For the loop itself, allow a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights. It will also take approximately one full day, or an overnight bus, to travel between Hanoi and Ha Giang City.
If possible, we recommend spending additional time in Ha Giang to explore areas beyond the main tourist route, although not everyone has the time for this.
We recommend a minimum of 14 days. This allows enough time to see key locations and include at least one rest day. Ideally, allow 20 days or more so you can stop in interesting locations and avoid riding every single day. This is a holiday, not an endurance challenge.
Plan for approximately:
This makes the trip significantly more enjoyable.
It depends on the region. Vietnam stretches a long distance north to south, and the climate varies significantly. There is no single perfect month for the entire country.
For a cross-country ride, the best overall periods are:
Regional guidance:
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Giang, Sapa)
September to November offers cooler air and golden rice terraces.
Central Vietnam (Hai Van Pass, Da Nang, Hoi An)
February to August provides dry and sunny conditions ideal for coastal riding.
Southern Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong Delta)
November to April is the dry season, with hot and predictable weather.
Late autumn is generally the best period. September to November brings cooler and drier conditions after the summer monsoon. The landscape is lush and green, rice terraces are often golden, and visibility is usually better.
This is peak season, so booking bikes, tours, and accommodation in advance is recommended, especially for groups.
No, it is not suitable for beginners.
All routes involve demanding conditions such as:
You should only attempt this journey if you are fully confident controlling your motorcycle in challenging conditions.
Yes, it is dangerous for inexperienced riders.
The loop involves:
You should have strong control of the motorcycle and prior riding experience before attempting the loop.
Yes, many riders use it daily.
However, whether it is safe for you depends on your experience. Conditions vary and may include:
This route is best attempted by experienced riders and ideally as part of a group.
It depends on the type of experience you want.
Northern Vietnam offers dramatic mountain scenery and technical roads, while central and southern regions provide long coastal stretches and beach stops.
More remote sections of Ha Giang and parts of the Ho Chi Minh Road offer challenging terrain for experienced riders.
The “best place” depends on your skill level and interests.
Vietnam’s coastline stretches over 3,000 km and includes many scenic sections.
Popular options include:
If beaches and warmer weather are your priority, southern coastal routes may be more appealing.
There are three main routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The most direct option follows QL1, but this involves heavier traffic.
Alternative routes are slower and more winding, but generally safer and more enjoyable.
For detailed route information, see our guide here.
The best route depends on what you want to experience. If you prefer mountain landscapes, focus on northern routes. If you prefer coastal scenery, look to central and southern regions. If you want varied terrain and historical context, the Ho Chi Minh Road offers strong options.
Our blog contains guides and detailed suggestions based on different riding styles and trip lengths.
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)
