The “Due North” expedition in the MIR catalog is eight days and about 1050 km: Hanoi → Vu Linh → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Bao Lac → Ban Gioc → Bac Son valley → Halong Bay finale (on the full tour version). Medium is not marketing: switchbacks to Ma Pi Leng, fog until noon in October–December, and village traffic demand confident asphalt and mountain experience. Groups run 4–8 riders; bikes are BMW GS, Honda CB500X, CRF300, or Royal Enfield Himalayan—model confirmed at booking. Below is what we cover at the Hanoi briefing and what to verify before deposit.
The route by days—not “just the north”
Day 0—rendezvous in Hanoi, intros, gear check. Then Thac Ba, climb toward Ha Giang, overnights in Dong Van and Bao Lac, Ban Gioc waterfall at the border, descent to Bac Son. Each night is a booked hotel—not camping.
The signature stretch is Ma Pi Leng and the Dong Van karst valleys. This is not a race: sweep sets pace, especially in fog and wet pavement on the pass.
The 7-day version (`vietnam-due-north-7d`) drops the Halong finale but keeps the Ha Giang loop core—compare days on the tour cards.
Season: September–April and honest caveats
The tour card states best window: September–April. October–December brings rain and fog in the north; nights above 1300 m are cool. We do not promise dry season every day—we promise start-time and distance adjustments.
Summer months are hotter and more humid; if your calendar slot is summer, briefing covers early departures and water stops.
Who it fits and what to bring
You need class A license, IDP, e-visa or pre-arranged visa, motorcycle insurance. Switchback experience is required—it is in the tour’s important information block.
Pack shell layer, repellent, 3+ liters of water daily, treaded boots for wet village pavers. Luggage checklist is a separate article; pillion possible—see the tour card.
| Month | Rain | Fog | Mountain nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep–Oct | moderate | possible | +12…+18 °C |
| Nov–Dec | more frequent | often until noon | +8…+15 °C |
| Jan–Mar | drier | less common | +10…+18 °C |
| Apr | transitional | moderate | +15…+22 °C |
FAQ
01How does the 8-day tour differ from the 7-day?
Eight days adds the Halong Bay finale without motorcycles—cruise and transfers included. Seven days ends the loop in Hanoi. Both ~1050 km; compare itineraries on the cards.
02Can I join without mountain experience?
Not for this route: audience lists experienced riders and mountain riding. If your last riding was urban asphalt only, build long days and mountains on a route whose audience fits you (Balkans GS or Garden Route—check both cards), then return to Vietnam.
03Which bike to choose?
Height and experience: GS if you are used to 900+ cc; CB500X for weight balance; Himalayan for lower seat; CRF300 for lighter gravel confidence. We discuss at booking against your height and previous bike.
04How many riders in the group?
Usually 4–8 participants plus guide and technical support. Exact cap and seats left are on the calendar for your date.