Over the past few years, Vietnam tourism witnessed the rise of the backpacking trend for young tourists. If you seek remote and adventurous experiences with nerve-racking rides on wheels, planning an off-the-beaten-track tour to Vietnam is what you should consider.

Gigantic lakes, colossal mountains, beautiful terraced fields, and boundless, lush green forests in Northern Vietnam await at the end of daunting roads. Moreover, the tour will bring you to hot spots where you can enjoy row boating, mountain climbing, and many other adventurous activities while chasing clouds.

Let's take a quick look at five destinations you can add to your bucket list to experience the Northern Vietnam off-the-beaten track.

Where should you go in Northern Vietnam?

Ha Giang

All but isolated from the entire Vietnam until the 1970s, Ha Giang is popularly described as the country's ‘final frontier.' Located in the north of the province, Ha Giang forms a natural land border with China. When traveling to this off-the-beaten-track destination, you can explore steep ravines, soaring mountains, and the incredible Dong Van Karst Plateau.

You can navigate Ha Gian by tracing the Dong Van Loop, a circuitous route that will lead you through majestic landscapes. During your trip, consider stopping off in the villages to experience some of the best Vietnam hiking tours.

Moc Chau

Moc Chau is one of the popular destinations for backpackers who are excited about North Vietnam off-the-beaten-track motorbike tours. It's reported that around millions of young people flock each year to this place to satisfy their adrenaline rush.

With mind-blowing locations and decent transportation, Moc Chau is a powerful attraction for backpackers. It winds along the Da River and is home to magnificent waterfalls. Moreover, you can wander around the great Hoa Binh Lake and stop at the Huoi Mong village to see peach and plum blossoms blooming beautifully in springtime.

Mai Chau

170 km from Hanoi, Mai Chau is another stunning destination any backpacker would love to conquer on their off-the-beaten-track tour to Vietnam. Each year, this cultural destination attracts domestic and foreign travelers.

Mai Chau is a beautiful valley enveloped in lush green rice fields and is surrounded by misty mountains. When traveling to this off-road destination, you can enjoy breathtaking sightseeing while discovering the local cultures.

Y Ty

Located in the remote Bat Xat District, Y Ty is predicted to be another alternative to busy Sapa in the future. The off-road area boasts picturesque landscapes and idyllic hamlets and also offers opportunities to chase the clouds.

While Y Ty is an underdeveloped and tricky destination to access for now, some NGOs, such as CIRUM, are partnering with ethnic minority groups residing in the area to introduce sustainable tourism.

Mu Chang Chai

If you see those jaw-dropping photos of rice terraces when researching the best travel agency in Vietnam online, they are more likely to be snapped in or around Mu Cang Chai. You will not find fields on this scale anywhere in Vietnam.

Surrounded by shades of wattle yellow or bottle green, varying with the time of year, the towering terraces are a weather beacon, changing with seasons and different stages of the rice harvest. Since it's a remote location, relatively few tourists prefer traveling to Mu Cang. However, if you are looking forward to hiking in complete solitude, this off-load location is worth the trek.

Final Words

Vietnam has a lot to offer to tourists worldwide, from the natural, breathtaking landscapes and the best Halong Bay cruise to off-the-beaten-track, adventurous locations. Embarking on the off-road North Vietnam tour will open a gateway for you to explore the true essence of the country. Traveling to the above-listed off-the-beaten-track destinations will offer you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible spirit of rural life and mother nature. So, plan an itinerary to the northern regions of Vietnam, prepare your motorbike, and embark on a beautiful, adventurous journey.