Across the Mountain Passes of Ha Giang

It is an Intermediate adventure tour in the north of the country: 12 days with 10 days of riding, on a loop from Hanoi through the karst mountains of Ha Giang, Dong Van and Cao Bang, along the Chinese border, with about 10% on tracks. The Jungles and Shores of Central Vietnam starts from Da Nang, in the centre of the country: 11 days with no tracks, between jungle, lakes and coast, and it also suits beginners.

The tour is rated Intermediate: you should ride regularly and be comfortable with tight, steep bends on narrow mountain roads. We cover about 870 miles (1,400 km) over 10 riding days, 47 to 134 miles (75 to 215 km) a day, with about 10% on easy tracks that turn slippery in the rain. Getting in and out of Hanoi means heavy traffic. Some stages are far from medical help: the support vehicle follows the group.

Yes, with an International Driving Permit as well: it is compulsory and does not replace your national licence, so bring both. Only permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are recognised in Vietnam; permits from countries that have not signed it (the United States, Canada, Australia and Ireland, among others) are not, so check before you book. Visa and other formalities: our list of required documents for Vietnam.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, serviced by our mechanic, who follows the group with the spare parts. If your height makes you hesitate, either way, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Yes, if the rider already has a little off-road experience: the track sections and mountain roads are also ridden two-up. The tour costs £2,990 (€3,430) per rider and £2,690 (€2,980) per pillion. Talk to your travel advisor before booking.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, a local guide (compulsory in Vietnam), a mechanic and the driver of the support vehicle, which carries your luggage and the spare parts. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles (12 participants with pillions).

£2,990 (€3,430) per rider and £2,690 (€2,980) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board on riding days and transfers from Hanoi airport. You pay for your flights, the International Driving Permit, meals on days 1 and 12, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle.

The tour starts and ends in Hanoi, and you book your own flights. Our team meets you at the airport on day 1 and takes you back on day 12, according to your flight times: that last day is free to explore the city. The motorcycles are kept outside the centre, and a transfer takes the group there on day 2. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor about the options.

Departures run from March to May, then from September to November. Rain can fall late in the day and mist sometimes hides the mountains: rain gear is compulsory. Month-by-month details are in our Vietnam weather guide.

In standard to comfort hotels and guesthouses, with a few simpler nights in mountain villages, especially the second night, in a beautiful setting. Comfort is not the highlight of this tour: the roads and local life are.