A group of eight from Australia, South Africa, Canada and the US started an eight-day trip through the mountainous provinces of Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Cao Bang and Lang Son on Wednesday, said Vu Tuan Anh, manager of travel agency Offroad Vietnam.

The 1,500km journey is the travel company's first offroad motorbike tour of the New Year.

The motorcyclists will wind through rural villages and landscapes in the rocky provinces before returning to Ha Noi.

In Ha Giang, they will zigzag up and down hills 1,000m above sea level, such as the rocky plateau of Dong Van. Vu Linh Village in Yen Binh District also offers a beautiful view to motorcyclists, with a 2km trekking path snaking around a 200sq.km lake.

In addition to landscapes, the travellers will also glimpse the lifestyle of the Mong, Tay, Dao and Nung ethnic people in the northwestern provinces. — VNS