coaches and buses. Stick to a defensive riding style and avoid speeding.
Legally, yes. To ride in Vietnam, you generally need a valid motorcycle license from your home country and a 1968 Convention IDP. Police checks can be more frequent during holiday periods.
If you have an ASEAN license, it is valid in Vietnam, too.
Absolutely. All these festivals are surrounded by food stalls selling local delicacies. However, prices can be inflated during the festival season (“Tet pricing”), so ask for the price before you order.
The “Nom” weather means it is often drizzling. The roads will be slick. Slow down, use your rear brake more gently, and ensure your rain gear is high quality. The show goes on regardless of the rain.
The routes to Ninh Binh and Bac Ninh are flat and relatively easy. The route to Yen Tu involves some mountain riding but is well-paved. The ride to the Perfume Pagoda is flat but chaotic. Beginners should be comfortable in heavy traffic before attempting these trips.
Riding the “Spiritual Arc” of Northern Vietnam during the spring festivals is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. It is a journey through the mist, the mountains, and the soul of the country.
From the rowing boats of the Perfume Pagoda to the soaring peaks of Yen Tu and the songs of Bac Ninh, these routes offer more than just good tarmac—they offer a glimpse into the enduring traditions that keep Vietnam vibrant. Gear up for the damp, watch out for the buses, and open your mind to the experience.
Ready to chase the spring?
The festivals last for weeks, so there is no rush. Book a Touring Bike with us, grab a rain poncho, and explore the spiritual side of the North.
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)
