Best National Parks and Nature Reserve to Motorbike in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the best places in the world to enjoy an adventure motorbike ride. That’s why we’re here — we fell in love with the place after riding it, and now want to share what we’ve learned with other riders. Perhaps unsurprisingly, some of the best rides in the country occur in national parks and nature reserves, as well as places that probably should be parks if they’re not. 

So, below we’ve collated a list of our favorite national park and nature reserve rides in Vietnam. Many of these appear on our tours and can be incorporated into rides by request if they’re not already in there. We certainly don’t mind riding through these places many times, since each time you go you learn something new. 

We’ll go from north to south and give plenty of details and maps along the way. 

North Vietnam

North Vietnam offers some of the most spectacular adventure riding opportunities on the planet, and the word is getting out. From the famed Ha Giang loop to lesser-known destinations, any rider worth their salt will appreciate the wild landscapes, long vistas, mountain peaks, lush jungles, and small villages you’ll ride through. Be sure to check the timing of your trip to know what to prepare for, as Vietnam’s weather varies widely by region.

Hoang Lien National Park

Nestled in the northwestern region of Vietnam, Hoang Lien National Park is a gem for adventure tour enthusiasts. This park boasts a diverse array of landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks to lush, green valleys, making it an ideal destination for an exhilarating ride. 

One of the park’s most iconic routes is the winding, serpentine road that leads to the summit of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If you’re extra lucky, you might get to see some of the rare and elusive wildlife found in the region, like the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey or the Asian black bear. 

Indeed, Hoang Lien’s biodiversity is one of the park’s top draws, with 2,400 species of plants and a diverse array of animal life including birds and reptile species. 

Mu Cang Chai

To the south of Hoang Lien National Park is Mu Cang Chai district, known for its rugged mountains lined with terrace farms. Highway QL32 wanders straight through the bottom of the valley, affording picturesque views on either side — so much so that it’s worth it to drive the road twice to be able to turn your head both ways. Like much of northern Vietnam, the area is dotted with rural villages and rustic, very affordable accommodation. Highlights include the Lao Chai viewpoint, which is…well, it’s not lying when it calls itself a viewpoint. 

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park, situated in the northeastern region of Vietnam, offers some thrilling rides for motorbike enthusiasts and is one of our favorite destinations in the north. With its stunning landscapes and winding roads, Ba Be makes for a unique ride through one of Vietnam’s most picturesque areas. 

Ba Be boasts a network of well-maintained roads that wind through lush forests, with crystal-clear lakes dominated by towering limestone karsts. Key routes to explore include the road circling Ba Be Lake, the path to Dau Dang Waterfall, and the route through Pac Noi Village.

Na Hang

Just to the west of Ba Be National Park ist he Na Hang district, with some otherworldly scenery. Route QL279 runs right through it, so a trip to Ba Be is well complemented by a jaunt through Na Hang. Karsts soar above the clear man-made lake on the Lo river, which stretches for kilometers. Route QL279 is extra-winding through this area, making for fun curves and straight stretches to keep you alert and make for a super fun ride. 

Du Gia

Sat squarely in the middle of the Ha Giang loop, Du Gia is a picturesque, bowl-shaped valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. Route DT176 snakes its way through the valley, which offers a number of rustic homestays and ecolodges. Each of those, in turn, offer stunning views over the valley. With extraordinarily affordable accommodations, those riding the Ha Giang loop may decide to take a detour and spend some time in this comparatively unvisited part of the country. It’s not officially a national park, but it sure could be. 

As the area is both mountainous and jungle-clad, it abounds in waterfalls. One of the most popular to visit is the eponymous Du Gia Waterfall, which is worth a good day trip in nice weather. 

Mai Chau

Mai Chau is another one of our favorite rides in the north. It’s got everything you’d expect from a classic north Vietnam adventure ride area: steep mountains, terraced rice farms, waterfalls, cheap and friendly accommodation, and some spectacular roads to ride. These roads typically follow the bottom of the numerous valleys in the region and wind their way through ultra-steep, jungle-clad mountains. In the northern part of the district, Hoa Binh lake makes for a tranquil and still-wild place to rest your heels before heading on to the next destination. 

Pu Mat National Park

Sitting northwest of Vinh in the Annamite mountains, Pu Mat National Park is towards the bottom of what is officially delineated as northern Vietnam. With steep hills, terraced farms, countless waterfalls, and rugged trails, Pu Mat offers a thoroughly rural and wild experience. As a biosphere reserve with wildlife conservation, its heavy forests protect a number of different indigenous species, including the large-antlered Muntjac and critically endangered Saola. 

Local communities consider some parts of Pu Mat to be home to sacred spirit forests, which have been part of religious traditions for generations. 

Central Vietnam

Onyabike Adventures calls central Vietnam home, and for good reason: It’s the perfect starting off point to get to some of our favorite destinations. Within hours of major cities on the coast are truly outstanding rides, and even within city limits (like in Da Nang) you can find yourself blown away by the scenery. 

Let’s start with our favorite, and one we go back to time and time again. 

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

One of our favorite destinations in the whole country is Phong Nha, and for good reason. Renowned for its system of caves, including the largest cave in the world at Son Doong, Phong Nha offers an otherworldly experience due to its jungle-clad Karst mountains and otherwise stunning landscape. 

