| Option | Duration | Price per person (seen) | Included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy rider (local rider) | 3 days / 2 nights | about 170 to 220 $ | bike with rider, fuel, 2 homestay nights, meals, helmet, basic rain protection | most travellers |
| Easy rider, 4-day version | 4 days / 3 nights | about 215 to 285 $ | same, more time | those who want less rush |
| Guided motorbike, you ride | 3 days / 2 nights | about 150 to 241 $ | bike, fuel, lead guide, 2 homestays with dinner and breakfast, lunch on day 2, helmet, gloves, mechanic | riders with a valid licence |
| Rented motorbike, solo | 3 days | about 90 to 130 $ | bike only, the rest at your expense | experienced riders with a valid licence |
| Private car with driver | 3 days | ask for the price | car, driver | those who do not want a motorbike |
Prices seen in October 2026 in travel guides and booking sites. The night bus from Hanoi, tips and insurance are almost always extra.
Easy rider: the safest option
You are a passenger behind a local rider who knows the road and the bends. The price usually includes the bike, fuel, the two homestay nights, all meals, a helmet and basic rain protection. Travellers' reviews are almost always positive when the rider speaks English and the group is small. Allow a tip of 10 to 20 $ a day for the rider.
Guided motorbike or rented motorbike
In the guided option a guide leads the way and a mechanic follows the group: it is for bikers. But you need a valid licence for the category of the bike. Vietnam recognises the international permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and not those of countries outside the convention (United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, India). Fines for riding without a valid licence are 2 to 4 million VND for bikes under 125 cc and 6 to 8 million VND above, with impoundment for up to 7 days. Many travel insurance policies exclude riding without a valid licence: read your contract before leaving.
The night bus and the return
The night bus leaves My Dinh bus station between 19:00 and 22:00, takes 6 to 8 hours and costs about 18 to 26 $ one way or 36 to 52 $ return. The "limousine" minibus takes 5 to 6 hours for 25 to 35 $. These prices are not included in every offer: check. The return is on the last day, sometimes on a night bus.
The route and the duration
The loop is about 350 to 450 km depending on the itinerary. Three days and two nights are the standard; four days are recommended to avoid rushing, and five days or more suit travellers who want to go further. The stops include the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Hmong King's Palace (entry about 2 $), the Lung Cu flag tower (about 1.50 $), Dong Van and Meo Vac. There are police checks near Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac.
What is included or not: the pitfalls
- The border-area permit. A permit of about 230,000 VND is asked of foreigners; some offers include it. Check the amount and the current rules with the operator.
- The night bus. Not always included.
- Entry fees (palace, flag tower): usually at your expense.
- Travel insurance. Almost never included; check the cover for the motorbike.
- Drinks and snacks: extra.
- Tips for the rider: 10 to 20 $ a day.
- Very low prices: a "from 120 $" fare is often the basic group option; compare what is included.
- Road conditions. In the rainy season landslides can suspend the route.
When to go?
October and November are the best period (prices 5 to 10% higher); March and April, spring flowers; May and June, hot with afternoon storms; July to September, monsoon with a risk of landslides; December to February, cold and fog. See our guide to the best time to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa.
Which offer to choose?
- First time, no licence: 3-day easy rider.
- More time: 4-day easy rider.
- Biker with a valid licence: guided motorbike.
- No motorbike: private car with driver, or the Sapa trek from Hanoi.
Booking at the best time
Book a few weeks ahead in October and November. Prices, times and inclusions change: confirm them on the listing before you book.
