RIDE GUIDE · LUNCH EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist you would send a riding friend: 7 lunch stops worth the money, each with its price, its rider verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Start at 8:30 am in Hue for a private motorbike ride with an easy rider or your own bike, depending on your arrangement. Stop at Elephant Springs, Lang Co Beach for seafood lunch, Hai Van Pass, and Marble Mountains. Guides such as Tony, Tue, Quynh, and Thue are praised for safe driving, local insight, and flexible stops.
Leave Sa Pa at 9:00am with an English-speaking guide such as Dung, Nhu, Cha Cha, or Su. Ride or sit pillion through Hmong and Red Dao villages, stop at a nearly 200-meter waterfall, and eat traditional dishes at a local home. The tour lasts five hours, costs $55, and carries no more than six people.
“Despite the poor road conditions in places, the drivers were excellent and safety conscious. Our guide was very good, knowledgeable, and friendly. The best day tour so far in my experience in Vietnam. Highly recommended.”
Spend four hours on the back of a motorbike with an English-speaking driver, visiting Hanoi landmarks and quieter city corners. You’ll see Long Bien Bridge, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hoa Lo Prison, West Lake, and more, with hotel pickup in the Old Quarter, coffee or tea, lunch, and drivers who may include Mr. Tom, Ms. Jane, or other members of the local team.
Spend a full day riding from Sa Pa with an English, Vietnamese, or French-speaking guide. Visit Black Hmong and Red Dao homes, meet Dzay communities in Muong Hoa Valley, stop for lunch in Hang Da, and return by a different village road. Guides such as Chang and Laan are praised for friendly conversation and useful local insight.
“Excellent day out and great way to see the Sapa countryside. Chang was very engaging and responsive to our questions. I rode my own motorbike and my wife rode on back with Chang. I had no riding experience but caught on quickly however note that you proceed at your own risk. 95% of the tour is in quiet paved trails through small villages. Would highly recommend for those with a sense of adventure but may not have time or be fit enough for the long hikes. You cover a lot of ground over a full day.”
Ride a full day around Sapa with a driver and English-speaking guide, visiting Cat Cat, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin, O Quy Ho, and Love Waterfall. You’ll see Hmong and Day villages, French colonial sites, rice terraces, mountain passes, and have lunch near Ngu Chi Son. Guide Chin can adjust the route when weather changes.
“Despite the low cloud and rain, our guide Chin, made the most of the options and made a few changes to suit our needs and the weather. Instead of going to an extra village, he took us to a village for lunch that offered a herbal bath. A very welcome alternative. We had a great adventure despite the weather and it's challenges.”
Ride with Álvaro from Feel it Canary Islands Motorcycles on a private 6 to 8 hour route from Santa Cruz toward Teide National Park. You will pass pine forests and mountain viewpoints, stop at Roques de García, eat at a traditional guachinche, and possibly swim at El Socorro or a natural pool. A motorcycle license, riding experience, and closed shoes are required.
“Did a private tour and oh what an incredible experience it was! We rode along a route with some of the most beautiful and scenic spots I've seen in my whole life. The included meals at the restaurants were delicious. Álvaro is an amazing person and we had great conversations that I'll keep in good memory.”
Spend 4 to 5 hours exploring Hanoi from the back of a vintage motorbike with an English-speaking guide. Visit the cathedral, Opera House, Long Biên Bridge, B-52 sites, and Cua Bac relic. You will roast coffee, drink a cup, and share a traditional lunch with a first beer included. Groups are limited to seven.
A loop, a pass, a city at night or a bike of your own.
