The northwest of Vietnam is fast becoming famous as the 'land of traditional festivals'

On a rainy summer's day in Ha Noi, some group of Western backpackers, bags fastened to their muddy Vietnam motorcycle tours, return to the crowded city after riding through some of Viet Nam's northwest provinces.

It is no surprise that in recent years, the Northwest has become a popular destination for eager Vietnamese and Western backpackers with a taste for the unfamiliar. Cultural diversity is among many reasons why tourists have flocked to the region.

The Northwest now consists of Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Phu Tho provinces. The local markets are a vibrant hub for trade and cultural exchange, and word is spreading.

For those looking to avoid the scourge of excess luggage, the northwest is fast becoming famous as the 'land of traditional festivals'. Tourism maps boast an active calendar of fairs that have become famous across the region, including the Khau Vai ‘love market' in Ha Giang and the Bac Ha market in Lao Cai, recently voted one of the top 10 most unique fairs in Asia.

Visitors can also escape to the mountainous provinces and immerse themselves in unique folk festivals, ranging from the popular fire dancing festival of the Pa Then people to the horse races in Bac Ha.

The region's rich biodiversity provides a stunning backdrop for tours. Many tourists choose to experience nature first hand by riding through one of the many winding mountain passes in our Vietnam motorbike tours. O Quy Ho in Lao Cai and Ma Pi Leng in Ha Giang have become a rite of passage for many young visitors to the region.

Many customers have a deep impression on the fascinating Vietnam motorcycle travel along a picturesque 70km strech of road from Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) to Muong La (Son La). Especially, in the time of harvest season, terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai are always the highlight of our motorbike tours Vietnam.

"It was one of the most treacherous sections in the northwest and a main destination for backpackers, amazing for Vietnam dirt bike tours. Sometimes we had to get off the bike to push it, because the path was so slippery. But the mountainous scene was stunning with waterfalls and streams lining the path. I also have fond memories of the dangerous zig-zag mountain paths and the charming Ha Giang landscapes."