Of course, the roads are a major draw for anyone looking to get into the wild side of Vietnam, with winding roads through areas that feel both prehistoric and bucolically agricultural at the same time. The rugged terrain makes for a thrilling riding experience, catering to all levels of motorbike experience. From steep inclines to sharp turns, these routes will test your skills and reward you with views you’re not going to get anywhere else. 

We’ve given Phong Nha a good run down in our article on motorbiking Phong Nha, including routes in and out — which are just as much fun as routes inside the park itself. 

Ke Go Nature Reserve

South of Ha Tinh is Ke Go Nature Reserve, where some of the last remaining lowland rainforests in Vietnam remain. Created as a biosphere and nature reserve for several species of indigenous bird as well as now-gone elephants, Ke Go still features scenic drives along AH31. AH31 connects to the Ho Chi Minh Road West, which leads south to Phong Nha. Driving west, the road winds along a meandering river before climbing a hill to descend into a fertile and populated valley on the other side.

Bach Ma National Park

Northwest of Da Nang sits Bach Ma National Park, originally designated as a hill station by the colonial French, who found the lowland areas too hot and humid. It became known as the Da Lat of central Vietnam. Now a popular national park, Bach Ma offers fantastic views. Unfortunately, the previously-glorious route to the top has been closed to motorbikes, and we don’t know if it’ll reopen. 

Depending on what time of year you go, you can experience multiple seasons in a single day in Bach Ma. With your day starting in the muggy lowlands, you’ll later find yourself enveloped in misty mountain air. One especially neat feature of this contrast in temperature and altitude is the effect of clouds pouring over the mountain. Another key feature nearby Bach Ma is the Hai Van Pass, one of the best ocean roads in the world. Both rides can be done in a day as they’re quite near to each other.

Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra peninsula isn’t technically a national park, but it still makes for some outstanding rides. Jutting out to the northeast of Da Nang means it’s a very convenient day trip, and offers stunning views over the East Sea as well as of the city’s beach-side skyline. Often called Monkey Mountain, Son Tra is host to a number of monkey colonies, from the common macaque to the rare — only found on Son Tra — red-shanked douc langur. Seeing the langur is a treat as they’re quite shy and avoid people. On the north side of Son Tra is the five-star Intercontinental Resort, with its private beach and exclusive fine dining. If you’re looking to splurge, a meal or a night there is a good way to do it. 

On the easternmost point of Son Tra is a thousand-year-old Banyan tree, revered by locals and a popular stopping point. It’s enormous and truly impressive — well worth seeing.

South Vietnam

As south Vietnam is largely flat, the riding is significantly different to the towering mountains and tight turns found in the center and north of the country. However, the scenery is still gorgeous in many places, as south Vietnam is fully tropical with warm weather year round. 

Cat Tien National Park

Northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien National Park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It combines the thrill of off-road riding with the raw beauty of a tropical wilderness. The park’s network of dirt roads and trails provides a playground for motorbike enthusiasts. The terrain varies from smooth paths to challenging muddy tracks, offering riders of all skill levels an opportunity to test their mettle.  

The park’s biodiversity is one of its major draws. Keep your eyes peeled for gibbons swinging through trees, colorful hornbills taking flight, or even a crocodile basking in the stream. 

Speaking of crocodiles, deep inside the park is Crocodile Lake. You can park your bike and take a short boat trip to see crocodiles in their natural habitat. The ancient trees in the park’s primeval forest are another must-see, with some giants reaching enormous heights. Word to the wise: Don’t go swimming here! 

Hon Ba Nature Reserve

Situated in the mountains of Khanh Hoa Province, Hon Ba Nature Reserve offers a mesmerizing motorbiking experience that takes you from sea level to misty mountains in a matter of hours. Often overlooked by tourists, Hon Ba offers one of Vietnam’s most diverse ecosystems and has some history to it as well. At the top of Hon Ba was the residence of Alexandre Yersin, the early 20th century microbiologist known for the discovery of the bacterium responsible for the bubonic plague. 

Unfortunately, as of this writing, the road to the top of Hon Ba — truly an excellent one — is closed without much explanation. Should it open again we’ll let you know, since we’ll be keeping our eyes on it. 

Bu Gia Map

Hugging the Cambodian border, Bu Gia Map is a real jungle. It’s also one of Vietnam’s least-traveled regions, making for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to see the country’s raw, untamed beauty. 

You’ll quickly notice the stark contrast to Vietnam’s more touristy areas. The roads here wind through a landscape dominated by rubber plantations, pepper farms, and dense forests, offering a glimpse into the rural and agricultural nature of this area. 

Because of the region’s history and proximity to Cambodia, you’ll also get a dose of history. You’ll see remnants of old military outposts and border markers, which serve as an indicator of the region’s turbulent past. 

Bu Gia Map is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the S’tieng and Mnong people. Riding through small villages offers a chance to witness traditional lifestyles and maybe even join in festivities if your timing is right.

Join Onyabike Adventures

If the idea of riding through otherworldly beauty on fine roads gets you revved up (pardon the pun), then come join us on one of our many tours. Whether you’re looking for a simple day getaway, a few days, a week, or a full north-to-south tour covering weeks, we’ve got you covered. If you want to talk to us directly, reach out to us and we’re more than happy to speak on the phone or via email. If it’s about motorbike adventure tours, we’re all about it — we love talking about riding, but not as much as riding itself.